KAMSACK — Addressing concerns of representatives of Kamsack’s business community, a snow policy and the end of $100 adjoining lots were among items to concern town council at its regular meetings in November.
After meeting with 15 members of the community’s business community during its regular meeting of Nov. 14, council agreed to meet with their representatives on Nov. 29.
The group had told council that increased enforcement is needed on main street and council approved its administration to present a business case to the Ministry of Corrections and Policing, which is the first step of the approval process for a Community Safety Officer (CSO) program in Kamsack.
As explained in a press release in the Saskatchewan Government website, under the CSO program, any Saskatchewan community can apply to hire Community Safety Officers that will allow communities to address low-risk to harm, high-priority policing needs.
“CSOs will help meet needs including traffic and liquor enforcement, bylaw enforcement, and serve as a crime prevention community liaison,” the release said. “Introducing CSOs will free up the RCMP and municipal police to focus on higher impact needs in participating communities.
“The CSO program will be a feasible way for rural municipalities to address some priority policing needs they have identified, especially those in the high-growth areas of the province.”
It was said that CSO appointments can provide for the enforcement of several Acts, including those dealing with traffic safety, alcohol and gaming regulations, environmental management and protection, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, cannabis control, highways and transportation, mental health service, trespass to properties and tobacco. They may attend property offences and search and rescue operations.
At the meeting with representatives of the business community on Nov. 29, the possibility of establishing a Citizens on Patrol group was also discussed.
A community led, police supported crime prevention and crime reduction program, Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) has been in existence for decades, said information from the program. All COPP volunteers patrol in pairs with their personal vehicles or on foot and are in direct contact with the RCMP detachment members who are on duty. They are on the lookout for any suspicious or criminal activity, to record the activity and, where appropriate, to report it to the RCMP.
“The COPP is another set of eyes and ears for their community and their detachment, which assist in preventing and reducing crime,” it said.
Other items
After updating the Town’s snow policy, council, saying that snow being placed on town property had been an ongoing issue within the community, decided to leave the snow and ice removal bylaw as it is, which basically states that no snow is to be dumped on town property. Council was told that two snow fields are being created in the community, one at the end of Stewart Street and the other just off the road to the golf course. Those snow fields are to be used by contractors or residents, wishing to deposit snow.
Effective Jan. 1, council decided that the cost to purchase an adjoining lot will change from $100 to the current tax base. Currently the tax base is $1,000, although that amount may change at the next budget.
A 2005 Sterling Acterra S/A dump truck was purchased for $37,850 plus taxes.
Council ratified an agreement negotiated with the RM of Cote for maintenance of the gravel roads leading to the landfill and to the water treatment plant.
It was agreed to offer two scholarships of $500 each for students at Parkland College, based on the same criteria as had been used last year.
A decision regarding the purchase of camera surveillance equipment was tabled until further information could be obtained.
It was agreed that council will begin the process of working with Prairie Wild Consulting in 2023.
Founded in 1995, Prairie Wild Consulting Co. is a comprehensive community and regional planning, development and community-based research firm based out of Saskatoon, said information from its website. “Simply put – we strive to help prepare communities for the future.
We have two key aspects to the work we do as an interdisciplinary team. First, we conduct applied research and develop participatory engagement tools to help communities in shaping their vision, objectives, policies and actions. Secondly, we develop technical tools and processes to help communities, regions and community-based clients strive to achieve their vision.
“Prairie Wild is known for delivering uniquely tailored planning solutions to governments and civil society,” it said. “Grounded in the values of integrity, leadership, innovation and excellence, Prairie Wild and members of our company have received international, national and local recognition for our innovative community planning and engagement philosophy and approach.”
After reading a letter from Parkland College and Cumberland College regarding a proposed merger, council said it supports the merger and agreed to send an approval support letter.
The Kamsack branch of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation was denied a discounted rate for use of the OCC Hall on Jan. 28.
In lieu of a Christmas basket, council agreed that Town staff be given Dec. 23 as a paid day off work and that $50 gift cards be purchased for members of the Kamsack Volunteer Fire Department.
Council approved payment of $4,879, which represented the Town’s five per cent share of the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation’s operating loss for 2021 and then decided to invite representatives of the Living Skies Housing Authority to a council meeting in the new year.
