The town council of Outlook met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday night, January 8. Present was all of council; Donna Smith, Kevin Grotheim, Kyle McLeod, Maureen Applin, Floyd Childerhose, and David Simonson, as well as Administrator Huguette Lutz, Assistant Administrator Rachel Sillers, Public Works Coordinator Bonnie Pshyk, Superintendent of Municipal Operations Luke Lockhart, and Recreation Director Jordy Jones.
Absent was Mayor Ross Derdall.
A number of topics and items were discussed, including the following highlights.
Old Business/Business Arising from the Minutes
Council accepted correspondence from the Fisheries and Oceans Canada organization related to a project they’re doing which will involve the South Saskatchewan River.
Regarding a meeting that the Town had been seeking with the Minister of Environment, the Honourable Dustin Duncan, in order to discuss the water levels in the river and the concerns of the Town, they were informed that they could meet with Minister Greg Ottenbreit, who is responsible for the Water Security Agency. That meeting may happen on February 6 after the SUMA Convention.
Recreation
The bowling alley has moved forward with a manager hired – Kate King – and ideas being tossed about for public bowling and league nights. The goal is to somewhat ‘revamp’ the alley as an attractive recreation option in town.
The rink has begun ordering food product through Pratt’s Food Service and so far, it has been going well.
There is a Communities in Bloom-type event being held in Outlook this Thursday evening, January 16 at the art gallery. Gardening ‘guru’ Lyndon Penner will be holding a talk on ‘Gardening with Native Plants & Creating Civic Pride through Gardening’.
The Town may explore their options regarding the lights at the swimming pool. Some residents have come forward on social media questioning why the bright lights are on at night during the facility’s off season.
Public Works/Transportation
Concerns have come forward from residents surrounding coyotes seen in the Outlook Regional Park, as well as behind the ball diamonds at the Rec Plex. There was discussion in the room about how far the Town would be willing to take things over an animal that is routinely seen here in rural Saskatchewan. The animals could technically be added to the Nuisance Wildlife List, but the Town also doesn’t want to act too drastic when there haven’t been any actual reported incidents involving coyotes and people/pets.
First Meeting of New Year Business
The topic of designating Authority for Line of Credit was tabled to the next council meeting.
The Town renewed its SUMA membership at a cost of just over $3000.
The topic of Working Council Committees was tabled to the next meeting, as was Board Appointments of Council.
Jensen Stromberg CPA was named the Municipal Auditor for the year.
Mileage, Meals and Remuneration Rates were kept the same as the previous year.
A discussion on Custom Work Rates was tabled to the next meeting.
New Business
A request to purchase four new computers for the office was approved at an approximate cost of $2000 each.
The Town declined a 2020 membership to the Hudson Bay Route Association.
General
A motion was made and carried to increase the boot allowance for town workers from $150 up to $200.
Dalas King, chief of the Outlook Fire Department, would like to meet with council to discuss the future of the fire hall now that there’s movement on Outlook building a new one.
The Town plans to post council meeting agendas and approved minutes to the Town’s website for public information.
The next council meeting has a date change and will take place on January 29 instead of January 22.
After accepting the correspondence, council moved to in-camera discussions. The in-camera agenda included the following items:
- Highway Subdivision
- Personnel
