The Rural Municipality of Leask No. 464 held its ratepayer meeting April 24 with 20 ratepayers in attendance.
Reeve Len Cantin welcomed everyone and introduced his council members. In attendance were Steve Nelson, division 1; Real Diehl, division 2; Marcie Kreese, division 4; Robert Girod, division 5 and Victor Unyi, division 6. Myles Robin representing division 3 was absent. Office personnel in attendance were administrator Sheri McHanson Bud and Riannon Nelson.
"There has been concern expressed in the past about information regarding indemnities," explained Cantin referring to the available handout. "We have provided that for you tonight."
Total council remuneration for 2011 (combined remuneration and reimbursement) was $51,927. The breakdown by division is as follows: reeve $6,980; division 1: $1,974; division 2: $10,450; division 3: $7,361; division 4 (there were two councillors during the course of the year) $5,939 and $1,049; division 5: $7,948 and division 6: $10,226.
"The majority of the efforts for council, this year, is attending to search, test and secure gravel supply," commented Cantin explaining that council has identified that in the near future gravel supply will become a costly issue. "We continue to identify the potential sources within our area and to attempt to secure some access to those supplies with the landowners."
Cantin explained that council's next initiative is to manage financial resources and meet the needs and demands of the roads in each division.
A 2012 proposed capital, Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) and maintenance schedule was provided for review.
"It is a pretty ambitious program but one that we (council) think we can achieve" commented Cantin, "we are in a good position to have those listed completed this year."
It was mentioned that the RM of Leask's No.464 operating budget is completed and council is waiting for additional information and anticipates having that information by the end of May. "Council will continue to review this on a continuous basis with the bottom line that we (council) are committed to have the 2012 budget with no mill rate increase," expressed Cantin.
Development permit approval is required for almost all development and improvements within the municipality. More information can be obtained by calling the office.
A bylaw enforcement officer will be hired by the municipality to aid in managing bylaw contraventions especially in development, zoning, parking and speed concerns.
Summer landfill hours effective April 1 to Sept. 30 Sundays and Mondays are from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The meeting was then open to questions or concerns from the ratepayers. Discussion included who was responsible when grader operators leave large rocks on the road after performing their road grading duties. Cantin assured the ratepayer that discussion would be held with road equipment operators to ensure the matter is addressed.
The status of construction on grid road 783 was brought to question. Cantin responded that council had decided to only address and rebuild the 'worse parts' of the four-mile grid west of Lac La Peche turnoff. This resulted in only having two miles rebuilt and he emphasized that work would not extend beyond that.
Cantin also discussed the issue that developed with SaskTel when the company had to relocate a line. He admits the road and weather conditions were beyond desirable resulting in some damage done to the surface and shoulder of the road. Council has yet to meet with a SaskTel representative to understand what their intentions are in correcting this.
Cantin also commented that council has budgeted for the purchase of two major pieces of equipment: replacement of the rough-cut mower and purchase of a gravel truck at a cost of approximately $36,000.
After a question regarding the Bramshott super-grid, Cantin was quick to comment council has recognized that as the next capital project to be conducted by the RM. The project would entail the repair of the super-grid emphasizing that it has to be approached as an entire road project rather than just a portion or section of the road. "It will take some financial planning," admitted Cantin, predicting that it would take two years to achieve and secure adequate funding in order to address it.
The meeting concluded with Cantin commenting that the overall objective of council is to collectively provide the best possible services to the ratepayers in the most affordable way.
