Town hit by vandals on Halloween

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Rainy River Town Council held its final meeting of the current term Monday with all council members present.
Council addressed recent vandalism that occurred in the community on Halloween.
Mayor Debbie Ewald asked if anything has been resolved.
Town office employee Emma Govier told council that she went to the park with Town Foreman Bob Jenson to learn how to review the town's video surveillance system records.
"It took me about an hour to learn... but one of the cameras is out. It needs to be replaced at a cost of $350," said Govier. "It may have been hit with something."
Councillor Gerry Marchuk said, "I thought we had warranty or maintenance when we purchased the system."
Govier said she would look into it and get back to council.
The vandals hit the park, the school and some private property on Halloween. The O.P.P. have been busy following up leads including examining the video from the park and the school. They have also canvassed the community asking questions.
Airport cost sharing
Mayor Debbie Ewald gave a follow-up report on the motion passed last month at council saying Rainy River would agree to explore the details of a district cost sharing for the Fort Frances airport. "There will be a meeting, but it looks like it will be after all the new councils are up and running," said Ewald.
Financial questions
Finance Committee Chair Brent Anderson asked why there were so many cheques issued out of the town general account that should have been from the sewer acct. Govier explained that there may not been enough money in sewer at that time and they are done as a payable at a later date.
Anderson also questioned why council was not provided with financial statements for October as in the past. Govier said that she thought that council only received a run of cheques each month. When she was made aware of it she emailed Town Clerk Veldron Vogan, who is on vacation, to ask about it. "She said she will do you a set for both months next meeting."
Councillor Anderson asked that the motion to pass financials be tabled until next month and council agreed.
Disgraceful
Councillor Gerry Marchuk questioned why the flags in front of the town office have not been changed. "I have issued at least two work orders to have them changed. They are disgraceful," said Marchuk. "Where do the work orders go? Is Bob (the town foreman) not getting them?"
Govier said he had picked them up.
Marchuk said it is illegal to fly a tattered Canadian Flag.
Mayor Ewald said she would personally look into the matter.
Fond wishes
At the end of the meeting Mayor Ewald expressed heartfelt thanks to Councillors Gerry Marchuk and Marilyn McAlister who will both not be returning to council.
"You have both worked hard for Rainy River. We owe you a debt of thanks." That triggered a round of applause from council.
Marchuk has served 19 years on council and McAlister a number of years at different times.

The new council will be sworn in next month.