The RM of Lumsden No. 189 held their regular meeting at 1 pm on Thursday, October 1, 2020, in the Centennial Hall’s lower level. All councillors except Derek Neuls were present. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Monica Merkosky, Assistant Administrator (AA) – Krystal Strong, Director of Finance (DOF) – Ryan Haresign, Director of Planning and Development (DOPD) – Luke Grazier, Junior Planner – Jessica Russell and Public Works Manager (PWM) – Leighton Watts were present. The Reeve, Kent Farago, chaired the meeting.
Under Public Works Report – The PWM reported that he and Councillor Langford were very pleased with the Russell Hill Road project’s construction - Russell Hill Road was rebuilt, and a 2000 metre portion of the road was stabilized. He further reported that he was looking forward to seeing how the road performs over the next couple of years. Two Councillors raised concerns about the construction truck driver’s manner of driving on the road. The PWM said he would talk to them.
Under ‘Financial Statements’ – Link to Financial Statement
Under ‘Dev. App. #2020-034 – Grand Valley Acres – Multi-Parcel CR Subdivision – E ½ 31-19-W2M – Div#2 - The DOPD stated that this subdivision is at the concept stage and has reviewed it to ensure it complies with the goals and objectives of the Official Community Plan. He provided a general update on the plan. Council discussed the walking trails concerning the plan and decided to leave it with the DOPD to situate the trails best.
Under ‘Regina Beach – RM of Lumsden No 189 Lagoon Haul Road Maintenance Agreement’ – The DOPD reported on the Regina Beach Relations Committee meeting. He noted they discussed the percentages regarding the Lagoon Haul Road Maintenance Agreement. Council discussed Regina Beach’s understanding of the agreement percentages versus the RM’s understanding. There was a significant amount of discussion surrounding the road’s maintenance and if the RM or Regina Beach should be grading the road. The Council carried a motion to renew the agreement with Regina Beach for lagoon haul road with the amendment of 70/30 for each municipality as per schedule “C.”
Under ‘Southeast Regional Library -2021 Extended Hours’ – The CAO stated that last year the Library was open 25 hours a week. The Library wanted to open it to 35 hours a week. The extra 10 hours a week would cost $6218, which would be divided between the Town and the RM. The Council carried a motion to fund the hours.
Under ‘Report of Administration’- The CAO reported that two staff members were tested for COVID-19, and both were negative. She said that after the COVID-19 diagnosis at the school, they are taking extra precautions in the office. All visitors coming into the office that will be proceeding beyond reception will be required to wear a mask. Masks are available at the door, and the front office staff member will be logging people in and out for contract tracing purposes. The entrance to the lower level is locked.
The CAO reported that the four owners with liens registered in 2019 had had their files forwarded to tax services for collection; At the next meeting, Council will receive the annual tax enforcement list, which needs to be published annually. It will contain all properties with a balance outstanding from 2019. Any properties that owe half of last year’s taxes can be excluded from publication in the paper; Election - Nomination forms and public disclosure forms are posted on the website. Nominations close at 4 pm on October 7.
The CAO reported that the practice of recognizing postmarks up to the tax deadline, which allowed ratepayers to receive a discount, is creating administrative problems. She noted that there are numerous options available for timely tax payment and recommending that this practice be discontinued. Council discussed this and agreed.
The next meeting, which is open to the public, will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2020, at 7 pm in the basement of the Centennial Hall.
Jennifer Argue, Civic Reporter, LMT - Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Note: These reports are abridged for content