The Town of Langenburg Council held its regularly scheduled council meeting, starting at 7:30 P.M. on October 6th.
After the agenda was reviewed and accepted, Town Forman VanCaeseele gave his report.
Council spoke on a location for speed signs entering town. They talked about an initial location at Kaiser William Ave. which can be moved around to where the demand is. It was mentioned by Councillor Stasiuk that the speed notifying signs seem to make an impact by helping traffic slow down.
Councillor Tanner Hunt joined virtually and asked about property surveys. A homeowner had his home surveyed and wants to know if he can “put the pin in the ground”. It must be a 1’’ squared pin to be official, rebar does not do the trick. Carlos mentioned he didn’t know off-hand if putting the pin in was the surveyor's responsibility or if he was allowed to. Administrator Lemcke made a note that it is illegal to move a properly-placed survey pin. The homeowner will need to contact the surveyor to determine the proper responsibility for the placement. Councillor Sicinski made the motion to accept the report which was carried.
Moving on to a report regarding the lift station, it was mentioned by the foreman that building progress was ongoing. He said the engineer was out on Thursday morning (October 1st) and the pair had a brief discussion; the engineer mentioned everything seemed to be going fine. November 2nd is the date the crew is still aiming to finish the project. Once the lift station pumps are up and running, the engineers need to leave the temporary piping in place for a week to ensure there are no further issues. A copy of the lift station progress statement was provided by the engineer, which Town Forman VanCaeseele looked over extensively. He said that no concerns were raised with the information provided, but the hope is for the project to be finished before the frost comes.
Discussing the new pool, committee members Juli Mitschke and Kim Wondrasek had previously provided a progress report for the council to discuss. Mayor Fogg mentioned updates are going smoothly with the project. If an issue arises, the project manager will come to the council to provide a report.
The office report was provided by Administrator Lemcke where the council discussed routine bill payments. Councillor Popp made a motion to accept the report which was carried.
Committee reports were provided next, with the recreation report occurring first. Councillor Stasiuk talked a bit more about the pool and what was on the horizon. Administrator Lemcke provided information saying that the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Project (ICIP) funding application could help cover the walking path costs. The application has been started by Recreation Director Juli Mitschke, but it requires a motion by the municipal council for it to carry forward. The council made a motion to support the ICIP grant funding application which was approved. Council members mentioned they have heard many positive comments about the walking trail. The construction does not have to start immediately so the council will have time to work with surrounding land-owners if a more-permanent path is put in place. A motion was made to accept a request by recreational gym users to move to a $25 BOOKED fee. The Booked users log their attendance and pay the rate for their use. The town office lends out the key for anyone looking to utilize the Town Hall for a drop-in. A motion was made to accept the lowered rate by Councillor Sicinski; motion carried. Preparation of a third-quarter financial report was discussed. Council mentioned the report will be prepared and the progress will be brought forward to the next council. Transportation was discussed next and it was said that basic paving is done, with a few minor jobs left. A tender for snow removal is out which closes on October 19th for those interested; the contract runs from November 1st, 2020 to March 31, 2022. Under the topic of correspondence received, the SRP Safe Return Program grant (related to COVID-19, ensuring sanitation and public cleaning) was discussed. $20,000 has been allocated so far to costs, from the possible $69, 497 of funding which the grant provided.
Council had a long discussion on the town’s business tax incentive. Bylaw 2.2 discusses new business start-ups who are able to receive this incentive. The question was raised if the tax incentive fits for businesses that change ownership but do not qualify as new establishments. Councillor Popp motioned to remove the current year’s taxes on a local business that changed recent ownership, although they do not qualify but the council decided to give them a tax incentive; motion carried.
A motion was made by Councillor Stasiuk to file the received correspondence; the motion carried.
Under Old Business, the results of the town branding poll were analyzed by the council. At this time, final brand approval is not required. Council discussed if there were any feedback or concerns with the brand choice; the new council can discuss the plan and move forward where they feel appropriate.
Council discussed a sign package for the highways signs which they had picked out a few meetings ago. The package will cost the town $2100. Council passed a motion so the sign package can be purchased. A motion was made by Councillor Popp to accept the motion; the motion carried.
Finally, the council discussed that their zoning bylaw be presented prior to the next council meeting. They went through the first reading of the zoning bylaw. After the public meeting occurs in the future, the council can have their second and third readings for the zoning bylaw. The first reading of the Official Community Plan also occurred which was seconded by Councillor Popp; reading carried.
Mayor Fogg adjourned the meeting just after 9 P.M.
