The town council of Outlook met for a regular meeting on Wednesday night, February 12. Present was all of council; Donna Smith, Kevin Grotheim, Kyle McLeod, Maureen Applin, Floyd Childerhose, and David Simonson, as well as Mayor Ross Derdall, Administrator Huguette Lutz, Assistant Administrator Rachel Sillers, and Public Works Coordinator Bonnie Pshyk. Absent was Superintendent of Municipal Operations Luke Lockhart.
A number of topics and items were discussed, including the following highlights.
Before council got down to official business for the evening, Mayor Derdall expressed his gratitude and thanked council and town staff for stepping up in his absence due to a recent medical matter, noting that everyone in the room had his “complete confidence”.
Old Business/Business Arising from the Minutes
Tenders were opened to read the bids for the following two locations in town: Lot 34, Block 11, Plan T6729 and Lot 30, Block 26, Plan G160. A motion was made and carried to accept a bid of $250 from Tyson Simonson for Lot 34, while a motion was made and carried to accept a bid of $3000 from Kyle Ylioja for Lot 30.
A discussion on Bylaw 19(2019) – A Bylaw for the Licensing, Regulating of Food Trucks was tabled to the next council meeting, with a need to clarify the language surrounding “special/fundraising events” and how it relates to where a food truck can set up shop.
As well, discussion on Bylaw 22(2019) – A Bylaw to Regulate the Installation of a Sump Pit and Surface Discharge System was also tabled to the next meeting in order to seek more information in the meantime. The bylaw was created in part due to a recommendation from Associated Engineering.
Thirdly, a discussion on Bylaw 13(2019) – A Bylaw to Regulate the Commercial Use of Single Use Plastic Bags was also tabled to the next meeting.
A third reading was held for Bylaw 02(2020) – A Bylaw to Establish a Landfill and to Regulate and Control the Disposal of Wastes in the Town’s Landfill and carried.
A third reading was held for Bylaw 18(2019) – A Bylaw to Amend Bylaw 08(2014) Known as the Zoning Bylaw and carried.
The property located at Lots 7 & 8, Block 17, Plan T6729 are in arrears, and council moved to collect $500 per month until the house is sold.
The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association contacted Huguette surrounding the project related to the war memorial arch that’s located in the Outlook Regional Park. The SPRA is unsure whether designating the arch with Municipal Heritage Status would enable it to receive funding, and Administrator Lutz reached out to John McPhail of Outlook Legion Branch #262 with the information. John spoke with the Legion and shared with the Town that the branch is not pursuing Heritage status for the arch at this time. However, they are still obtaining cost estimates on removing it from down in the park and relocating it, hopefully to the greenspace at the four-way stop in town.
Councillor Smith was reappointed to the Recreation Committee.
Public Works/Transportation
There were a few issues on McTavish Street related to sewer lines backing up that were addressed.
BCL Engineering was expected to begin their work on Thursday (February 13) related to a full assessment of the Town’s water treatment plant.
New Business
Council will move forward on tax enforcement for four properties: Lots 33-36, Block 61, Plan 102009192.
A motion was made and carried to adopt a Zero Tolerance Policy for any form of abuse and harassment. The policy would be all-inclusive to buildings and properties owned by the Town.
The Town will explore its options and seek a meeting with representatives from the Urban Highway Connector Program regarding changes to the program and what their impact could mean for Outlook.
Three readings were held for Bylaw 06(2020) – A Bylaw of the Town of Outlook to Repeal Certain Bylaws and carried after Administrator Lutz found another outdated bylaw to essentially dissolve.
Council accepted a list of lands that are in arrears, noting that some have paid up.
Two readings were held for Bylaw 01(2020) – A Bylaw to Regulate the Proceedings of Municipal Council and Council’s Committees.
Two readings were held for Bylaw 05(2020) – A Bylaw to Provide for the Appointment of Pest Control Officers and the Control of Pests. The creation of the bylaw came after a recent complaint about coyotes allegedly coming close to town.
Council accepted and passed the student fees to use the Jim Kook Rec Plex facilities.
Administration Report
Council recognized the successful probationary period of town office clerks Renee Buys and Crystal Fisher and commended them for their work.
Administrator Lutz followed through on an instinct she had and is exploring the notion of having a structural review done of the Town’s operations, feeling that it’s needed and that “there’s something there that I just can’t put my finger on.”
General
A motion was made and carried for the Town to continue their membership with the Central Area Transportation Planning Committee (CATPC) at a cost of $500. It was said that the Town needs to have a more active role in it if they’re going to continue spending money on membership fees and that “you get what you put into it.”
A motion was made and carried to provide $100 as a scholarship to the Outlook & District Music Festival.
Council moved into in-camera discussions after accepting the correspondence. The in-camera agenda included the following items:
- Land (Administration Committee Meeting from January 15)
- Personnel (Summer Student, Protective Services Committee Meeting from January 28, Snow Removal Personnel)
