Sharla Griffiths

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgment of the traditional territory. Key discussions and actions included the acceptance of the agenda and the approval of the minutes from the January 5th regular council meeting. The consent agenda involved approving a proclamation declaring February 2026 as Heart Month. Finance reports detailed authorizations for expenditures, including 93 checks totaling over $4.2 million. Council accepted various informational reports from engineering staff, protective services, and animal services. A resolution was passed regarding the discharge of a 1995 caveat against a property, and another action approved updates to the Accessible Customer Service Policy to ensure regulatory compliance. An interim appropriation of $169,141.35 was approved for Dolphin Rec Services pending the finalization of the 2026 budget. Council also approved a letter of support for Dolphin Minor Ball's $30,000 funding application for baseball diamond improvements, and a separate letter supporting a $10,000 funding application. Information regarding upcoming webinars and invitations for council attendance was accepted. Finally, notice was given for a motion to reconsider a prior demolition order for a property at 19 Memorial Boulevard.

The agenda for the Regular Council Meeting includes processing consent items such as adding outstanding receivable accounts to taxes and filing various releases and reports from Manitoba entities, including the Auditor General and local organizations. Reports scheduled cover corporate matters (City Manager and Deputy City Manager), finance items (accounts for approval, financial statements for November 30, 2025, reserve fund report, and budget variance analysis), engineering updates, and reports from various committees (Fort Dauphin Museum Inc., Dauphin Recreation Services, and Dauphin Veterinary Services District). New business items focus on grant requests from the Parkland Chamber of Commerce and Parkland Humane Society Inc., matters related to the Tax Sale, appointing a 2027 Board of Revision, discussing the Community Safety & Well-Being Plan, reviewing the 2025 Manitoba Wildfire Evacuee Host After Action Review, and establishing Council Committees & Board Appointments and the 2026 Citizen Appointment Schedule.

The council addressed an appeal hearing regarding a demolition order for a property on Memorial Boulevard, received background information, and heard from the appellant. A decision on the appeal will be made at the next regular council meeting. The council also approved adding outstanding receivable accounts to taxes, reviewed filing items, and accepted corporate reports from the city manager and deputy city manager. The city manager highlighted snow removal plans for the airport and the retirement of the public works foreman. The deputy city manager focused on the city's efforts to address health risks associated with radon exposure, including an upcoming information session and test kit giveaway. The council authorized and approved finance accounts and accepted as information the unaudited financial statements and the reserve report.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on various topics, such as adding outstanding water accounts to taxes, approval of city accounts due by year-end, and adoption of an interim operating financial plan for the upcoming year. The council also discussed transferring excess general and utility revenues to reserve funds, withdrawing funds from the snow and ice reserve, and approving added and cancelled taxes. A community economic development initiative in partnership with Pine Creek First Nation was highlighted, as well as a radon information session and giveaway of radon test kits. Further discussions covered engineering reports, lagoon expansion upgrades, pavement studies, and reports from the building inspector, bylaw enforcement officer, and animal services officer. The council also addressed a demolition order for a property on Memorial Boulevard and the sale of surplus vehicles and equipment.

The council meeting included discussions and decisions on several key items. The agenda was amended to include outstanding water accounts added to taxes and a sharps committee update. A public hearing was held for a variance application regarding a rear yard setback for a property on Hawthorne Avenue, which was subsequently approved with conditions. The council also received a delegation from the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network, discussing harm reduction strategies and community outreach. The city also discussed advocacy for funding and staffing with provincial representatives.