Darcy MacGruder, Communities in Bloom (CiB) representative and two other top volunteers gave council a review of their first year and what is to come in the future for the group on Mon. Nov. 12.
CiB hopes to get the community involved as they have a small number of volunteers at this time.
The village was entered into a contest for a few categories but overall ‘really happy with all the work.
There was no official evaluation but there was a great deal of general feedback CBI can use in the future.
First impressions were most favourable as residents seemed to be proud of their village.
The judges made a suggestion to keep a focus on one or two categories to build them up rather than ‘bite off more than we can chew’. They were encouraged to look for low hanging fruit opportunities.
The group found motivating businesses to participate was a challenge this year.
As for environmental action, the judges were happy to see a lot of things going on for use in terms of opportunities.
They suggested the village may want to work closely with the waste management commission to start a composting project and to start networking with local schools to get the program up and running. Signage was also something to look into.
Cultural elements like the veterans memorial, agriculture equipment and gold key walk impressed the judges, especially the walk.
They hope to continue working on the gold key walk and implement elements of natural heritage like trees behind the school.
Residential competition and business involvement is still top of mind. The CiB crew have an abundance of new ideas to gain volunteers and do well in competition season.
CiB requested $1,500 for their group, most of the money being dedicated to category fees for competition.
Budget 2019 consultation
Council reviewed survey responses about the upcoming 2019 budget. This information will be used to help guide the draft budget.
Areas of highest need were pinpointed first.
They found the village website is often used and overall quality of life was ranked ‘very good’. Bylaw enforcement, roads, and keeping residents informed were ranked low.
Council felt they were on top of things as most if not all of the information was things they knew were important and were already in the works.
“The community is feeling what we were already gearing towards,” said Coun. Jeremy Whelan.
Hwy 12/21 Water Commission 2019 Budget
The current water rate set for the Village of Clive sits at $2.88 per cubic metre. Most council’s have been aware of an imminent increase in water prices but at the last water commission gathering, a large jump was asked of all the members.
Mayor Luci Henry, along with other members of the meeting, were confused as to the sudden pricing change.
It was initially thought that slow increment increases to the water price would be used and that it would be $40,000. Now it says $60,000 on paper since they require a better operating reserve as pipes and other equipment is replaced.
With this increase, it makes the village contribution go up by $3,000.
Council made a motion to send comments of the budget to request operating reserve be adjusted from $60,000 to $40,000.
Although council can voice their concerns, the commission is still able to dictate prices however they see fit.
Crime Prevention Program
Council wanted to see what kind of options they could do as far as crime prevention goes within the village.
They would like to have a report to see the record of frequency and kinds of crimes are taking place.
Council highlighted the value of reporting an incident big or small regardless of whether it gets solved or not. If more incidents are reported, more enforcement will be needed to cover the area.
Lock it or Lose it is a simple awareness campaign done by the RCMP where officers put information in drivers windshields if their doors are unlocked to demonstrate how easy it is to have their vehicle stolen.
A workshop information session was passed by council and will take place to give residents a better understanding as to how they can be helpful to the community.
Terri Huxley
ECA Review
