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News for May 18th
Update from the Mayor
I was pleased to see a capacity crowd attending the “State of the City” address at the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Thursday, May 14, 2009. It is always reassuring to see so many interested people who share such enthusiasm for our city. Amongst those attending were Councillors Blight, Fitzpatrick, Harwood, and Rice. Also, I would like to express my appreciation to all City staff members who assisted in the preparation of the presentation.
On Friday, May 8, I was pleased to attend the Grand Opening of the new office and operations facility of the Brandon Energy Efficiency Program (BEEP). This event took place at the new location, 2200 Hilton Ave. and was a result of the cooperative efforts of BEEP and Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation. BEEP has successfully provided over 145 energy and water retrofits in single family dwellings and plans to do nearly 250 in the next 12 months including apartments and single family dwellings.
On Friday, May 8, I contacted Mr. Ewan Pow, Publisher of the Brandon Sun, to express my dismay at today’s editorial regarding the Renaissance Brandon Committee selections. I explained to him that a confidential ballot system is the process facilitated by the City Clerk’s office to enable each councillor to make their selection for all committees. The outcome is then ratified at an open Council meeting. It is important that individuals can put their names forward to voluntarily serve on committees without having their names published if they are not selected.
Update from the City Manager
Ted and I met with representatives from Brandon University (BU) and the Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) regarding Veterans parking at metered parking spaces within the BU and BRHC jurisdictions. BU is already following the City’s lead in providing free parking for veterans at meters and the BRHC provides Veterans with free parking for the month of November each year. The BRHC agreed to evaluate the implications of extending free parking to Veterans on an ongoing basis and update us accordingly.
Property Tax Notices
Property tax notices will be mailed out on May 11th. They are due June 30th and we will focus staff resources over the next couple of months to ensure any additional traffic at the Customer Service counter is handled in a timely fashion. The last couple of years have seen more people using the tax installment plan or dropping off post-dated cheques. Please encourage your constituents to do one of these to save them time should they be unfortunate enough that they arrive when it is busy.
Also, in the past, we have had a number of tax bills returned by Canada Post advising that they are undeliverable and we are sure this year will not be any different. For any notices that are returned, we will attempt to confirm the correct addresses or registered owners’ name in order to redirect them. However, if you are speaking with your constituents and they have not received their tax notice, please ask them to contact the Treasury Department at 729-2228.
We will also be placing ads in the Brandon Sun and the Wheat City Journal advising property owners that the tax notices are out, that the due date is June 30th and that the owners are responsible for payment of taxes whether or not a bill is received.
WATER & WASTEWATER TREATMENT
With river flows reduced to normal, our raw water quality has been slowly improving. This has allowed our water treatment operators to reduce the treatment required to remove the taste and odour producing compounds. As most of our citizens are already aware, we experienced a tumultuous spring run-off this season following the heavy rainfall in March and we expect that the taste and odour conditions are over as we go into the summer.
City Council Youth Member
Stephen Montague and Sid Robinson are the only two Youth Members remaining on City Council. Greg Crisanti is no longer a student and is therefore no longer eligible to be a Youth Member. Due to exams, it has been very difficult for the two Youth Members to attend City Council meetings. Mr. Montague will be approaching other students to encourage them to become Youth Members.
As you will recall, in a response to an enquiry by Councillor Blight, it was noted that the City’s Community Services Department will be preparing a Youth Strategic Plan which will address youth involvement in civic government.
Community Access Channel Coverage of City Council Meetings
The following is a caution to members of both City Council and Administration. Please note that while we attempt to shut down the audio and video coverage of the City Council meetings as soon as possible after the meeting is adjourned, there is sometimes a slight delay in doing so resulting in whatever is being said at the time still being picked up and broadcasted on the Community Access Channel. It is suggested that you step away from the microphone for any discussions after the meeting.
Manitoba Day Celebrations
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 was Manitoba's 139th Birthday and the Brandon Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (BMHAC) was pleased to partner with four K-8 schools in Brandon to celebrate Manitoba Day. Following a brief presentation about Manitoba Day the students at Valleyview (Grades 3-4, 4-5), Earl Oxford (Grades 1, 2-3, 4-5), George Fitton (Grade 5), and St. Augustine's (Grade 4) planted a tree on their school grounds which was donated by the Green Spot.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
We have assessed our expenses for flooding this spring and the City of Brandon has not reached the required threshold of $1 per capita so the City will not be making a Disaster Financial Assistance claim. Residents are still welcome to make a DFA claim for overland flooding on their property. A community impact assessment will be forwarded to MB EMO shortly.
Convergys
Convergys has exercised their option to terminate the lease on the Brandon facility. Effective June 30th, 2009, the company will have vacated 638 Princess Avenue. Thus care and control of the facility will revert to the City of Brandon. As Council is aware, Convergys paid for building improvements that were the responsibility of the landlord in exchange for a multi year rent credit. By terminating the lease, Convergys forfeits any right to reimbursement of this rent credit.
The Economic Development office continues to work with site selectors to ensure they are aware of the Brandon facility.
Fire & Emergency Services Update
BFES Personnel participated in a joint training initiative at the Brandon Municipal Airport to simulate a C-130 Hercules aircraft crashing into a building. The crash necessitated an emergency response from the Brandon Airport Emergency Response Team to extinguish the aircraft fire. BFES and Shilo Emergency Services participated by completing search and rescue evolutions and performing tactical firefighting.
Deputy Romanik attended a meeting on May 7th with Manitoba Health to discuss the replacement of one of our ambulances and the process involved in the department receiving a new Sprinter Ambulance on a trial basis. We took possession of a refurbished GMC Ambulance on May 14th to replace one of our other units.
Department Management volunteered to work at the Richmond Avenue McDonalds for the 16th annual McHappy Day on May 6th. McDonald’s donated one dollar from every Big Mac sandwich, Egg McMuffin sandwich and Happy Meal sold to children’s charities across the country.
Update from Human Resources
On May 12 and May 13 Monique Carriere attended the SCAN (Second Career Assistance) Seminar at CFB/ASU Shilo. The purpose of the SCAN Seminar is to provide information to members that are releasing/retiring from the Canadian Forces, and to encourage them to use their skills elsewhere or find other career opportunities.
Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium
The Operations Department In-City Maintenance crew has completed the temporary repair of the safety concerns of the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium steps.
Lieutenant Governor’s Winter Festival
Lieutenant Governor’s Winter Festival, a winner at the Manitoba Tourism Awards Gala - Winnipeg Convention Centre. This was the site of the Annual Manitoba Tourism Awards Gala which recognizes individuals, organizations and companies who are outstanding in the Tourism Industry. Over 500 people were in attendance to honour the nominees and winners at this prestigious awards ceremony.
The winner of the Sustainable Tourism category was Brandon's own Lieutenant Governor's Winter Festival. The Sustainable Tourism awards were created to recognize excellence in the delivery of a product or service that effectively demonstrates sustainable tourism practices. This award is presented to a nominee that supports community objectives while fostering the stewardship of cultural and/or natural resources in the delivery of their tourism product or event.
All success begins with a beginning. The Lieutenant Governor's Winter Festival started six years ago to "Celebrate Winter". Over the course of six years it has expanded from 6 pavilions to 13. It encompasses a variety of cultural groups, food, music and displays that have over 60,000 visits during the three days of the event.
All great achievements take time and persistence and the volunteers and businesses involved in the Winter Festival have been recognized for this achievement. A huge THANK YOU goes to the volunteers for showing the community their pride in their heritage & for sharing and celebrating it with us. The commitment from the volunteers and the financial support of businesses and organizations is truly wonderful! They make it happen! Congratulations!
Music in the Parks Series - Enjoy a Variety of Music All Summer Long
Community Services invites you to enjoy our free summer music series, Music in the Parks, Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 11 to August 20. This free series takes place outdoors either at Eleanor Kidd Gardens or Princess Park beginning at 7:00 pm. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket.
The design of the program is to offer a broad range of repertoire and musical styles. The series offers outstanding musical excellence, accessibility, and community appeal. It expands opportunities for local musicians to enrich our community and enhances the musical life of artists who choose to live here. The summer series is a success through the generous support of our sponsor CKLQ/Star FM Radio and through the funding from the City of Brandon’s Cultural Development portfolio.
The Music in the Parks Series has taken place since 2000 and we are proud to have been providing free music in our city’s stunning parks, showcasing Brandon and area’s creativity and talent, fostering the local music scene and bringing people together. We encourage everyone to take this opportunity to catch local talent live at one of our city’s parks this summer. For more information, please contact Katherine Sheppard at 726-5026. Please see this year’s schedule.
Brandon will be a vibrant & collaborative community that builds upon success to shape a solid foundation for the future.
Thursday, June 11 Princess Park Scotty McIntosh Big Band
Tuesday, June 16 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Women in Harmony
Thursday, June 18 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Golden Gals
Tuesday, June 23 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Pride of Westman, Charisma & Girls Aloud
Thursday, June 25 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Knox Combo
Tuesday, June 30 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Sound Motif
Thursday, July 2 Eleanor Kidd Gardens North of the Border
Tuesday, July 7 Eleanor Kidd Gardens The Heartbreakers
Thursday, July 9 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Alpine Express German Band
Tuesday, July 14 Eleanor Kidd Gardens We Four
Thursday, July 16 Princess Park Tillie Harpelle
Tuesday, July 21 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Larry Roulette
Thursday, July 23 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Swamp Gas
Tuesday, July 28 Eleanor Kidd Gardens The Music Makers
Thursday, July 30 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Misty Street
Tuesday, Aug. 4 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Seeing Colour
Thursday, Aug. 6 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Ron Hart
Tuesday, Aug. 11 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Willow Creek
Thursday, Aug. 13 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Randall Family
Tuesday, Aug. 18 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Greg Upshaw
Thursday, Aug. 20 Eleanor Kidd Gardens Scotty McIntosh Big Band
Neighbourhood Sweep – May 20th, 2009
Just a reminder that Wednesday, May 20th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm city vehicles and staff will be set up at Coronation Park in full force for a neighbourhood sweep. Fire, Police, By-Law, Parks, Sanitation, Public Works and Community Services will be available to work alongside volunteers to create a beautiful, safe and clean neighbourhood. The target area for this Neighbourhood Sweep is a portion of the University Ward from 18th Street to 26th Street between Victoria Avenue and Pacific Avenue.
Several volunteers, including His Worship the Mayor and the City Manager, have already committed to spending some time working with the community. If other members of City Council or city staff would like to volunteer, even for a few hours please feel free to contact Community Development Coordinator, Elaine Arvisais at 729-2264 or e.arvisais@brandon.ca. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yard Waste
The Sanitation Section would like to advise residents during spring clean-up that yard waste is not to be put into the blue lid recycling containers. Yard waste is not a recyclable material, and is to be used for composting purposes. Blue recycling containers are for household recycling materials only which include, paper, cardboard, tin/glass, plastic #1, #2, #4, #5 and #7, as well as gable top/aseptic containers. Putting material other than what has been mentioned, such as yard waste, styrofoam, dirty recycling containers (we ask that items be rinsed) only contaminates recycling products and ultimately ends up in the landfill as garbage.
Yard waste (grass clippings/leaves/garden waste) is to be placed in the green bins at various depots throughout the City. These depots include;
• 34th Street & Victoria Avenue;
• Kirkcaldy Boat Launch (South of Kirkcaldy Drive & Patterson Cres.);
• 1st Street and Richmond Avenue;
• Rideau Park;
• Westridge Community Center; and
• The Eastview Landfill Site.
As a last resource, yard waste may be bagged and put into the black lid refuse container if residents are unable to transport yard waste to the depots noted above. Tree branches are not yard waste, and should be taken directly to the Eastview Landfill site.
Additionally, to help reduce green house gas emissions from trucks and further streamline the recycling program, please do not roll out your containers until they are full. To empty recycling (or normal garbage) containers with only a few items is not beneficial to our collection system.
Recycling Depots
If you have excess recycling materials, please take these materials to the various depots throughout the City which have additional recycling containers. These depots include;
• Landmark Capital Theatre;
• 34th Street & Victoria Avenue;
• 1st Street and Richmond Avenue;
• The Eastview Landfill Site
We do ask that you please only deposit recycling materials at these depots!! No household garbage or household hazardous waste is to be deposited at these locations. Currently these containers are being heavily contaminated with products that are not recyclable and essentially considered household waste. Hot water tanks, fridges, stoves, etc. are not to be left at these depots and must be brought to The Eastview Landfill site where they may be properly disposed.
Household Hazardous Waste Day
Household Hazardous Waste collection has been confirmed for May 23rd at the Civic Services Complex, 900 Richmond Ave. East from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please enter off Douglas Street and watch for signs. This is usually the largest collection of the year and we ask that residents please be patient as there could be well over 600 vehicles passing through this collection event.
There will also be a free “Tire Pressure Clinic” held in conjunction with this event.
Water Main Cleaning Program
In order to maintain the quality of water, the City of Brandon will conduct a water main cleaning program. The program will run from May 19th, 2009 until November 13th, 2009.
Frequently asked questions regarding the cleaning program:
1. How will I know when you are cleaning the water mains on my street? - besides advertising we will be placing signs at either end of your street the day prior to flushing that states: “WATER MAIN FLUSHING”
2. What time are you flushing? - from 8:00am until 4:00pm MONDAY to FRIDAY
3. Can I use my water when you are clearing the water mains on my street? - Please do not use your water or flush your toilet when we are cleaning the water mains on your street.
4. If I happen to draw discolored water while the City is flushing, what do I do? - allow your taps to run until the discolored water becomes clear.
If you experience discoloured water after 2-3 hours, please call 729-2285 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. After hours service will forward to a call centre.
The first area to be cleaned: MAY 19th – JUNE 26th, 2009 - from Richmond Ave. to Pacific Ave. between 1st and 26th Streets.
Please watch the paper for additional information regarding your area.
Brandon Municipal Airport
The Brandon Airport staff along with the Brandon Police Services (BPS), the Brandon Fire Department (BFD) and the Department of National Defence (DND) from Shilo, all participated in a mock disaster on Wednesday, May 13th for training purposes at the Brandon Municipal Airport.
This disaster exercise simulated a Hercules C130 transport plane crashing into the museum after having engine failure upon arrival at the airport. This allowed the Airport staff to have a live class B fire exercise at the training facility. The BFD and the Shilo Fire Department then had a structural fire with rescue exercises and the BPS were involved with security, and communication exercises.
This was an extremely beneficial exercise which allowed all the appropriate agencies to work together and understand each others duties and requirements should a situation like this occur. Transport Canada requires the Brandon Airport Fire Fighting Staff to have a Mock disaster every 5 years and a table top emergency exercise every year. A large thank you to Garry Bell and Brian Kayes for all their efforts in organizing all the agencies and their participation in this training exercise.
Sportsplex
The Sportsplex held a Free Waterpolo Clinic on Saturday, May 2 from 1-3pm. Joy Halliday and Erin Voster from Winnipeg and Jason Lloyd from Brandon facilitated this event. 19 participants from the ages of 8-14yrs came out to take advantage of this clinic.
There will be another clinic on Saturday, May 23rd for all ages.
Police Services
Chief Atkinson attended the Ceremonial Parade on May 11th, 2009.
Members of the Police Service participated in various events planned for Police Week. The Safe Roads Campaign kicked off on May 11th, 2009.
A barbeque was held at the Police Service on May 15th 2009 with tours of the facility given to the public. Displays were set up at the Brandon Shoppers Mall as well as various demonstrations throughout the day.
Chief Atkinson and Inspector Grant traveled to Scanterbury, Manitoba for the spring meeting of MACP. Presentations were given in the areas of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Firearms Enforcement and the Agreement on Internal Trade.
Chief Atkinson and Inspector Grant attended the luncheon and Mayor’s City Address.
Chief Atkinson attended the Commanding Officers and Ships Company Navy League Cadet Corps Ceremonial Parade and Change of Command Ceremony. The ceremony was held on May 14th, 2009 at 6:00 PM at the Brandon Armoury.
News for May 4th
Update from the Mayor
I was pleased to attend the official Grand Opening of the new McKenzie Seeds building on Wednesday, April 29, 2009.
Also, on April 29, I attended a Farewell Reception for Lou Visentin, President of Brandon University. Dr. Visentin will be retiring from this position and is leaving Brandon in June.
On Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, 2009, Tom Keep and I attended a Public Announcement regarding the "Emissions Reduction Program and Climate Change". We were pleased to represent the City of Brandon, and to share briefly our enthusiasm and participation regarding this initiative.
On Thursday, April 23, I was pleased to accept an invitation from Lou Visentin to attend an after dinner gathering to welcome and meet the incoming President of Brandon University, Dr. Deborah Poff, and her husband, Dr. Alex Michalos, during their visit to Brandon.
Ms. Debbie Nelson - Graduate of the Municipal Administration Certificate Program
Members of the City Clerk’s Department wish to congratulate Debbie on her graduation in the above program and her now being designated a Certified Manitoba Municipal Administrator. The program, which is offered by the University of Manitoba’s Continuing Education, is sponsored by Manitoba Intergovernmental Affairs, Government of Manitoba and the Manitoba Municipal Administrators' Association. Representatives from the Association of Manitoba Municipalities are also on the Program's Advisory Committee. The program courses include Essentials of Management, Introductory Accounting for Municipal Administrators, Municipal Accounting, Law and Administration.
Debbie commenced her employment with the City in the Records Section, and then advanced to an Administrative Assistant position and more recently to the By-law and Policy Co-ordinator role in the City Clerk’s Department. We wish Debbie much success and satisfaction in her professional administration career.
New Pumping Station
The new wastewater pumping station to the south of Crocus Plains High School on 1st Street has been in operation since April 20, 2009. The 7 day commissioning of the pumping station by the contractor is now complete and responsibility to operate the system now rests with the City’s Wastewater Treatment Section. Approximately 70% of the flows handled by the Aberdeen pumping station have been transferred to the new pumping station. The balance of the Aberdeen pumping station flows will be transferred once the new sewer line is installed along 9th Street from Balmoral Bay and Aberdeen Ave. Construction of this new sewer line is anticipated to commence after the May 19th long weekend with an estimated 6 week construction period. Notices to residents directly affected by the work will be delivered in advance of construction.
With the separation of flows providing relief to the sewer in the 1500 and 1600 blocks of 2nd and 3rd Streets, the Engineering & Operations staff can better assess the conditions of the sewer system in the area from 1st Street and Richmond Ave. back to the Aberdeen pumping station. Once all of our assessment data is acquired, an update on the sewer system in the area will be provided to City Council.
Riverbank Discovery Centre
The Riverbank Discovery Centre / Tourism office has undergone some recent staffing changes. Lindsay Cowling started on March 23rd as the Tourism Services & Program Coordinator, replacing Sarah who accepted a position in Brandon that matched her field of study. Lindsay comes to the RBDC from Dauphin where she was the Economic Development Assistant with the City of Dauphin. Dawn Riddle will be starting maternity leave in May 2009. Jeremy Lancaster has been hired to fill in for Dawn while she is away. Jeremy started as the Facility Coordinator on April 20th. Candace Dupont has been hired as a Tourism Hostess. Jenna Henuset has been hired as the Interpreter and starts work in May.
Neighbourhood Sweep – May 20th, 2009
Community Services of the City of Brandon has organized a Neighbourhood Sweep in a portion of the University Ward. What is a ‘Sweep’? It is an opportunity for neighbourhood residents, businesses, community organizations and city staff to collectively work together to clean or spruce up a specific community. In addition, it is an opportune time to identify any improvements and address any issues that may need attention in the area.
The effort not only is an investment in physically improving a specific neighbourhood but also an effort in engaging residents, businesses and staff to communicate ideas that encourage pride and neighbourhood spirit.
We have identified the area between Victoria Avenue and Pacific Avenue, 18th Street to 26th Street as the catchment area for this Neighbourhood Sweep.
On Wednesday, May 20th, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, city vehicles and staff will be set up at Coronation Park in full force. Fire, Police, By-Law, Parks, Sanitation, Public Works and Community Services will be available to work alongside volunteers in the cleaning, trimming and beautification of this area.
His Worship the Mayor and the City Manager have already committed to spending some time working with the community. If other members of City Council or city staff would like to volunteer, even for a few hours please feel free to contact Community Development Coordinator, Elaine Arvisais at 729-2264 or e.arvisais@brandon.ca. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Safe Communities Brandon & Area Argyle Park & Playground Clean-up Day
Community Services worked with the Safe Communities Brandon & Area on April 23, 2009 to cleanup the Argyle Park and Playground. Approximately 20 volunteers from the neighbourhood and the Safe Communities Brandon & Area worked together to cleanup this neighbourhood park and playground.
Safe Communities Brandon & Area is community coalition for injury prevention and safety promotion with priority areas for action to reduce falls in seniors, falls in children, young worker injuries and motor vehicle injuries. Because of the alignment of their business plan with the vision of the Community Strategic Plan, Safe Communities Brandon and Areas has been integrated into the Safety component of the Community strategic Plan.
Safety Awards Dinner for Transit Operators
The annual Safety Awards Dinner for Transit Operators was held this past Sunday, April 19th, 2009 at the Wheat City Golf Course. Mayor Dave Burgess, City Manager Brian MacRae, Councillor Jeff Harwood, management, current members of Transit and retirees were in attendance to honour the award recipients. The Safety Awards are distributed annually and an operator is eligible to receive an award if they were free of preventable accidents during the previous calendar year.
BRANDON FIRST
Since the fall of 2008, Brandon First has been actively recruiting new events, building networks and increasing stakeholder support in our organization. In the last eight months, the following events have either been landed or are pending confirmation, resulting in nearly 23 million dollars in economic activity that will impact our community from 2009 to 2012.
Confirmed events include:
• 2009 Manitoba Highland Dance Wheat City Competition April 2009
• Westman Occupational Health & Safety Conference May 2009
• Western Canadian Music Awards September 2009
• 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup May 2010
• North American Belgian Championship July 2012
Total Estimated Economic Activity 20.1 Million
Pending Events Include:
• National Agricultural Event 2010/11/12
• National Sporting Competition 2011/12
• National Agricultural Convention 2013
Total Estimated Economic Activity 2.5 Million*
Total Estimated Economic Activity of Confirmed & Pending Events 22.6 Million
Brandon First’s organizational model, which includes municipal, and provincial government involvement and support and Board Membership comprised of committed and enthusiastic volunteers who work in tourism and business, has proven to be very successful. Our membership consists of 51 community stakeholders who voluntarily provide financial support to the organization to assist us in reaching our goals. Our Board uses their knowledge and expertise, in conjunction with Travel Manitoba’s support to guide the activities of the organization and the success of our salesperson. We are focused yet flexible and always promote a professional image that portrays Brandon as the premier destination for meetings, conventions and events. Our success over the past few months is proof that our relatively young organization is moving towards maturity and that the groundwork laid over the past few years is coming to fruition.
In addition to our success in attracting events to our city, Brandon First has been busy with a number of other initiatives. In September 2008, we organized a sales blitz at the Legislative Building in Winnipeg, inviting Ministers, MLA’s, Deputy Ministers and senior staff to join us in learning about what Brandon can offer to the corporate and government meetings sector. Follow up with key individuals is continuing this spring, encouraging them to “Think Brandon First”. We were also pleased to be the sponsor of the State of the Province Chamber Luncheon in April, where we launched our new promotional video, encouraging stakeholders to join our organization and offer their support to our initiatives. Also in April, our staff member attended the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance Conference in Gatineau, Quebec, building networks with national sporting organizations and learning of some potential hosting opportunities for Brandon in the sporting sector in the coming years. Finally, we will be attending the Vision Quest tradeshow in Winnipeg in May to build networks with Aboriginal entrepreneurs in an effort to tap into the extensive First Nations meeting and event market.
Should you require more information on any of the information outlined above, please contact the Brandon First office at 729-2156 or visit our website at www.brandonfirst.com.
Fire & Emergency Services Update
The tender for the new building closed on April 30th at 2:00 p.m. Representatives from BFES, 911, Treasury, Purchasing, Engineering and Cibinel Architects will all be involved in reviewing the tenders next week.
Several members of BFES are at the Manitoba Emergency Services College this week attending the Incident Safety Officer course.
The department would like to announce the retirement of one of our long standing staff members. Firefighter/Paramedic Randy Markewich started with the department in 1980. His last day with us was April 17th.
Our staff are participating in training in preparation for the upcoming grass fire season.
Deputy Bell met with other stakeholders to discuss an upcoming joint training initiative called Operation Oh Oh on April 22nd.
The BFES Water Rescue Team is training in both the Assiniboine River and Killarney Lake on April 30th and May 1st. They are performing both open water rescue and ice rescue as there is still ice on Killarney lake.
Lieutenant Governor's Winter Festival
The Lieutenant Governor's Winter Festival has been named a Finalist in the Manitoba Tourism Awards program with Travel Manitoba. The category is Sustainable Tourism and Tom Keep and Esther Bryan along with a representative from the committee will be traveling to Winnipeg for the ceremony. The awards ceremony will be held on Monday, April 27 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. We will keep you informed of the results.
Human Resources Update
Human Resources would like to welcome our summer student Carmen Galvin. Carmen has just completed her first year towards her Office Administration Diploma at Assiniboine Community College.
Greg Brown, as a member of the Brandon and Area Safe Community Young Worker Injury Prevention Coalition, assisted in organizing a half-day workshop on conducting new and young worker orientations for a number of local businesses.
Simplot Millennium Park
Representatives of Simplot Millennium Park met with City Staff and Councillor Blight to discuss the future of the Park. It was agreed that, if feasible, it would be the preferred location for new diamonds in the community. As a result, over the next few weeks the City will be investigating the feasibility of constructing additional diamonds at Millennium Park, after which we will be meeting with Millennium Park officials to review the results. In addition, we have agreed to look at options for restructuring of existing lease agreements and partnerships to ensure the long term viability of this important recreation asset. Further updates will be provided as these discussions continue.
SPORTSPLEX
Brandon Racquetball is holding their Senior Provincial Racquetball tournament at the Sportsplex on May 1st , 2nd and 3rd.
The Sportsplex is hosting a Water Polo clinic on Saturday, May 2nd for participants aged
9-14 years. Participants will learn basic rules and techniques of water polo as well as basic swimming strokes used in water polo.
Kathleen Beaton and Cora Lee Baker attended a youth conference in Ottawa from April 27th to 30th.
SANITATION
The Sanitation Section would like to advise that we are implementing a refuse container campaign throughout the City of Brandon. This campaign will be to advise residents with front street pick up to please retrieve waste and recycling bins off the streets. Staff will be issuing notices to those residents that are leaving collection containers out after they have been emptied. At this time residents are allowed to only leave bins in the lanes, but we do advise that they please return the bins to their property to help control the miss-use of these waste and recycling containers.
Please see the reference to the existing sanitation by-law below. Thanks for your anticipated cooperation on this matter.
CONTINUING CONSOLIDATION
BY-LAW NO. 5863/20/91
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION & DISPOSAL BY-LAW
3. (e) (1) Type 1 refuse containers shall be placed at edge of driveway/curb with wheels away from the curb adjacent to the roadway for collection not before 1800 hours prior to the scheduled collection day and no later than 0700 hours on the day of collection and removed from the street by 0000 hours the day of the collection. Refuse containers assigned in accordance with this by-law shall stay with that address. If a refuse container is damaged or lost at any time except when placed on the street for collection, the owner or occupant of the property will be responsible to have the container replaced at the owner's expense;
[AM. B/L 6050/87/92; B/L 6265/114/94; B/L 6591]
Hours of Operation
The Sanitation Department is now on summer hours, which are:
Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Saturdays and Stat holidays 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Sundays 11:00 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.
These hours will run until the end of October.
Eco Center Hours of Operation
Monday thru Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Stat holidays.
Household Hazardous Waste Day
Household Hazardous Waste collection has been confirmed for May 23rd at the Civic Services Complex, 900 Richmond Ave. East from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please enter off Douglas Street and watch for signs. This is usually the largest collection of the year and we ask that residents please be patient as there could be well over 600 vehicles passing through this collection event.
There will also be a free “Tire Pressure Clinic” held in conjunction with this event.
Battery Replacement program
In 2002 The City of Brandon installed transmitters on all of our water meters. The battery is the power source for the transmitter. By keeping the transmitter maintained our section is able to get all of the meter readings for water billing which allows the City to bill for the water that has been produced at the Water Treatment Plant.
In 2012 the transmitter battery will be at the end of its 10 year life expectancy. Starting in 2009 and continuing through to 2012 each year 3,200 batteries will be replaced. Our plan by starting early is that we will eventually make the battery replacement part of our daily maintenance program.
The area that will be replaced for 2009 is between 1st Street and 19th Street, South of Pacific Avenue. Hours of operation will be Monday to Friday from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Residents are asked to cooperate with City staff completing this battery replacement program. All City staff will have proper identification and will clearly have this displayed prior to entering any house or business. Should a resident have any concerns regarding this program, they are asked to call the Public Works office at 729-2285.
Police Update
Chief Atkinson and Inspector Grant traveled to Altona, Manitoba for the swearing in ceremony of Constable Brent Conway.
Constable Conway has accepted a three year secondment with the RCMP to work on the Integrated Border Enforcement Team.
Chief Atkinson and Inspector Grant attended the Graduation. Five students from the ACC class will commence Phase B Training conducted by the Police Service on May 4th 2009. This training will run for six weeks.
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