Last Wednesday at 6:00 P.M. the Esterhazy Town Council met via Zoom to hold their regularly scheduled meeting.
After Mayor Forster called the meeting to order the council approved the evening’s agenda and adopted the minutes from the May 13, 2020 meeting.
Carrying on with town housekeeping items, the council reviewed the list of accounts for the towns financials before moving to discuss administrative reports.
The Public Works Foreman Gord Meyer reported to the town council regarding the progress of the town works staff for the last month. Foreman Meyer informed the council public works has been flushing hydrants and sweeping the streets as well as getting the banners and flags up around town.
It was discussed about the freon in the fridges and freezers being dropped off in the landfill. Council discussed if the town should purchase a freon extractor as it costs $100 per item to have someone come in and do it.
Unfortunately, the compactor is not in service at this time due to mechanical issues.
Tammy MacDonald, the planning/development director, was next to give her report to the council. She started with an update saying she was happy that public works found property pins which were found around a fire hydrant in a ratepayer yard; this assisted with site plans.
Next, MacDonald discussed the advertising corridor on the west side of town and what size these signs should be. There are fifteen people on the advertising waitlist who hope to advertise on these signs.
It was decided to table this discussion until the next meeting.
Esterhazy High School has requested the town do a slideshow of the 2020 graduates on the town's digital information board.
An extension on a building permit was requested and accepted by the council after a motion.
There was also a request to approve a building permit which was moved and carried.
Carrying on, the council heard Brenda Redman the Town of Esterhazy Community Development/Recreation Director inform the council that they are able to hire five students at $14 per hour for twenty hours a week this summer doing various public works projects around the town.
Garbage cans and a dog waste station were purchased and it was discussed where they should be located around the Town of Esterhazy; these will be installed starting next week in their chosen locations which the grade five class at PJ Gillen School came up with as an idea to help beautify the town.
Car Bingo is coming to Esterhazy with a request by “Skate Esterhazy”. They requested that the council allow this as they will follow all COVID-19 protocol; the council approved their request.
There were two fires to report this week that were reviewed by the council. It was mentioned that most COVID-19 personal protective equipment was received although the masks had not yet been received.
Acting Administrator Mike Thorley gave the council his administrative report to the council. The town office has all the re-opening protocols in place. As of Monday, May 25 the office reopened.
Hopefully, after June 8, the council should be able to resume council meetings in chambers.
Tax notices will be made up and sent out by Monday with a message from the mayor to accompany it as well.
A recommendation was made by Acting Administrator Thorley to hire temporary staff for a twelve week period or until the regular office assistant is able to return; a motion was made and passed.
It was recommended to hire Duncan Construction to clear some bush area at the landfill with a motion from Councilor Petracek that was passed by the council.
For new business, the council discussed a webinar that Acting Administrator Thorley will attend about “Respect in the Workplace”. It is hosted by Municipalities of Saskatchewan and it was recommended that it is mandatory for all staff of the Town of Esterhazy, including the volunteer fire department; the council decided to take this course with a motion by Councillor Flick.
Next, the council heard the repeal of Bylaw 293A; a bylaw for establishing an emergency measures organization. A motion was made by Councilor Petrateck and carried by the council.
At 7:03 the council moved into the committee of the whole.
