The meeting was called to order; there were no conflicts of interest declared. There was one change to the minutes before they were accepted. There was no business arising from the minutes.
Under ‘Correspondence’ – Water Security Agency (WSA) re: Lagoon Compliance Report. The report shows that they comply.
WSA re: Water Treatment Plant compliance report. The report shows compliance.
Ministry of Government Relations re: Safe Restart Program – The town of Strasbourg will receive $47,723 under this program, which will be issued by the end of September.
City of Yorkton re: Intent to Create Municipal Library – The City of Yorkton is opting out of Parkland Regional Library. As a result, levies will be going up. This amount is yet to be determined. Correspondence accepted.
Under ‘Public Works Report’ – i) 300-400 Block Pearson Street W & S Replacement. The foreman received two quotes, which the Council discussed. Council made a motion with the intent to proceed with the specific details to be determined between public works and Administration. ii) utility trailer purchase – The foreman explained to Council the benefits of having a utility trailer. Council discussed this and then made a motion to approve its purchase. iii) Lagoon Follow up – The Council and foreman discussed costs associated with the lagoon. This item was tabled while the foreman gathers quotes for the work.
Under ‘Discussion Items’ – a) COVID-19 Updates – The CAO updated Council on COVID precautions during the election. Employees will wear masks and will have masks and hand sanitizers available. The CAO helped at the Island View election, so has experience regarding the COVID precautions. b) Telecommunications failure – The CAO said that the signboard didn’t provide an update as it’s hooked up to the internet. The CAO relayed information regarding “an emergency stand-alone” she said that this is so that landlines should be able to call within the community. It was supposed to be fixed last time this happened three years ago, but it was never completed. The CAO reported that numerous people have called into SaskTel, saying that this needs to be fixed. Councillor Barry said that they want a response from SaskTel and the Minister in charge of SaskTel to Council on this. The Mayor noted that this is dangerous to the citizens. c) Tax Enforcement Property Update – Council discussed the costs involved in dealing with a property that the town is cleaning up and in the property tax enforcement process.
Under ‘Old Business’ – Bylaw 406/20 – Waste & Recycling Collection Management Bylaw. The bylaw passed 1st, 2nd, 3rd reading. The properties that this change effects will receive letters.
Under ‘New Business’ – Bylaw 409/20 – Water & Sewer Rate Bylaw – Council agreed to the standard rate change for the next four years of 3$ per quarter per year and an increase to the overage charge, which was 5$/10,000 gallons now it’s 10$/10,000 gallons. This change needs to be approved by the Saskatchewan Municipal board.
TS-004 Urban Forestry Policy - The CAO said that when she had completed the tree course in 2019, she had the plan reviewed by an arborist. The CAO said that the policy would address the town trees. Council made a motion to accept the policy; New Fire Hall – Preliminary Design Phase Proposal – Walker provided the fixed fee proposal to Council of $9,700 to draw up plans for the first phase. The Council carried; Bylaw 410/20 – Amend Animal Control Bylaw – licensing dogs. The CAO noted that this bylaw would primarily assist the town in returning found dogs. Motion accepted for the amendment.
The next meeting will be Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at 7 pm in the lower level of the Strasbourg Memorial Hall.
Jennifer Argue, Civic Reporter, LMT - Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Note: These reports are abridged for content