|
News for September 28th
Update from the Mayor
Two members of HMCS Brandon, accompanied by Betty Coleman, visited my office on Thursday, September 24, 2009. Nine members of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Brandon, from Esquimalt, BC are currently visiting here in their namesake city. This Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel is crewed mainly by Reservists; the ship’s primary mission is coastal surveillance and patrol which involves general naval operations and exercises, search and rescue, law enforcement, resource protection and fisheries patrols. Thursday evening, I attended a BBQ for the crew at the home of Betty Coleman. Crew members will be participating in the Food for Thought program at various schools, as well as Habitat for Humanity, the CKX-TV Noon Show, Helping Hands soup kitchen, and the Wheat Kings hockey game on Friday evening.
On Friday, September 25, I attended the official MTS Ultimate TV service launch at the MTS Connect Store, Corral Centre location.
On Friday, September 25, I attended a “Meet and Greet” social evening for the University of Manitoba Family Medicine Residents (Yr 1 and Yr 2). The purpose of this event was to showcase our community and to entice these residents to consider Brandon upon their graduation when choosing their new location to live and practice medicine.
Premier Gary Doer and Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris were in Brandon this morning to announce that $33 million will be invested into Brandon's wastewater
facility through the Provincial/Territorial Base Fund. This project was submitted with a number of other projects for funding under the Canada-Manitoba Building Canada program. Once completed, the $81.4-million facility will make Brandon the first municipality in Manitoba to be fully compliant with the Clean Environment Commission's recommended standards for nutrient removal. This is very positive for the City of Brandon.
Development of Access to Information Law Guidelines
The City of Brandon is subject to The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA). Members of the public often find dealing with access and privacy legislation to be frustrating and difficult to work with. In order to alleviate some of the stress of working with FIPPA and PHIA the Records Office has created several plain language resources to assist the public in understanding the legislation. The following resources were created:
Brochure: How to Access the Records of the City of Brandon
Booklet: City of Brandon FIPPA Handbook: A Plain Language Guide to Access and Privacy Laws
Booklet: Understanding Fees in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)
Information Sheet: The City of Brandon and the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA)
Copies of the access to information guideline material are available at the City Clerk’s Office, the Records Office, the pamphlet stand in the City Hall Foyer and in the City Clerk’s section of the City’s website.
Supplementary Tax Update
Each year, the City levies Supplementary Taxes for new properties and improvements to existing properties under authority of section 326 of The Municipal Act. These are sent out in the spring and fall, based on information supplied by the Provincial Assessment Branch. The fall 2009 notices will be sent out on September 25th and are due December 29th, 2009. The following table represents the additional supplementary tax revenue with the previous years’ comparison figures.
2009 2008 2007
Spring Tax Revenues $463,207 $260,402 $371,573
Fall Tax Revenues $1,262,371 $1,557,707 $651,831
Totals $1,725,578 $1,818,109 $1,023,405
There were 429 supplementary notices issued this fall, with 381 having residential assessment and 48 having other assessment. Of the 381 residential properties, 274 were condominium units. Approximately $765,264 of the total fall supplementary amount is due to properties being subdivided through development transactions. This creates new roll numbers to replace the original rolls being reduced or written off. The reductions total approximately $343,916 not reflected in the above figures. Included in these fall supplementary notices are 10 new plans, affecting 10 old roll numbers and creating 254 new ones.
Some of the more significant additions to the roll, totalling approximately $188,666 in supplementary revenues, include:
Westman Media (new warehouse) on Park Ave
Heritage Co-op on 18th Street
McKenzie Seeds on 8th Street North
Manitoba Liquor Commission at the Corral Centre
Economic Development Update
The July 2009 hotel occupancy rate was 80.9%, an increase of 7.6% when compared to the same period of time in 2008. Despite a strong July occupancy rate, the 2009 YTD occupancy rate is only up slightly from 2008 rates. YTD occupancy for July 2009 is 63.3%, an increase of 1.8% when compared to the July 2008 occupancy rate of 61.5%.
Stephanie Hayward will be joining the Economic Development Brandon team while Shannon Empson is on maternity leave. Stephanie brings to the office diverse skills gained through work experience in Economic Development, Office Administration, and Human Resource Administration. Stephanie’s first day of work was September 24th.
Fire & Emergency Services Update
Chief Dane, Deputy Bell and Deputy Romanik attended the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs Conference held in Winnipeg this week.
Building Update:
The masonry is ongoing around the stair tower and will be progressing to the elevator shaft. Interior backfilling is ongoing. All C-base has been placed, only A-base remaining. Excavation is completed for the asphalt paved areas, backfill will commence next week. Formwork for the main concrete aprons is ongoing and we are expecting a pour early next week.
Historical Fire Information
The first stage of our history project is official, we have drafted a mandate that will help us stay focused throughout this ongoing process. It may be adjusted as we progress but for now it will be “To commemorate and tell the ongoing story of Brandon Fire & Emergency Services (Previously the Brandon Fire Department) to visitors to the Fire Hall by preserving and displaying the artifacts of the department.” We will be developing a board/committee to oversee the mandate that will consist of both past and present employees.
We are in the process of acquiring acid free supplies, a scanner, photo editing software and other supplies needed to begin this project.
These are some highlights from the 1911 log book that are relative to the Fire Hall.
Apr. 18 – Started to tear away old building to make room for new hall.
Oct. 24 – Bell taken down from small tower.
Nov. 7 – Northern Electric Manitoba to install new alarm system.
Dec. 5 – Moved into new Fire Hall
Dec. 6 – Moved junk from blacksmith shop to new hall.
Dec. 18 – Moved upstairs in new hall.
Dec. 29 – New Fire Hall was opened for Public Inspection.
Cost of the new Fire Hall was $40,000.
Human Resources Update
The Interprovincial Association on Native Employment (IANE) Westman Chapter is hosting a Westman Employment Conference on November 19th at the Royal Oak Inn. This conference will focus on recruitment, selection, and retention of the aboriginal workforce. The Human Resources Department is pleased to be part of the planning for this conference and invites anyone interested in learning more about the conference to visit the website at www.ianewestman.com or contact HR for a brochure.
Greg Brown attended a workshop conducted by the Occupational Health Group in Manitoba on establishing occupational exposure limits for chemicals in the workplace. Occupational exposure limits are limits of chemical exposure that a worker can be exposed day after day for a working lifetime without adverse health effects.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Update
Earlier this summer the City of Brandon submitted an application for the 2009 National Communities in Bloom Floral Displays Criteria Awards.
Community Services is pleased to share the excitement that the City of Brandon, Manitoba is one (1) of the three (3) designated finalists for the 2009 National Capital Commission Floral Displays Criteria Award.
The winner will be announced at the 2009 National Symposium on Parks & Grounds and Awards Ceremonies being held next week in Vaughan, Ontario.
A huge congratulation to the City of Brandon Parks Department and all the volunteers who have diligently tended to the outstanding floral displays throughout the city. We sincerely appreciate your support and commitment to the Communities in Bloom Program.
Western Canadian Music Awards – Diversity comes from creativity and the City of Brandon experienced just such a phenomenon during the Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMA) recently held this past weekend. Event participants heard a wide range of musical styles and got to meet exceptional people from across the country and throughout the world.
Local businesses gave great support through gift-in-kind and financial sponsorship. With some initial financial reviews completed, this support translated into approximately $50,000 from the business community. A big thank you goes out to the Brandon host committee, the volunteers and the business community for making this event such a huge success.
Community Strategic Plan – The Community Engagement Network has issued a Request for Proposals for the development of a communication brand to promote the Community Strategic Plan (CSP). The RFP closes on September 24, 2009. The purpose of the communication brand is to assist in re-invigorating the process and to highlight some of the accomplishments that the Community Engagement Network (CEN) has achieved via a recognized communication brand.
The CEN wishes to provide the citizens and businesses of Brandon with the opportunity to be engaged & inspired about creating their future.
Public Arts Policy – Work is underway for the development of a draft public arts policy as indentified in the “Cultural Development & Diversity Strategy” of 2008. The intent of the public arts policy is to establish the municipal role:
* with respect to the development of the arts in Brandon,
* to provide a framework within which the City of Brandon can support and stimulate development of the arts to its full potential, and
* defines art and artists as an essential element in building a strong, vibrant, healthy & attractive community.
The Brandon Arts Coalition in collaboration with the City of Brandon has been developing two surveys, which are a community survey, and an arts community survey. These are currently in the beta testing stage. As well, the two groups are engaging stakeholders to expand the database of artists and art groups within the community. Meetings are ongoing with businesses such as the Winnipeg Arts Council, AGSM, Pennywise Books, and Brandon University.
News for September 21st
Manitoba Municipal Administrator’s Association (MMAA) District Meeting
The City of Brandon hosted the MMAA District 5 Meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2009. The district meetings are held throughout the province every fall and provide an opportunity for municipal administrators to hear presentations from representatives of the Municipal Employee Benefit Board, Manitoba Hydro, Intergovernmental Affairs, the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, the Public Utilities Board and the Executive of the MMAA on issues relevant to municipal corporations. Of note, Don Reid, the Municipal Services Officer provided an overview of Bill 35 - The Municipal Conflict of Interest and Campaign Financing Act and the impact it will have on municipal staff and potential candidates wishing to be elected to municipal councils. Brian Kayes, the Director of Emergency Coordination, also gave a presentation on pandemic planning which was very well received.
Don Cherry Movie
As a token of their appreciation for the efforts put forth by the Economic Development office to facilitate the filming of the two part mini series titled "Keep Your Head Up – The Don Cherry Story", Dave Mahoney provided the Economic Development officer with a hockey stick signed by Don Cherry and a copy of the script. Indications are that the two part CBC mini series will be aired in February 2010.
Fire & Emergency Services Update
Department representatives attended a mock table top exercise with Canexus that emulated a train derailment between 18th Street and 26th Street on the CP Rail Tracks.
Our staff is participating in Vehicle Extrication Training at the CAA Compound this week. There is a representative in from the Vehicle Extrication Equipment distributer AMKUS, in order to aid our staff in becoming confident with the equipment and learn new techniques.
We have started the erection of the masonry walls in Stair #3. All site land drainage, sewer and water undergrounds are complete. Interior electrical and mechanical underground installations are ongoing, as well as interior backfill. Exterior site excavation and backfill around paved areas is ongoing. We expect to start placing the concrete for the main apron next week.
Fire Historical Information
In order to gain more information on how to go about archiving and displaying the department’s history, we visited the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum. We were able to see behind the scenes and meet with Stephen Hayter, the Executive Director as well as some of his dedicated volunteers. They were able to provide many practical ideas and valuable advice on how we could start cataloguing what we have and ways to develop inexpensive and informative displays.
One interesting item we came across this week was an article from the Brandon Sun published sometime during WWII. It was kept for reference by a Doug Smith, and was later brought in to the fire department. It outlines the locations of all 44 fire alarm boxes at that time. It also includes directions for using the Fire Alarm Boxes which is as follows:
“Break the glass, unlock the door and pull the hook all the way down (only once) then let go. On not hearing alarm bells after 15 seconds, go to the next nearest phone or box, wait at box until firemen arrive to direct them. Never open the box or touch the key except in case of fire, and never pull a box for other than an alarm of fire as there is a fine of $50.00 for such offence.”
CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
In the event of FIRE never hesitate to notify the brigade immediately, they are always available. The FIRE PHONE is 100.
Later in the article it outlines Hits on Fire Prevention, some of which were:
- “…never attempt to sleep and smoke at the same time.”
- “A strong coil of rope sufficiently long to reach from flat to ground suitable for lowering persons should always be available in upper stories.”
Human Resources Update
Greg Brown attended the September 16 meeting of the Westman Association of Safety Professionals. The speaker at the meeting was Brian Johnson with Pinchin Environmental. Throughout Mr. Johnson's presentation, he stressed the importance of indoor air quality monitoring, surveys for asbestos in older buildings, and surveys for mold in new and older buildings.
Youth Plan Process
Community Development held a come and go youth input session at City Hall on Tuesday, September 15. While attendance was low at this session, we did receive positive feedback from the youth that did attend. A youth survey has been sent around to all students at Brandon University and Assiniboine Community College this past week. So far we have received over 120 completed surveys from Brandon's youth. This survey can also be found on our facebook page, eBrandon and on the front page of the City of Brandon website. So far we have gained valuable information from the youth through these methods along with meeting with over 400 high school students in June. If you know of any youth between the ages of 18-29, please ask them to join in and share their thoughts, ideas and opinions by September 22. All youth who give us their feedback will be entered into a draw to win an iPod touch.
Sportsplex
Healthy Brandon in Motion is asking Brandon to maintain its title of “Walking Capital of Canada”. Walk the Talk challenges citizens of Brandon to walk for at least 30 minutes on Wednesday, October 7, 2009.
All you have to do is walk for 30 minutes anytime between 7:00am and 11:00pm. Call or e-mail or fax your name in and be counted! Or join on of their planned walks at 12:10 at these three locations:
• Princess Park
• Brandon University (Meet in Kavanagh courtyard in behind Original Clark Building)
• Brandon Regional Health Centre (Meet at the main doors)
Phone results on Oct 7 to: 578-2199, email – Healthybrandoinmotion@brandon.ca or
fax – 729-8244
The Sportsplex’s Fall Program is underway with our Learn to Skate Lessons having started and our Swimming Lessons scheduled to start Monday, September 21st.
There is Waterpolo for those who are interested on Sunday evenings from 7pm-8pm for people aged 15+. Cost to drop in is $5.50 per person OR save money by purchasing a 10-swim swipe card at $44.00
Police Services Update
The Kiwanis Club of Brandon generously donated a cheque in the amount of $1,000.00 towards the purchase of a Speed Watch Sign.
Chief Atkinson and Inspector Grant participated in a Table Top Exercise with Canexus Chemicals. This exercise focused on the implications of a serious chemical spill in the City of Brandon.
Keystone Centre Access Information
When entering Westman Communications Group
Place for Games and Events:
• The Main Concourse of the Keystone
Centre is now deemed a construction zone
and will not be accessible to the general
public to enter, congregate or use any of the
facilities within this area.
• Fans that have season tickets or have
pre–purchased tickets for the event are
encouraged to use the three outside
entrances to Westman Place (East, West &
South). These entrances will be accessible
one hour prior to event start time.
• Fans that have mobility issues can use the
East Main Doors, or providing you have a
ticket, you can use the Canad Inns
Entrance on the West Side.
• Fans that need to purchase their tickets for
the event will only have access to
Ticketmaster by using the East Main Doors
of the Keystone Centre. You may get to
Ticketmaster from the Canad Inns Entrance
but you will have to go through the
Mainstreet/Canad link and follow the
hallways to the East Ramp to the Pioneer
Lounge Area.
Keystone Centre Newsletter
In order to reduce
our impact on the
environment, this
will be the last
printed newsletter
the Keystone Centre
will do.
We will continue to produce the
newsletter and post it on our website. If
you would like to receive a copy by email,
please email info@keystonecentre.com
and put your subject line as
NEWSLETTER. This email list will only
be used for the purpose of the newsletter
and no other material from the Keystone
Centre.
News for September 14th
Update from the Mayor
I attended the Brandon University Commencement Ceremony - Launch 2009 on Tuesday morning, September 8, 2009.
I was pleased to attend the Grand Opening of the new offices for 880 CKLQ and 94.7 Star FM Open House on Thursday, September 10, 2009.
Brandon hosted the 2009 11th Annual Manitoba Communities in Bloom Provincial Awards & Seminars on September 11th & 12th, 2009 at the Ukrainian National Home. I was pleased to bring greetings at the reception on Friday evening and to have an opportunity to express appreciation to City of Brandon staff and hundreds of volunteers for their dedication and commitment. These people contribute many hours of work towards the beautification of Brandon. While efforts of this group focus on beautiful floral displays, their mandate also includes environmental awareness and managing urban landscapes.
I attended the 9-11 ceremony at the Peace Gardens on Friday, September 11, 2009, to honor and remember those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This ceremony marks the eighth anniversary of this tragic event.
Update from the City Manager
I will be attending the annual International City Manager’s Conference in Montreal and will be out of the office from Friday, September 11th to Thursday, September 17th inclusive. Ted Snure will be the Acting City Manager in my absence. Ted can be reached at 729-2214 or by emailing t.snure@brandon.ca
Engineering
* Allen & Bolack are installing a new watermain on Brandon Avenue from 18th Street to Aster Crescent. The replacement is warranted due to its age and deteriorated condition.
* Cumming & Dobbie are doing storm sewer work at the new Fire Hall on 19th Street North. This work should be completed by Tuesday, September 15th.
* Lane 6½ from Victoria Avenue to McTavish Avenue, on the west side of Dinsdale Home, is being reconstructed to solve a drainage problem. Extension of the storm sewer pipe and re-establishment of the lane profile is complete. Final paving is scheduled for the week of Sept. 14th.
WATER & WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Work to upgrade the water treatment facility clearwell storage is expected to commence this fall. In order to achieve sufficient chlorine contact time present operating practice sees almost all of the water treated at the water treatment plant being pumped to our 9th Street Reservoir. The water is received and stored at the reservoir and is it then pumped into the water distribution system. In order to improve service reliability the recommended water delivery configuration is to pump the treated water from our water treatment plant clearwell storage directly to our distribution system in addition from the 9th Street Reservoir. The clearwell at the water treatment facility is not baffled and does not provide the necessary chlorine contact time to pump directly to the grid. This upgrade will provide the contact time that we need to achieve this objective.
Renaissance Brandon
The new Renaissance Brandon website is live and can be found at www.renaissancebrandon.ca. The site will continue to evolve based on user feedback and board goals. Comments and suggestions for modifications or enhancements to the website can be sent to Braden at renaissancebrandon@brandon.ca. Renaissance Brandon intends to issue a press release announcing the website later this fall to coincide with the unveiling of their logo.
Fire & Emergency Services Update
Department representatives will be attending the Kiwanis Club’s 90th Anniversary Celebration on September 13th.
Deputy Bell will attend a Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs (MAFC) Board of Director’s meeting on Saturday, September 12th in Portage la Prairie.
Fire Department Historical Information
Throughout the documents that are being sorted we have come by a large amount of information regarding the Annual Fireman’s Ball that used to be a grand tradition. The first ball was held in 1892. It was a grand event where those in the community would gather around the holiday season. Some of the documents that have been saved are tickets from the Balls ranging from 1928 ($0.50) to 1962 ($2.00) and a planning book that includes newspaper clippings, invitation lists, costs and all other planning details from the Balls held between 1948 and 1960.
Below is an excerpt from the newspaper article that was published in the Brandon Sun on March 3rd, 1892 detailing some of the first Ball.
“For several weeks past the Firemen’s Ball has been the one theme of conversation on the street, in the dwelling and in public places. Every citizen is interested in having an efficient fire brigade in the city, and it seemed to be the general desire to embrace the opportunity of showing to the firemen that their services are appreciated. There was no trouble in disposing of tickets, and at an early hour on Monday evening, the lovers of the art Terpsichore, and those who desired by their presence to do what they could to make a success of the evening, were found in the new Opera Hall. Dancing commenced at 9 o’clock in the evening, and in polka, schottische, quadrille and waltz, the mazy whirl was kept up until four o’clock on Tuesday morning… The Hall had been handsomely and carefully decorated; evergreens hanging in graceful festoons; banners, bannerettes and bunting (red, white and blue) gave a richness, and added an effect that was heightened by the brightness of the electric lamps, placed in profusion in all parts of the spacious building… Visiting some of the cozy rooms in the building might have seen groups having innocent enjoyment in a game of whist or euchre, and in pleasant tete-a-tete. The company present comprised the very best society in the city.”
Cemetery
The City of Brandon Municipal Cemetery Administration wishes to inform the public that a thorough fall clean-up of the cemetery will begin October 15th.
All items must be removed from every grave in the cemetery, all: artificial flowers; ornaments; solar lights; plant hooks; stuffed animals; etc. must be cleaned off. Only headstones should remain.
Please have all items removed before October 15th.
Items that remain after this date will be removed by Cemetery Maintenance Staff.
It is important to note that City of Brandon administration will be reviewing the Cemetery By-laws this winter and regulations governing what is permitted on graves may be changing. Before placing any item at the resting place of a loved one, (flowers contained in a vase are permitted in all sections) it is advised to check the City of Brandon website www.brandon.ca or to contact the cemetery office at 729-2148. Please remember, no glass of any kind is permitted on graves in the cemetery at anytime.
For future reference semi-annual clean-up dates will be April 15 and October 15 of each year.
Thank you so much for your cooperation as we strive to achieve the highest of maintenance standards for our beautiful and historic cemetery.
Fluorescent Bulb Disposal
The Brandon Environment Committee would like to inform City Council that a concern has been brought to our attention of the improper disposal of fluorescent light bulbs at our landfill site. A fluorescent bulb typically contains mercury, lead and copper and when broken, as when crushed at the tipping face before being buried, causes a potential problem. Each conventional 4 foot tube contains 3 to 40 mg of mercury. This is enough to pollute up to 30,000 litres of water. It is estimated that 95% of fluorescent bulbs in Brandon are not disposed of properly. For the public, bulbs can be disposed of through the two Household Hazardous Waste Days that are held in Brandon each year. Another option for the public is to take their compact fluorescent bulbs to Home Depot for free disposal. The problem arises though that there is currently no way for businesses to dispose of their old bulbs safely. The Brandon School Division, through their maintenance department, has a bulb crusher that handles old bulbs safely and is disposed safely by having the crushed glass with all of its by-products, which is all recyclable, picked up by an environment disposal company. The Public Works Department is aware of this concern and is looking at options to deal with the environmental problem.
Police Services Update
Chief Atkinson and Inspectors Grant and Corley attended the Annual 911 Ceremony and Freedom Walk at the International Peace Gardens in Boissevain, Manitoba.
Chief Atkinson attended and gave greetings to the Police Studies Class on Tuesday, September 8th. There are 25 students enrolled with the Brandon Police Service sponsoring four.
Chief Atkinson attended the Assiniboine Ward Meeting on Wednesday evening.
News for September 7th
Update from the Mayor
I attended a ceremony for the official re-dedication of the Brandon Mental Health Centre Cemetery South on Tuesday, August 25, 2009. Restoration to this important historical monument included refurbishing the cairn on which 391 names are inscribed, installing solar lighting and benches, putting up a new fence and iron gate, and landscaping.
I was pleased to meet this week with Dr. Deborah Poff, new President and Vice-Chancellor of Brandon University. It was an excellent opportunity to discuss initiatives and issues involving the City and the University.
I attended an HMCS Brandon meeting on Friday, August 21, 2009, at the home of Betty Coleman. Some of the ship’s crew will be travelling to Brandon in September.
On Friday, August 21, 2009, I attended a farewell evening for Mr. Joel Ward on the occasion of his departure from Assiniboine Community College at the end of August. He will be assuming his new position as President of Red Deer College in September.
1st Street Paving
We have been advised by Manitoba Highways Department that the work on 1st Street has had another change in construction activity. The work to be completed this year is only the grading portion and all paving is delayed until the construction season for 2010. The primary reason for the delay is the lateness of the season and asphalt will not be available at the time the graded sections are ready for pavement. We have also been advised by Manitoba Highways that they have adjusted the traffic signals from Princess Avenue to Kirkcaldy Drive along 18th Street in order to improve traffic progression. Monitoring of the success of the adjustments will be completed this fall and may warrant additional adjustments.
Update from the City Manager
The tender call for the planned Police Service Building was issued on August 21, 2009. Following the mandatory site visit, and as a result of discussions with both the City's architect and potential bidders, a decision was made to temporarily suspend the tender call, pending availability of further information associated primarily with the mechanical and electrical drawings. In that regard, the City's architect met with City representatives on September 4, 2009. Our architect has now provided updated drawings and, assuming our internal reviews indicate they are satisfactory, we expect to lift the tender call suspension the middle of next week. In turn, this should result in a tender closing in early October, with tender recommendations to City Council on October 19, 2009.
We have now received the Keystone Funding Agreement and the Contribution Agreement for the Upper Concourse Roof and HVAC Project. Copies have been signed by City and Keystone representatives and submitted to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives for execution.
I attended the Environment Committee meeting this week and provided an update on the Packaging and Printed Paper Stewardship Plan.
We are very close to finalizing a comprehensive agreement for the YMCA Multi-Use Recreation Facility and have now received the Contribution Agreement under the Canada Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) relative to this project.
Tax Sale
The 2009 Tax Sale is scheduled for October 21, 2009 @ 9:30 am. The 2nd Notice of Tax Sale Auction was sent out earlier this week to the remaining 23 properties that have taxes outstanding for 2007. As there are still several weeks remaining prior to the sale, we do expect that all properties will be redeemed prior to the sale date as in past years. At this same time last year, there were 19 properties on the list.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
We would like to express our best wishes to Joanna Jacobson on her future endeavors. Joanna tendered her resignation as an E911/Police dispatcher. Her last day with us will be September 13th.
7th Street Parking, between Princess & Lorne Avenues
The Property Section has been working with Economic Development, Operations, the Parks Department, Treasury, and By-law Enforcement in regards to opening monthly parking stalls for the public on 7th Street effective September 1st, 2009.
A total number of 36 stalls will be available along the former 7th Street between Princess Ave. and Lorne Ave. until a new tenant of 638 Princess Avenue can be secured by Economic Development. Operations will be numbering the stalls, will maintain the electrical aspect, and will clear snow in the winter months. The Parks Department has trimmed the shrubs and grass along the stalls. By-law Enforcement has been requested to provide notice to the vehicles currently parking in the stalls to have their vehicles removed. The Treasury Department will be handling the stall assignments.
Thanks to all departments involved in this effort. If you have any questions in this regard, please call Tanya at 729-2232. If a resident wishes to lease a stall, they can contact Treasury at 729-2229.
ENGINEERING
Contract A – Roadbuilding Works which was awarded to Zenith Paving – completion date is extended from August 28th to September 14th due to additional work of the 34th Street walkway and the paving of 26th Street south of Richmond Ave.
Contract B – Underground Works which was awarded to Allen & Bolack – completion date is extended from Sept. 11th to October 16th due to additional work to Brandon Avenue and 19th Street North.
Economic Development Update
Global economic uncertainties have resulted in some new trends in the Brandon labour market.
The Manitoba employment office remains very busy serving the needs of a growing and diverse labour market. While Brandon has also benefited from residents returning to the city after working in other provinces, the employment office has noted an increase in clients returning home from Alberta, BC & Sask. The majority of clients are coming from Alberta and are living with family until they can get re-established in the Brandon labour market area. Available housing remains a significant barrier to the individuals and family units moving from shared accommodations to independent housing.
The employment office is working with higher skilled clients seeking employment. This could be reflective of clients returning home from out of province where they or a spouse was employed in the trades.
The labour market area experienced several company lay offs in the past year. As a result, the employment office has been very busy assisting with the retraining of clients.
The employment office has noted an increase in the number of requests for part time employment as well as an increase in older workers seeking employment assistance (older defined as 60 +). While the reasons for the increase in part time employment could be diverse, it is reasonable to attribute the increases to challenges in the economy that have impacted retirement incomes and a need to backfill part time employment hours that may have been reduced due to reduced consumer spending.
As to be expected, our evolving cultural landscape has brought an added dimension to serving the needs of those seeking employment assistance. The employment office has noted increased requests from Immigrants for employment training. This increase is a natural outcome of the settlement of a great deal of newcomers who have now developed a strong comprehension and utilization of the English language. With the language barriers removed, newcomers are looking to become active and meaningful contributors to the local labour market. This enhancement of the local labour market has also created an increase in the number of newcomers seeking recognition for out of country qualifications.
Fire Hall Update
The electrical and mechanical underground services within the building have starting this week and will continue through next week. Backfill will continue within the building for the next couple of weeks. The Land Drainage System crossing 19th Street will be installed throughout next week. A road closure has been scheduled with all appropriate departments. The concrete apron installation will commence next week. Excavation and backfill under all paved areas around thesite will be continuing for the next four weeks.
Fire & Emergency Services Update
The Tech Rescue (High Angle) Team is at Manitoba Emergency Services College this week in order to update their training.
This week we met with representatives from Manitoba Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport. Kris Doull, the regional Manager of the Westman Region and Sheryl Kolt, the Community Heritage Consultant from the Historic Resources Branch out of Winnipeg spent some time going through the historical artefacts and information that we have here. They were able to pass on valuable information, and contacts that will help us get our displays set up at the new fire hall as well as preserve the information and artefacts.
Many of our retired staff have generously agreed to donate some of their time in order to help us catalogue and display the department’s historical information. Their experience and knowledge about the department history will be invaluable in developing the displays at the new fire hall and providing the behind the scene stories that go with them.
While in the process of cataloguing some items we removed a 1972 staff list out of a picture frame that was falling apart. In behind the front page were 62 more perfectly preserved 8.5 x 14 sheets of paper. These were all staff lists that dated back to 1916. In that time the staff list did not include contact information as it does today, but what their duties were at the fire hall. Each staff list was signed by the fire chief at the time – Chief John Melhuish. Chief Melhuish is the most well know of our past fire chiefs. He served the department as chief from when it first became a paid department in 1909 until 1931. Some even say he still resides at the Fire Hall.
Human Resources Update
This week the City of Brandon Joint Workplace Safety and Health Committee conducted their quarterly meeting and one of the topics discussed was the introduction of Bill 5. This legislated bill is an amendment to the Manitoba Highway Traffic Act that has received Royal Assent and is awaiting proclamation for an enforcement date. The new legislation is in regard to the prohibited use of hand held electronic devices while driving. Talking on a hand held cellular phone, texting, e-mailing and surfing the internet would all be considered the use of hand held electronic devices. There are some exceptions that allow the use of these devices while driving and they are, if you are pulled over and stopped, the phone is operated hands free (including dialing), or if it is an emergency and you are calling police, fire or an ambulance. A hand held electronic device that was exempt from the legislation was the use of two way radios such as the ones used in City vehicles and equipment.
Drive-In Movie
Over 250 cars, with an estimated attendance of 900 people, filled the Riverbank Discovery centre grounds on Friday, August 28th to enjoy the Drive-In movie, Bedtime Stories starring Adam Sandler.
It was a beautiful evening and movie-goers were extremely pleased with the free family event. Pepsi generously donated 20 cases of product and Community Services supplied the crowd with bags of popcorn that was made with care by one of our Youth Leaders utilizing the Sportsplex canteen.
Recycling Inspector
The City of Brandon’s Sanitation Section has received word that it will receive funding from the Province of Manitoba to assist in the inspection of recycling prior to pickup. The funding from the WRAPP Fund (Waste Reduction and Pollution Protection) is for $4,000 and will run from July through October.
Community Led Emission Reduction (CLER) Program
The CLER pilot program is an exciting opportunity for the City of Brandon to partner with the Province of Manitoba to identify initiatives to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to climate change in Brandon. The City of Brandon through its Operational Services Division in its Environmental Projects area will be partnering with Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation and the Province of Manitoba to identify projects that will make a difference. It was felt that with partnering with the BNRC we would be able to provide a more efficient program. The two and one half year program will be headquartered out of the BNRC at City Hall and will be totally funded through Intergovernmental Affairs.
11th Annual Manitoba Communities in Bloom Conference & Awards
City of Brandon Community Development Division is host to this year’s Manitoba Communities in Bloom Conference & Awards. The two day event will be held September 11th & 12th at the Ukrainian National Home, 1133 Stickney Avenue. Approximately 75 delegates are anticipated to attend from communities throughout the Province of Manitoba. It truly is a delight to host this event and have the opportunity to showcase our fine City.
SPORTSPLEX
The Sportsplex facility will be closed on Monday, September 7th for Labour Day.
On Tuesday, August 25, Perry Roque and Jeff Elliott met with Manitoba Hydro and KGS group to review the CBOP (Commercial Building Optimization Program) investigation summary report done by KGS. Ray Bodnar from KGS Group presented the investigation summary report done on the Sportsplex as part of the Manitoba Hydro Commercial Building Optimization Program. Ten energy saving recommendations came out of this investigation. As part of our commitment to the CBOP program, we will implement these measures at the Sportsplex over the next year. Manitoba Hydro will assist with a grant of $1324.00 to implement some of these recommendations.
Revision of the 2010 Assessment Rolls
The 2010 General Assessment Roll and the 2010 Business Assessment Roll have been prepared and are available for public inspection during regular business hours either at the City Clerk’s Office, or at the Provincial Municipal Assessment Branch, Room 310 of the Provincial Building at 340 – 9th Street, Brandon, Manitoba.
Notice has been published in the Brandon Sun that applications for revisions to the 2010 Real and Personal Property Assessment Rolls are now available in the City Clerk’s Office as well as the Treasury Department in City Hall and will be accepted by the Secretary to the Board of Revision, Ms. Debbie Nelson, until 4:30 p.m. Monday, October 5, 2009. The Board of Revision will consider applications for revision of property assessments beginning on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 in the Council Chamber.
CEMETERY
It is hoped that you have had a chance to check out our new on-line cemetery search at www.brandon.ca. The City of Brandon IT Department has absolutely outdone themselves with how slick and user friendly it is. Brandon is one of only a handful of cemeteries in North America utilizing such wonderful technology. What a treat to not only have the technology, but to have the expertise and support to make this happen. Cemetery staff have already received many, many compliments from people doing research on-line.
Since the original implementation of the new system, two other substantial developments have occurred. First is the opportunity to have a digital photo of the headstone attached to the file.
[For an example of how great this is, please search Beecham Trotter on the website.]
In addition, there is now the ability to attach an obituary to a file. [Please search Ethel Lisowski to see this feature in action.] The obituary will be linked to the person's file and will be available for people 20, 70, 150 years from now.
Please join the Cemetery Staff in congratulating and thanking our brilliant IT guys for making our cemetery beyond state-of-the-art!
|
