KAMSACK — During a review of the council minutes with SaskToday and the Kamsack Times, Mayor Nancy Brunt and Barry Hvidston addressed key community issues, focusing on realigning duties within the fire and bylaw departments, preserving valued green space around the Trackside Gardens, extending landfill operations, and considering the costly future of the Crowstand Centre.
Bylaw and fire chief responsibilities realigned
Kamsack Town Council clarified roles for bylaw enforcement and firefighting duties during the September council meeting. The council decided to assign Fire Chief Ken Thompson exclusively to firefighting duties as bylaw needs are expected to lessen over the winter. Over the last year, Fire Chief Ken Thompson has been doing a lot of work as a part-time bylaw officer during our transition period. Sherise Fountain, our CSO is back in her full time position.
Town administrator Barry Hvidston added, “We want to get him back into fire. He was doing a lot in the bylaw side of it as well. But during the winter, bylaw issues slow down. So for the winter, we're going to keep him off of bylaw, and go strictly into fire work.”
Trackside gardens to remain green
The town made an offer for part of the Trackside Gardens property, which was owned partially by Imperial Oil. The decision prevents possible developments that might alter the area, which could detract from the appeal of this popular green space. Mayor Brunt highlighted the space’s value for residents and visitors, saying, “Having that green space the way it is, we've had truckers come through and say how much they appreciate that spot. They will stop, they will walk through the gardens. It's a great place to just have a break. Plus the community, having that green space, the trackside gardens are very popular. People walk through them, they will go and take pictures of them. We've had weddings take pictures there on the caboose and different things. And the grass and the flowers and everything that are there help clean the ground. So yes, we decided to purchase it. And it’s to stay green.”
Landfill license extended, future plans underway
Council received an update on Kamsack’s landfill, which has been granted an operational extension for another year. In the future an airspace survey will assess available space in the landfill, which will help optimize the use of the remaining capacity before its eventual closure. The closure process will require clay coverage and topsoil to foster future grass growth, ensuring environmental compliance.
Hvidston said, “We received a notice about three weeks ago that the landfill will be kept open for another year. So our license has been renewed for another year. We are going to do an airspace survey to see how much room there is within the landfill. There is a possibility that we may be able to extend it past one year, but that's 100% up to Saskatchewan Environment. But we need to know how much space there is so that we know where to fill strategically, so that when we do the official closure of the dump, we don't have to spend as much.”
Financial updates: insurance and debentures
Council approved a switch in personal insurance providers for town employees. Additionally, a housekeeping bylaw was reviewed for 2008 government-issued debentures. Updated policies now allow direct debenture deductions, simplifying payment procedures.
Hvidston added, “Back in 2008, we borrowed a large dollar value from the government as debentures. At that time, they would take coupons every year and bring them to the bank and redeem the coupons. The government has changed their policies and what they want is, more or less, take the money directly out of your account without having to redeem a coupon. So all it is is a housekeeping change.”
Senior centre receives tax rebate
Kamsack’s Senior Center received a tax rebate, amounting to 50% of municipal taxes. Mayor Brunt noted, “The senior center applied for the tax rebate. They get this every year, 50% of their municipal tax. It's a non-profit organization. It’s something the town does just to help keep the center open.”
Admin Hvidston added, “There are a few organizations that receive that benefit. The senior center is not the only one. But it helps them keep the bottom line.”
Code of ethics complaint addressed
Hvidston briefly discussed a code of ethics complaint filed against Mayor Brunt, noting that it was reviewed but ultimately found unsubstantiated.
Hvidston said, “With the veterinary endeavour, there was a code of ethics complaint placed against Nancy by Ferris and Linda Scobie. We have submitted rulings to both Nancy and the Scobies about it. It was pretty much deemed not substantiated. In regards to the veterinary endeavours over the last year, we did have the hearing for the vet clinic. Scobies re-appealed it and the hearing was put in front of the local development appeals board on October 16th. The development appeals board has 30 days to issue a ruling. We feel strongly that we will be successful in this one, but that's going to be up to the board.”
Mayor Nancy Brunt retiring
Regarding her retirement from being the Mayor of Kamsack, Nancy Brunt said, “I give my thanks to the council, and the councils that I've worked with. I’m looking forward to retirement. I'm very grateful for the town staff. I believe we have an amazing group of people that work for the town of Kamsack and they have a huge commitment to this town. It's been an interesting 12 years. Good luck to the new council and they're very lucky to have Barry and Dana as the administrative staff here.”
