Moment with the Mayor: Smorgasbord

Hi Neighbours:

I can’t believe Victoria Day is here. Where has the time gone?

Here are some miscellaneous updates:

Budget 2015: The budget has been officially adopted with an increase of inflation plus half a percent.

Pool: There are two public consultations being held at the West Central Events Centre on Tuesday, May 19; one beginning at 4:00 pm, and the other at 7:00 pm. Please come out to discuss three questions:

·         Cost analysis: how much can we afford?

·         Indoor vs Outdoor pool: which do we want? (please keep in mind cost analysis)

·         Proposed Components (what do we want it to look like so it is successful?)

If you are from one of our neighbouring RMs, towns, or villages, please feel welcome to attend. We value your input as well. Our vision is a facility that serves all of West Central Saskatchewan. If we are able as a region to pool our resources together, like we are doing with the landfill and water pipelines, then I am confident we can have a year-round facility suitable for all ages. Council would like to work with our regional partners to enhance the quality of life in West Central Saskatchewan. If you live in a neighbouring RM, town, or village and want to be a part of this effort, join us and tell your Council as well. The best facility is a facility that is regionally focused serving all of us.

Congratulations: Bernie Morton, our CAO, just celebrated ten years of service with municipalities as recognized by CAMA (Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators).

EMO: We now have a revised emergency plan. Since becoming mayor about 2.5 years ago, we have had a range of emergencies including the landfill fire, several grass fires, and severe winter storms. The new plan is comprehensive and designed to be improved and updated as experience dictates and personnel change. Presentations on our plan have been well received across the province and several municipalities have requested copies to assist in developing their own EMO plans. Thanks go to Bernie, our Deputy EMO Coordinator Chanell Brick, and other staff for the great work to date on this important document.

Please write or phone if you would like me to discuss a particular topic. If you have any questions or comments, drop me a line at the town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. You can also check out my blog at http://mayorjohn.blogspot.ca/. I appreciate your feedback.