The town council of Outlook met for a regularly-scheduled meeting on Wednesday night, January 24. Present were councillors Donna Smith, Kyle McLeod, Floyd Childerhose and David Simonson, as well as Mayor Ross Derdall, Superintendent of Municipal Operations Randy Antoniuk, Recreation Director Jordy Jones, and Acting Administrator Laurie Lemon. Absent was councillor Maureen Applin, who was fighting an illness.
A number of topics and issues were discussed, including the following highlights:
- Brian Bartel and Murray Kasper of the South Saskatchewan River Irrigation District (SSRID) were in attendance as delegates, and they wanted to inform council of the current happenings in irrigation as it relates to the local area. Specifically, they wanted to let council know of the ongoing discussions being had between SSRID and the province’s Ministry of Agriculture over a proposal from the ministry to transfer assets to SSRID. The move may end up affecting the area, so SSRID wants to keep town council in the loop as they continue negotiating with the Ministry of Agriculture on the proposal. SSRID may be looking at going public with this news, containing more specific details and data, as they’re looking at “a long, tough road ahead” as it relates to rehabbing the irrigation area, as well as the level of liability that could be involved.
- A focus group is set to take place related to the Sask in Motion project in Outlook.
- The town has been entered into the Communities in Bloom competition as rec director Jones feels that with all the progress made lately in the beautification of the town, Outlook deserves the best possible recognition.
- A motion was passed to give usage of the Rec Plex for the Family Day Skate Day event, as well as usage of the bowling alley.
- With the rising concern of break-ins lately in surrounding communities, notably related to municipal buildings, Superintendent Antoniuk feels that the town offices should be further equipped with surveillance cameras, and the water treatment plant is also expected to have them installed.
- A motion was passed for councillor Childerhose to move forward on having metal crosses made for the town cemetery; a project being aided by students at Outlook High School through the school’s welding class.
- Superintendent Antoniuk is set to follow up on talks coming from the Town of Rosetown, which is said to be interested in having strictly industrial/construction-based waste brought to Outlook’s landfill.
- Council discussed the purchase of cyber liability insurance, noting that with web hacking and technology changing every day, the town may have to adapt and ensure that they’re protected. A motion was passed to purchase the insurance.
- A surveillance system for the town library is expected to be decided on soon, with councillor McLeod getting an estimate of approximately $900 for a camera system.
- A motion was passed to allow for a hemp demonstration at CSIDC.
- A motion was passed to cancel a high portion of a water bill that came to over $900 as it was seen as a bizarre occurrence. The bill was forgiven and the town is expected to look into the source of the high water amount.
- Council decided that Ren-Pro would be the selected construction firm to do renovations for two living quarter units.
- A motion was passed to have a Dutch Elm Disease survey done, as the last survey was done back in 2013.
- Council accepted the retirement notice of acting administrator Laurie Lemon with regret.
- Topics discussed in-camera included a wage review, the honorarium for the fire chief, a rapid deployment craft for the fire department, and the eastside water pipeline.
Town council is expected to reach a decision on whether or not to allow for a cannabis retail business in Outlook at their next meeting on February 14.
