Town Council met on Jan. 2 where a number of issues were discussed.
The meeting opened with a Diamond Jubilee Medal presentation to George Anderson for the great amount of volunteer hours he puts into the community each year. Anderson was very honoured by the award and was happy to share it with his wife, Pat.
The council then began discussing new and old business.
For payments to the town, people had wondered why they were unable to do so directly through their bank. RBC and CIBC were going to charge the town for this service, while the Credit Union does not. CIBC recently sent a letter stating that they were withdrawing their charges to the town if they wanted this service.
This decision by the banks does not come at the local level and it was decided that the Town of Carlyle would send a letter to the appropriate people with RBC to explain the other two banks in town do not charge for the service, so would they reconsider charging for theirs.
Also, addressed was the relationship between the Fire Department and the Town Council, which can sometimes have a negative air. Councillors want to amend these feelings as the Fire Department is greatly appreciated by the community and they do wonderful work.
A local hotel was spoken about concerning fire safety. A ladder to reach the third floor is wanted by the building inspector, but the hotel's building regulations are up to code; so, they will probably not buy a ladder. This will be looked into further as to why this issue has developed.
Reports being done by members of the Fire Department following a call were asked as to why they have do to this on their own time. The council thought that it was a good idea to put in for their time to do this as administrative hours, however, they are not the authority on this as the issue should be taken up with the Fire Board.
Concerns over large vehicles travelling on roads marked with signs stating no large trucks were expressed. They are trying to get another road on the south side to divert traffic, but are unsure if this will solve the issue of large vehicles on these roads. The vehicles being discussed were potentially overweight ones. Bylaws will be looked into as to what the weight restrictions are.
There has been unease over the building of a modular home, neighbours had been of the opinion it was a trailer when it was moved in and though it meets all town regulations the neighbours are not convinced it will be a nice looking house when completed. The building of the house will continue and once it is finished will hopefully prove to be aesthetically pleasing. It does have a basement and will have a garage attached, it was simply an RTM moved in two pieces.
On Feb. 12 there will be a gravel and noxious weeds workshop held with more information upcoming.
The Airport Commission Meeting held on Dec. 20 was addressed. The airport is looking to purchase new equipment and possibly expand its runway, though this is not for sure just an idea at the moment. The Airport Commission hasn't asked the town to fund any of the projects they are thinking of, though, maintenance of the new equipment would be the town's responsibility.
Since the R.M. is also a part of this issue the councillors decided it best if all three bodies set up a time to meet and discuss everything including the possibility of sharing maintenance costs.
No new information was available for the Community Foundation, the day care, or the Romaniuk Sewer Main.
It was found that the town has the right to take title of a lot, which has a rather substantial amount of back taxes. This has been an ongoing struggle, which had brought in provincial mediation; but, the province's verdict was the town has the right to take title. After thoughtful deliberation concerning the possible eviction of the resident, the town has decided to give a final notice stating that they will proceed with title on the lot unless an acceptable payment schedule is agreed upon and maintained. If the resident does not respond to the notice by Feb. 1 then the title will be taken by the town.
The Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation was discussed by town council as they are holding a stakeholders' meeting. The Town of Carlyle has made no financial commitment and does not intend to, but a representative may attend the meeting to find out more about the intended new facility to be built in Weyburn which would provide the ability to do more surgeries there.
Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association has submitted new resolutions for 2013. These will be looked over and readdressed on Jan. 30.
Phases III and IV were discussed concerning a residential subdivision plan. To develop or not is the question. There is no developer involved, so it would be the town taking on this role. They are confident that if they do develop the area people will be interested. This topic will be readdressed at another meeting.
Looking at the weekly water report consumption was still up, but not by a lot and looks to be stabilizing.
Employee evaluations saw concern of wages being on the low side, which led into the 2013 salary grid. They do not want to lose their workers and are discussing the creation of a new salary grid. They were looking at Carnduff and Oxbow as examples, but found they were close to the same. A percent increase or a new grid are being considered and will be readdressed at a later town council meeting.
Unpaid utilities bills were added to the tax roll. The list has increased since last year. If people come in and pay a substantial amount then they won't be transferred over. People will receive a notice that this amount from 2012 will be added to the tax roll.
