Please find below a recap of our most recent meeting.
This meeting had presentations from a couple of different parties.
The John Howard Society of Brandon
First, a presentation from the John Howard Society of Brandon. This was my first real interaction with the organization, and I found their presentation captured quite well the services they provide in our community. Ted Dzogan, President of the Board of Directors for the John Howard Society spoke of the work their organization does in the region. Particularly I like their focus on initiatives that reduce the rate of recidivism in our community.
Their work includes (but is not limited to):
– Operation of a Men’s Resource Centre
– Assistance with post-incarceration services
– Anger Management Counselling
– Mediation Services
and a host of other worthwhile community initiatives.
(Their presentation begins at the 1:35 mark of the video below)
The Central Council of Community Centres
Next up was a presentation from Rick Gray, Chair of the Central Council of Community Centres. The Central Council is the main granting body for the funds expended by the city for repairs and upgrades to the various community centres in our city. I had the opportunity from 2015-2018 to sit on the Executive for the Central Council (as the Valleyview representative), before stepping down in 2018 to run for city council.
This presentation covered some of the improvements to the centre’s since the review was undertaken, and had the gallery full of centre volunteers in support of council’s continued role in ensuring the centres remain viable.
(You can watch their presentation at the 20:48 mark of the video).
Council also received a presentation from a resident of the city who was expressing concern with the Manitoba Provincial Assesment branch. He presentation has been referred for further study by council.
Samaritan House Ministries
During the presentation portion of the evening, council heard a presentation from John Jackson of Samaritan House Ministries in Brandon. Mr. Jackson is seeking to source a study on the feasibility of a year-round shelter in the city. His request (of $6,000) to facilitate the study will be referred to council’s 2020 budget deliberations.
(You can watch this portion beginning at the 1:26:00 mark of the video)
Following that, we had the ratification of a 2-year agreement with the ATU (Transit) for the City of Brandon. The new agreement will expire in December 2020 and has a 1% increase per year (2019, 2020).
Lastly, the purchase of a couple of tractors for Parks and Recreation usage. The purchase was awarded to Mazergroup of Brandon (the low bidder on the RFP).
You can watch the full meeting here:
I think that is all for now. If you have any questions, feel free to let me know.
Cheers,
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