The Town of Outlook's council met for a scheduled meeting on Wednesday night, April 26 in the council chambers in the town offices building. Present were all council: Donna Smith, Maureen Weiterman, Kyle McLeod, Maureen Applin, Floyd Childerhose, and David Simonson (deputy mayor), as well as Mayor Ross Derdall, Administrator Trent Michelman, and Assistant Administrator Laurie Lemon. Absent were recreation director Jordy Jones and superintendent Luke Lockhart.
A number of topics were discussed, including the following highlights:
- In the Rec Report, it was shared that the railings, which were recently fitted for better safety measures, had received a paint job, as did a number of things in the Rec Plex.
- Rick Pederson was present as a delegate, speaking to a few things related to the new swimming pool project. It was said that the Heartland Health Region wants to see the drawings for the facility's change rooms and showers. Pederson also noted that while there are fixed costs in place as it relates to the project's budget, he was curious about the costs of other elements, and he wanted to know what services the pool committee has secured for the project, including any in-kind services that are being offered, as well as donated materials as it relates to construction.
- A Pool Construction Committee was formed on behalf of the town's interests related to the project, comprised of Mayor Derdall and councillors McLeod and Weiterman.
- Council will be working on an official job description for Pederson, who will serve as Project Manager.
- In the Superintendent Report, it was said that SaskPower was spoken to regarding the installation of lighting at each town sign, and that they said each one would be metered as separate hookups.
- The town may look into the possibility of vacating the regional park office located in the town offices building, as it is being used mainly for storage and seldom by park staff. Council feels they may be able to make better use of it.
- A motion was passed for the Bylaw 02 (2017), the Landfill Operational Bylaw Amendment. This means that the town landfill will have new Saturday hours; in the summertime (May-September), the hours on Saturday will be 9:00-12:00 and 1:00-5:00, while in the wintertime (October-April), the hours will be 1:00-5:00.
- On the topic of the old town entrance rainbow signs, a motion was passed to give them to Bill Rees, who has offered to donate $5,000 to the new pool project for them.
- Administrator Michelman spoke to council about a new town map he's hoping to have done in time for the Canada 150 celebrations. The 2-ft x 2-ft design would include major landmarks and be sold in full color. A motion was passed for Trent to move forward in having the maps done.
- Councillor Applin was curious over whether any type of inquiry could be done related to Outlook's Census numbers, as it was said that the data may have been impacted due to census work responsibilities not being carried out. As far as challenging the numbers, council may see what the town's options are.
- Before adjourning, Mayor Derdall and council made a point to commend The Outlook for its coverage of their meetings. The act of kindness wasn't quite necessary, but very much appreciated by this reporter!
