Lots of discussion at Town of Kerrobert council meeting
The Town of Kerrobert held its regular council meeting on October 23rd. Mayor Wayne Mock, CAO Tara Neumeier, Rec Director Marli Shepherd, three councillors, and members of the public were in attendance.
The RCMP was added to the delegation's agenda to address the uptake of crime in Kerrobert. RCMP Constable Fillion and Constable Chatindo attended. Constable Fillion introduced Constable Chatindo as a new recruit to the area. They discussed the shortage of officers for this area, as there are currently six members, compared to full staffing, which would require twelve members.
They encouraged the importance of reporting all suspicious activity or thefts no matter how minor. The best ways to report are: 310 RCMP, a call to the detachment in Kindersley, or in an emergency 911. The Kerrobert detachment will have office staff available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Brandon Zerr gave a cooperative presentation and introduced the newly formed Kerrobert Growth Investment Cooperative. He said they are not ready to start operations. Still, the purpose of the cooperative is to generate funding from Community Investments to help support or grow the business sector in Kerrobert.
Johanna Digal from the Saskatchewan Health Authority discussed using Virtual Physicians in the Kerrobert healthcare facility, noting the benefits and logistics involved.
The community was provided with an update on town staff in all the departments and the number of years of employment.
The public was informed that the Active Transportation Grant in the amount of $30,000 was received. This grant, along with local sponsorship enabled the Walking Trail to be covered with some of the crushed asphalt from Phase 1 of the street project. Other upgrades to the trail include new signs by local business Prairie Sky Treasures. It was also noted that all of the crushed asphalt from Phase 1 was sold, generating some additional funding to put toward future paving.
The Fire Board has approved the purchase of a new fire truck. It is hoped that the truck will be operational by 2025.
It was reported that the Helipad project, which started in 2017, is finally complete, with a donation monument on site. Appreciation was expressed for all the donations generated from as far as Macklin. Brent Zerr, Quentin St. Peirre, and the Town of Kerrobert all helped make it happen.
Recreation Director Marli Shepherd mentioned upgrades to the Prairieland Community Centre were a priority. Furnaces, microphones, bathroom upgrades and refinishing of the flooring are all needed.
CAO Tara Neumeier expressed the need to reduce the scope of Phase 2 of the Street Project to two blocks that need complete sewer replacement. This decision was based on financial feasibility. Currently, the Town is working with BCL Engineering to tender this reduced scope.
A handout summarizing the Town Survey results was distributed, along with an update on the work being done to demolish the old hospital and Buena Vista.