The following are brief reports of items from a May 12 Minden Hills committee-of-the-whole meeting.
Minden Hills accrued a surplus of nearly $700000 in 2015.
A report from chief administrative officer and treasurer Lorrie Blanchard shows a $690000 surplus for the year.
According to the report some of the major reasons for the surplus were lower than anticipated wages and benefits due to staff leaves and shortages; some buildings costs including renovations to the township office parking lot and sewer and water system being deferred until 2016; lower than anticipated equipment costs; unspent vehicle costs including $60000 in fuel; and higher than anticipated revenues from sewage inspections building permits and landfill tipping fees. The surplus is to be transferred to reserves.
Doors Open in Minden
Minden Hills will participate in Doors Open the event that invites people into unique spaces – both private and public – that are rarely open to the public in 2017.
The event has been happening within Haliburton County for a number of years alternating between the county’s four lower-tier townships.
It was last held in Minden Hills in 2013.
“The events committee is very enthusiastic about moving this ahead” said Councillor Jeanne Anthon.
A separate committee will be struck for the organization of the Door Open event itself.
Community services director Mark Coleman said the event would coalesce with celebrations for Canada’s sesquicentennial anniversary.
“It’ll be a big summer” Coleman said.
Expanding awards
Community services director Mark Coleman suggested to councillors the township add some new awards to its annual volunteer recognition activities since in recent years the existing awards have had trouble getting even one nominee each.
Coleman suggested arts and culture sports and recreation and community support/beautification as new categories as well as the creation of one central awards committee for the township rather than a selection committee for each specific award.
“To develop a better program to thank our volunteers I’m supportive of” said Reeve Brent Devolin.