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News for November 18th
Update from the Mayor
Information regarding the Municipal Tax issue is slated for our Council Meeting on Monday, Nov 17th in Brandon and also next week at the City of Winnipeg Council Meeting. I have been informed that Winnipeg media already has information on this; therefore, Council may be receiving calls in the near future regarding this new municipal tax.
Thank you in advance for excellent representation of Council on our float for the Brandon Santa Parade on Sat., Nov 15th. I would like to thank our City departments who assisted Phyllis in putting the float together. We very much appreciate the efforts of Community Services, Parks, and Public Works, as well as Phyllis’s husband, Floyd, for driving the float in the parade.
General Manager of Operational Services
With the departure of Cathy Snelgrove, a search for a new General Manager of Operational Services was commenced. In that regard, our Search Consultant has now provided a list of potential candidates and the first round of interviews is currently underway. I am hopeful that this competition will be completed over the next month and that we will have someone in place shortly thereafter. Further updates will be provided as the competition process continues.
Understanding Conflict of Interest, Ethics and Labour Relations
The City Clerk attended the above noted seminar that was held in Winnipeg on Friday, November 7, 2008 and included the following presenters who dealt with the noted topics:
Bob Tyler, a partner in the firm of Aikins, MacAulay and Thorvaldson LLP, is no stranger to the Municipal Community. Bob has been a featured speaker at several Manitoba Municipal Administrators Association (MMAA) events including District Meetings, Professional Development Seminars and the Annual MMAA Convention. His experience makes him a leading authority on Conflict of Interest and Ethics issues, and with the increased interest shown recently by the Office of the Auditor General and the Office of the Ombudsman in municipal governance; his presentation was very timely.
Grant Mitchell, partner in the firm Taylor McCaffrey, has over 30 years experience representing clients in matters pertaining to Labour Law. With his highly rated aptitude for clear and effective communication, Grant covered critical issues which sometimes appear very complicated, the key principles of Progressive Discipline and the differences between Union and Non Union Employment.
Clerk Receptionist – City Clerk’s Office
We regret to inform you that Erin Wowk has accepted a position with the Public Works Department. Her last day with the City Clerk’s Office will be Thursday, November 20, 2008. The intent is to have a replacement for Erin as soon as possible. In the interim, Debbie Nelson will be assuming Erin’s duties. Please join us in wishing Erin well in her new endeavour.
Third Street Dam Update 12 November 2008
The work on replacing the Third Street Dam with a Rockfill Berm is progressing but at a rate slower than first anticipated. The engineering is nearing completion and the appropriate applications have been made to both the Province and the Federal Government. The original schedule was to replace the dam this fall but the schedule is now pushed forward until the fall of 2009.
There are two main factors which have influenced the schedule. The first factor is to minimize the impact on the aquatic life in the river and secondly the time required for the necessary approvals. In terms of minimizing the impact on aquatic life, late fall or winter is the best time to perform the work. The second factor affecting the schedule is the necessary approvals. Approvals are required from Provincial Water Resources (Fisheries), Government of Canada Oceans and Fisheries, Government of Canada Navigable Waters and Province of Manitoba Conservation. Application had been made to Federal and Provincial Fisheries as well as Navigable Waters in preparation for work this fall. It has now come to our attention that a Provincial Environment Act License is required. The time frame for the Environment Act Licence application and subsequent approval will result in insufficient time to perform the work this winter and the work is now scheduled for the fall of 2009.
Affordable Housing
The BNRC with funding assistance from the City of Brandon’s Affordable Housing contract has engaged the services of awdassociates to explore and if deemed viable, to define the parameters for forming and operating a not for profit housing corporation. The project has been undertaken as a means of either proving or disproving the belief that the formation of a not for profit housing corporation will allow community stakeholders to work collaboratively and leverage one another’s equity to facilitate the construction of affordable housing rental stock in Brandon.
To date the concept and possible reporting structures have been discussed with existing not for profit agencies, other cities that operate successful not for profit housing corporations have been identified and their structures are being reviewed, a not for profit housing corporation operational manual, articles of incorporation, and job descriptions have been obtained to serve as a template for a Brandon organization.
Police Services Update
Morning updates were provided to all Staff this week on the status of the new police station.
Chief Atkinson presented a power point presentation and staff viewed the proposed new plans.
Staff Sergeant Palson tendered his resignation with the Police Service. He has accepted a position with the Dakota Ojibway Police Service as Chief of Police.
On behalf of the Executive, Members and Staff we thank Staff Sergeant Palson for twenty years of dedication to the Citizens of Brandon.
Congratulations and good luck in your new position.
Evergreen Drainage Project
Work on this project is slated to commence Monday Nov 24.
News for November 11th
Update from the City Manager
I met with representatives of ACC this week to review their revised plans for the campus and discuss timing and placement of roads and underground infrastructure.
Fire Hall Project
Due to some procedural errors in advertising the Public Hearing pertaining to this project, another Public Hearing must be held. The advertisement for an at-large local improvement project like this one requires that we specifically state potential taxpayers have the right to file a notice of objection. Given the fact I inadvertently used the process related to a general borrowing (not a local improvement borrowing), this "right to object" clause was omitted. To fix this, we will need a local improvement by-law and properly advertise the Public Hearing inclusive of clearly stating this Right to Object clause.
Advertising for the new Public Hearing will be done in November with the Public Hearing to be held at the December 8th meeting. First reading of the Local Improvement by-law will also be held that night.
Citizens have the right to file their written Notice of Objection at any time prior to the Public Hearing or attend the Public Hearing and state their objection at that time. Second reading of this by-law is scheduled to take place at the December 22nd meeting. If they wish, any objector has the right to file a further objection with the Municipal Board prior to third reading which will not happen until the Municipal Board approves the local improvement by-law.
I apologize for this inconvenience ... Grant McMillan
Property Damage Brochure
The City has designed a property damage brochure for the public. The intent of the brochure is two-fold: to inform the public of what they should do if they sustain property damage and feel the City is responsible, and secondly, to ensure that City employees are giving the public consistent information on how to file a claim with the City. While a large portion of the brochure focuses on sewer back up and water damage, there is also information regarding other damage to property as well.
The brochure is available for pick up in several departments around the City. Many employees out in the field will also have the brochure on hand to distribute as the need arises. The brochure is also posted on the City’s website. If any constituents claim they have property damage, please refer them to this brochure.
Manitoba Planning Conference
The Manitoba Planning Conference is scheduled to be held in Brandon on October 28th – 30th, 2009. The draft theme of the 2009 conference is “Uncharted Territory: Planning for Change in Uncertain Times” and will include Rural, Urban, Environmental Change and Planning for Agriculture and Food tracks.
An Organizing Committee, chaired by Councillor Vince Barletta, held their initial conference planning meeting on Friday, October 31st, 2008 with members from the City of Brandon Department of Planning and Building as well as the Brandon & Area Planning District, the Provincial Department of Intergovernmental Affairs, Brandon University, the University of Manitoba, the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Manitoba Building Officials Association and the Manitoba Professional Planners Institute.
Shape Foods
As Council is aware, in October 2008 Shape Foods filed for bankruptcy protection with Deloitte Touche of Winnipeg, named the receiver for all the company's assets. The Economic Development office has been in contact with the receiver to ensure we have the information required to present Shape Food's assets as a development opportunity. Over the past two weeks, Deloitte Touche Inc. has completed an in-depth capital and product inventory and is in the process of compiling an information / bid package. They anticipate another two weeks is required for the completion of the information package. The Economic Development Brandon office will receive a copy of the bid package as soon as it is available. As with all receivership situations, the preference is to sell the assets as a whole rather than partitioning off assets.
Fire & Emergency Services Update
Brandon Fire & Emergency Services and the Kiwanis Club held this years Babysitting Graduation at Harrison School on November 4th. Mayor Burgess, Chief Dane and Rob Lussier from the Kiwanis Club, family and friends were all in attendance to see the 22 students graduate.
Deputy Chief Bell facilitated the Emergency Preparedness for Everyone Conference on November 5th at the Keystone Center.
Human Resources Update
Monique Carriere attended the BEST Conference on November 5, 2008 at the Keystone Centre. Topics included pandemic planning, rural emergency issues, and vulnerable populations.
Donna Harrowen and Monique Carriere attended the HRMAM (Human Resource Management Association of Manitoba) Conference in Winnipeg on October 28th and 29th. This year's theme was GROW and was aimed at enhancing the connection between HR and business units through discussions, presentations and workshops on a range of interesting topics, ideas, strategies and best practices. The primary keynote speakers included Mark David Jones who led the growth of the Disney Institute Business programs; Carla Rieger who spoke on innovation and creativity and the “artistry” of change; and James Robbins who focused on peak performance and leadership. There were approximately 425 delegates in attendance.
Sportsplex
Perry Roque and Kathleen Beaton recently attended the 10th World Leisure Congress in Quebec City on October 6 - 10. Over 3000 delegates from around the world gathered to network and hear speakers from over 40 different countries present research on various concepts relating to this year's Congress theme: Leisure and Community Development. A total of 13 other Manitoba delegates attended the Congress representing Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Neepawa, Gimli, East St. Paul, Dauphin, Shilo and Brandon.
On Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26, Brandon's Community Sportsplex was host to the Bluefins annual Halloween swim meet. Over 180 swimmers competed throughout the week and the event was deemed a success by facility staff.
Kathleen Beaton was at Elkhorn Resort on Tuesday, October 28 & Wednesday, October 29 to participate in a workshop designed for recreation professionals in the Westman and Parkland regions. A committee comprised of various Manitoba Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport representatives, along with members of the Community Services Department within the City of Winnipeg presented a series of tools aimed to assist recreation professionals in establishing and maintaining a recreation master plan in one's community.
Building Maintenance
The Daly House Museum roofing project was completed last week with everything going as anticipated.
Construction of the new roof for City Hall will begin on Monday, November 10, 2008. The roofing sections being replaced are Clerks, Mayor, as well as Engineering Departments. Roof insulation will also be upgraded from an R7 to an R21 rating which will assist in reducing building energy costs. Wheat City Roofing is the general contractor and anticipates completion within 3 weeks. However; at this time, could change depending on weather.
Police Services Update
Members of the Police Service attended the EMO Course at the Westman Communications Group Complex.
Chief Atkinson and Inspector Grant attended a Swearing in Ceremony for Constable Ryan Friesen at the International Border Enforcement Team Office in Altona, Manitoba.
Constable Friesen is on a two-three year secondment with the RCMP.
News for November 3rd
Update from the Mayor
On Tuesday, October 28, I was pleased to welcome a delegation from the Philippines accompanied by MLA’s Rick Borotsik and Kevin Lamoureux. Among those officials present was Grace Padaca, Governor of the Province of Isabela in the Philippines. Ms. Padaca is the only female Filipino governor. The delegation has been initiating reforms in their province to assist in finding their people jobs and improving their standard of living.
I, along with other committee members, attended an Audit and Finance Committee meeting in Winnipeg on Wednesday, Oct 29. We were hosted by Richardson Partners Financial Limited in the Richardson Building where the City of Brandon’s Investment Portfolio was reviewed and discussed.
Update from the City Manager
I was invited to meet with the Executive of the Chamber of Commerce this week. Discussion surrounded capital projects and upcoming budget deliberations, as well as other topics such as the Keystone Centre. It was a good opportunity to share information on some very important issues.
City Council Enquiries on the Website
City Council enquiries and the responses to same will be published to the City of Brandon website following the November 3, 2008 City Council meeting. Thanks to the hard work of our Information Technology Department the publishing to the website will be implemented 2 months ahead of the originally scheduled date of January 1, 2009.
Managing Multiple Tasks, Projects & Bosses
The Deputy City Clerk, Heather Ewasiuk and the City Clerk, Con Arvisais attended a one day workshop on the above that was held on Friday, October 24th at the Victoria Inn here in Brandon. This training session was offered through the Manitoba Municipal Administrators Association. It provided ideas for more effectively managing multiple bosses, tasks, projects and priorities as well as offering an opportunity to hear experiences from other municipal representatives.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Shift Supervisor Debbie McLeod and Deputy Director Karen Warren attended the 9th Annual FDM (Fire Department Management Software Program) Conference in Vancouver, BC. The Conference consisted of informational and hands-on training sessions.
Linda Poole and Karen Warren attended the quarterly Manitoba PSAP Emergency Response Managers meeting hosted at the Winnipeg RCMP “D” Division. Managers from RCMP, Winnipeg Fire, Winnipeg Police, MTCC, and E911 were present. The meetings are held to share information, discuss situations, issues and experiences involving Manitoba PSAP’s (Public Safety Answering Points). Agenda items discussed included: staffing, overtime, sick time, PSAP regulations, training, hiring and length of time taken for the hiring process.
Public Hearing for $2.5 Million Keystone Borrowing
At the August 14th, 2008 City Council meeting, City Council agreed to share in the $5 million capital upgrades necessary to host the Memorial Cup. Recently, it was announced Brandon would be the host city and therefore these capital upgrades will proceed. Since this borrowing was not included in the 2008 Financial Plan, a Public Hearing must be held prior to proceeding with the borrowing bylaw. The necessary advertising will be done in the City Page of the Brandon Sun in November with the Public Hearing to be held at the December 8th Council Meeting. First reading of the borrowing bylaw will also be on that agenda. Second and third reading of the bylaw will take place after the Municipal Board approves the bylaw.
WATER/WASTEWATER
“Broken Chlorine Line" a table top exercise, took place at the Water Treatment Plant last Friday. The emergency exercise had multiple incidences and included participants from Fire, Police, and Water Plant staff. The departments worked harmoniously to develop actions to solve the problems that were given to them. Responders displayed a clearer understanding of each other’s roles and challenges with recommendations put forth for future planning.
Fire & Emergency Services Update
Due to the generosity of local businesses BFES’s SAFE Baby Program (Smoke Alarm for Every Baby) will continue for at least another 3 years. The program involves us contacting new mothers to bring them safety packages that include a smoke alarm, baby bath water thermometer, electrical outlet plug covers and valuable safety information. The SAFE Baby Program was originally funded through the Provincial Government, but that funding was discontinued approximately a year and a half ago. We were able to continue the program until recently with a stockpile of supplies. Dick Agencies Insurance Brokers, Guild Insurance Brokers, West Protect Insurance Agency and Home Depot have all given a three-year commitment to supply funding or material to keep this valuable program going.
Deputy Bell and A/Captain McDonald attended a post incident critic on October 30th regarding last weeks train derailment along with other agencies that attended the incident.
Public Education Officer Lamerz and Fire Inspector Benson attended the Manitoba Building Officials Association Seminar in Winnipeg on October 28th. This featured valuable information on water supply for fire protection, fire alarm systems and the maintenance of ventilation systems for commercial cooking equipment.
Deputy Chief Bell attended a Table Top Exercise on October 24th at the Water Treatment Plant to discuss procedures in the event of a Chorine Leak.
Golf Mentorship Program
Community Services Youth and Recreation Divisions will offer a Golf Mentorship program beginning at the end of November. The program will run at the Winter Golf School located in the Brandon Town Centre and will be instructed by Dave Scinocca, C.P.G.A. golf professional.
The golf program will be offered to 10 at risk youth from around the City of Brandon. During the program the students will learn the rules of golf, golf etiquette, and proper golf play techniques, while working in a structured environment. Although with this program we are focusing on the sport of golf we are also teaching these youth lifelong skills of discipline, commitment, responsibility, teamwork, and fair play as they begin to increase their self-esteem, and are given the opportunity to learn a lifelong sport. The youth will receive 4, one hour group lessons, 1 individual teaching session and 2 free rounds of golf at Taurus Golf. Students will also receive a brand new set of Jazz golf clubs with golf bag to use during the sessions and after graduation will be presented with these clubs.
Snow Routes and Parking Restrictions
The Streets & Roads section has been reviewing Snow Routes and Parking restrictions for this upcoming winter season. Great strides have been taken in the past with regards to Snow Routes, and our office wants to ensure this project continues to move forward in a positive manner for the future.
In the City of Brandon, Snow Route parking restrictions come into effect November 15th to March 31st annually. In an effort to help minimize the effects of the parking restrictions on area residents and business owners, the following has been adopted by the City;
“Vehicles will be allowed to park on a snow route, without penalty, provided there has been no snowfall that would initiate plowing and/or snow removal, and provided that any vehicle that is so parked, is otherwise in compliance with all other provisions of the Traffic By-law No. 5463/16/87, as well as all other applicable laws, without exception.”
To help reduce confusion, whenever a parking ban has been implemented, it is our intention to provide adequate information in a consistent manner each time to residents. Some changes are being proposed for this season, and we encourage City Council to please take some time to review the new website at www.brandon.ca/snowclearing.
Some of the changes we will be implementing include;
* An e-Notification system residents and businesses may subscribe to for parking ban notices. These notices will be sent out via emails to residents, media, police, and fire, once a parking ban has been announced.
* A Parking Ban web page for any parking restrictions currently in place.
* A Parking Ban Hot Line (729-2500) residents may call to find out if a parking ban has been implemented for Snow Routes.
* An e-Report option for any snow issues or safety concerns residents notice throughout the City.
In the event there is an accumulation of snow to such an extent that the Public Works Department initiates a Snow Plowing/Removal Program, notification will be made by 4:00 p.m. that day. Snow Route parking restrictions shall come into effect at midnight (24:00) of the same day and bylaw enforcement shall take place.
While the City has made an effort to help minimize the effects of the parking restrictions on area residents and business owners, it will ultimately be the responsibility of residents and business owners to determine if parking is permitted on a Snow Route between November 15th and March 31st annually. This may be achieved by, subscribing to e-Notifications, calling the Parking Ban Hot Line at 729-2500, checking the City web page, listening to the local radio stations, or watching the local news at 6:00 p.m. on CKX TV.
Our office will be working with the local media to ensure channels of communication for public service announcements are working. Additional information regarding Snow Routes will be sent to Council via the Information Package email system. Should you have any questions or concerns in this regard, please contact the Public Works Department.
Sanitation
Due to the above normal temperature that we are experiencing, Sanitation has elected to remain open this Sunday, November 2. We will be open from 11:00 am to 6:45 pm. Starting Monday, November 3 we will be entering our winter hour schedule which is as follows:
Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:45 pm.
Saturday 8:00 am to 4:45 pm
Sunday Closed
Stat’s Call for info
We have finished retrieving the containers in the lanes as well as the front street carts. There are a few scattered containers that will be retrieved by the end of this week. The department’s next task will be converting the depots from recycling to compostable materials only, with the exception of the Capital Theater which is recycling material only. Residents are encouraged to put their household compostable material in these bins as well as their yard and garden material. This material will be picked up and composted at the Eastview Landfill.
This past weekend there was a composting work shop at the landfill, it was limited to 25 eager composting residents. Resource Conservation Manitoba was on hand to put on the work shop on composting basics. There was a tour of the composting facility as well as the MRF, landfill and it was well received. Some residents are showing some interest in working towards their master composting certification.
Police Services Update
Chief Atkinson and Inspector Grant attended the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police Conference on Monday, October 27th, 2008 in Winnipeg.
Topics discussed included:
* The New Police Act.
* The Annual Police and Peace Officers Memorial Service.
* A Provincial Police Training Centre.
* The Pawn Broker’s Act.
* Escorts – Youth Stabilization Act.
* 2015 World Police and Fire Fighter Games.
Two guest speakers were in attendance and gave presentations on Statistics Canada – The Crime Severity Index and Canadian Centre for Child Protection – Child Find Manitoba.
Chief Atkinson attended the Executive Meeting on Wednesday, October 29th.
Chief Atkinson attended the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner held at the Royal Oak Inn.
Chief Atkinson and Inspector Grant attended the Coalition Meeting held at the School Division Head Office on Friday, October 31st, 2008. Community partners included the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, Brandon Regional Health Authority, Child and Family Services, City of Brandon, Brandon Ministerial Association, Teen Challenge and Probation Services.
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