Town council met for a regular meeting on June 1. In addition to council members, two community members were present.
The council discussed the purchase of a pump that they have been temporarily using for draining excess water. While the pump is not part of the budget, the council passed the proposal as the rental prices have almost exceeded the purchase price. The pump has a value of $3,000 and council requires its continued use.
Further discussion on the ball diamonds occurred. One of the council members was approached by a resident that would rather see the old diamonds fixed up rather than the development of new ball diamonds. This stems from a concern that if newer diamonds are built in the future, the older ones in Lions Park would not be kept up to the same extent. Council decided to hold a meeting at the end of June to further discuss the recreational situation.
The town has received a number of complaints regarding the quality of the roads within the community from several businesses. Council will be sending out letters of intention to the businesses to explain why work has not been completed as of yet, and apologize for the inconvenience. The continuation of wet weather has made the roadways difficult to fix, and council has plans to address the issues once the roads dry up.
Town council discussed the work that was completed by the teachers during their strike days. Some of the teachers from the schools spent time volunteering for the community during May 25. Work was completed at the swimming pool, cemetery and at the golf course.
Two representatives from the town council attended a workshop in Weyburn on regional collaboration. Information gained from the workshop was passed on to council members and included challenging stereotypical thoughts on certain issues. The conference passed on the message that those with a predisposition or inability to see something, will not see anything.
Committee reports included discussion on the outcome of the public hearing held on May 25. The council stated that this is not an easy decision. One council member, who was unable to attend the last meeting, stated his concern about taking away green space. He stated that once the land was taken away, it cannot be replaced. He stated that after hearing the concerns stated at the Public Hearing, the council has heard a different perspective with recreational organizations and volunteers voicing their concerns.
The council proceeded with the reading of the bylaw. One council member was in opposition of the reading with the remaining council members in favour. The documents will now be sent to community planning for a decision to be made on the re-zoning of the bylaw.
Council spoke about the commercial sub-division and the amount of water in it. Workers will be pumping the water out of the sub-division and into the creek.
SUMA (Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association) is holding its Spring Regional Meeting on June 16 in Redvers. Representatives from the council will be on hand.
The next regular town council meeting is scheduled for June 15.
