Council receives PDAP funds, reviews tax enforcement

The Town of Maple Creek has received the full amount of their claim for $83,907.50 from PDAP in regards to clean up of debris at the landfill after the 2010 flood. The issue was discussed by councillors during the regular meeting of council on Jan. 14.

The administrator’s report, which was read by assistant administrator Deb Machay, detailed the financial statement for November and December.   The town’s street cleaner has also been paid in full and is included in that financial statement for 2013.

Council voted to once more use the services of Stark and Marsh of Swift Current to complete the town’s audit for 2014.  The audit will be likely held during the second or third week in February which is earlier than expected.

“That’s earlier than in the past. I think it will be good to have it done earlier,” said Machay.

Council reviewed a series of transfers of funds during the meeting. One such transfer was from the town’s health care facility reserve to the Southwest Healthcare Trust  Fund in the amount of $532,163.53.

Machay noted the town has paid approximately $852,000 to date. “That’s what we have paid for the hospital up to Dec. 31, 2013,” said Machay.

During the meeting, councillors were provided with a list of properties within Maple Creek which are in tax arrears.  The administrator requested that council proceed with the Tax Enforcement Act. Once she has received documentation from council she will begin issuing the six-month notices regarding each property.

“At the end of the six-month period and if the taxes are still in arrears, these files will be forwarded to the provincial mediation board,” said Machay.

Under committee reports Councillor Ellaine Hawrylak noted the Communities in Bloom soiree will be held on Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the CM Glascock Building.

“We are again going to compete provincially in 2014 because we feel it keeps up the momentum,” she said.

Hawrylak and councillors inquired as to what the scoring distinction is between receiving four and five blooms. Maple Creek received four blooms during the last provincial competition.

Councillor Barry Elderkin reported the Southwest Healthcare Trust Board reviewed at their last meeting how they would approach the issue of recognition for donors in the new facility. 

The mayor noted after attending a Southwest Health Care Trust Board meeting that the lottery for the facility was a success. 

He also touched on the issue of snow removal and bylaws that will be reviewed by the town. He said the town needs to do a better job at clarification and enforcement of bylaws.

“It’s hard from both sides, from the public side and for the other side. We need to do a better job in this first quarter to get some of that stuff closed up and acceptable,” said Mayor Barry Rudd.

“The snow removal (for example) is a big one. They do have a schedule made up, but how do we get the cars off?” he asked. “We have to decide how we’re going to do that.”

An arena board meeting attended by Councillor Michelle McKenzie revealed everything is running smoothly at the facility.

She noted that coaching and management said they are very impressed with the work ethic of the Cypress Cyclones hockey team and hope that more fans will come out at home games to support the team.

“The fun tourney and dance was a great success,” said McKenzie. Details as to the profits from the event were not available for council.

The Cypress Cyclones will be taking over the beer gardens at the Battle of the Little Big Puck which will likely be held on Feb. 22.

The new zamboni has arrived and was tested at the arena on Jan. 13.  “I think it’s running quite good,” said Rudd.

“I guess they will have to make a decision on what to do with the old one, but they should keep it for a while to ensure this new one can stand up. It was something that was donated,” said Rudd. The old zamboni was donated to the arena largely through the efforts of the Laye and Barroby families.

The cost for the new zamboni will come out of the 2014 budget.

Council revisited the issue of a cost-share agreement to pay for staff and council hoodies or jackets. Council agreed to pay half of the price to a maximum of $75 for the jackets.

The town will also be looking into weather proofing a gap in the fire hall door where heat is escaping and the town will be looking into quotes for the purchase of a new door.

Bylaw 2007 MC03 in regards to the loading zone located in front of the former doctor’s office on Pacific Avenue was amended during the council meeting.   Signs located in front of the property will be moved to the Commercial Hotel to provide space for the Greyhound bus to park safely.

“It’s working really good,” said Rudd of the relocation of the bus depot from Gateway Esso on the Trans-Canada to the Commercial Hotel.

“There must be people using it. I’ve heard lots of people saying how wonderful it is,” said Hawrylak.

Council was reminded of a meeting which will take place at the CM Glascock Building on Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. with members of Communities in Bloom.

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