Carman council addressed major financial approvals, staffing matters, policy updates and ongoing development issues across its Oct. 7 and Oct. 16 regular meetings, advancing several administrative and operational files as the municipality prepares for 2026.
At the Oct. 7 meeting, council approved the Town of Carman’s 2024 audited financial statements following a presentation from BDO Canada LLP. CAO Susan Stein said the municipality “ended the year in a surplus; and there were no concerns from the auditor. The only recommendation was to move any surplus into the General Reserve in the future.”
Council also authorized a $60,000 withdrawal from the Machinery Replacement Reserve to support the budgeted purchase of a public works truck. Stein said the truck is needed to support “day-to-day public works operations such as hauling materials, maintaining roads and infrastructure, responding to emergencies, and completing seasonal tasks.” She noted that fleet replacements are based on “the vehicle’s age and mileage, rising maintenance and repair costs, operational downtime, safety concerns, whether the vehicle still meets current operational needs, and overall cost-effectiveness over its lifecycle.”
Council confirmed $125,000 in reserve transfers to the machinery, storm sewer, fire department, general and utility accounts. Stein said these contributions “strengthen the municipality’s long-term financial stability and ensure essential assets can be maintained and replaced when needed.”
Members also supported a resolution calling on the province to increase the Manitoba Water Services Board’s capital budget to $100 million starting in 2026. Stein said expanded funding would support “large scale projects in the future such as lagoon expansion and work at the Pembina Valley Water Coop where we purchase our water and are members with other municipalities.”
Council received updates on upcoming planning-district open houses, employee benefits comparisons, Clearwater Memorial Park grand-opening photos and a denied signage request for the industrial park. Stein said the request was turned down because “the signage is not in conformity with the by-law. They would need to apply for a conditional use to place the sign. The application would need to be made to the Planning District. The new zoning by-law will have the same regulation regarding off-site signage.”
Committee reports from numerous community groups and regional bodies were received, including planning, recreation, protective services, the Carman Wellness Committee, Boyne Regional Library, Carman Handi Van, watershed districts and the Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation. Council also reviewed communications related to the municipal operating grant, correspondence about the PTH 3 bridge closure, RCMP contract-management minutes, the September water outlook, lagoon licence renewal information, the MMSM 2024 audit and a notice of service impact from the Pembina Valley Water Cooperative. Community announcements included upcoming wellness suppers, a volunteer-fair discussion, a Boyne River Keepers educational event, a seniors’ coffee session with MLA Lauren Stone and fall line-dancing lessons.
At the Oct. 16 meeting, council approved a new termination policy outlining procedures for voluntary and involuntary staff departures. Stein said the policy “strengthens HR governance by providing clear, consistent procedures for both voluntary and involuntary departures.”
Council also ratified updated employment agreements for CAO Susan Stein and Public Works Director Joe Richardson through 2028. Stein said the new terms bring administrative leadership in line with previously negotiated employee agreements. “We approved new agreements as we had already negotiated the employee agreement through 2028 but not for myself and Joe, so now the timelines of the agreement match the employee’s agreement,” she said. “Multi year contracts support better long-term planning, organizational stability and generally improve recruitment and retention as employees know what the organization provides/requirements.”
Council voted to transition employee medical and dental benefits from Canada Life to Manitoba Blue Cross effective Dec. 1. Stein said Canada Life’s rates were expected to rise sharply, making Blue Cross a more stable option. “Staff will notice no changes other than therapeutic options go from $750 a year to $500.00,” she said.
Members also confirmed the town’s annual Christmas gift of $250 in Chamber Bucks for full-time staff and $125 for part-time staff. Stein said the program “ensures the money is spent locally, directly supports local business and shows support for the Community Chamber.”
Development-related items included amendments to water and sewer servicing in Parkview Estates due to Manitoba Hydro requirements, notice of a public hearing for Lite Stop Foods, and approval to retain PKF Lawyers in connection with rail-line matters in the industrial park. Stein said the legal review will help the town respond to potential new business interest. “We have had some inquiries into adding a spur line however there were some questions on who owns/operates different portions of the rail, so we were looking for Clarity, so we are proactive and not reactive when there are inquires,” she said.
Council also appointed Les Vanderveen and Debbie Iverson to the Carman Community Health Centre Board for three-year terms and approved a shared Hydro billing agreement between the town and the Carman Legion for joint utility costs.
Committee reports were again received from planning, protective services, the chamber of commerce, the Dufferin Agricultural Society and the Carman Handi Van, along with the CAO’s monthly report. Communications included an in memoriam notice related to the AMM Fall Convention, a Carman Wellness Connections update and information on the provincial security-camera rebate program. Seasonal events were also highlighted, including a Halloween scavenger hunt on Oct. 25 at Ryall Park and an accessible Halloween village hosted by Carman 5 Pin Bowl on Oct. 31.
Council moved in and out of closed sessions at both meetings to address personnel and development matters before concluding the proceedings.
