Another derelict business to go

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Another derelict building will soon be erased from Rainy River's Main Street, if all goes according to plan.
On Monday evening Town Council held their regular monthly meeting and passed a motion to have the building across from Rainy River Drugs demolished by May 15, 2013.
Council agreed to write off penalties and interest on the taxes owing for the former service station, which has also served as several other businesses since the 1970s. The taxes and penalties total $2,728.08.
Conditions for the write off are as follows:
The property owner, Mr. Logan Ewald, must pay the principal owing immediately. He must also pay all costs incurred by the Town of Rain River during the tax registration process and the demolition of the building prior to May 15, 2013.
Council passed this agreement unanimously.
Other business
•Councillor Gord Armstrong received council's blessing to attend a meeting in Arborg, Manitoba this week. He will travel with Economic Development Officer Geoff Gillon of Rainy River Future Development Corporation to meet with the owner of a large factory there.
•Councillor Larry Armstrong was removed as a signing officer for the Town. Deputy Mayor Susan Carpenter was added.
•The council approved paying the cost of $355 plus taxes for Deputy-Clerk Treasurer Julie Tiboni to take the first unit of the AMCTO Municipal Administration Program.
•All of council will be going to Barwick on January 26, 2013, with expenses paid, to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Rainy River District Municipal Association.
Council also agreed to endorse Mayor Deb Ewald to remain as President of RRDMA and Councillor Gord Armstrong as the RRDMA representative to NOMA (Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association).
•Council endorsed the City of London's efforts to get heads and beds levies increased. Finance Chair Larry Armstrong said that Rainy River receives $1,050 per year.
Town Clerk Vel Vogan said that the levy has not been raised in about 20 years.
•Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition's request for their annual per capita fee of 50¢ per person, based on a population of 866, was approved.

•Council proclaimed January as National Alzheimer's Month and agreed to display the Alzheimer Society flag at the town office to raise awareness.
•Work on renovations to the dental suite at Rainy River Medical Centre are still ongoing. Council has not received a firm start up date for the new dentist.
•Councillor Larry Armstrong questioned what work RR Electric did when reading the accounts payable for the previous month. Clerk Vogan informed him that it was to wire in the gas pumps on the bulk fuel tanks at the town garage.
•Councillor Gord Armstrong noted that the locum house is progressing well and that they are in the process of picking out light fixtures.
•Mayor Ewald expressed concern about last month's approx. $1,600 gas bill for the town office. She said it seemed out of the ordinary and has asked the town office staff to look into why it was high.