“We are nine months into the reduction of hours at the Minto location. It is time to implement any changes to process that meetings and training should have provided within the past nine months. We feel that the function of the municipality’s operation is achievable from two locations using today’s technology,” Campbell said during his presentation.
He outlined the challenges of the amalgamated municipality. It is 42 miles wide and 12 miles deep, he said. Having an office in Minto allows them to have a point of contact with 35% of its ratepayers. As he pointed out in his presentation, the more easterly office allows for a better, equal delivery of services to all citizens. He listed many, such as assistance with water utility issues and building permits, tax and utility payments, grant information and access to Minto philanthropic fund information. This, he said, is difficult with only two days a week opening.
“If it is open full time, they could use that space to communicate with ratepayers, to assist people in the municipality.”
He added there is only one person in the office when open. The space could be used for economic development and recreation people as well, better utilizing it. Campbell also said an expenses and income review of the two offices presented to council at their August 8 meeting indicated there was no financial value to the new situation.
There was a new concern that helped prompt the delegation to council. At their previous meeting, a councillor brought forward a motion to close the Minto office altogether. Although it did not receive a seconder, it put a bit of fear into Minto residents about their future. Campbell said he could not speculate as to whether the motion could have passed, but if it was seconded, it would be a possibility.
Grassland Reeve Bruce Evans said the existence of the office was not in doubt.
“I guess because it didn’t get a seconder, there was no support to close it,” explained Evans.
The reeve said the decision to change the Minto office to Tuesday and Thursday opening came about because of the hiring of a new CAO last year. There was a request to have all of the staff over at Hartney to get everyone on the same page and do some training. He added this is still ongoing, as they try to make staff members capable of doing different tasks. A motion was passed at the Tuesday meeting to keep the office open on the present schedule for now at least. Evans added at this point, he could not speculate on whether it would be open more in the future, but also said he did not foresee it closing.
Stephanie Robertson, president of the board that administers the Mini Mustang Corral daycare, presented their concerns to the meeting. The daycare moved its operations to the old restaurant space last year. She gave an overview of the project to council, the daycare’s numbers of children and employees and activities. As she explained, the daycare serves the needs of more than 30 families in Minto and surrounding area and has been full for the last several years. Robertson said that when they were doing the renovation project, having the municipal office available every day was essential.
“At the beginning, we required lot information, town maps, assistance with arranging the land survey and beginning the process of applying for a building permit. As our project progressed, we accessed the Minto office for helping us find available grants and getting us in touch with the public health inspector. The final stage of the project required further public health involvement, fire inspection, obtaining a building permit and occupancy license and helping with the sale of one of our previously owned buildings, all of which the Minto office was accessed for assistance,” she said during her presentation.
Although much is finished, Robertson said they are still working on developing an outdoor space to be accessed by the community. Having the administrative office open full time to help with permits, for example, is essential.
After the meeting, Robertson said Minto is a growing community, with a strong school – with the highest kindergarten enrollment in two decades - as well as daycare, and great spirit. In the past month, she has welcomed three new neighbours, none of which have a previous connection to the town.
“Our population is increasing,” Robertson explained, “We need to maintain our services, if not increase them. There doesn’t seem to be a clear, transparent reason for limiting services.”
“We would like more of a municipal presence, not less.”
Campbell said they would like to see a fair and transparent decision-making process, in which the LUD and community have a voice. At the end of the day, they want to stay on top of the issue and work toward a solution.
“We want to monitor what happens,” he said. “We want to keep the ear of the councillors and make our case. Council has a tough job on a day-to-day basis. As ratepayers, we have to respect the process. If we can affect what is happening before it does, we will.”
“We hope we were heard last night,” added Robertson, “and that council will engage the community of Minto, and collaborate on more services for the community.”
Evans said the meeting was respectful and informative, and the community made a strong impression.
“The Minto people came and made their presentations,” he explained. “They showed great passion for their office. The passion showed by the people really was impressive. It is good to see.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff