Town Council kicks off its regular meeting with some committee updates from several of the Councillors. It’s been a month since the last Council meeting so there have been plenty of committee meetings, but the updates were quick because most committees aren’t embarking on new projects over the summer months. Of particular note were a pair of upcoming barbecues, one a rescheduled event from the recreation department that was hailed out and will now be held on August 1 at Riverbend Park, and one a fundraiser for Home Assistance Neepawa and District (HAND) which will be held on August 14 at Yellowhead Manor.

There were two public hearings for variance applications at this week’s meeting, both of which were later approved by Council. The first was for the installation of a tile drainage system within the town borders which could affect downstream landowners. There were no objections to the project although there were inquiries for more information, and the project manager was on hand to explain the process and welcome any concerned citizens or Council members to come check it out.

The second was for the new hotel being constructed at the corner of highways 5 and 16 in order to build up to four stories. Councillors Gerrard and Parrott removed themselves for conflict on this project, and Parrott as the applicant spoke to the necessity of the request as well as the belief that as we see more construction in that commercial zone along the highway, the bylaw itself may eventually change to reflect the nature of those businesses.

Manager of Operations Denis Saquet updated Council on the progress of several ongoing projects around town including the lagoon phase two, completion of the Crocus Drive basketball courts, painting of the new tennis courts, and the pool waterslide which is now fully operational. Clean-up of main street - or Highway 16 as it runs through town - has begun with town staff examining and dealing with any sighline issues from intersecting streets.He also noted that motorbikes and quads are not permitted on the bike park or at Park Lake, as they do damage to the landscaping at the park and as well, Park Lake is currently an active construction area.

CAO Colleen Synchyshyn shared correspondence including information on endowment funds from the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation and statistics from the Spruce Plains RCMP’s quarterly report. As well, Council addressed a tax roll deletion for the house that was destroyed by fire this winter and an increase to mobile home licensing fees

Council revisited a bylaw violation that was last addressed several months ago when the respondees brought a delegation to Council to request lenience in order for them to keep more animals than is allowable under town bylaws. While they have fewer animals now than they did at the time, they are still double the number allowable and significant improvements have not been made regarding the issues that brought the complaint forward in the first place. After some discussion, Council elected to remain firm on the bylaw.

The town will be making an application to the Water Services Board to assist with the water and sewer lines to the new hospital, which now have an estimated cost of between five and seven million dollars. There may be potential for the board to increase their funding ratio beyond the standard 50/50 as the project is regional and not just for the benefit of Neepawa taxpayers. The portion that Neepawa does have to pay will count as an in-kind contribution towards the amount that the town is required to contribute towards the construction of the new hospital.

Finally, we have a pair of requests for very short street closures for upcoming events. The  first is for the section of Brown Street directly in front of the Legion for the arrival of the Rolling Barrage on August 13, between the hours of 6 and 8 pm. The Rolling Barrage is an annual bike journey across the country to raise funds and awareness for PTSD among military personnel and first responders. The second is for the portion of Bourke Avenue between ArtsForward and White’s Funeral Home for the Children’s Business Fair on August 10 between the hours of 2:30 and 6:30 pm. Both were passed by Council.

Also covered were routine correspondence and the regular financial report.