Brent Anderson resigns from town council

By Ken Johnston
Editor

To all of council it is a mystery why long time town councillor Brent Anderson suddenly resigned.
The Mayor, Deb Ewald and Councillors Larry Armstrong and Gord Armstrong (Ashley Stamler was absent) all said they had no indication from Anderson that he was going to or why he resigned.
Anderson recently penned a letter of resignation from council effective June 30, 2011.
At Monday's regular meeting of council a motion accepting his resignation was accepted.
That was followed by the passing of a by-law to appoint the next runner up from last fall's elections. That was Susan Carpenter.
"She has indicated that she is interested in the position," said the Mayor.
The by-law states that Carpenter will be sworn into office at the next regular council meeting in August.
Anderson has served most of the last decade and has been the Finance Chairman on Council for several years.
Mayor Ewald asked that the Town send a letter thanking him for his years of service to the community.
Anderson did not respond to an email sent to him by the Record Monday about his decision and what the reason is.
Other Business
•Council tabled a motion to sell the public works rock truck.
•Council passed a memorandum of understanding and the agreement to merge Rainy River, Dawson and Lake of the Woods Fire Depts. into the "West Rainy River District Fire Services (WRRDFS)," effective Aug. 1, 2011.
•They also appointed Randy Asselin to be the Deputy Fire Chief of the WRRDFS.
•A motion changing the Town's signing authority was passed. Mayor Ewald, Councillor Gord Armstrong, Chief Administrative Officer Vel Vogan and Administrative Assistant Lisa Mosher now have that authority.
•Council purchased a Mueller Mega Cut drilling machine for $1,374.57 plus tax. Public Works Chair Larry Armstrong said the machine will save the town money over the long run when fixing broken water mains.
•Council authorized Mayor Ewald and CAO Vogan to sign on behalf of Rainy River the West End Locum Physician/Medical Student Housing Agreement with Big Grassy, Dawson and Lake of the Woods.
•A motion was passed to close Main St. on Sat. July 16, 2011 for Railroad Daze from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
They also agreed to close the west boat launch July 15 and 16th at Hannam Park.
•A minor variance was approved for Jerri McDougall's 113 6th St. property.