Council Meeting Highlights – September 23, 2024

Council approved a noise exemption request from 7:00 p.m. on October 19, until 1:00 a.m. October 20, 2024, at the Russell Fairground large barn located at 1084 Concession Street in Russell.

Waste Management Program (Item 11e)

Another step for the organic collection program: the agreement with the service provider has been finalized. Collection is planned to start in April 2025.

The decision to implement the organic program was made during a Council meeting in December 2023 following a thorough evaluation of the waste management program.

As producers are now paying for recycling, the decision was made in December 2023 to use the money previously allocated for recycling as a reserve for waste management. The $73 fee on municipal taxes, amounting to $650,000 in 2024, has been set aside in a reserve to pay for part of the organic bins.

More communications will be issued shortly regarding this new service.

Update on 4-way Stop Intersection Analysis (Item 11g)

The analysis of traffic volume for all intersections that do not have a four-way stop is ongoing. The administration has requested accident reports from the Ministry of Transportation. Once received, we will be able to conclude our analysis and report back to Council.

For the intersection of Eadie Road and Castor Street, as part of the analysis, it was determined that turning lanes are required to meet long-term traffic needs. The increase traffic along with the soil issues delayed the design process, which will now reach the tender stage this Fall, with construction planned for Spring 2025. While we wait for the traffic lights to be installed, the Township requested to the United Counties of Prescott-Russell (UCPR) that the speed limit be reduced to 50km approaching that intersection. The UCPR have just approved the request, and the speed limit will be changed soon.

Announcements – 2025 Budget

The budget sessions originally scheduled October 23-24, 2024, have been moved to October 24-25, 2024.

We invite residents to get involved in the 2025 budget process in the following ways.

• Take our short survey by September 30, 2024, at the following link.
• Send your suggestions to the Clerk’s Office at clerk.greffe@russell.ca by September 30, 2024.

September 26 to 30, 2024 is the Municipal By-Election. You can vote online and by telephone at anytime during that period. Voter information letters have been sent by mail. A voter help center will be open at City Hall for anyone requiring help voting or do not have their voter information letter. For more information on the By-Election, visit www.russell.ca/byelection.