News Releases
- Extra Tree Pruning to Accommodate Snow Removal of Driveways
Extra tree pruning is being done on the trees that line the streets of Morden. The decision to go ahead with snow clearing of the driveways, when the snow is approximately over 12” high, has made it necessary to trim the lower branches on the boulevard trees. In order to clear the driveways the snow clearing equipment needs to get closer to the property. A survey of all the trees identified many trees require extra pruning.
This will be a joint project with the Public Works Department, the Community Services Department and 1 , 2 Tree Services. Regular tree pruning which makes up 80% of the pruning will be done at the same time. The special pruning for snow clearing is expected to take two weeks.
Residents are asked to be cautious when passing the tree pruning crews. Your patience during this process is most appreciated.
“Tree pruning takes place every winter, the difference this year is making sure that the snow removal equipment can get close enough to the end of the driveways to clear the snow. The weather is certainly cooperating in providing us time to complete the task, however, it may mean that you see crews in your area more than once. The initial pruning will be to remove the branches in the way of the snow clearing equipment and possibly returning to address the rest of the tree later. Although this may not be the most efficient way of completing the task, it may be required if a heavier snowfall is in the forecast.” said Clare Agnew – Director of Community Services.
“Public Works surveyed the Town and identified the trees requiring attention by painting a green dot on the trunk of the tree. Our crews are assisting with equipment and cleanup,” said Les Wieler – Public Works Department.
November 21st, 2011 - New Facility Maintenance & Recreation Manager For Morden
The Town of Morden is pleased to announce the appointment of Gerry Leiding as the Facility/Recreation Manager, reporting to the Director of Community Services. Gerry is replacing Gord Maddock who retired after serving Morden for over 28 years.
This is a full time administrative and supervisory position with responsibilities for recreational programming, operation and maintenance of the facilities that are operated by the Town of Morden Community Services Department. Responsibilities include hands-on management and operation of the beach and campground facilities.
Gerry was born and raised in Morden. His experience in construction and time spent volunteering in minor sports will benefit him in this position.
“I am honoured to be selected for this position and look forward to serving the community in this capacity,” said Gerry Leiding.
“Gerry brings many strengths to the Facility Maintenance and Recreation Manager position. He’s positive, personable and has experience in a variety of areas. I look forward to working with Gerry in the Community Services Department as we continue to meet the needs of the people in Morden,” said Clare Agnew – Director of Community Services.
Gerry started his new position on November 14th, 2011. His contact details are:
Office: 111 Gilmour Street, Morden, MB, R6M 1N9
Telephone: (204) 822-5431
Fax: (204) 822-6619
Email: gleiding@mordenmb.com
The Town of Morden is pleased that Gerry is joining the team and invites residents to stop in and welcome him to the position.
November 21st, 2011 - Clearing Snow Windrows of Driveways
Remember back to December 2010, when the quarterly newsletter included a Snow Removal Survey? Well the results were 40% - Leave As Is and 60% - Clear Driveways. These results were published in the 2011 Quarter One Newsletter and put online on the Town website.
The Town of Morden is pleased to announce that the equipment has been purchased and is ready for use. Now the process begins to put a procedure in place. The Notice of Motion to consider this procedure will take place at the November 28th, 2011 Council Meeting and then it will be adopted at the following Council Meeting held on December 5th, 2011. The following is the proposed procedure. Residents are welcome to provide feedback regarding this proposed procedure. If you wish to give feedback you must deliver your comments to the Morden Civic Centre administration office by November 30th, 2011.
Purpose:
To establish a guideline for the removal of snow windrows on private driveways by the Town of Morden’s staff.
Procedure:
Windrows of plowed snow with an average height in excess of approximately 30.cm (12 in) high shall normally be removed from all front street driveway approaches in conjunction with the street plowing operation and during the same shift as the street is plowed.
Windrows of wet heavy snow, especially where the likelihood of windrow freezing solid due to dropping temperature (normally early winter events), will also be removed from all front street driveway approaches in conjunction with the street plowing operation and during the same shift as the street is plowed.
The purpose of this operation to remove most of the snow, smaller amounts of snow may be left on the approach, the Town will not come back a second time.
The Town will not be liable for damage to grass, private fixtures or other privately owned property on a Town boulevard as a result of windrow clearing.
If an emergency snow condition exists and it is necessary to cover a maximum area in the shortest possible time, the clearing of the windrows may be delayed until satisfactory resources are available.
Windrows of plowed snow across entrances to private yards resulting from alley plowing operations may not be removed in cases where there is insufficient room to dump snow.
October 24th, 2011 - The Arlington Hotel is Coming Down
At a Special Meeting held on October 17th, 2011 Council decided to allow the owner of the Arlington Hotel to have more time to investigate his options with regards to the possible saving of the building. Council later put together a proposal outlining what it was prepared to do to help save the building. The deadline for a decision from the owner was set for Friday, October 21st, 2011. As a result of new information, which identifies the costs for stabilization of the building, the only alternative is for the building to come down.
“The project costs are more than I am willing to take on. I regret to advise that the stabilization of the Arlington Hotel is no longer a viable project,” said Rudy Ens. “I have been in negotiations with the Town of Morden Council. In the end the decision becomes a financial one and unfortunately we are unable to come up with a solution. This project requires substantial financial assistance and I recognize the Town is unwilling to provide it,” continued Mr. Ens.
“The Town simply is not in a position to contribute the large sum necessary to save the Arlington Hotel. In the next few years, a number of necessary projects, including a new Tabor Home, will require significant commitments from the community. To jeopardize needed projects in order to save the Arlington simply isn’t an option for us,” said Mayor Ken Wiebe.
The building will be torn down as soon as the contractor is able to do so.