The second monthly meeting of the Carlyle town council met on Wednesday, Aug. 20, for a relatively short meeting.
It was a different atmosphere, however, as Don Shirley resigned as mayor on Aug. 7. Alderman Roy Olmstead therefore ran the meeting.
The meeting was short as there wasn't a lot to discuss and the delegation who was to speak was unable to attend.
Correspondence and information
Council discussed various properties in town, which need to be cleaned up and letters will be sent to those they discussed asking for their help in making the town look neater.
The issue of speed along Carlyle Ave. was again addressed with complaints from community members regarding fast moving vehicles not adhering to the posted speed limit and nearly hitting pedestrians. Strategies were discussed and the town's Chief Administrative Officer, Huguette Lutz, will act on them.
Two requests for sponsorship were submitted and decided against as they were for events which had not been supported by them previously which would also lead to the pressure of sponsoring other events like them in town.
Potential new bylaw
The potential of creating a bylaw for a possible special tax was discussed. The Chamber of Commerce had spoken about creating a special tax for a new fire hall and equipment. Board members of the Chamber expressed interest in paying $100 on taxes each year to specifically be designated for the fire department's use through the town.
Seeing as the business community thought positively of it and the fire department is a necessary service the idea was entertained. Councillors discussed the potential and felt that they would entertain the idea and inquire with the general community before moving forward on anything, though the councillors all saw the benefits of the special tax as the fire hall is needed and the fire truck is to be replaced in three years. Funds specifically set aside for it would be beneficial.
Fire hydrant and water main installation
A few businesses within the town's jurisdiction expressed interest in a water main and fire hydrant north of Hwy 13. The businesses explained they pay higher premiums for insurance on their buildings because they do not have a fire hydrant near them. The businesses who presented the idea also explained they would like to share costs with the town to make it possible.
Cost will be looked into and the town will discuss the installation of this with an engineer. They are currently unable to fully entertain the plan, however, because it has not been budgeted for this year.
Traffic count at 4th Street railway crossing
Town will be going ahead with a traffic count at the 4th Street East railway crossing, but are waiting to find out the specifics Transport Canada requires before hiring a company to conduct an electronic count. As costs range for electronic counts, while they are entertaining the possibility of a manual count if it is considered acceptable by Transport Canada. The count is to determine if it should become a more controlled crossing as it is currently uncontrolled.
