City council held a pair of public hearings related to the lagoon project set to kick off this spring to open its regular meeting, Feb. 3.
The hearings centred on Bylaw 02/2025 and Bylaw 03/2025, which allow for financing $9.1 million of the City’s portion of the $20 million project.
Bylaw 02/2025 authorizes the expenditure and borrowing of $4,692,500 as a local improvement to be paid through taxation, while Bylaw 03/2025 allows for a further $4,692,500 to be paid back by way of a utility surcharge.
Additionally, the City’s portion will be topped up with $58,000 from the Gas Tax Reserve Fund and $971,000 from the Water and Sewer Reserve. The remainder of the funding comes by way of a $9,135,000 grant through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
Added to taxes
Councillors opted to add to receivable accounts to the tax rolls in the amount of $469.18. That total is comprised of $201.07 owing at 38 7th Ave. SE for weed control costs and $268.11 outstanding at 108 3rd Ave. NE, also for weed control costs.
Recreation
In her report to council, city manager Sharla Griffiths updated on the efforts of senior administration pertaining to recreation. Hours of discussion have resulted in some direction for Dauphin Recreation Services to consider in both the long term and short term. The City remains committed to working collaboratively with the RM of Dauphin to establish a fair and sustainable recreation agreement that ensures the long-term success of local recreation programs and facilities, given that both councils recognize the vital role that recreation plays in enhancing the quality of life for residents and the importance of ensuring that facilities remain accessible, well-maintained and financially supported.
Performance management
Griffiths informed councillors administrators have been working on a performance management policy and review forms to better deal with employee performance in a fair and consistent manner. Performance management, she said, is a tool to measure an employee’s performance and to track their progress throughout their time with the City.
Radon plan
Deputy city manager Lisa Gaudet updated councillors on the radon file. Utilizing a $15,000 grant through Health Canada’s Radon Outreach Contribution Program, Gaudet has raised awareness about the dangers of radon in the community and has developed a draft of a City of Dauphin Radon Action Plan, to guide a radon education and action campaign in the future. Gaudet hopes the plan serves as a model for other municipalities to follow, igniting further action at the provincial and federal levels to support radon action.
The plan will be presented for council’s approval at its next regular meeting, Feb. 24.
Accounts approved
Council authorized the issuance of 26 cheques totalling $287,007.82 to cover outstanding accounts. Three electronic payments were also approved, totalling $17,320.23.
Curling rink chiller
Councillors gave Dauphin Recreation Services the go ahead to order a new chiller for the Parkland Recreation Complex curling rink at a cost of approximately $220,000 plus applicable taxes. While such purchases would normally wait to be included in the City’s operating budget, the lead time for procurement and installation prior to next curling season meant the request had to be expedited. The purchase will be financed by funds withdrawn from the City’s Active Living and Recreation Reserve.
DRS also sent requests for additional 2025 capital expenditures including a pool change room rooftop unit at an estimated cost of $62,000, pool sandblasting and painting at a total project cost of $25,000 (with $10,000 already allocated by DRS) and a paint sprayer for ice making at an estimated cost of $16,000. Those requests were forwarded to budget deliberations.
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