Snow clearing challenges
With temperatures plunging into a consistent deep freeze for most of January, the Town of Kamsack faced a number of challenges in keeping up with snow removal. A combination of staffing shortages, high winds, and equipment issues contributed to the delay of snow removal on some back streets in Kamsack. It was reported that extreme cold contributed to the costly damage to a hydraulic line, disabling one service vehicle.
Priority service was given to major roads and emergency routes before snow clearing was extended to residential streets.
Residents are reminded to do their best in removing snow from the sidewalk in front of their own homes to ensure safe passage for pedestrians. When sidewalks aren’t cleared, residents are forced to walk on the street, increasing the risk of danger.
Remuneration
Based on the existing union contract, a 1.5 per cent wage increase for union staff was approved for 2022. The same rate was approved for non-union employees serving on town council.
The amount for per diem meal allowance was increased to reflect rising costs.
The Town of Kamsack has ratified in-scope and out-of-scope salaries for 2022.
Professional appointments
The assignment of professional appointments for 2022 has been confirmed as follows:
Auditor – Myers, Norris, and Penny of Calgary
Solicitor – Rosowsky Law of Kamsack
Building Inspector – Miles Hutchings of Yorkton
Tax Collection – TAXervices Collection Agency
Engineering Firm – TBD as needed
Use of firearms within town limits
A total of five people, including one town employee, have been authorized by the RCMP and Saskatchewan Environmental Resource Management (SERM) for the emergency use firearms within the town of Kamsack. Residents are reminded the use of firearms or hunting within town limits is prohibited.
Early bird gets the discount
For Kamsack residents, saving money in 2022 can be as easy as paying your property taxes prior to June 30. The town has once again approved a five per cent discount as incentive to avoid payment delays.
Fire and Police services
The Town of Kamsack has once again signed an operational agreement with the Kamsack Volunteer Fire Department for 2022.
During a council meeting in July, SSgt. Noel Allard of the Kamsack RCMP detachment presented an oral report to Kamsack town council.
Leaky Lagoon
A leak was discovered at the sewage force main at the lagoon in Kamsack. Council has confirmed the hiring of TSL Repairs of Kamsack to do the repair work.
“Memory Tree” project
Robin Tataryn of Wolkowski Funeral Services in Kamsack has been invited to present details to council regarding a proposed memory tree project.
HandiBus updates
Kamsack Town Council has announced that HandiBus rates have increased to $10 for a round trip, $7 for a one-way trip, and $7 round trip for each person in a group rate. Attendants who are accompanying someone who requires assistance are permitted to ride for free. Within each pre-booked trip, two stops are included. Stopping at more than two destinations is possible at the rate of $2 per each additional stop.
The Good Spirit School Division has requested regular use of the Kamsack HandiBus to provide transportation to students with special mobility needs. Council plans to create a fee schedule to accommodate this service.
In its near 30 year history, the current HandiBus is only the second vehicle to be put in service. The Town of Kamsack is currently seeking quotes on a new HandiBus, as well as initiating applications for capital assistance funding.
Discussion on a new hospital in Yorkton
The Town of Kamsack has acknowledged the receipt of a letter from the City of Yorkton inviting Kamsack representatives to discuss issues of the local health region and the building of a new hospital. The meeting will involve representatives from all surrounding communities who utilize the Yorkton Hospital services. The meeting is tentatively set for February.
SUMA Convention
In preparation for the SUMA Convention in April, the Town of Kamsack will be presenting TWO calls for resolution.
The first call regarding the current RCMP per capita rate was passed. The second call regarding vacant business properties in Kamsack is currently 小蓝视频 rewritten.
RCMP per Capita Rate
WHEREAS most Saskatchewan municipalities with populations under 5,000 use RCMP services contracted by the Government of Saskatchewan; and WHEREAS the Government of Saskatchewan, through the Ministry of Justice, assesses a portion of the cost of this service to municipalities through The Police Act, 1990; and WHEREAS the Ministry of Justice uses a two-tier system of assessing cost, in which municipalities with detachments pay higher per capita cost than municipalities without detachments; THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association advocate the provincial Ministry of Justice to have RCMP service costs assessed at a per capita rate that is fair for all municipalities (urban and rural) that fall under the provincial policing contract.
Vacant Business Properties
WHEREAS derelict, vacant commercial properties can be an obstacle to the positive economic, social, and cultural development of a community; and WHEREAS The Municipalities Act, Saskatchewan does not provide specific authority for municipalities to penalize owners who permit vacant, derelict properties to remain in a state of neglect; and WHEREAS it is desirable to have The Municipalities Act amended to provide municipalities the option of introducing a Special Levy to motivate the owners of vacant, derelict properties to improve and maintain such properties to an acceptable standard; THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association advocate the provincial government to amend The Municipalities Act that allow municipalities to add a Special Levy to enable municipalities to pass bylaws to:
1. Add a Special Levy onto vacant, derelict properties.
