Niverville council met on March 19 to weigh in on a variety of agenda items.
A proposal was made to authorize a $30,000 grant to the Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair committee for their 2019 summer event. This would match the grant provided in 2018. The town will also cover any losses with respect to the fair if expenses come in under $199,000.
“It’s a cost-control mechanism,” says CAO Eric King, suggesting that if the event experienced a complete rainout, they’d still have a safety net. The clause prevents the town from taking responsibility for poorly managed spending.
Council gave first reading to the 2019 budget. Second and third reading will take place at a public meeting on April 16. King will make a presentation on the budget at that meeting.
A speed hump policy was created for the community, similar to the one in place for the City of Winnipeg. Residents can now approach council with recommendations for speed humps to be added to their street if it’s accompanied by a petition signed by the neighbourhood. Council would follow up this request with a speed study using Bluetooth technology on the town’s mobile speed readers to determine if the specified street would benefit from a speed hump.
Council created another policy regarding water lines on private property that run across right of ways. The town will not be held responsible for the repair or replacement of older lines that were not authorized, approved, or documented by the town or a contractor. King advises property owners with wells to take the initiative to know where their water lines run or to hire someone to trace them in order to avoid unnecessary problems down the road.
An offer was made by the RM of Hanover to share building inspection services provided by an inspector in their municipality. Council agreed that it would be a good way to work together with the neighbouring RM. The cost of services would match the company that Niverville is using at present.
This year’s spring clean-up weekend will take place May 10–11. Bins provided by Bristal Hauling will be located at the company’s site in the industrial park instead of on the arena grounds due to construction which is underway at the new high school. The cost to the town will be $6,200, plus tipping fees, and will allow homeowners to drop off larger items at no direct cost to themselves.
Council will also be reaching out to local groups in the hopes of finding willing volunteers to haul items for homeowners who don’t have access to a pickup truck or simply need assistance with loading.
Council has accepted a tender for gravel and top soil delivery from Barkman Cartage for approximately $70,000, which will be needed for upgrades around the community. King noted that a lot of topsoil was created from the compost received last year at their drop-off site.
Mayor Myron Dyck says he had the privilege of being invited to the Manitoba Legislature for this year’s provincial budget report. He attended as a guest of the Minister of Infrastructure and is pleased to continue to network for the community.
He also acknowledged Niverville’s two newest businesses. Dyck was invited to Dairy Queen’s soft launch on Saturday and was impressed by the 50 jobs that have been created by the restaurant.
“They’ve heard from a lot of parents expressing thanks that their kids have a chance to work in the community in which they live,” Dyck says.
He also congratulated the owners of Niverville’s Pizzeria, which will officially open for business on March 21.
“The good news story there is that these are Niverville residents, young people, that are looking to be entrepreneurs,” Dyck says. “They’ve done other things, worked in the city, and have come back and are choosing to invest here.”