LUSELAND ‑ I hope the new year finds everyone well after a few weeks of celebrations and family time. It has been a bit quieter in the municipal government world as it usually is over the holidays.
Council reconvened meetings Jan. 18, and began the year focused on planning for the year ahead. Earlier in the winter, council held a special meeting on strategic planning and is committed to doing a long-term capital plan and focused goal and vision setting. With that in mind, our administration team has applied for several grants, which will help expedite some current goals we have for capital improvements at the community hall and to put towards our downtown mall.
Another part of our strategic planning was a survey that has been sent out in order to ascertain the use of town facilities. Despite COVID reducing the functionality of some facilities, particularly the theatre and hall, we hope to use this data to help plan for the future capital renewal and development of facilities. Thank you for your participation.
Councillor Edie Gillis has invited emergency services officer, Sterling Switzer with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, to attend a meeting at the town office Jan. 26. Other agency representatives from police, fire and town businesses have been invited to help participate in a planning and information session in order to revise the Emergency Response Plan. The ERP has not been modified in some time and it is essential to constantly work on this living document so that in event of emergencies, local government and other groups can work together effectively.
The Luseland Bell Acres Golf and Country Club is currently running an online auction with an extensive list of prizes. The golf club committee typically runs an annual Bosses' Night Out each year to raise funds for the operation and maintenance of the course, but due to COVID had to be creative and devise alternative plans. The auction began Jan. 10 and bids close Feb. 12 at 11:59 p.m. Please go and check out their Facebook page and bid on some astounding prize options. Proceeds are going towards an expansion of the existing clubhouse, specifically a bathroom expansion. The club also hopes to purchase an aerator and intend to do some hydroseeding around the new synthetic greens. They are also planning improvements to the watering system at the course.
Councillor, Krystal Bazylinski reports that minor hockey is having a successful season and they will be holding their annual Minor Hockey Days Jan. 28 and 29. She also mentioned fundraising is going exceptionally well with companies purchasing new board signs for their business advertising. They look amazing and we thank them for their continued support of the arena.
Town staff are doing well, and all departments are running smoothly this winter. Despite frigid temperatures and some unbelievable cold snaps, no emergencies occurred and town services were maintained. The town foreman and his outside staff have our water treatment running at the highest degree of efficiency that we have seen in its lifetime thus far.
