OUTLOOK - The town council of Outlook met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday night, February 12. Present was all of Council; Sharon Bruce, Donna Smith, Kyle McLeod, Guy Derdall, Andy Long, and Kevin Grotheim, as well as Mayor Ryan Husband, Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Trew, and Assistant CAO Rachel Sillers.
The meeting was broadcast live on the Town of Outlook's official Facebook page.
A number of topics and items were discussed, including the following highlights.
Bylaws
Council read over the draft of Bylaw 01 2025 Sewer and Water Connection Bylaw for its first reading, the first bylaw to be reviewed by this new town council.
CAO Trew noted the updates and changes to it, including how the Town was originally giving licenses to people in order for them to hire contractors to hook up to the local water and sewer lines. Trew noted that the Town is required by law to oversee any connections to the sewer and the water main.
This being the first reading of the bylaw, following the discussion by Council, it was said that CAO Trew will bring it back to another meeting with changes that need to be made for further review.
Reports of Administration, Staff and/or Committees Requiring Decision
The Town received targeted sector support funding, as well as funds from WaterWolf Planning Inc. in order to receive training from presenter George Cuff, making for no actual costs to the Town itself. The recent presentation from Cuff, a leading advisor, consultant and author on the art and principles of governance and effective organizations, was praised by members of Council.
Mayor and Councillor's Forum
Councillor Grotheim spoke on something that a local ratepayer brought to his attention, that being that there is apparent interest in the Town allowing people to drive golf carts around town. Trew said that SGI has allowed communities to make their own rulings in such matters, sharing that the Town would have to create a bylaw in order to allow it. Councillor Smith noted that down at Sandy Shores Resort by Lake Diefenbaker, people are strongly encouraged to have liability insurance before operating golf carts in the area.
Grotheim asked about the concerns around the room if the Town were to have such a bylaw that allowed the operation of golf carts around town, and Councillor Derdall said that the main drag through Outlook would be of concern, particularly if a semi was rolling through town and suddenly a golf cart appeared out of nowhere. Trew noted that it could also come down to the optics.
Mayor Husband wondered if the Town could gather some community feedback on this question, and the topic will be revisited in the near future.
Unfinished Business
Council discussed progress of the Town's official strategic plan, including the results of recent surveys that were conducted out in the community.
Mayor Husband noted that the plan will be the guiding document to how the Town prioritizes things moving forward.
A total of 69 people participated in the survey, with Trew noting that such a number was "big for us". He said that the feedback was great and allowed the Town to see things from other points of view, noting that there was always room for improvement across the board.
Husband said that there were still a few more steps ahead for the strategic plan in finalizing it, at which point it will be presented to the public. Trew shared that he expects it to be available to people to read in early March.
Community Development Report
Prepared by Megan Anthony
Executive Summary
The Community Development Department is continuously growing and evolving, always learning from experiences and feedback. Efforts are focused on refining our approach and enhancing the spaces and services we provide. With each step, we aim to create a more supportive, inclusive environment that reflects the needs and aspirations of the community, fostering greater connection and growth.
Projects and Tasks
• Program/Event Development
- Photo Contests
- Paint n Sip – Spring
- Partnering up with Small Steps – beer & wing night
• Social Media & Marketing
- Did You Know?
- Website upgrades – calendars, homepage updates
- Radio Advertising – Chamber/Town partnership
• Community & Economic Development
- CSWB Committee to be Re-established
- CIB business/community programs/initiatives/upgrades
• Recreation
- RecPlex Kitchen Update: we have made some changes within the operations of the kitchen and have seen major improvements and are receiving good feedback again.
- Lots of curling and hockey events coming up – staff are preparing for that
- Swimming Pool: planning for the 2025 season is underway – job ads are going out – working with OES to host swimming lessons through the school in May/June.
- Kinsmen Park Summer Program: planning is underway – job ads are going out – grants have been applied for.
- Explore Program: Planning a moderation of this program.
Assistant CAO Report
Prepared by Rachel Sillers
Year-end & Audit
Our interim audit was conducted on December 17th, 2024 and it went as expected. We had another very full year of projects in 2024 so there are still some year-end entries to be made. The Auditor will come back and finish their on-site auditing on March 10th, 2025.
We have also recently completed our audit prep and visits for the Outlook-Rudy Joint Protective Services Committee (ORJPSC) and Joint Health Committee, both of which we administer from our office. Neither committee had any items of particular interest/note, however there will be significant changes to both sets of financial statements due to the change in financial position for ORJPSC from donations received in 2024, and for the Joint Health Committee from the changes made to the Physician Incentives and Clinic Rent policies in 2024. The draft 2024 Financial Statements for both committees should be ready for review by the participating municipalities by the end of February.
Budget & Capital Plan Amendments
As we work through year end preparations we’re also looking forward in 2025 with forecasting revenues and expenditures for quarter one and beyond. I have begun the process of updating the 2025 operating budget to include changes based on the latest financial projections, department needs and adjustments.
Following the strategic planning discussion, we will incorporate changes based on Council’s ultimate goals for 2025. Likewise, we will revisit the 10-year capital plan and make the required changes to that as well, by this time we should have more accurate assessment figures from SAMA and be able to have a closer look at potential mill rates and mill rate factors for 2025.
*See image below for a breakdown of annual benchmarks.
