Graffiti and Banksy

Yesterday our crew at the rink discovered this piece of graffiti on the shed of the outdoor rink at the WCEC.

 

Graffiti

There is graffiti and then there is graffiti and in no way am I condoning graffiti. Here are some examples of excellent art by Banksy who caused a lot of controversy when his/her work first appeared.

Banksy

Banksy

Banksy

All images were found through a google image search.

Kindersley School Bomb Threats

RCMP Screen Shot. April 14, 2015

The RCMP are bringing in resources to help deal with this incident. This is about all that can be shared at this time.

Unfortunately I, for reasons unknown, am unable to access Facebook. Please do not message me via Facebook.

RCMP Report 2014

The acting Staff Sergeant, Cpl Archibald, recently met with my and the Mayor and a Councillor of Kerrobert to report on activities in 2014 and outline priorities for 2015.

• impaired driving levels are high
• 43 tickets were issued
• there were almost 1,300 provincial traffic tickets issued
• a number of warrants for drugs were issued
• a full-time victim services officer, funded by the province, is to be placed in Kindersley
• a new traffic unit integrated with Saskatoon has been placed in Rosetown
• this unit will also be doing enforcement in the Kindersley area

RCMP  Stats Report 2014

Priorities for 2015 include:

• Traffic Safety: there will be greater enforcement
• Crime Prevention: includes greater visibility
• Respectful Workplace

Responding to my request, Cpl Archibald indicated that the vehicle incident reports will now give location of incidents to SGI to enable greater tracking of highway traffic safety in the area.

Cpl Archibald is new to Kindersley and new to the position and is acting as Staff Sergeant until there is a new appointment.

Moment with the Mayor: What Makes a Community a Great Place to Live?

Hi Neighbours:

One of the questions I often wonder about is: What makes a community a great place to live?

My first answer is obvious: Relationships - family, friends, colleagues, and the availability of like-minded civic and faith groups. Do people have a sense of belonging? Is integrity visible in the community?

The second answer is: Fulfillment. Do we have opportunities to invest in ourselves, our families, our careers, etc.? How this happens is unexpected. For some, it is through helping to build community by coaching, doing horticulture, leading, taking classes, raising a family, starting a business, etc. Is there a sense of pride? Do people volunteer? Are there cultural opportunities?

The third answer is: Justice. Are there good bylaws to ensure good relationships? Is the economy sustainable? Do people feel secure? Do people feel free?

The final answer is: Beauty. Are there places and spaces that are visually appealing? Am I inspired? Are there opportunities to be active? Is the water safe? Is waste, both liquid and solid, being properly managed? Is there access to health care?

All of these attributes contribute to a good community. As we go forward, I am also wondering about Kindersley’s identity, and have been challenged to think about stereotypes of Kindersley. It could be said that Kindersley is a bit like the allegory of five blind persons each holding onto separate parts of an elephant and claiming, rightly, that the elephant is hard, soft, flexible, rigid, small, and huge. Each is right about the part of the elephant but wrong about the elephant. In our context, this applied to Kindersley stereotypes as well. There are many things that make up a community, and it is almost impossible to see and know all parts at once.

Do our actions and comments contribute to a Kindersley that has good relationships, opportunities for fulfillment, is just, and is beautiful? As we aspire to continue to make these things a part of Kindersley, we are building a great community.

These are, however, aspirations, and sometimes we fall short. So, I would like to leave you with a few questions: What generalization of Kindersley is wrong? What generalization of Kindersley would you like to change? How will you help change them?

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.

Parking Fines: Improvement with Time

Have you every parked illegally? Today the consequence is either a fine or a towed vehicle.

If you had a chariot back in 705  - 681 BC and King Sennacherib was ruler: if you parked illegally the consequence was to be "put to death, with his head impaled on a pole in front of his house."

I guess women didn't drive.

In case you are wondering: legal parking in Kindersley is free.

Moment with the Mayor: Construction and Taxes

Hi Neighbours:

The nice weather is here and that means our second season, construction, is around the corner. This year, we are still chipping away at our infrastructure deficit with investment in priority need infrastructure.

City	Percent Tax Increase
Estevan	7.00%
Humboldt	5.00%
Kindersley	3.00%
Lloydminster	10.40%
Martensville	3.51%
Meadow Lake	3.00%
Melfort	4.90%
Melville	6.00%
Moose Jaw	5.13%
North Battleford	4.50%
Prince Albert	2.57%
Regina	3.90%
Saskatoon	5.34%
Swift Current	3.21%
Warman	3.51%
Weyburn	5.00%
Yorkton	6.00%

2015 Infrastructure Work

Water main replacements investment totals about $1.6 million this year. The neighbourhoods affected include: 5^th St W., 5^th St Cres., Queen Dr., the back alley along Close’s Family Foods, and the Thomson Dr. feeder main. Road work will be done on 5^th St W., 5^th St Cres., and Queen Dr. The work will cost approximately $1.2 million. The overall cost of this important work is about $2.8 million. As an aside, the Medical Arts Authority is looking to spend about $150,000 to pave the Clinic parking lot on the north side of the building.

Some capital spending items: land for a new Fire Hall for $65,000; new landfill $500,000; and approximately $365,000 at the WCEC, which includes fire suppression pipes and boilers, plus we are still receiving estimates on other upgrades at the facility.

The Senior’s bus, a 2000 model, is being replaced for about $95,000. Portions of all capital project listed above may also be offset from grant funding.

The table above lists the approximate increase in property taxes that other municipalities in the province are planning. The average increase is 4.8%, with the lowest increase being 2.57% in Prince Albert and the highest being 10.4% in Lloydminster. Kindersley’s planned increase of 3% is very much on par with the rest of the province. Given some of the infrastructure pressures we see coming down the road, I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a larger increase down the road for us.

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.

Fire Hydrant Flushing

Do your kids, grandkids, or even you, like to watch the firefighters flush the fire hydrants? Good news! Starting April 13th the fire hydrant flushing show begins. The show runs every Monday evening 7:00 - 9:00 beginning in the east end.

Sometimes the flushing will cause your water quality to change Tuesday or Wednesday. If that happens flush your toilets and run your taps and the quality will be restored. In the rare occasion that your water quality is not restored after you have flushed your toilets and your taps more than once, then call the Town.

Thanks and it is good to see another rite of spring.

Moment with the Mayor: A Visit to Westberry School

Hi Neighbours:

Last week, I visited a Westberry School Grade 4/5 class studying local government. Councillor Henry and I had a great visit and were asked some great questions by the students. In fact, they prepared 19 questions for me. You can see the answers on my blog.

I learned a few things as I prepared to meet the class. For example, did you know that Kindersley has a total of 209 active bylaws? The oldest active bylaw dates back to 1958 and is about street and lane closures. Our current Council has passed 41 bylaws including some that have been changed or rescinded. So far this year, we have passed 4 bylaws.

Looking through the list of bylaws, I was relieved to not see anything embarrassing. Other communities have bylaws that restrict garbage burning on Mondays or regulations outlining how to ‘park’ horses on Main St. One of the questions asked by the students was whether we would impose a curfew on children. They, including the teacher and education assistant, were surprised that we have such a bylaw. I was flabbergasted to see Bylaw 24-00 “A Bylaw to Regulate the Hours of the Day in Which Minors May Be in a Public Place Without Adult Supervision;” it dates to the year 2000. This bylaw may be better known as the “Town of Kindersley’s Curfew Bylaw.” Youth under 18 are not to be without adult supervision between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM. The fine is $50 for the first offence and $100 for subsequent offences and the parents can also be fined.

The students were great as we held a ‘mock Council.’ We pretended to have a Council meeting and they passed two resolutions: one to permit/allow swearing (no anti swearing bylaw), and another to rescind/cancel the ‘curfew bylaw.’ They were eager to learn and positively engaged.

One of the other questions asked was about the challenges of being Mayor. One of my responses was that people can be mean as they speak with me, Council, and Administration. The afternoon left me wondering: How do we move from polite and curious kids eager to learn about government to adults who focus on the negative, even to the point of comparing people and organizations to Hitler and the Nazis?

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.

Provincial Funding

This is old news to a certain extent but I want to thank the province for keeping their word by not cutting municipalities 20% share of the PST.

The Sask Party has increased funding to municipalities since they were elected. Since 2007 funding to municipalities has increased 108% and has been stable, predictable, and sustainable. Kindersley's share of revenue has increased 133% since 2007-2008.

The monies the Town receives is used for both operations and capital.

Though funding has not been arbitrarily cut this year we need to work to develop an agreement with the province recognizing a new normal. What follows is from an earlier Moment with the Mayor and excerpts from a letter to the Premier.

Another approach is needed to ensure the Province and municipalities can sustainably manage growth and change. Change is the new normal, and greater cooperation and flexibility is required by both the Province and Municipalities to successfully manage our mutual challenges. The following may be considered a framework for a new and enhanced Saskatchewan to help her realize her potential:

1. An understanding between the Province and Municipalities, SUMA and SARM, recognizing that the Province and its municipalities are equal partners in stewarding Saskatchewan.

2. Recognition that revenue for both the Province and Municipalities is the result of the joint effort between the Province and municipalities to increase the wealth of Saskatchewan.

3. Recognition that the Province and Municipalities share responsibility for building, managing, and sustaining our province and municipalities.

     i.  Respect for the roles, responsibilities, and obligations each partner undertakes to build and equip the province.

     ii.  As partners working together a formal consultation procedure between the Province and Municipalities be established ensuring collaborative planning and strategies resulting in effective stewardship.

4. Enhanced cooperation between the Province and municipalities ensuring certainty and predictability of government performance, standards, and planning.

5. Recognition that municipalities are under-resourced, leading to an unhealthy dependence upon the Province and federal government for financial assistance to address necessary hard and soft infrastructure such as water, waste water, solid waste, and arts and recreation.

     i. Revenue-sharing that is considered ‘own source’ predicated on economic activity and independent of provincial government decision-making.

     ii. As the Province delegates greater responsibilities to Municipalities, the Province ensures adequate funding and resources is allocated to Municipalities to effectively and efficiently fulfill the responsibilities.

Westberry School's Ms Palmer's Grade 4/5 Social Class

Thank you to Ms Palmer for inviting me to speak to her Grade 4/5 Social Class at Westberry School. Councillor Henry attended with me and we had a great time answering questions and holding a 'Mock Council.' During the 'Mock Council' the class voted to allow swearing in public and then they decided to rescind/cancel the "Curfew Bylaw."

(The class photo has been removed)


Ms Palmer sent me 18 questions ahead of time and my answers are below. I have grouped the questions into similar groups. I am having formating issues.

1.       Would you consider making “No Swearing in Public” a bylaw? (Mock Council)

                    i.                 No.

                                i.                      It is impossible to legislate morality.

                               ii.                    We can’t force people to be polite.

2.       Would you consider making a curfew bylaw for underage kids? (Mock Council)

                    i.                 We have a curfew bylaw passed in December 2000 (24-00)

                                i.                  I would like to understand why it was passed.

                               ii.                      Ms Palmer’s class is invited to present to Council asking Council to rescind the bylaw.

3.       How do you change a bylaw once it is made? Can you remove a bylaw? (Mock Council)

                    i.                 Another bylaw is passed either rescinding, taking back, the original resolution.

4.       Do you have to be a certain age to be mayor?

                    i.                 You have to be 18.

                                i.                      The Mayor of La Ronge was elected Mayor when he was 21.

                               ii.                      The oldest Mayor in Canada, Hazel McCallion just retired and she was 93.

                             iii.                      John Hamlyn has been Mayor of Crow Head Newfoundland for 52 years. His term ends in 2017 and he is currently 83.

5.       Is there a test you have to take to become mayor or do you need to have certain qualifications?

                    i.                 No. Whoever has the most votes wins.

6.       Is being the mayor a full time job? Or do you have another job as well?

                    i.                 Yes and no.

                                i.                      It is 24/7/365.

                               ii.                     It takes approximately 30 hours per week.

                             iii.                     I have received phone calls at 7:00 in the morning and at 11:00 at night.

                             iv.                     I have received phone calls on holidays and received emails expecting answers while I have been on holidays or away for work.

                   ii.               Yes I have another job.

                                i.                     I am self employed as a management consultant who also provides professional development services on behalf of another company.

7.       Do you get paid to be the mayor?

                    i.                 I am paid $2,200 per month plus expenses and per diems ($145/day).

                                i.                      Per diems are paid when I am out of town for the Town and not compensated by the group for whom I’m travelling. As an example: when I travel for SUMAssure and SAMA, they pay my expenses and per diems and the Town doesn’t pay me or reimburse me.

                               ii.                      My compensation, pay, works out to $26,400 per year for an hourly rate of about $17.

8.       Do Council members get paid to be Councillors?

                    i.                 Yes, they are paid $865 per month which is $10,380/year.

                                i.                     They put in a lot of hours as well attending meetings, reading materials, listening to people, researching, and making decisions.

9.       What did you do before you were the mayor? What will you do after your term?

                    i.                 I was self-employed as I described above.

                   ii.                Probably more of the same; it is tough to say. I am thinking things over to see what direction our family may want to go.

10.   Why did you want to become the mayor? Do you like it?

                    i.                 To begin with some friends encouraged me to run because they thought I would do a good job.

                   ii.                 I thought I brought different skills to the position than the other two candidates.

                 iii.                 I would like Kindersley:

                                i.                      To be beautiful,

                               ii.                     To be just/fair meaning fair and sustainable,

                             iii.                     Opportunities for fulfillment such as arts, culture, recreation, faith places, civic clubs, and more.

                             iv.                     A place where people can have healthy relationships (like not having the neighbours dog poop on your lawn.

                 iv.                           I was reluctant to run; however, I am glad I was elected. Being Mayor has been much more rewarding than I anticipated.

11.   What benefits are there to being mayor? What challenges are there?

                    i.                 Good stuff:

                                i.                      I get work with great people on Council, in Administration, and in Kindersley to help make Kindersley a great place to live.

                               ii.                     I meet lots of terrific people.

                             iii.                     It requires lots of time and requires lots of patience.

                   ii.                 Not So Good Stuff

                                i.                      Some (only a handful) of people are mean and I have been compared to Hitler.

                               ii.                     I am always working: There have been times when it has taken me almost an hour to buy milk and eggs from the store.

12.   How long is the term to be mayor?

                    i.                 Terms are now 4 years and our term ends October 2016.

13.   Do all Council members have to agree before a bylaw is passed? (mock council)

                    i.                 No

                                i.                      For a bylaw to pass it requires the support of the majority of Council; a simple 4 – 3 vote or at least a 3-2 vote.

14.   Do council members ever disagree with you or each other?

                    i.                 Yes.

                                i.                      It is important that everyone has an opportunity to speak to an issue and vote.

                               ii.                     We have a good Council that talks and respects each other’s decisions.

                             iii.                     There is healthy conflict and unhealthy conflict. Council has healthy conflict; it is needed to make good decisions. Healthy conflict is disagreeing about ideas, unhealthy is making disagreements personal.

15.   How many bylaws have you made?

                    i.                 Since this Council was elected we have passed 41 bylaws.

                   ii.                Council has passed three bylaws in 2015:

                                i.                     01-15: A Bylaw of the Town of Kindersley in the Province of Saskatchewan, for the Purpose of Establishing a Development Levy and Servicing Fees for Lands that are to be Developed or Redeveloped Within the Town of Kindersley

                               ii.                    02-15: A Bylaw to Amend Bylaw No. 13-11, Being A Bylaw to Establish the Kindersley Regional Airport Board and Its Authority, and to Provide for Airport Rules and Regulations, Fees and Lease Agreements

                             iii.                    03-15: A Bylaw to Establish a Records Retention and Disposal Schedule and for the Preservation of Public Documents

16.   How many bylaws has the Town of Kindersley passed?

                    i.                    209 dating to 1958 that are still on the books.

                   ii.                      A lot more if you go back to the founding of Kindersley but they have been rescinded (removed)

17.   Are you in the middle of passing any bylaws right now? If so, what are they?

                    i.                 Yes we are (when I received the first email).

                                i.                      Water: the Haubrich Water Treatment Plant is almost at capacity and how do we manage it?

a.       We have developed the Backwash Reservoir

b.      Reduced flow at the vending machine but that has caused problems

c.       What is the best way to resolve this?

                                                                                      i.      We are making two lanes so rural residents use one lane and commercial uses another (Passed 03/23/15)

                               ii.                 Animal Control is being reviewed

                             iii.                 District Plan is being developed

                             iv.                 Budget has passed in principle and now we are waiting for the rates to be developed

18.   Do town employees have to pay taxes?

                    i.                 Everybody pays taxes.

                   ii.                      However, we have incentives for people to build in vacant lots, businesses to build along the highway, and for people to buy new homes in the new subdivision. These people don’t have to pay taxes for one or three years depending on their location.