Speed reader effective, Relay for Life to be held here
Posted on February 12, 2015 by Maple Creek
FILE PHOTOBy Marcia Love
The new speed reader on the east side of town seems to be doing its job, according to council.
There have not been any complaints to the town of vehicles speeding into Maple Creek since it was installed, Mayor Barry Rudd said during council’s regular meeting on Feb. 10.
“Since it was put up, it’s been good,” he said.
He would now like to see a second speed reading sign installed on Highway 21 north of town to alert those drivers of their speed.
“This is something that we need for tourist season, something that’s going to get their attention a little bit more,” he stated, adding the speed reader on the east side of town is smaller.
The larger unit would come at a cost of $3,700. Council will discuss it further in the future.
In other business, the town received a request from local organizers of the Relay for Life. The Southwest Saskatchewan Relay for Life will be held in Maple Creek on June 12.
The community fundraising event which supports the fight against cancer was last hosted in Maple Creek in 2008 when it was held at the ag grounds. Organizers will be asking the Ag Society’s permission to once again hold the event there, but asked council’s permission to have access to the arena free of charge in case of rain. Consent was given.
Town administrator Michele Schmidt provided an update on the town’s commitment to the Southwest Integrated Healthcare Facility. For the construction itself, the town has paid $2,006,316 and now has $271,484 remaining to be paid. The town has a financial commitment of $700,000 towards equipment and has already been billed $478,173. The total amount remaining to be paid by the town for the facility and equipment combined is $493,311.
Council also discussed the demolition of the old hospital. In accordance with its bylaw regarding demolition, the town was looking at charging a demolition permit fee of $5,000. It was decided council would waive the $5,000 demolition fee, but keep the $5,000 deposit for damages.
The town is issuing a call for hay tenders for the land west of the water treatment plant and around the airport. It will be for a three-year period from 2015-17.
A number of items and equipment have been put up for sale by tender by the town. Council agreed to sell its 1999 snowblower for $260, 1993 Chevrolet 1500 truck for $610 and an ASUS tablet for $70. Because the Chevrolet truck belonged to Maple Creek & District Opportunities Inc., the town will be donating funds from this sale back to Opportunities Inc.
A request was made by a town employee to pay $50 to recycle hubcaps from the landfill.
“He didn’t want to remove them without council’s approval and he’s prepared to pay for that removal,” explained Schmidt.
He requested a salvage fee permit and a time frame of six months to gather hubcaps.
Schmidt emphasized when the town has been approached by individuals asking to remove items from the landfill, they are notified there is no scavenging allowed, but if there is something of interest they should forward a letter to the town. This is the first time a formal request has been made.
Council was happy a request was made and the items were not simply removed without notice. It also keeps unnecessary items out of the landfill. The request was approved.
Councillor Ellaine Hawrylak provided a report from the Communities in Bloom Committee. She said the group will be holding its annual spring cleanup from April 19-25, with a pizza party held to wrap it up.
“That would give people a whole week to do their yard and projects around town,” she said.
Council also congratulated Hawrylak on receiving an award during the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association Convention in Saskatoon last week. She has served on council for 25 years and was one of nearly 40 representatives from municipalities across the province who were honoured for service to their communities.
Another request was made by the Creek Classics Auto Club to have a portion of Jasper Street closed on Aug. 15 for its annual Show ‘n’ Shine. Because the date coincides with the Taste of Maple Creek, council agreed to have Jasper Street closed from Pacific Avenue to Third Avenue.
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