RUSSELL – It was a relatively quiet evening as Russell Council met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Tues., Oct. 10. With no presentations and no delegations or petitions, council was left with several items on the consent agenda which include minor zoning bylaw amendments and reports that were received for information purposes.

One matter that did receive some discussion was Report PR-12-2023, which requested an exemption to the township purchasing policy to allow for a sole source contract, which would allow for the removal of topsoil and addition of granular by A.L. Blair and the installation of wick drains by Menard. The work is in relation to the recreation complex location and was made necessary because of the results of a geotechnical hydrogeological investigation report. The explanation given for the exemption was the urgency in completing the work to avoid falling behind schedule. It was also expected that a savings of $2.7 million could be realized compared to an alternative approach recommended in the investigation report. Council received the report but were not asked to act on it at the present time.

Later in the meeting, a motion was made by Coun. Mike Tarnowski, entitled Promoting Community Health and Volunteerism in Russell Township. The motion, which was seconded by Mayor Pierre Leroux, had two purposes, the first being to help achieve a strategic plan goal of Russell Township being recognized as a leading employer in the region and in the industry by December 2026 and secondly to help meet an objective that also aims to foster programs that enhance volunteerism and community health within Russell Township.

The motion went on to state that because regular physical activity and community engagement through volunteerism have been shown to improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance community cohesion (all of which benefit the Corporation through increased employee productivity and a stronger organizational structure) it was moved that all staff and council members of the Corporation of Russell Township be granted free access to the municipal gym and walking track to promote health and well-being and as well that administration be directed to investigate the feasibility and impact of an employee community volunteer program for members of the corporation, focusing on events within Russell Township, and bring forward the findings for discussion at the upcoming budget sessions. Both were to take effect as soon as possible.

Following a brief discussion, the motion was carried unanimously.

The meeting adjourned in just over an hour.