Prior to the meeting, RCMP Cpl. Jeremy Smith attended to provide his regular meeting with counsel. He said that he did not have a report as there hasn’t been a lot happening in the area.
The Reeve said that earlier in the summer, the RCMP was called regarding a rogue bull, and they currently have a problem with rogue horses, which have been an issue for years. The Reeve said that there are 11 horses on a 10-acre plot. As this doesn’t sustain the horses, they go across the road. In the winter, they roam freely. The Council said that they are having difficulty dealing with the animals, which are a safety hazard. Cpl Smith said that the RCMP doesn’t have any authority under the Stray Animals Act as it’s been devolved to the RM’s, adding the RCMP can keep the peace if the RM needs to do something on their end. He asked if the RM has a fine or if they have contacted animal protection services. Council said that they have tried to impound the horses; however, they are too big to deal with. Council said that they haven’t tried to contact animal protection services but would.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kelly Walker and all councillors were present. Like other council meetings, Council was seated around the chamber’s table, with no masking requirement. Hand sanitizer is available at the door. Reeve Allan Magel chaired the meeting and called the meeting to order, recognizing treaty four. The Minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.
Under ‘Financial Activities’, The CAO noted that never had she dreamed that they would have that many taxes paid that early, crediting it to the option of paying by e-transfer. She further said that many lake residents pay by e-transfer and now have Telpay set up in the RM to be another option for payment. Financial statement total to the end of September Total revenues - $22,316.60; Total expenditures - $140,995.94.
Under ‘New Business’ - Council approved the tax enforcement list for advertising, they also removed the fire ban, and the Reeve commented that the people who are showing up to help fight fires are awesome and that they have to commend their ratepayers for doing that.
Council then discussed the Lagoon Levy – The RM of LMV received an invoice from the RM of McKillop, noting that the capital calculation had changed from $100,000 to $120,000, which goes against the agreement. Council noted that they would have to approve any change. The Reeve recommended that if there needs to be a change, it needs to go through the proper process to alter the agreement. The Council carried a resolution to send a letter that they will make the payment on the $100,000 but not on $120,000, as the agreement needs to be amended by all members prior to any change; Safe Restart Program – The RM has received $16,405 from this unconditional grant.
Council meetings are open to the public. The next meeting is November 19 at 8:30 am in RM Council Chambers.
Jennifer Argue, Civic Reporter, LMT - Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Note: These reports are abridged for content
