Dauphin city councillors promoted the work of the Heart and Stroke Foundation by proclaiming February as Heart Month to kick off their regular meeting, Jan. 20.
The proclamation recognized the grim statistic that heart disease, stroke and related conditions take a life in Canada every five minutes, while applauding the work volunteers do every day to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery.
Added to taxes
Councillors voted to add four outstanding water accounts to the tax rolls totalling $841.64.
That total is made of $254.37 owing at 105 4th Avenue SE, $270.20 outstanding at 113 5th Avenue SE, $235.18 owing at 38 7th Avenue SE and $81.89 owing at 207 Kirby Avenue West. In all cases the final utility bill was not paid.
Dutch elm dollars
Council received correspondence from Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie regarding funding for Dutch elm disease management in Dauphin for 2024-25.
The City will receive a total of $55,144 this year.
Parking problems
Councillors were informed adminstration has received a number of complaints about parking along both sides of Whitmore Avenue East in front of Assiniboine College. The situation is causing problems with visibility for drivers exiting parking lots at the college and Mountain View Christian Assembly. Additionally, the north shoulder is designated as a “shared path” for pedestrians and cyclists. However, pedestrians and cyclists are forced out onto the roadway because of parked vehicles.
The deputy city manager and bylaw enforcement officer have been working with the college to come up with a solution, likely involving an amendment to the traffic and parking bylaw.
Shop reno
Councillors were informed engineering for the mechanic area renovation at the City Shop has been completed and they are awaiting a provincial permit to start work.
Cameras
Council was informed the installation of camera’s financed through a grant from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund has begun. One camera has been installed at the landfill, with installations at the water treatment plant and the lift stations next in line. The work will be wrapped up with installations at the Dauphin Public Library and Dauphin Veterinary Clinic.
Accounts approved
Council authorized the issuance of 66 cheques totalling $772,536.54 to cover outstanding accounts. Councillors also approved five electronic fund transfers totalling $22,058.42.
Building permits
Councillors were informed there was one City of Dauphin building permit issued in December for work valued at $5,000.
That brings the year end total to 55 City permits issued for work with a total value of $5,346,866, along with 12 Department of Labour permits issued for work valued at $14,428,883.
Policing costs
Council authorized mayor David Bosiak to write a letter to Public Safety minister Dominic LeBlanc asking for consideration during the upcoming round of collective bargaining with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The letter is to outline that, while the City supports the national police force’s right to collective bargaining and appreciated all the RCMP does to keep us safe, any significant increase in police costs will be a burden for local taxpayers.
The previous two rounds of collective bargaining have resulted in significant cost increases for Dauphin with no “meaningful consultation or consideration of our financial reality” and “not only threatens the viability of our municipality, but also undermines service delivery.”
Ideally, the City would like to see a long-term deal reached to provide greater certainty in future budgeting.
MOU
Council authorized the mayor to sign a memorandum of understanding with Parks Canada to formalize a collaborative relationship in dealing with shared issues.
The priorities outlined in the document include recreation, tourism, water stewardship, culture and truth and reconciliation along with key areas of co-operation, such as enhancing visitor experiences, joint marketing, sustainable tourism, environmental projects and fostering community engagement with the intent to provide mutual benefits.
Lease
Council authorized the mayor and city manager to sign a new lease with the Dauphin Regional Airport Authority for the City’s water pressure reducing station on airport land.
The lease expired on Dec. 31, 2024 and will be renewed for another five years term with no change in terms.
