KAMSACK — Various appointments for 2025, heating for the curling rink, outstanding taxes owing and a general discussion regarding council members’ “wish list” as to what each sees as a priority for the year were among items to concern town council at its regular meeting Jan. 13.
Council appointed the firm of Meyers Norris Penny of Moosomin as its auditor for 2025 and the firms of Rosowsky Law (Christine Rosowsky) of Kamsack and MLT Atkins (Milad Aishahi) of Regina as its solicitors.
Miles Hutchings of Yorkton was named building inspector, while it was decided tax collection would be done “in-house.”
Authorized as hunters within the town, under the Ministry of Environment, were: Joe Kozakewich, Rick Aikman, Tyson Leis, Walter Lesiuk, Sherise Fountain, Clint Raffard, Vincent Bailey and Hudson Bailey.
Vincent Bailey and Hudson Bailey were appointed pest control officers.
Western Municipal Consulting, including 28 persons, was named as the Board of Revision and the Development Appeals Board.
Council had no objection to a request made by Stacey Hilton to return 131-Carment Ave. to the town, providing transfer fees are the owner’s responsibility.
Installation of heating units for the curling side of Broda Sportsplex for a quote of $55,000 provided by P&J Plumbing and Heating was approved.
The installation includes two units for the rink portion and one unit for the lobby area, explained Barry Hvidston, town administrator. Curlers have said that it was often too cold for comfortable curling and the lobby viewing area has been chilly. It is hoped the units can be installed this winter.
When council members were asked what they see council doing in 2025 so that direction could be given to administration as to how to develop the budget, several planning items were discussed, Hvidston said. Councillors urged increased use of the Broda Sportsplex, especially during the summer, and indicated efforts should be undertaken to increase the use of the mezzanine area which could be rented for a variety of functions.
“It’s an underutilized building,” he said.
Council discussed the community’s old water tower which is a historical building for which councillors and residents generally had a fondness. The lighted sign spelling KAMSACK on top of the structure had been turned off several months ago after a few of the letters failed to light.
There will be a cost to revitalize the structure to bring it up to code, Hvidston explained. Currently, it is unsafe to go to the top to attempt any work on the lighted sign.
“If something is not done, it will only deteriorate,” he said, adding that council members seemed to favour a study be undertaken and possibly a five-year plan towards its restoration.
The administration was instructed to seek prices for a study.
Council members discussed the community’s infrastructure, including paving, water and sewer.
“We know we need to put money aside for the infrastructure,” said Mayor Beth Dix.
Continuing a search for a new location for the provincial courthouse, which has been using the Legion Hall since the closure of Crowstand Centre, council is looking at possible current buildings and what renovations would be needed, as well as the possibility of a new structure, he said.
Kamsack has one more year of use left in its landfill and it’s possible that the debris from the demolition of the former Shop-Easy building can be taken to the site before decommissioning in 2026.
The transfer station is located at the site.
A total of $487,661 is owed by residents in property taxes, he explained. Of that amount, $267,119 is owed from the 2024 taxation, while the rest remains unpaid from previous years. The unpaid taxes are from 177 properties of the approximate 980 properties in the community that are not owned by the town.
The amount of taxes levied in 2024 was $2,726,455, so taxes remaining at the end of the year represent 10.2 per cent of the total levy.
“We had lots of discussion including elements regarding the closing out of 2024 and information needed because of the new members on council,” Dix explained.
Council is currently seeking two employees, one an administration clerk and another for public works.
