Things are buzzing at town hall as the newly appointed council sat down recently to share ideas on tackling current challenges and introducing exciting new initiatives for the town of Kamsack.
On a phone interview, Mayor Nancy Brunt detailed some of the action the town is taking to address the toll that COVID-19 has had on everyone.
“We want to encourage residents to seek outdoor activities, to keep healthy and fit, and to make the most of our beautiful Kamsack winter,” said Brunt. “We are pleased to announce we are looking into creating a cross-country ski trail, right here in town, at the Riverside Golf Course.”
Brunt said the public works department will be engaged in the designing and building of a track setter, which would otherwise be very expensive to buy. Once it is built, Dale Rauckman, a local snowmobiler, has volunteered to drag and groom the brand new trail. The project is being helmed by council member, Bryce Erhardt, and the new trail should be ready for the public to try it out this winter.
“The Broda Sportsplex is still open,” mentioned Brunt. “Detailed safety precautions are in place to allow for limited use of the centre at this time. The hockey teams will practice with a maximum of eight players per training session. Sticks and pucks, as well as public skating will continue with a list of guidelines to follow.”
Council has also authorized administration to apply for an ICIP grant. If successful, the grant could satisfy 70 per cent of the funds required to complete the landfill decommission project.
A letter outlining full support for the Cote First Nation’s supervised consumption project has been drafted and approved by town council. The location of the new building to host the project has yet to be determined.
Council is still waiting for answers regarding Yorkton Library’s decision to leave Parkland Regional. Mayor Brunt describes the announcement as a move that could “negatively affect” the town. In hopes to find more information, administration will invite the Director of Parkland Regional Library to attend a council meeting in January.
A letter was accepted, with regret, on the notice of retirement from Chief Administrative Officer, Laura Lomenda. Effective January 31, Lomenda’s retirement will close the last chapter of a long career of service for the Town of Kamsack.
In lieu of a Christmas gift basket, town hall staff will instead be gifted with a paid day off on Thursday, December 24. However, all employees will be back immediately after Christmas to be of service for a very busy time of year – tax time. Residents who file taxes online should keep in mind that processing typically takes three days.
