File Photo - Lumsden Beach
The RM of Lumsden No. 189 met for its regular September meeting on Thursday, September 17th, 2020, at 7 pm in the basement of the Centennial Hall. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Monica Murkowski was in attendance. Absent from the meeting were Councilors Jeremy Andrew, Cody Garbutt and Derek Neuls. The Reeve, Kent Farago, chaired the meeting. The Agenda for the meeting was approved, and there were no declarations of conflict of interest.
Under ‘Public Works Report’ – The Public Works Manager, Leighton Watts, presented his report. He reported to the Council on quotes he received on the drilling of a new public-works Well. There was discussion among the Council regarding drilling, the pump and capacity of the well.
Under ‘Financial Reports’ – the List of Accounts was sent electronically and reviewed by the Council. As there were no questions or comments, the list was accepted.
Under ‘Planning and Development Applications and Reports’ – Kaytor Road Development – The Public works Manager asked if he could speak to this item. He reported that, despite efforts, the water line hasn’t been located. He noted that as the line had initially been plowed in and not trenched, there would be no visible markers such as sand to help locate it. He said that the only way to find it is dig down 6 feet and hydro-vac the area. After the discussion, there was a motion made for Administration to contact legal counsel to receive direction.
The minutes from September 3rd, 2020, Regular council meeting was adopted.
Under ‘Committee Reports’ – Regina Beach/RM 189 Relations Committee Meeting – September 10th, 2020. The Director of Planning and Development, Luke Grazier, provided an update to Council on the ongoing road maintenance agreement discussions of the committee. Grazier recommended that this item be tabled to be discussed as a future agenda item.
Under ‘New Business’ –Sign Complaint – there was a 60 km warning speed sign that was moved. Council will move the sign back to its location; Tax Enforcement – Council made a resolution authorizing the Administration to begin proceedings to acquire titles on four properties.
Under ‘Reports of Administration’ – The CAO reported - that they have been serving one person at a time in the office, which has been working well, noting that they do not want to have to close the office again; The RM has received the final audited financial statement, and it has been forwarded to the RM’s financial institution as required. As soon as it’s been signed, it will be posted to the website; the federal government has provided the RM with $115,000 for ‘Safe Restart Funding.’
The CAO noted that they did not have to apply for the money, nor do they have to report on how the money is spent; Renovations on the office are continuing. In October, Council will receive the annual tax enforcement list, which will show the properties that have outstanding balances from 2019; the municipal election flyer was mailed out. The nomination forms have been posted to the RM website. Nominations close on October 7th. There is a 24 hour period where people can withdraw their nominations. By October 8th, the official candidate list will be posted. Council did not have any questions on the Administration Report and accepted it.
Under ‘Communications’ – The CAO received contact numbers from Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation for Wild Boar Sightings; An approval letter was received from the Ministry of Government Relations on Proposed Residential Subdivision – LSD 4, SW-33-19-20-W2M; The minutes from the June 22nd and July 7th Board Meeting of the Lumsden and District Heritage home were received; The Council reviewed the communications electronically, as they did not have any questions they were accepted.
The Reeve noted that this was a short meeting. The meeting was adjourned. The next Regular Council Meeting for the Rural Municipality of Lumsden No. 189 is October 1st, 2020, at 1:00 pm in the basement of the Centennial Hall.
Jennifer Argue, Civic Reporter, LMT - Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Note: These reports are abridged for content