At the most recent regular Esterhazy town council meeting, the current state of the landfill and the future plans for it potentially becoming a regional landfill were discussed.
The council is still planning to put together a clean up crew to organize the landfill and tidy up the sectioned piles of different waste. They’re hoping to execute the clean up plan before the end of summer to use their summer students help in the effort.
The last time the Esterhazy landfill was systematically organized was 2002 and it’s a requirement to do so again before becoming a regional landfill. With the current set up of the landfill, there’s only one employee at the gate who isn’t able to enforce proper dumping in the landfill. This has led to people dumping incorrectly and further disorganizing the landfill.
Although no plans were set, it came up in the meeting that the council could look into potentially hiring a second landfill employee at some point to ensure proper enforcement of dumping.
“When I went to the Humboldt dump they had an employee take me around from section to section to enforce proper dumping,” said Mayor Grant Forster. “It took longer—probably 45 minutes—and people had to wait behind me, but it ensured it was done right.”
The overwhelming feeling among the council was that it’s going to take time and money to get the landfill to meet all the requirements to become a regional landfill. With that in mind, they will return to the topic going forward and develop a definitive action plan to take the steps necessary to see this through.
Councillor Martin Pfeifer also brought up the idea of implementing a grain bag recycling area at the landfill. With grain bag recycling being a key component to proper waste management in Saskatchewan for farmers and no centre for it in the area, it’s something the council agreed they could consider down the road.
Waiting on official MEEP approval
The Town of Esterhazy is waiting on official approval of its Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) project plan that was submitted in July.
“The MEEP application went in, and I called them to see where we’re at and of course they’ve got 700 of these to look at, so approval is coming, but we just have to wait on it,” said Acting Administrator Mike Thorley.
MEEP was announced by the Government of Saskatchewan in May, with funding going to local municipalities ($143 per capita) to support investments in infrastructure, to stimulate economic recovery and encourage local job creation.
The Town of Esterhazy is eligible for $359,608 from MEEP to go towards various infrastructure projects. With the projects approved by council, the next step is to get approval from the government to access the MEEP funding.
At their previous council meeting, the council approved four projects that the MEEP funding will be going towards. The four projects approved by the council for MEEP were Main Street beautification, construction of a barrier wall in the commercial area, playground equipment at the historical park, and construction of a new tennis/pickleball/basketball courts.
The deadline to use MEEP funding on approved projects is March 31, 2022, within two years of the announcement of MEEP by the Government of Saskatchewan.
Rec and facilities update
Esterhazy Rec Director Brenda Redman gave a thorough rundown of the current state of the town recreation facilities and how things are looking with them as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Redman says the summer has gone very well at the D.A. Mackenzie Aquatic Centre and she’s very pleased with the income considering the circumstances. Swimming lessons were cancelled this year due to staff shortages from Covid-19.
Both Redman and the council praised the work the pool staff has been doing this year with extra cleaning and sanitization due to the Covid-19 re-opening guidelines.
“The pool staff is doing an amazing job,” said Redman. “They’ve been so good about cleaning.”
“I have to say the pool staff has been amazing,” said Councillor Maggie Rowland. “When I went there they were wiping down everything so frequently.”
One issue did arise from the pool, the pool pump broke and a new one is needed. The council passed a motion to purchase a new pool pump for $3,500.
The closing date for the pool this season with be August 30 due to student staff returning to school.
At the S.N. Boreen Centre, Redman says all weddings were cancelled this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Dana Antal Arena has had a total makeover, said Redman, as they’ve taken the summer to give it a new paint job. They’ve painted all of the bleachers and there’s no more rust, as well as the viewing room chairs and floor. The new sound system will be going in once the ice is in.
“The arena is looking so good thanks to the summer students painting,” she said.
With the Saskatchewan Hockey Association allowing for the resumption of sanctioned events this fall, Redman has been discussing a plan with Esterhazy Minor Hockey.
The SHA is still finalizing guidelines and continuing to make new regulations, said Redman, and she’ll continue to talk with Esterhazy Minor Hockey until something is set in stone.
For the time being, the council passed a motion to open the Dana Antal Arena for September 8.
After putting together a barbecue at the dog park, Redman says, she was able to raise $407 that will go towards a new bench in town.
Overall, the council was very happy with how the town is looking with its summer beautification.
“It’s a pleasure to come into town now,” said Mayor Grant Forster.
Booster Juice success
On Wednesday, July 29, the Booster Juice mobile truck stopped in Esterhazy and parked in front of the museum for the day for the community to enjoy.
Planning and Economic Development Officer Tammy MacDonald says it was very successful with a consistent line up throughout the day.
“We’re possibly going to look at having them come back,” said MacDonald.
With the success of the Booster Juice mobile truck, MacDonald said they may look into doing other one-time events with companies similar to this one for next summer.
To comply with the business license bylaw, MacDonald said the Economic Development Committee paid for the business license for Booster Juice.
Second parklet almost ready
At the previous council meeting, the council passed a motion to approve the building of a second public parklet. The second parklet has now been built says Planning and Economic Development Officer Tammy MacDonald and they’re just waiting for the flower pots they ordered to arrive.
After having extra materials left over from the building of the first parklet, the parklet coming in under budget, and the immediate success of the parklet, the council agreed it would make sense to have a second one in town.
The council has not yet made a decision on where in town the second parklet will be set up.
Selling old equipment
During the council meeting councillor Tenille Flick raised the idea of potentially selling some older equipment the Town of Esterhazy is in possession of but doesn’t use.
She mentioned that there’s no sense in letting it lay around taking up space while it depreciates in value if the town doesn’t need it.
Councillor Martin Pfeifer agreed it would be smart to look into selling some of the equipment because not only would it make the town money, but would allow for more areas of storage with the cleared space.
Although no definite plan was set, the council will potentially go check out the equipment with Public Works to see what they can justify selling and keeping before putting together a sales plan.
Fire protection service
The RM of Spy Hill and Village of Spy Hill are requesting to be a part of a fire protection service agreement with the Town of Esterhazy.
This agreement would be so that the Esterhazy Fire Department could be requested to be sent out to Spy Hill in the case that they’re needed for extra support. This agreement would also cover any liability with the Town of Esterhazy.
“We’ve entered into similar agreements before,” said Acting Administrator Mike Thorley. “Before we make a decision we’re going to review other areas to do this with.”
The council tabled the fire protection agreement until next council meeting to gather more information.
Children at play sign
Councillor Tenille Flick raised the idea of potentially investing in some “children at play” signs to put around town.
With some noticeable speeding down streets lately in areas with lots of children playing outside, Flick said it would be a benefit to the community and appreciated by all.
The council doesn’t think it will cost much to do this and will return to the subject at an upcoming council meeting.
