Council unanimously approved a capital budget of nearly $4.28 million, Jan. 20, that will include the purchase of a new pump truck for the fire department, a grader for snow removal, a Zamboni for the arena, the reconfiguration of the intersection of Geikie and Miette streets and the payment of ongoing bills for the long-overdue library and cultural centre.
Of the overall budget, $2.46 million is covered by federal and provincial grant funding; the remaining $1.82 million is covered by the municipality’s restricted funds.
Administration reduced the proposed budget by nearly $150,000 before presenting it for a decision. Making up the reduction are a number of projects that administration has listed under the heading “items for future consideration in 2015.”
Falling in that pool are seven projects, four of which were added to the list pending the approval of the operating budget—which, earlier this month, was passed on an interim basis in order for the 2014 year-end numbers to arrive.
That budget includes a $167,500 transfer to restricted funds that would allow the culture and recreation department to maintain and repair its facilities. If council chooses not to approve that transfer, the four projects now listed for future consideration will not be completed this year.
Those include the replacement of automatic door openers in the activity centre, upgrades to the fire protection system in the curling rink, playground equipment and the replacement of the aquatic centre’s washroom cubicles.
Also included for consideration—although not contingent on the operating budget—are repairs and maintenance projects for the waste water treatment plant, the purchase of new municipal pickup trucks and two frost probes.
The deferred projects tally up to $366,000.
“These items may come back for future consideration if our restricted funds can support them,” said Alice Lettner, director of finance, adding that they could also come back if the province continues its Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) grant funding.
The municipality usually receives a Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) capital grant each year from the province, but with the current economic climate created by dropping oil prices, Lettner said she can’t trust that funding will come this year.
In 2014, the capital grant was for $1.4 million. Of that, the municipality still has $900,000 left, which it will use in 2015 to purchase the new grader, as well as replacement garbage bins. It will also be used to pay off part of the loan for the fitness centre.
As the capital budget stands, there is no reliance on forthcoming provincial MSI grants.
“I feel a little hesitant dedicating all of our MSI—either capital or operating—until we have a definite announcement from the provincial government as to whether or not the level we are anticipating is actually going to be received,” Lettner said.
This has affected one project in particular.
Administration intended to put funding toward the underground water and sewer line replacements in the neighbourhood of Bonhomme Street and Colin Crescent, but it has removed that funding, leaving only $150,000 to do the preliminary work to investigate the existing pipes and valves.
“We have decided to delay that project so that frees up that funding for other activities, which include completion of the library, the grader purchase and a few other small items that we will dedicate our MSI towards,” said Lettner, referring to the remaining grant funds from 2014.
“If we receive funding in 2015, depending on how much we receive, we may be able to do certain things, like perhaps apply some of it to the Zamboni and therefore free up more of the restricted funds in culture and rec to do those four delayed projects.
“We may also be able to apply some of it to the projects that have been delayed for operations, because the level of funding in their restricted funds right now just won’t support all of the activities they would like to undertake right now.”
The major projects that will be undertaken in 2015 include the purchase of a new pumper truck for $573,810. That truck is required in order for the fire department to comply with national fire standards, which directly affect fire insurance rates.
Of the purchase, Mayor Richard Ireland expressed some frustration, saying it seems sad to replace a perfectly good truck merely for insurance purposes.
But, on Jan. 20, council unanimously approved a request to purchase the new pumper truck, allowing Fire Chief Greg Van Tighem to sign the sales agreement.
Another significant expenditure is for the purchase of a new grader, which comes in at $300,000.
Director of Operations, Bruce Thompson came to council late last year requesting that the purchase of a new grader be expedited, as the one the municipality owns has broken down numerous times this winter season and has reached the end of its life.
The other big ticket item is a Zamboni, which became a necessity after last year’s arena fire. Since then, there have been numerous problems with the machine, forcing the municipality to rent a reliable Zamboni to ensure the ice is smooth for every game and practice.
A new Zamboni was ordered last year and will arrive in the spring. It’s budgeted at $165,000.
Administration has also budgeted for the reconfiguration of the intersection at Geikie and Miette streets.
The Traffic Advisory Committee has had that intersection on its priority list for a number of years, as it often causes confusion and leads to constant near misses between passing vehicles.
The plan is to create a four-way stop and to clear sight lines for drivers travelling in all directions.
To see the 2015 capital budget in its entirety, visit the municipal website and check the Jan. 20 council agenda.
Nicole Veerman
[email protected]
