ST. PAUL - After hearing feedback from the public and one possible supplier of the roll-out garbage bins, the Town of St. Paul Public Works department has decided to continue on with the current garbage pick-up route, which means those who have back alley pick-up will continue to set their garbage in the back alley.
Director of Public Works Steve Jeffery spoke to council on Monday night, requesting the municipality move ahead with the program, tender out the bins, and keep the current route for one year to see how things go.
A potential route would have seen 90 per cent of garbage being picked up curb side with the new bins. But, after hearing from the public, as well as a bin supplier, it was determined that back alley pick up would still be possible for the majority of residents, "as this seemed to be a major concern," said Jeffery.
"There are of course areas of Town that already get picked up curbside and these areas would remain this way for this program."
Jeffery also noted that the goal is to tender the supply of the waste bins now, in order to secure the product for spring of 2021.
Mayor Maureen Miller said she appreciated that Jeffery went back to his department with the concerns that have been expressed.
"It's a program for our community," said the mayor.
A motion to move ahead with tendering out the purchase of the bins was carried. The town set aside $180,000 in the 2020 capital budget for the bins.
Santa's Elves get town support
The Santa's Elves will get financial support from the Town of St. Paul.
A request was put forward at the Dec. 14 Town of St. Paul council meeting from the organization, based out of the St. Paul Regional High School. Santa's Elves typically work alongside the Knights of Columbus who put together food hampers every Christmas.
This year, the Town of St. Paul FCSS and County of St. Paul and Elk Point FCSS departments have taken over the food hampers, just for one year, with the elves working alongside them. Due to public health measures in place, the Santa's Elves have been focusing on collecting monetary donations this season.
According to CAO Kim Heyman, Santa's Elves have never put forward a request to the town for a financial contribution. Although the request did not qualify under the town's community grant policies, town council voted to support the request for $750.
The mayor said she felt the request was likely a "one off" situation due to the current pandemic, and expects the community to again support the initiative in future years.
When speaking earlier in the season, one of the elves' long-time organizers Dawn Robitaille acknowledged there would likely be challenges during this year's toy drive, since many donations come in through staff Christmas parties, and other face-to-face events.
Christmas hampers filled with food and gifts were scheduled to be handed out to families in need on Dec. 21.
No arena rentals allowed
The Town of St. Paul is not allowed to rent out its arenas to families while current restrictions are in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The municipality was hoping it could continue to offer private rentals to families who are part of one cohort, or household, but have been directed by the provincial government that it cannot be done. Arenas were closed following last week's announcement that included a number of strict measures. The measures are expected to be in place until mid-January.
