RM of Mountain Minutes – May 10, 2023

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain held Wednesday, May 10th, 2023 at the Rural Municipality of Mountain Council Chambers in Birch River, MB.


Members Present:
Reeve: Keith Behrmann
Councillors: Stephen Nadolney, Nestor Rizok, Jarrett Mosiondz, Arnie Pedersen and Brad Wyatt.
Councillor Malcolm was absent with notice.
CAO Paige Wozny was present and acted as secretary.

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Reeve Keith Behrmann, quorum being present.

2. Adoption of Agenda

Resolution No: 2023/134
Moved By: Nestor Rizok
Seconded By: Jarrett Mosiondz
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Agenda for the May 10th, 2023 Regular Meeting of Council be adopted as presented.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Matters Arising from Minutes

Resolution No: 2023/135
Moved By: Arnie Pedersen
Seconded By: Stephen Nadolney
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting and Financial Plan Public Hearing of Council held April 26th, 2023 be adopted as presented, all requirements having been complied with.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4. By-Laws & Policies

4.1 Animal Control By-Law

Resolution No: 2023/136
Moved By: Nestor Rizok
Seconded By: Jarrett Mosiondz
BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-Law No. 02/2023, being a By-Law to provide for the control of animals within the Rural Municipality of Mountain, be given second reading.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4.2 Overdue Utility Procedures Policy

Resolution No: 2023/137
Moved By: Arnie Pedersen
Seconded By: Brad Wyatt
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby adopt the Utility Turn On and Off Policy as per Schedule ‘A’ attached hereto;
AND THAT said Policy shall replace both the Utility Disconnections and former Utility Turn On/Off Procedures Policy.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4.3 Cell Phone Allowance Policy

Resolution No: 2023/138
Moved By: Stephen Nadolney
Seconded By: Nestor Rizok
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby adopt the Cell Phone Allowance Policy as per Schedule ‘A’ attached hereto;
AND THAT the Cell Phone Allowance Policy replace the Work Alone Policy and Personal Technology Policy;
AND THAT the Policy come into effect as of June 1st, 2023.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4.4 Vehicle Heat Allowance Policy

Resolution No: 2023/139
Moved By: Arnie Pedersen
Seconded By: Nestor Rizok
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby adopt the Vehicle Heat Policy as per Schedule ‘A’ attached hereto.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5. Financial

5.1 Financial Statements: Review

5.2 Audit Questionnaire

Resolution No: 2023/140
Moved By: Stephen Nadolney
Seconded By: Nestor Rizok
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby approve the internal audit questionnaire as requested by Sensus Auditors;
AND THAT the Reeve be authorized to sign on behalf of the Municipality.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.3 IMCD Beaver Program: Review Allocations

5.4 SVPD 2023 Budget

Resolution No: 2023/141
Moved By: Stephen Nadolney
Seconded By: Jarrett Mosiondz
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby approve the 2023 Swan Valley Planning District budget, including the municipal requirements in the amount of $2,136.52;
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Rural Municipality of Mountain confirm the municipal contribution of $9,375.00 for the Development Plan upgrades, pending grant approval.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.5 Adobe Pro Membership

Resolution No: 2023/142
Moved By: Arnie Pedersen
Seconded By: Jarrett Mosiondz
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby approve one Adobe Pro subscription for the Municipal Office.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.6 Birch River Fire Department Tires

Resolution No: 2023/143
Moved By: Stephen Nadolney
Seconded By: Nestor Rizok
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby approve the purchase of new tires for the Birch River tanker truck to a maximum of $4,000.00.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.7 Mafeking Public Works

Resolution No: 2023/144
Moved By: Stephen Nadolney
Seconded By: Nestor Rizok
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby approve the purchase of a new weed eater for Mafeking Public Works to a maximum of $1,000.00.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.8 Mafeking Truck Fill Pump Replacement

Resolution No: 2023/145
Moved By: Stephen Nadolney
Seconded By: Jarrett Mosiondz
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby approve the purchase and installation of the Mafeking Truck Fill pump as per the attached quote from Mullin’s Plumbing and Heating.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.9 Manitoba Conservation & Climate Fund: Waste Initiative Studies

5.10 Dutchak Ford Crossing Repair

Resolution No: 2023/146
Moved By: Stephen Nadolney
Seconded By: Nestor Rizok
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby enter into a Construction Management agreement with Pier Solutions for the DFA repairs to Site #166 as per Schedule ‘A’ attached hereto;
AND THAT the CAO be authorized to sign on behalf of the Municipality.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.11 Outstanding DFA Sites: Utilize Local Contractors

5.12 Speed Radar Signs: Investigate Effectiveness

5.13 Accounts Payable

Resolution No: 2023/147
Moved By: Arnie Pedersen
Seconded By: Jarrett Mosiondz
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Cheque Nos.20230422 to 20230476 be approved for payment in the amount of $52,305.82, including Council Indemnities in the amount of $6,003.63 as per By-Law 03/22 and Direct Deposit Payroll in the amount of $8,979.62 as attached hereto as Schedule ‘A’;
AND FURTHER IT BE RESOLVED THAT the direct payment amount of $7,787.73 for Receiver General for April 2023 be hereby approved.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6. Personnel

6.1 Hometown Green Team Program: Review Grant

6.2 Pine River Public Works

Resolution No: 2023/148
Moved By: Stephen Nadolney
Seconded By: Arnie Pedersen
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby hire the current Water Plant Operator in Pine River for the additional hours and employment requirements of the Pine River Public Works position as per Schedule ‘A’ attached hereto.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6.3 Birch River Public Works

Resolution No: 2023/149
Moved By: Jarrett Mosiondz
Seconded By: Brad Wyatt
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby hire Jalanna Cote as Birch River Seasonal Public Works;
AND THAT wages and terms of employment be as stated in Schedule ‘A’ attached hereto.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7. Ward Reports & Work Orders

Resolution No: 2023/150
Moved By: Stephen Nadolney
Seconded By: Arnie Pedersen
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby approve Work Orders #20/2023 to #25/2023 attached hereto.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8. Delegations/Petitions

8.1 10:30 a.m. John Christensen, Kirby Christensen Animal Control

9. Meeting Attendance and Reports

9.1 AMM June District Meeting: Roblin, MB

Resolution No: 2023/151
Moved By: Jarrett Mosiondz
Seconded By: Nestor Rizok
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain be hereby authorized to attend the AMM June District meeting to be held June 22nd, 2023 in Roblin, MB;
AND THAT expenses be allowed for same.
For: 6 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Councillor Pedersen left the meeting.

10. General Business

10.1 Property Cleanup: Padley

Resolution No: 2023/152
Moved By: Stephen Nadolney
Seconded By: Nestor Rizok
WHEREAS an ORDER under the Rural Municipality of Mountain Property Standards By-Law was issued on November 10th, 2022 for 318 1st Ave, Pine River;
AND WHEREAS the Municipality has reviewed the application for appeal and were able to investigate the situation and received a report from the Development Officer;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby confirm the specifications in ORDER No. PROPERTY 2022-07 and pursue final notice and enforcement 318 1st Ave, Pine River.
For: 5 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

10.2 Property Cleanup: Birch River Landlord

Resolution No: 2023/153
Moved By: Jarrett Mosiondz
Seconded By: Nestor Rizok
WHEREAS there are aesthetic and safety concerns in relation to the following privately owned properties within the LUD of Birch River:
345 Lorne Ave North
120 Victoria Ave North
118 4th Street
117 4th Street
406 Victoria Ave North
118 Corbett Ave
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby confirm the issuance of Property Cleanup Orders under Property Standards By-Law No. 06/2020 for all of the above mentioned locations;
AND THAT the CAO be authorized to sign on behalf of the Municipality.
For: 5 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

10.3 Fire Services Agreement: Minitonas-Bowsman

Resolution No: 2023/154
Moved By: Jarrett Mosiondz
Seconded By: Brad Wyatt
WHEREAS it is deemed expedient and in the best interests of both municipalities to enter into an agreement for the provision of improved fire protection services for the Rural Municipality of Mountain and Minitonas-Bowsman residents;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby enter into an agreement with the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman for Fire Protection Services as per Schedule ‘A’ attached hereto;
AND THAT the Reeve and CAO be authorized to sign on behalf of the Municipality.
For: 5 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

10.4 Fire Department Response – Out of Call Area: Issue Invoice

10.5 Fire Department Membership

Resolution No: 2023/155
Moved By: Jarrett Mosiondz
Seconded By: Nestor Rizok
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby declare certain members of the Rural Municipality of Mountain Fire Department as inactive or stand by members as per recommendations of the District Fire Chief as per Schedule ‘A’ attached hereto.
For: 4 Against: 1
CARRIED

10.6 Drainage License Amendment

Resolution No: 2023/156
Moved By: Nestor Rizok
Seconded By: Jarrett Mosiondz
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby approve the Application to amend Licence to Construct Water Control Work No. 17-WCW-488 as per Schedule ‘A’ attached hereto;
AND THAT the CAO be authorized to submit such an application through the Water Licencing Portal.
For: 5 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

10.7 Water Plant Backup Generators: Discussion

11. Communications

11.1 DFA Support Resolution: Carry Over Costs

Resolution No: 2023/157
Moved By: Stephen Nadolney
Seconded By: Brad Wyatt
WHEREAS municipalities who experience disasters such as the 2022 Spring Flood are thankful for the DFA funding program;
AND WHEREAS in certain situations there is a significant time lag between the payments that municipalities must pay for restoration and the time that the reports are completed and they are able to submit expense claims to the Province under this program;
AND WHEREAS municipalities are required to carry these costs, including incurring interest charges which negatively affects the municipality and their rate payers;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain request the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) to lobby the Province of Manitoba to continue to lobby the Government of Canada to amend the Federal DFAA program to include eligibility for ‘Carrying Costs’ (or interest) as a part of the program;
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain request the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to lobby the Government of Canada to amend the Federal DFAA program to include eligibility for ‘Carrying Costs’ (or interest) as a part of the program;
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT we request AMM to lobby the Province of Manitoba to re-imburse municipalities for any carrying costs that have incurred for disasters that have occured over the past five years.
For: 5 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

11.2 Ethelbert School

Resolution No: 2023/158
Moved By: Stephen Nadolney
Seconded By: Brad Wyatt
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby make a donation to the Ethelbert School 2023 graduation class.
For: Against: 5
DEFEATED

11.3 LUD of Mafeking Minutes

Resolution No: 2023/159
Moved By: Brad Wyatt
Seconded By: Stephen Nadolney
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain hereby authorize the expenditure of the LUD of Mafeking in the amount of $150.00 as per the May 7th, 2023 Minutes.
For: 5 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

12. Adjournment

Resolution No: 2023/160
Moved By: Nestor Rizok
Seconded By: Jarrett Mosiondz
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Regular Meeting of Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain be adjourned to meet again on May 24th, 2023.
Meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m.
For: 5 Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY