Budget 2017 Approved: Spending Slowed, Mill Rate Lowered, and Focus on Building the New Aquatic Centre

Kindersley Town Council’s first budget of the term will result in a mill rate drop of more than 5 mills and spending on certain infrastructure and other programs put on hold as funding slows and Council focuses attention on the design-build of the new indoor aquatic centre.At its May 24 Regular Meeting, Council approved a new uniform mill rate of 9.7. The mill rate is a figure that represents the amount per $1,000 of the assessed value of a property, which is used to calculate the amount of property tax. The mill rate was influenced by significant increases to property assessments [...]

Highlights from May 9, 2016 Council Meeting

Resident Frances Chandler addressed Council to inquire about the Town’s recognition of volunteers and to suggest to Council that more needs to be done to recognize those who contribute to the community in any way.Council defeated a resolution to approve a requested 2-inch (50 mm) diameter water service connection line for the proposed Circle-K Convenience Store, located at 903-11th Avenue West since precedent identifies that a line of that size is to be solely for the purposes of fire suppression.Administration was directed to add an amount not to exceed $18,750 to the 2016 Budget to represent the Town of Kindersley’s portion [...]

Highlights of Special Meeting of Council May 13, 2016

At a Special Meeting of Council held Friday, May 13, 2016, Council directed Acting Mayor Shaun Henry and Chief Administrative Officer Bernie Morton to enter into the following agreements:A rental agreement with the Kindersley Rodeo Committee for the 2016 Rodeo to take place from May 26 to 28, 2016 at the West Central Events Centre.A lease and operating agreement with the NRC Community Management Inc.for the purposes of operating the Norman Ritchie Centre theatre facility as a non-profit organization on behalf of the Town and for the benefit of citizens of Kindersley and region, and further, that the final contract be [...]

2016 Budget Holds Mill Rate to 2015 Level

The Council-approved 2016 Budget keeps the mill rate unchanged for 2016 and sets aside money for future capital projects including the aquatic centre and fire hall.Council approved the mill rate of 15.35 at its May 24 Regular Meeting of Council, recognizing the need to balance long-term planning with sensitivity to current economic pressures.While the Budget approved, in principle, in December 2015 reflected a 3 percent tax increase (2 percent for the Stats Canada rate of inflation for Saskatchewan and 1 percent for capital projects), the approved 2016 Budget absorbs these added costs without any increase.Assessment valuations, operational efficiencies, and a change [...]

Highlights from June 13, 2016 Council Meeting

Chamber of Commerce president Tom Morris addressed Council to provide an update on the organization’s activities, which Morris indicated would include a name change to Kindersley and District Chamber of Commerce in the near future. Morris, also a member of the Kindersley Rotary Club, shared some of the recent activities of the Club, specifically the Los Amigo project, which provides emergency response vehicles to communities in Mexico.Council had a lengthy discussion about whether to refurbish the existing swimming pool with the intent of re-opening by spring 2017 or to proceed with building a new facility with construction starting by 2020. Council [...]

Highlights from the June 27, 2016 Council Meeting

Following a lengthy discussion regarding the Kindersley pool and the present and future need for an aquatic facility, Council defeated a motion to refurbish the existing swimming pool and will instead continue to focus efforts on the construction of a new pool. This decision followed several delegations earlier in the evening during which a variety of representatives offered input about the options facing Council related to refurbishment of the existing 40-year-old pool versus construction of a new outdoor or indoor pool.Members of the Pool Fundraising Committee shared the committee’s mandate since it was formed in 2014. Spokesperson Michelle German stated the [...]

New Traffic Bylaw 12-16 Given First Reading

Council Votes in Favour of New Pool Construction

Council will continue to focus efforts on the fundraising and the eventual construction of a new pool after defeating a motion Monday night to refurbish Kindersley’s existing 40-year-old swimming pool instead building a new.The decision followed a lengthy discussion during which Council evaluated the potential costs along with the life expectancy of a refurbished pool and determined that a new and structurally sound pool with a longer life expectancy would be a more financially sound and long-term investment for Kindersley.Several delegates addressed Council at the June 27 Regular Meeting and Administration provided a detailed report explaining options to provide interim aquatic [...]

Highlights from July 18, 2016 Council Meeting

The new Traffic Bylaw (Bylaw 12-16) was given final reading and adopted by Council, with an amendment to Section 63, which relates to bicycle helmet use. The Bylaw, which goes into effect immediately, now states that helmet use if mandatory only for persons 14 years or age and under.Council rescinded its first reading resolution of Bylaw 08-16, a bylaw to amend the Zoning Bylaw, in order for additional amendments to be added for Council’s review. Bylaw 08-16 will be brought back to Council for first reading in August and a public hearing will be held after that time.Resident Lloyd Griffith expressed [...]

Highlights of August 15, 2016 Council Meeting

Resident Chris Douglas addressed Council to request cost sharing with the Town for the installation of a second water line to a newly constructed residential duplex.Council directed Administration to work with the Province of Saskatchewan and local insurance brokers to whom uninsurable property damage claims have been submitted due to recent rainfall in order to determine the Town of Kindersley's eligibility to be designated as an assistance area under the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP).Council directed Administration to waive the $40 Temporary Road Closure Permit fee for the Goose Festival parade.Council approved the payment of invoices related to renovations at the [...]