The town council of Outlook held a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday night, October 25. 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, Recreation Director Jordy Jones, and Superintendent of Public Works, Randy Antoniuk.
A number of topics and issues were discussed, including the following highlights:
- New signage out at the town cemetery has been installed, which features the new Town of Outlook logo.
- After attending a meeting with the WaterWolf organization, the town feels that the group has a better vision and direction now, and for their part, WaterWolf seems very happy that the town is remaining a member, as Outlook is a key and centralized location for its geographical area.
- There was good feedback that came out of a meeting held in Elbow in regards to the town’s landfill services; more specifically, the interest seems to be ample in utilizing what the town has to offer as they continue planning for a regional landfill.
- The organization known as Sask In Motion is doing a pilot project in the province surrounding general physical literacy for all ages, and it’s something that may be introduced in Outlook, pending more information.
- Rec director Jones reported that the fire alarm at the rink was pulled in an incident on Tuesday night, which saw Outlook’s fire department called to the premises at around 11:00 pm for a fire emergency that wasn’t there.
- Councillor Applin brought forward the idea that town workers should wear name tags to help them relate more to the public, which seemed to have everyone in agreement. Superintendent Randy added that getting jackets for the crew would be another way to go as they help to maintain a professional image and would make town workers stand out more in the community. Council decided to explore quotes on acquiring jackets.
- Councillor Childerhose brought up the Outlook Health Foundation, which he noted is “alive and well”. He said the Foundation has paid $5,000 in the last year for accommodations for locum physicians brought into town, and council said that practice needed to change, especially with the recent addition of a new doctor.
- A concern out at the town landfill has to do with oil, particularly when it’s poorly contained and manages to spill everywhere. As well, the location is in need of more workers as the operator feels stretched very thin at times and is largely on his own. The feeling is that the public needs to be educated on bringing oil and other chemicals to be disposed of in the proper fashion. Council recognized that these issues need to be addressed soon as they plan towards a regional landfill.
- Council will be seeking quotes from SaskPower after receiving a request to run power to the old rink site in town behind Home Hardware.
- Council approved a request by Outlook Elementary School to use the kitchen at the Civic Centre for the preparation of nutritious foods as part of the school’s Food for Better Learning program.
- Council made a motion to give sponsorship funding to the upcoming gala for the Small Steps Early Learning Centre.
- Work is expected to commence shortly on the installation of solar lighting for the town’s entrance signs after council passed a motion to give the work order to a local contractor.
- Councillor Applin is set to draft a letter and bring back to council on how the town as a community would like to see acts of vandalism handled as it pertains to restitution through the court system. She cited the very public displays of vandalism in Outlook this past July as an example, and said these types of incidents have a way of ending up costing the town in more ways than one.
