The Carlyle Town Council met on Wednesday, Sept. 17, to discuss topics surrounding the town currently.
Drainage ditch discussion
The Carlyle and District Lions Club sent representatives including Norm Riddell, Leo Grossman, Dennis Feduk, and Ron Paul to discuss the drainage ditch recently constructed near the campground. This topic had been under discussion earlier in the night as well with an individual having submitted a letter of concern.
The Lions came with five main questions including what the immediate plan is for the project, if an engineer was consulted, why the ditch is so deep, why a storm sewer wasn't used, and where town sees the future of Lions Campground. These questions came after the letter of concern from another individual regarding standing water in the trench.
The councillors responded to the concerns by explaining the project is not yet complete. The ground became saturated and the contractor is unable to continue the project currently because of the wetness of the ground. Additionally they said the standing water, once the project is complete and spring runoff makes its way through the trench then a natural run will develop eliminating the standing water.
Though they did not use an engineer to specifically develop the plan one had been consulted regarding the project previously and the engineer's solution was to install a storm sewer through the ball diamonds and campground. With the need to get water moving, as multiple basements had been flooded due to the back up of this system the town wanted to act quickly. They used the exceptional knowledge of town employees and the contractor regarding the trench.
The deepness of the trench was said to be due to having started at 4th St. East and needing to keep a continuous grade from this starting point to the end of the run. Councillors also assured the Lions a fence would be erected and had always been part of their plan pertaining to the drainage ditch.
In regards to why a storm sewer was not buried in this area council needed to act immediately to prevent further flooding of homes where the water had been backing up. Seeing as the project had not been in the budget when the issue presented they needed to do something cost efficient and explained it could be revisited in the new budget or in a future budget. If a storm sewer could be placed in the now existing trench and covered, it would also allow two camping spots in the Lions Campground to expand from only fitting 12 ft units.
As for the future of the campground, council was adamant that it is an important part of the community and if any changes come to the campground they hope it is an expansion south.
The town had met with Lions members prior to beginning work on the trench and both the Lions and Council hope to work together moving forward ensuring a continued harmonious relationship. For now it was decided to finish the current drainage ditch, add fencing, and revisit it in the spring once the runoff makes its way through it.
Possible special tax
The special levy discussed in prior meetings was again addressed. There is the possibility the town will have enough to match the amount being given by the R.M., which in an agreement the town had proposed they each put the same amount in.
The town has to match the R.M.'s contribution, but there is a chance that this may be accomplished without the introduction of a tax. The creation of a fire fund, however, would be beneficial as when costly items need to be replaced the money is there.
Council is tabling the discussion until they work on budget.
Other discussion
The suggestion was made to use different light bulbs in the street lights along Main Street. The current energy efficient ones being used are rather sensitive to weather conditions and many continually are not working.
Trees along the east side of the elementary school are making it difficult to see, so these will be trimmed.
Bylaw No. 2014-12, A bylaw to amend zoning bylaw 2010-06 was read. This bylaw changes the currently zoned Community Service (CS) area which includes a house and two low rental properties to Residential (R) 2.
