The town council of Outlook met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday night, February 14. Present were all of council; Donna Smith, Kyle McLeod, Maureen Applin, Floyd Childerhose and David Simonson, as well as Mayor Ross Derdall, Acting Administrator Laurie Lemon, Superintendent of Municipal Operations Randy Antoniuk, and Recreation Director Jordy Jones.
A number of topics and issues were discussed, including the following highlights:
- Council discussed the possibility of a cannabis retail outlet in Outlook’s business sector, with everyone sharing their views on the subject. The consistent argument in favour of it was that it’s a taxable business that could help draw people and consumer dollars to town, but council still has questions of both the provincial and federal government over what some of the finer details will be once Canada moves closer to marijuana legalization. The vote was carried and the majority were in favour, with Councillor Childerhose being the only vote for no. (See front page for detailed story)
- Rick Pederson, the town’s project manager of the new swimming pool, was present as council looked over quotes from local contractors as it relates to the foundation and the construction of the pool’s change room. There was a noticeable difference in some of the numbers put forth by some companies, and Pederson said it would be difficult to pick one just based on the quotes given. Mayor Derdall said Rick deserves a ton of credit for what he’s been doing as project manager, as he has helped save both money and stress related to the new pool.
- A photocopier that was previously used in the town office was donated to the Small Steps Early Learning Centre.
- Medals that will be awarded to Outlook’s fire department were received, and the plan is to apply for additional recognition medals.
- Council is currently scheduled to meet with Associated Engineering on March 19 to discuss an infrastructure capital plan.
- There have been six applications received so far related to lifeguard positions for the new pool; a good sign that there is interest from young people looking to work at the facility.
- Council passed a motion to purchase a new heater for the bleacher seating at the Rec Plex after rec director Jones received a quote of $5500 for a new one.
- Superintendent Antoniuk said a security camera system for the town library had been purchased but he ran into an issue with the Sun West School Division in installing it, as he was told that permission to do so was required to go through additional channels. Antoniuk will pursue the matter more with the hope of installing the system as soon as possible.
- Stickers and decals with the Town of Outlook’s updated logo will be going on town vehicles soon.
- A motion was passed to purchase additional security camera systems for other locations in town, including the town offices building and the water treatment plant.
- A discussion was had on beautification efforts in town, and Councillor Applin received quotes for planters, including self-watering ones. There was talk of possibly having a line of planters installed in the middle of Franklin Street to spruce up the area as well as try to keep vehicles in line with the rules of the road, but Councillor Smith said a number of business owners on the street weren’t in favour of having it done; a sentiment echoed by a couple of other councillors as there is a concern of vehicles hitting them. Aside from this idea, it was said that flower pots should be added to the town welcome signs as well as the corner park project at the fourway stop at Saskatchewan Avenue and McKenzie Street. A motion was passed to give $5000 to the beautification committee to buy a number of planters for now.
- Council passed a motion to pay for the cost of the Outlook fire department’s recent Christmas party social held in January, with the exception of alcohol.
- Council passed a motion to allow use of the Civic Centre for the PARTY program by the school division.
- Council declined an offer from AirScapes Aerial Photography to have photos taken over the town for now.
- Council passed a motion to give $300 to the Outlook & District Music Festival.
- Council approved the landfill debit/credit machine plan and procedures.
- Council approved the Outlook Kinsmen Club’s usage of the Civic Centre for a Telemiracle fundraiser event, waiving the fee.
- Councillor Applin recently attended a meeting where it was suggested that councillors have separate phones and email accounts for town business. A motion was passed to go ahead and register for new email addresses.
- Items discussed in-camera included an RM of Rudy employment agreement and a fire chief honorarium.
