The Outlook town council met for a scheduled meeting in council chambers on Wednesday night, March 8. Present were all councillors; Donna Smith, Maureen Weiterman, Kyle McLeod, Maureen Applin, Floyd Childerhose, and David Simonson, as well as Mayor Ross Derdall, administrator Trent Michelman, assistant administrator Laurie Lemon, town superintendent Luke Lockhart, and recreation director Jordy Jones.
A number of topics and issues were discussed, including the following highlights:
- The Rec Report revealed that the self-watering planters ordered by the town were being shipped and set to be out soon. Council is interested in seeing their potential, and more could be ordered if they live up to what they promise.
- Jones is looking at getting the game of pickleball going at the rink during the summertime.
- More bleacher seating is needed for the diamonds during the ball season for the spring and summer, and the rink will save money by utilizing old ones that could use some sprucing up.
- In the superintendent’s report, Luke said that he’s looking at having three students come to work for the town during the summer.
- Lockhart attended a Village of Broderick meeting as a rep for council regarding the prospective deal to begin garbage pickup in the community. Nothing official was decided at the time, but village council seems to be content with the deal going forward.
- On the topic of obtaining a new street sweeper or fixing the issues with the current one, council discussed their options moving forward. A new one carries a price tag of approximately $250,000, and there’s hesitancy to go in that direction right now with it being budget season in the province. The old sweeper has rear motor weakness as well as other issues. Council decided that they would gather information on the cost estimates to fix the issues, and decide on a course of action from there.
- There were many positive remarks and comments from council, as well as many heard out in public regarding the work by town crews in snow removal and clearing streets.
- The town has seen blueprints for the new swimming pool, and at the moment, no electrical engineering has been done. The plans are said to be “nice, and grand”. The hiring of a project manager was discussed, as council feels there should be someone representing the town on the pool project. Administrator Michelman said he would try to get in touch with someone from Davidson to inquire how they took those kinds of steps with their own pool project.
- On the topic of a new fire hall, councillor Simonson believes the top pipeline companies should be contacted about possible donations to the future project.
- Council elected to have someone represent the town at an RCMP public consultation meeting on March 23.
- On the topic of town promotional items, notably in time for Canada Day celebrations this summer, there was talk on the possibility of incorporating the new logo seen on the town road signs into merchandise such as shirts and hats, as many people have remarked on how much they like it.
