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News for November 16th
Update from the Mayor
On Saturday afternoon, November 7, 2009, I participated in an Unveiling and Dedication Ceremony of a Memorial Cairn to honor the men and women who served in the wars. Also, I attended the 26th Field Annual Military Ball in the evening.
I attended the sod-turning ceremony for the Skateboard Plaza on Tuesday, November 10, 2009.
On Wednesday, November 11, 2009, I attended the Remembrance Day Service at Westman Place, and was pleased to lay a wreath on behalf of the City of Brandon in honor and remembrance of our fallen soldiers.I attended the Fall
Babysitting Graduation Ceremony at the Fire Hall on Tuesday, November 3, 2009.
On Thursday, November 5, 2009, Police Chief Atkinson and I attended the “Re-opening of the World War II Gallery and Unveiling of Medals of Col. Griffin, DSO”. This event was held at the RCA Museum at Shilo.
Members of our office have participated in various events of the United Way Fundraising Campaign over the last couple of weeks; i.e. Bud, Spud & Steak Night and the Community Fun Luncheon.
Update from City Manager
With respect to the Police Services building, the review of the tender submissions is still underway. We have met with the architects and the low bidder to explore opportunities for reducing the overall cost.
Disaster Management Conference 2009
Kathy Vandale and Con Arvisais in their Emergency Public Information roles attended the above conference that was held at the Keystone Centre from November 4 to 6. The conference provided a series of excellent presenters, who spoke on a variety of topics such as their experience dealing with major disasters, the influence of the new media in times of crisis, pandemic planning and many other very interested facets of disaster management.
Brandon Job Inventory Survey
Between October 15th and November 6th, 2009, Brandon businesses were asked to complete the online Brandon job inventory survey. The survey, the second of its kind, collected projected local job vacancies for the period of 2010-2013. The data was collected in order to provide insight into local labour market needs and trends, enable service providers and educators to understand and factor in Brandon’s future labour needs when developing programming and provide job seekers and students with an understanding of the depth and breadth of employment opportunities in Brandon.
Unfortunately employer response was extremely low this year, with only 10 unique responses, highlighting 26 projected vacancies. In 2008 there were 63 responses highlighting 598 job opportunities. Through contact with local businesses, the Economic Development office will attempt to determine the factors that contributed to a poor response this year. It is anticipated that items such as the global recession and its impact on business models and staffing, an increase in available employees with diverse skill sets, survey timing and the fact that this year did not include a section for current vacancies may have all been contributing factors.
Fire Hall Building Update
The electrical and gas services have now been installed to the site. The building’s main electrical cable has been trenched.
The steel erection on the administration building is ongoing and is awaiting the completion of the second floor hollow core flooring.
The apparatus roof decking is now installed. The hose tower masonry has been ongoing inside the scaffold heated enclosure and it will be complete to the roof elevation by week’s end.
Fire Hall Historical Information
In order to make more room to work and properly store the historical documents/artifacts we shredded a large number of old ambulance and fire reports on Monday. Before the shredding truck arrived our volunteers went through the fire reports and removed ones from notable fires throughout the years.
It was interesting to hear some of the stories that were told as they were reminded of their experiences at these fires. One notable fire report that was retained is that of the Security Building Fire in December of 1972. The report includes a 10 page essay style narrative outlining the firefighting efforts. There is a page that details all 38 firefighters that participated in fighting the fire over the 15 hours it took to clear the scene. Four firefighters were taken to the hospital after the fire to be treated for smoke inhalation, muscle strains and a knee injury. Eight businesses that were housed in the Security Building were destroyed that day, as well as significant damage was incurred to the McKenzie Building next door.
Human Resources Update
Tanya Addison, Courtney Gullett and Donna Harrowen attended a MEBP training session in Treherne on Tuesday, November 10, 2009. The Municipal Employees Benefits Plan is the City of Brandon's provider of pension, long term disability and insurance plans. The session was for payroll/personnel administrators and covered many areas of the plan including new employee enrollments and changes, long term disability, deductions, terminations, retirements, deaths and year end reporting.
Senior Ball Diamond
The new senior baseball diamond that will be located directly west of Andrews Field is on the verge of being completed. With the unseasonably nice weather this fall, a number of projects have been completed on the new senior baseball diamond. Irrigation has been installed, sod has been laid, landscaping has been completed and red shale will be installed in the next few weeks. Fencing has been scheduled to be installed early next week. Having two senior sized baseball diamonds adjacent to each other will significantly enhance the hosting opportunities for major baseball tournaments and events. This diamond was constructed to replace the old Kinsmen Stadium that was located at Brandon University.
Softball Diamonds
With the construction of the new senior baseball diamond, two softball diamonds were removed. The two diamonds are now being rebuilt at the North end Community Centre. Both diamonds are near completion with the last few landscaping touches being finished. Fencing will also be complete in the coming weeks.
Kristopher Memorial Skateboard Plaza
On November 10th a ground breaking ceremony was held for the skate plaza located at 9th and Princess. In attendance for the ceremony were Brandon Souris MP Merv Tweed, Mayor Dave Burgess, Brandon East MLA Drew Caldwell as well as the naming rights sponsor, Kerry Campbell of C&C Construction. Also in attendance were Councillors Black, Rice, Jessiman, Fitzpatrick and Blight. The Skate Plaza Committee was also on hand for this ceremony.
The Skate Plaza Committee has done most of the leg work for this project and has worked hard to make this dream a reality. The Committee members consist of Marlow Kirton, Steve Malkowich, Wendy and Garnett Boyd, Sandi Cumming, Jordan Ross and Bryce Wilson.
With the engineered drawings almost completed, site preparation will begin immediately. The construction tender will go out in early 2010, with construction tentatively beginning in May and completion by late summer.
Boat Dock
The new boat dock is near completion down at Queen Elizabeth Park. Changes were made to the area so that it would be more user friendly. Boaters will find that the dock is easier to access and will alleviate any safety concerns that there was with the original dock. A parking area was cleared out and landscaping will be completed in the very near future. This amenity adds to the spectacular recreation area that is located at Queen Elizabeth Park.
Playground Structures
Three new playground structures have been built at Winston Churchill Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and the Riverbank Discovery Centre. Sand is currently being installed at all three playgrounds with completion slated for the end of the week.
The Dinsdale Park accessible play space is being constructed and completion of this larger project will be in early 2010. Landscaping needs to be finished at this site with the special accessible wood fiber surface installed in early spring 2010.
Concession @ Waterfall of Lights
Construction of the concession area at the Waterfall of Lights is well underway with completion planned for the middle of December. The concession will have a full kitchen, washrooms, warm up area and skate change area, providing an invaluable amenity to all the user groups who frequent this area over the winter months.
Waterfall of Lights
Festive lights are currently being installed at the very popular Waterfall of Lights. In addition with construction of the new bridge on 18th street the dyke road will be opened up to two way traffic for this upcoming winter season. You will once again enter off of Hilton Avenue.
Festive Displays and Lighting
All downtown light displays will be finished next week including the display in Princess Park, Stanley Park and at City Hall.
The City Hall festive flower display should be in place during the first week of December.
1st & Rosser Greenspace Project
Tree planting has concluded at the new greenspace on 1st and Rosser. More trees will be planted early next year but a number of trees have already been planted. This land has transformed incredibly over the past year and a half. Also a pathway will be constructed in early 2010 along the south side of the park.
Park Avenue Park
Paving has been completed on the trail through the park west of Hillcrest Seniors Home. The trail will be used by a number of residents of Hillcrest and allow them to keep active in a very safe setting. Funds were contributed for the paving from a neighbourhood steering committee led by Bettie Wood for this project.
Water Workshop “What’s In Your Water”
Approximately 20 people attended the workshop on water concerns held at Brandon University on November 5th, 2009. Held in conjunction with the Environment Committee presentations included…
Canadian Safe Drinking Water Foundation
Dept of Drinking Water, Province of Manitoba
City of Brandon, Brad McIntosh
Water Conservation Districts
Ducks Unlimited
Enrique Perez on Third World Alternatives
Methane Gas
Discussion continues with IGRS (Integrated Gas Recovery Services) related to the development of the methane gas at the Eastview Landfill. IGRS will be in Brandon on November 23-25 to discuss financial ramifications from the Province of Manitoba’s contribution of $1.275 million and to update staff on the discussions with potential end users.
Regular inspection of the flare is conducted and the flare will be shut down prior to freeze-up.
Staff are finalizing a request to FCM for $35,000 to partially fund the Methane Gas Project.
Community Led Emission Reduction Program (CLER)
We are working in a partnership with the Province of Manitoba and the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (BNRC) to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions both in the BNRC catchment area and the community overall. The pilot project goes until March 2012 and is funded by the Province of Manitoba. The City of Brandon will provide assistance and use its Environmental Strategic Plan for direction to identify worthy projects. Lindsay Hargreaves has been hired as co-ordinator.
Police Services Update
Chief Atkinson attended the Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11th, 2009 at Westman Communication Place.
Members and Staff of the Police Service attended Steak Night and the Community Luncheon.
Both events were well attended. The United Way Campaign wraps up on Friday, November 27th 2009.
Inspector Grant attended two meetings regarding the Torch Run. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed this week between the Police Service and the RCMP. The torch will pass thru Brandon on January 8th, 2010.
Chief Atkinson and Inspectors Grant and Corley attended the MACP Meeting in Winnipeg.
Following the meeting four Members of the Police Service, Inspector Ian Grant, Staff Sergeant Larry Yanick, Staff Sergeant Wayne Balcaen and Sergeant Guy Roberts will be presented the Excellence in Law Enforcement Award at an evening banquet.
This award is presented to Police Officers who have demonstrated a significant contribution to their Community, Police Service or Law Enforcement in general.
Congratulations to all four recipients on this very prestigious acknowledgement.
News for November 2nd
Update from the Mayor
On Tuesday, October 27, 2009, I was pleased to tour the Neelin High School Off Campus site at 118 - 10th St. This is a very successful program, with a group of 90 students preparing to graduate in the spring, thus serving the needs of individuals and the community at large.
On Thursday, October 29, 2009, I was asked to bring greetings at the MB Planning Conference which was held at the Keystone Centre. This year’s topic was entitled "Unchartered Territory, Planning for a Change in Uncertain Times".
Update from the City Manager
I attended the Installation of Dr. Deborah Poff as President and Vice-Chancellor of Brandon University on Saturday, October 24, 2009.
Demonstration of Vote Counting Machines
The Deputy City Clerk and the Acting Director of Information Technology traveled to Regina this week to view the Saskatchewan municipal elections held on Wednesday, October 28, 2009. The City of Regina utilized electronic vote counting machines to tabulate the results of the election, and allowed the above staff members to observe the voting procedures and watch the results being tabulated. Election polls closed at 8:00 p.m. and the final results for the mayoral race, ward councillors, and school board trustees were all available within the hour. It is our intention to use similar vote counting technology for the civic election to be held in October 2010 and this was an excellent opportunity to see the system in action and discuss the process with staff of the City of Regina.
Planning Update
The Manitoba Planning Conference was hosted in the City of Brandon on October 28 – 30, 2009. There were approximately 300 delegates from various areas of the province in attendance to hear a variety of speakers on planning aspects and our changing times.
Engineering Update
We have been advised by Manitoba Highways that closure of 1st Street North between Kirkcaldy Dr. and Braecrest Dr. will commence starting 8:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 through 7:00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. This closure is required to ensure the safety of workers during installation of a storm water pipe. The weekend closure was chosen to minimize the impact of traffic on Kirkcaldy Dr. and Knowlton Dr. with respect to activities at Kirkcaldy School and the Sportsplex. Detours will see southbound truck traffic use 18th St. North and northbound truck traffic will use Kirkcaldy Dr. All other vehicles will have access to either 18th St. North, Kirkcaldy Dr. and Braecrest Dr. as well as residential streets in the area. Temporary three-way stops will be implemented at the intersection of Knowlton Dr. and Kirkcaldy Dr. and also at the intersection of Braecrest Dr. and Knowlton Dr. during the detour period. The latest information on road repairs and lane closures is available at www.manitoba.ca or at 1-877-627-6237.
Economic Development Update
Westman Accommodations Group (WAG) has been working diligently to coordinate the allocation of rooms for AMM. This week, WAG sent a letter out to AMM delegates informing those that remained on waiting lists that it was unlikely that all delegates would be able to be placed in their accommodation of choice. WAG did provide a list of alternate accommodations.
Fire Hall Building Update
Approximately 80% of the structural steel on the fire hall building has been installed. Work has begun on putting up the structural steel on the administration building on Thursday. The fire hall second floor and the administration main floor hollow core floor are installed. All exterior work for this year is complete and will continue in the spring.
Historical Information
Recently a new artifact has been donated to the department. A black walking stick with an intricately engraved gold top was left on Chief Dane’s desk. No one mentioned where the walking stick came from, it just mysteriously appeared. There was a return address sticker on it from a David Grubb in Victoria, BC.
Engraved on the top of the walking stick is: Pres to Ex. Chief Wiswell by the Brandon Fire Dept, May 9th, 93.
Chief Wiswell was Brandon Fire Department’s second Fire Chief. He held this position from 1883 – 1893. We contacted Mr. Grubb to obtain more information regarding the history of the walking stick. He informed us that he received it from his Godfather, Jack Wiswell, who was Chief Wiswell’s son. The only other information he was able to provide is that the walking stick was a gift to Chief Wiswell upon his retirement.
It was quite the coincidence that the donation just happened to fall at a time when we are undertaking this historical project. We initially thought the donation was sparked due to the recent press our project has received; however, that did not to turn out to be the case. He sent it to us simply because he didn’t need it, and he thought we would appreciate having it. This is an interesting piece of the department’s history which we were very happy to receive.
Human Resources
We're in the final stages of preparing for the IANE Westman Employment Conference scheduled for November 19th at the Royal Oak Inn. Keynote presentations and breakout sessions focus on recruitment, selection and retention of the Aboriginal workforce. This conference is for anyone interested in accessing the Aboriginal workforce and the related best practices.
Conference brochures and registration forms are available through Human Resources or by emailing conference2009@ianewestman.com.
Sanitation Section
The Eastview Landfill Site hours of operation are moving to the standard winter hours. From November 1st, 2009 through to March 31st, 2010, the hours of operation will be:
Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Saturdays 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Sundays the Eastview Landfill site will be closed
The Eastview Landfill Site will be open Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 from 12:00 noon – 4:45 pm.
For more information on Landfill hours of operation please call 729-2281.
Streets
Snow Route Parking Restrictions will remain the same for 2009.
Residents will be allowed to park on a snow route provided a snow parking ban has not been declared. This information will be delivered through: electronic notifications, the City web page, hot line number and local radio stations. A yearly advertisement will appear in the Brandon Sun on November 5th, 2009 outlining the Snow Route Parking Restrictions.
Sportsplex
The Brandon Bluefins held their annual Halloween Invitational Swim Meet at the Sportsplex on October 24th & 25th with approximately 220 swimmers participating.
Police Update
The tendering opening for the Police Service will take place on Friday at 2:00 PM.
Inspector Grant met with representatives of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Chief Atkinson and Inspector Grant met with the new CEO Ken Hildahl.
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