Council discusses wastewater treatment plants and tents

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson
The Neepawa Banner

The July 22 Neepawa council Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting covered a range of topics.
Ongoing construction projects
Discussion began with the town's new industrial waste water treatment plant (IWWTP) which will serve Springhill Farms Hog Processing Plant. Council discussed recommendations for awarding the contracts for the project's first phase of construction as well as the project's construction manager.
Gerry Irving, the town's Operations and Maintenance Director, said that they had received three proposals for the first phase of the plant's construction. He recommended Bird Construction, because they had the “lower price and are most qualified”.
Utilities Chair, Councillor Wendy Menzies said that other reasons in favour of this firm were that “they have the man power to fit it [the project] into our time schedule”.
In answer Councillor Wayne Hollier's question, Irving said that Bird Construction was capable of “entering into an agreement for the second phase [of the project's construction]”.
Farmer Engineering and Earthtec will act as the project managers for the construction. Mayor Bob Durston said that the formalization of this agreement will “allow money to flow through from the province”. Irving said that the $1.5 million from the province is “on the way”.

Parks use
Discussion about the town's park use permits surfaced again as council discussed revisions to the permit application. One of the biggest changes will apply to groups using tents. Assistant CAO Pat Martin said “when tents are up on town property, the town is liable”. Because of this, any tents on town property will be “required to have approval”. This means that tents must be inspected by the Neepawa and Area Planning District's Development Officer, Mervyn Martin. The area of most concern the fire retardancy of the tent.
In the past, the town has been able to offer liability insurance through HED Insurance to groups using town property for events. Durston said to town staff “please confirm that we can offer insurance through HED and the price, we need that clarified”.

Help for hearing impaired
Councillor Ron Forsman brought forward information about the installation of audible pedestrian indications at the town's traffic lights. These indicators would help the visually impaired cross at the town's two traffic lights. Forsman said that the town has 27 residents who are served by CNIB who “could benefit” from the signals.
Through Manitoba Department of Highways, the audible signals could be installed at no cost to the town. Councillor Wayne Hollier suggested applying for the installation of signals at the cross walk on Hwy 16 as well. Council decided to submit a request for the audible signals for the lights at Hamilton St. and Mountain Ave., the lights at Mountain Ave. and Hwy 16, and the cross walk on Hwy 16 (at 2nd Ave.). Durston raised one objection to the project saying “I'm concerned about those living around” the intersections.

Local clubs looking for help
Council discussed a request by the Yellowhead Road Runners to use the town owned gliding club building as a meeting place. Hollier said “I don't have a problem, but I would think use [by the Roadrunners] is conditional on it not being used by the flyers”. Forsman said “I would be willing to be in favour [of the request]”, although he said that they should, “talk to Nelson [Almey, of Eagle Agro Services] because he's using the facility”.
Councillor Bill Stilwell raised a question to the group saying, “I don't know what we have the building for”. He continued, “maybe we should have a review of whether we need the building”.
Durston recommended that they let the club know that they have received the request and that they are “reviewing usage of the facility”.
The Neepawa Odd Fellows made a request for a grant from the town to help reduce their property taxes on the I.O.O.F. Hall. The group installed a new heating system in the building last year. Last year, the town gave them a grant of $2,000 to cover the municipal portion of the building's taxes.
Hollier said, “I recommend we do the same as last year”, noting that, “the building is a cornerstone in the town”. Forsman expressed concern that “we have a budget time and it seems as though anyone can come at any time [asking for a grant]”. While supporting the grant, Councillor Monty Simon said, “lots of groups operate buildings and we have to be careful”.
Durston summed up council's decision saying that they would approve the grant but tell the organization that “if they wish to apply next year, the time to apply is in the fall”.