The Town of Langenburg held their annual ratepayers meeting on Thursday, October 19th.
Mayor Jeremy Stasiuk thanked councillor Ashley Sieben for joining the team, Joanne Weinheimer for taking over the CAO role, Tanya Menzies for helping in the office and Karen Nernberg for helping in the office on a casual basis.
Joanne McDonell stepped into the position of Director of Sport, Leisure, Culture and Promotions. Another new staff member is Kyle Graham who filled in with the outdoor staff while Dave Tucker was on leave this summer; Kyle has transitioned over to the rink and things are going well there.
A by-election is coming up as Joanne McDonell had to resign her council seat after accepting the Director position. Next year there is a general election and the public is encouraged to participate.
Mayor Stasiuk wanted to thank the council and those who work with the town for all their effort over the past year.
Transportation Services Report from Councillor Ashley Sieben
Ashley is three months into his term on council. Sieben explained what the committee is responsible for. He mentioned the creeks were cleared and trees were cut around town. Next year, they are trying to budget for a new service truck and possibly a new dump truck. The town is still repaying the loans on the street sweeper and grader. No paving took place this year. Sieben wanted to thank the town staff for the work they did throughout the past year.
Utilities, Sanitation and Public Protection Report from Councillor Rodney Lundgren
Councillor Lundgren mentioned there was a $750 bill in July for recycling contamination and a $2500 cost so far this year already. If anyone has any trouble understanding which materials can be recycled, the town has a convenient recycling sheet available at the town office that helps residents understand what is accepted without costing the town this recycling fee.
Rodney mentioned lots of people are walking across the rail lines and this is a danger.
Councillor Lundgren said thanks to the office and the town staff for their excellent work.
Community Development Chairperson Report from Councillor Jeff Farmer
Councillor Farmer mentioned the rest stop gazebo tender was not accepted the first time it went out and the project is still on the list of things to proceed with. When the washroom at the rest stop was built there were costs that the town received a grant for.
Speaking about the senior housing project, Jeff mentioned it is still a go and is now in the hands of the investment board. Credit was given to Deputy Mayor Lorrie Popp for his help with the project. The project has been delayed but it will start in March to avoid the cost of development in winter. The plan is to build 12 suits with indoor parking. There are still some investment opportunities available, as well as tenant spots.
Farmer mentioned the new businesses in town building and how the economy is expanding. Developments are ongoing at the sports grounds as well.
The councillor mentioned the successful hotdog fundraising sale for the rink.
He commented on bylaw enforcement and mentioned we all have to do our part to follow the bylaws as the town does not have a paid bylaw officer, saying, “Keep our town impressive”.
Mayor Stasiuk added that we have an RCMP detachment in town who are stretched very thin. In addition to bylaws, it is important to help out with following road rules and all the laws. He added, “We just want everyone to get home safe”.
Next year, the highway is supposed to see repairs but residents are encouraged to contact their local MLA to encourage the project’s forward movement.
Finance Report from Councillor Lorrie Popp
Councillor Popp thanked all the ratepayers for their attendance and mentioned how proud he is of the town’s growth. The 2020 census report said 1165 people lived in town with 518 active households in the community. The average age of residents was listed as 43, and a $90,000 average household income; the numbers should increase in the 2024 census. Grants are based on a per capita number so census data is highly important to the town’s grant income.
In 2023, tax assessment produced $1,347,000 of money that could be used in Langenburg. The town has a total projected income for 2023 of $3,144,000.
Expenses include general government services of $499,723, police protection cost of $108,000 which continues to go up, fire protection cost of $94,791 which is shared with the RM, transportation services cost of $330,163, recreation service cost of $782,603 (including cost of rink, pool, library, hall and sports grounds).
Utilities had a cost of $387,620 due to major repairs to some of the membranes at the RO water plant this year which were costly.
The town’s budget reserves declined in 2023 from $1,407,000 in 2022 to $1,372,000.
Councillor Popp spoke about a forward plan as costs are rising, mentioning they will need to do more with less.
Popp ended his speech by thanking the community minded investors who have taken on the senior housing project.
Employee Relations Report from Councillor Brad Sicinski
Councillor Sicinski reiterated points from Mayor Stasiuk’s speech.
Brad mentioned the town crew employees are doing great and are keeping the town in great shape. He also mentioned the town hired former-councillor Joanne McDonell for the position of Director of Sport, Leisure, Culture and Promotions.
Questions from the Public
Will the town have the south-side sidewalk at the new Credit Union location moved back to give a larger walkway during winter?
The town will make a note of the concern and see what can be done. The council agreed that something will be done before winter.
Is there a bylaw about keeping a building’s appearance up?
Property taxes are being paid on the property in question, which ties the town’s hands for enforcing it to be condemned. They want to see improvements on the property, but do not want to cost taxpayers a bunch of money.
What are the bylaws for stray animals?
Your pets are supposed to be on your property and be licensed through the town office. With a lack of a bylaw enforcement officer, it is a difficult issue to solve. If a stray cat is found, it is taken to the vet and ratepayers pay the cost. Letters can be sent to residents regarding the issue, and these often do help. Dogs must be on a leash or within 3m of it. A portion of the town’s money from pet licensing fees goes towards helping different pet related shelters.
Can the drains be looked at on Avenue A East?
A resident asked about the drains on Avenue A East were not draining well. Foreman Tucker mentioned the ones mentioned need replacing and is on the town’s agenda to be dug up and replaced. A pot hole was inquired about which is on the agenda.
What is the town’s road and manhole infrastructure plan?
The transportation infrastructure plan is at the mercy of inflation but will be looked into at budget time next year.
What is the update for the rest stop area and the walking trail?
The rest stop area started as a good idea and ended up getting more expensive continually. The walking trail was an ambitious plan, but the reality is that the council would have to spend more money than they planned. The walking trail project has not been given up on and there will be a report presented in December.
Can you give an update with the RCMP patrolling in the area?
The RCMP area has been in the area often, especially in areas of need like the school. It is a very safe community and the council is grateful for their work.
Recreation Report from Director of Sport, Leisure, Culture and Promotions Joanne McDonell
Joanne started in her new position on September 1st and it has been a busy month and a half. McDonell has been busy reaching out to the various community groups, wrapping up the swimming pool and getting the skating rink going. The director position was vacant for a year, but much progress is being made. The director mentioned she is very passionate about the community and she will try her best to help with any questions or concerns.
Mayor Stasiuk ended the meeting by thanking the council and staff for their work.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.