Speed limit change rejected

Details

Published on Tuesday, February 23, 2016

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

Neepawa Town Council Meeting - Tuesday, Feb. 16

Speed Limit change rejected:

A request from the Town of Neepawa to lower the speed limit on a portion of Highway 16 has been rejected. Municipal officials had asked the Highway Traffic Board to decrease the speed limit on a two and a half kilometre stretch just east of town to 80 kilometres an hour.

A section of that road already has an 80 kilometre speed limit, but the Town wanted that restriction extended even further east. The Traffic Board denied the request, stating that in their estimation, the current speed limit is appropriate for the conditions of the roadway and the surrounding development.

Town reconsiders Dutch Elm Program:

Neepawa has changed course on its stand against the province’s dutch elm disease program.  The agreement outlines that the province would provide $181.32 per tree removed to municipal governments, as well as $2,000 for administration. That rate brought forward by the Manitoba Government was less than what’s been provided to municipalities in the past.

Last month, Town Council opted to vote against the agreement, noting that they were disappointed with the rate reduction, as they believe it would create a burden on taxpayers. Some councillors also questioned the overall effectiveness of the program.

But after further research and deliberation was done on the proposal, mayor Adrian de Groot suggested that council should accept the deal. He also stressed however, that Neepawa should continue to lobby the Association of Manitoba Municipalities to push for additional provincial financial assistance in managing the problem.

It was also suggested that Town Council look at the development of a policy of cost recovery when performing eradication measures such as removal and or spraying programs to comply with this Act.

Spring Registration Night:

Neepawa’s Leisure Services Department has made arrangements to host a Community Spring Registration night on Tuesday Mar. 8. Representatives with minor baseball, soccer, junior golf, swimming, the boxing club and the Bowhunters Association have all confirmed attendance at the event. Registration night will run from 7-9 pm at the Yellowhead Hall.

General Swimming Pool Update:

Leisure Services has applied for a Community Places Grant to offset the costs of the critical repairs at the swimming pool. The upgrades are needed for the drainage system, as well as leaks and membrane repairs. The total cost of the work is estimated at $44,343.  The grant application is for just over $17,000. Community Places is reviewing the application.

Canada Day fireworks:

Town Council has approved spending just under $7,500 for the purchase of fireworks for Canada Day.  Archangel Fireworks Inc, based out of Winnipeg will provide the fireworks.