All is well in Riverdale
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, April 22, 2015
By Mayor Todd Gill
The first quarter of the newly-formed Riverdale Municipality has come to pass. For those readers who have been out of the loop, Town of Rivers and RM of Daly officially amalgamated to become Riverdale Municipality as of Jan. 1 of this year. Future articles of history will speak of the last days of the incorporated Town of Rivers and the incorporated Municipality of Daly. Although neither entity holds any legal status following Dec. 31, 2014, Rivers will inevitably always be Rivers and Daly will most likely always be Daly in the minds of citizens of the day. For all corporate, legal, municipal, provincial and federal requirements, we are and will be, Riverdale Municipality.
Prior to the close of 2014, your newly-elected council sat as a Transition Committee. This committee was a legislated requirement to prepare the new municipality in that it would be able to function as of Jan. 1. As a committee, we sat independent of existing councils that governed the former jurisdictions until year end. Our committee reviewed, deliberated and formatted many policies and procedural bylaws that would govern the new municipality and prepare it to be functional right out of the gate. Our former existing CAOs of Rivers and Daly were instrumental in the formation of these policies and bylaws. Their service was invaluable as they both brought forward knowledge and history of two corporations that was critical in reaching conclusions for the new corporation.
Moving forward in early January, after adopting many policies and procedural bylaws, our two main priorities were merging and engaging staff without our few departments and creating a new financial plan for Riverdale. The interim budget was easily done utilizing past figures so the municipality could operate financially until the official financial plan is adopted following the public hearing on April 21. The financial plan for 2015 holds no surprises for anyone. Outside of scheduled equipment replacement, there is little more than general repairs and maintenance items. On the general side of the plan, we have addressed the usual items, but on the utility side of the plan, we show the projected changes to our water and sewer revenues. Everyone is quite aware of the recent history and present situation of both our water treatment facility and our waste water lagoon in Rivers. It is our intent to commence construction of a new water treatment facility this fall and in addition, our new waste water lagoon design is under further review. The water treatment facility will be cost-shared with Manitoba Water Services Board with intension of cost-sharing the waste water facility under the Build Canada Fund. Although sewer and water rate increases that will fund these projects are substantial, our rates will still be reasonable in comparison with other communities.
Considering the diversities of the two municipal jurisdictions, amalgamation has gone quite well thus far. It is true that it has not been without complications. We have encountered what I would call some inconsistencies with regards to municipal accounting and with the compliance of the Municipal Act of Manitoba. Council of the day and administrative staff, along with professional consultation, have put forth correction action for these inconsistencies and we are moving forward on a very positive note. Council has been and is moving forward with Riverdale Municipality as a unified group. Each and every member of your elected council has come to the table as a valuable asset, willing to bring forward and share knowledge of past experience as we continue to learn of rural and urban issues alike, as we look forward to opportunities and efficiencies in the new municipality.
If you happen to be in the office or on the phone with one of our administrative staff, throw them a bouquet! They have worked tirelessly throughout this process; their efforts are a true testament to their commitment to not only their positions, but to the community as well. I ask that you have patience on certain issues as they, too, are in the learning process of rural and urban issues, as well as dealing with circumstances beyond their control. Assistant CAO Lorne Green has, of his own accord, opted to retire. We wish him well in his journeys. Lorne was instrumental in the creation of governing policies and procedural bylaws for Riverdale. We have most recently hired a new assistant and she will be starting with us very soon.
As we move forward, be reassured that you have elected a very diversified and experienced council. Together, with competent staff we are fortunate to have, we will continue to find balance within urban and rural issues while maintaining the best interests and integrity of Riverdale Municipality as our highest priority.
