Duane Storey

The Council meeting included an update from the Lake Country Coop delegation. Agenda items added included Human Resource Policies and a 2020 Mack Anthem purchase. Financial items approved included the Statement of Financial Activities for September 2025 and the Bank Reconciliation for August 2025, alongside the payment of accounts totaling $146,599.41 (regular cheques), $88,969.60 (EFTs), and $59,198.28 (payroll/other cheques). Old business involved agreeing to pay 33% of the total charge for proposed subdivision and zoning amendments related to the Eagle Ridge Subdivision. The Council conducted a closed session for strategic planning. Bylaw No. 2025-07 regarding Fire Prevention, Management and Control was given first and second readings. The Council allowed chickens on a specific property for now and authorized proceeding with acquiring tax title on a specific parcel. Discussions regarding a rezone request were postponed pending further information. Delegates were approved for the 2025 SARM Midterm Convention. Bylaw No. 2025-08 regulating Shipping Containers was given three readings and adopted. A Joint Fire Department Memorandum of Understanding was accepted as amended, while the Town and RM Recreation MOU was postponed. A resolution was passed supporting an application for the Holbein Lagoon Upgrade project funding. An abatement for a specific parcel was approved. The Administrator's Report and Council Oral Reports were accepted. The Human Resource Policies were adopted as recommended by the HR Committee. A 2020 Mack 64T Day Cab was approved for purchase. Correspondence was received and filed, followed by another closed session for strategic planning before adjournment.

The Council meeting involved the adoption of the agenda and the acceptance of the Statement of Financial Activities for August 2025. A significant portion of the meeting involved the progression of Bylaw No. 2025-06, which was given first, second, and third readings and subsequently adopted. Council approved the payment of accounts totaling over $896,000. Old Business items, including discussions on Eagle Ridge Subdivision and Fire Policy, were postponed to the October 2025 meeting. New Business included the approval of a subdivision application (SE ¼ SEC-7-49-03-W3) and a parcel tie removal application (LSD 9 and 16 NE ¼ Section 21-51-2-W3M), which included settling the Municipal Reserve Requirement via monetary settlement. Weight restrictions for the Gayle Bridge were accepted, and a letter of support for the R.M. of Buckland regarding Fire Department Funding was approved. Furthermore, the committee structure was updated by amalgamating the Gravel and Roads committees, and self-haul gravel rates for 2025 were set. The purchase of a property (BLK/Par A Plan 101587765 NE-32-50-03-W3) was approved, and a previous motion (204.08.25) was rescinded.

The regular meeting covered several administrative and operational matters. Key discussions included the adoption of the agenda and the amendment and approval of the October 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes. Financial reports approved were the Statement of Financial Activities for October 2025 and the Bank Reconciliation for September 2025, alongside the payment of accounts totaling over \$429,000. Presentations were heard from the Pest Control Officer regarding 2025 operations and from RFNOW Internet concerning fiber internet installation. Old business resolved with the acceptance of a road compensation proposal for the Eagle Ridge Subdivision and the third reading and adoption of Fire Bylaw 2025-07. New business involved approving employee Christmas gifts of $100 Co-op gift cards, approving a letter of support for the Town of Shellbrook's housing infrastructure grant application, and submitting two applications for the 2026 Rural Integrated Roads for Growth Program. The request from the Lakeland Snowmobile Club was postponed, and the Tax Enforcement List for 2025 was acknowledged. Council confirmed eligibility for the Municipal Revenue Sharing Grant, and the RFNOW Internet request was postponed. The meeting concluded with the acceptance of the Administrator's Report and Council Oral Reports, followed by correspondence filing and an executive session for strategic planning.

The Official Community Plan for the Rural Municipality of Shellbrook No. 493 provides a comprehensive policy framework to guide the physical, economic, social, and cultural development of the RM. It aims to ensure sustainability through strategic investments and development decisions, focusing on agricultural land uses, residential development, economic growth, biodiversity preservation, and effective services and collaborations. The plan emphasizes balancing stakeholder interests, public engagement, and inter-municipal cooperation, with a commitment to regular review and updates.

The Council meeting addressed several key items, including municipal assessment exemptions for 2025, acceptance of the 2024 Audited Financial Statements, and discussions regarding Bylaw 2019-16. Decisions were made on a Custom Work Policy, casual employment, and council oral reports. The council also addressed the cost for replacement bulk water cards, the creation of a Recreation Committee, contracting for beaver control, and various items of correspondence.