Moment with the Mayor: Misc

Hi Everyone, thanks for coming back.

As I write this I am attending the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) convention in Saskatoon. On Saturday I sat in on a Municipal Leadership Development Program module on Strategic and Financial Planning. My primary interest in the module was learning about the relevant legislation regarding finances. Another workshop is for newly elected officials and it clarifies some best practices and common sense ideas to be an effective representative; and yes there is more legislation to learn. Here is an example of something in the financial part that we in Kindersley need to know: we spent nearly $12 million replacing the old rink. That $12 million is 20% of the operating costs of the rink over the course of its life. As a result we will be spending another $48 million ensuring that the Co-Op rink is properly maintained and operated.

Last week Council made the news due to a legal disagreement with one of our Councillors. Due to the legal process I cannot speak in detail to this at this time. However, let me assure you that Council will continue to be held accountable and to old all accountable, to the terms and conditions of bylaws and contracts.

Looking forward: I was very encouraged to attend the opening of our new daycare centre, The Kinder Kollege. Their doors are open and they have space for 25 children. Kinder Kollege is located at one wing of Westberry School in a completely renovated room with new toys and a fenced off area so kids can’t roam free. One of the unique items about the centre is the wee, and I mean tiny, toilets and wash basins. Looking into the future the Kinder Kollege is looking at developing another day care centre with 26 spaces at another location.

The rink has been an issue that Council is well aware of. The issues include cleanliness, finding rink attendants, temperature, accessibility with the elevator, lighting, staffing levels, use, and design flaws. I am aware of the issues with my three sons at the rink for hockey. Council has encouraged Administration to find solutions which are currently being explored, and now include a new Recreation Manager for which interviews are currently underway. Hopefully a hire will happen sooner than later.

Recently I started new responsibilities as the Urban-Chair of the West Central Municipal Government Committee. Bill Warrington is the Rural Co-Chair. This committee is a place for communities in the West Central Saskatchewan area to discuss and cooperate on a variety of issues such as health, education, and transportation. For example: at an earlier meeting twinning or developing passing lanes on Highway 7 was discussed. As you can imagine there is a significant cost difference between twinning and passing lanes. However, the difference in accident rates is not as large as I would have thought. To date 3,000 vehicles pass through Kindersley and the required number is 5,000.

One more thing: the Kindersley Housing Authority needs new board members; if you are interested please let me know.

We have some bouquets this week: Thanks go to Pat Holland for donating the new lights at the rink and Sheldon Goodheart for donating the installation of the lights.

Congrats go to Lilliana, Cheryl Resch and the Kinder Kollege Board for the opening of the Kinder Kollege.