Emergency roof repairs to arena
Morinville will spend $300,000 to repair the roof of its arena.
Heavy rain in August and September caused water to leak into the Morinville arena. A review of the roof and its underside determined its membrane was past its useful service life and required immediate repairs.
On Oct. 9 administration advised city council to get the repairs underway. Waiting for the next council meeting would have caused a minimum two-week delay.
Andrew Isbister, Morinville director of financial services, said emergency repairs are now taking place and will be completed in the next two weeks.
"There is no threat of the roof collapsing but with winter coming … and then you get snow on the roof and end up with it leaking onto the ice surface," he said.
"It had to be addressed and looked after."
The arena was relocated to Morinville from Namao in the 1960s. Prior to this date, the building was used as an aircraft hangar.
The repairs are currently expected to cost about $300,000 with money coming from two capital projects that were put on hold in 2012 and another $70,000 from reserves.
2013 budget town halls
Morinville residents will soon be able to participate in the 2013 budgeting process.
Town council passed first reading of the 2013 operating and capital budget Wednesday. The budget is now a public document and open for discussion.
The operating budget totals $11 million, with a proposed $3.6 million in capital projects.
The draft budget also includes $120,000 for conceptual designs for a new Morinville arena. A fire succession plan is expected to cost $30,000. The plan looks to transition the fire chief position from a volunteer to a paid position.
Morinville's main expenditure remains staffing costs. The town employs 60 full-time staff members. Salaries and wages are expected to go up by about $300,000 in 2013, covering higher costs of living and adding the position of an economic development director.
"We are looking at a regular salary increase and one additional person that would start in April and that's the economic development director," Isbister said.
Taxes are expected increase two per cent for residential and non-residential properties. Isbister said the two percent is required to meet additional commitments.
Based on estimates, the 2013 budget will take $978,844 from operational reserves, leaving an estimated $8,210.
To give Morinville residents better input to the budgeting process, council will hold two open houses on Nov. 6 and Nov. 8.
As part of the regular council meeting on Nov. 13, council also invited the public to take part in the 2013 budget public forum. Residents are invited to raise questions and provide comments. Those wanting to make a presentation must contact administration prior to the forum.
Second reading of the budget will take place Nov. 17, with a possible third reading taking place on the same day. If delayed, third reading will be held on Dec. 11.
Amendments to the budget can be made prior to its second and third reading.
Residents can also provide comments on the budget by email or through the Town of Morinville website. Further information will be made available on the website in the coming weeks.
s part of the regular council meeting on Nov. 13, council also invited the public to take part in the 2013 budget public forum. Residents are invited to raise questions and provide comments. Those wanting to make a presentation must contact administration prior to the forum.
Second reading of the budget will take place Nov. 17, with apossible third reading taking place on the same day. If delayed, third readingwill be held on Dec. 11.
Amendments to the budget can be made prior to its second andthird reading.
Residents can also provide comments on the budget by email orthrough the Town of Morinville website. Further information will be madeavailable on the website in the coming weeks.
