Council downsizes from 7 to 5

Ken Johnston

Rainy River town council voted 5-2 Monday evening to downsize local government.
After giving notice and holding a public meeting to gather input on the issue, council read a bylaw Monday, to enact the downsizing, the final two times and then passed a motion with only councillors Deb Ewald and Gerry Marchuk voting against it.
Councillor Ewald repeated her feelings from the public meeting stating that she could work on a council of five or seven, but feels the issue should be decided by a referendum.
Councillor Brent Anderson spoke at length on why he supported the move. He feels a smaller council will work more efficiently and that they will be able to handle the workload.
“If a person feels they could not handle the workload then the solution is simple, don’t run in the next election. I feel there are five good willing people in this town,” said Anderson.
Councillors Dean Wiersema, Ed Tymkin and Dennis Ewald all spoke in favour of the reduction.
Anderson also noted that it will save the taxpayers $10,000 per year and that money could be better spent.
Now that it is law, the public will vote for four councillors and a mayor next election (Nov./06).
Other business
•Council met in camera to deal with legal issues surrounding the Globeco property. Mayor Glen Armstrong suggested that the schools should consider all factors such as increased enrollment when looking at space usage.
“What if 15 families relocate here to work at Globeco?”
At the end of the meeting council confirmed they feel they are working on some positive news regarding the plant.
•Council extended the contract of the Animal Enforcement Officer, Sabine Drackert, for another six months.
Councillor Deb Ewald asked if the Animal enforcement program is revenue neutral.
Dept. Clerk Jean Klosowicz noted that more monies were collected in the early stages of the program.
Council did note that there are fewer dogs running loose since it started.
•Council sent a rezoning matter pertaining to the future site of the Covenant Church back to committee until issues regarding the Globecco property next to it are clarified.
•Council passed a resolution asking Fort Frances to reconsider halting the provision of 911 dispatch services in the district.
•Council declared Nov. 21-27 Get Ready for Snowmobiling Week.
•Councillor Deb Ewald reported that the public library is looking for a new home and that mold is a problem in the current building.
•Councillor Deb Ewald questioned several items on the bills and accounts. She wondered why there were $113 in late fees paid on bills last month.
The Dept. Clerk noted that at one point the town bank account was getting low so they opted to wait until more revenue had come in.
•Councillor Brent Anderson informed council that changes to the misc. user fees bylaw will be brought forward next month and will include water rate hikes. The province has mandated it to be user pay and rates must go up to cover operating costs.