OUTLOOK - The town council of Outlook met for a regular meeting on Wednesday night, September 13. Present was all of Council: Kyle McLeod, Bob Stephenson, Sharon Bruce, Ryan Husband, Justin Turton, and Kevin Grotheim, as well as Mayor Maureen Weiterman, Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Trew, and Assistant Administrator Rachel Sillers.
The meeting was broadcast on the Town of Outlook's Facebook page.
A number of topics and items were discussed, including the following highlights.
Presentations
Council recognized the month of October as Donor's Choice Month in the community of Outlook.
Bylaws
A number of updated bylaws were brought forward in order to hold and pass readings. These include:
Bylaw 04(2023) Solid Waste Collection - a discussion was had on some of the associated costs, and it was determined that more concrete figures would be finalized. A second reading of the bylaw was held and carried.
Bylaw 05(2023) Development Fees - a first reading of the bylaw was held and carried.
Bylaw 06(2023) Penalty Fee - a first reading of the bylaw was held and carried.
Bylaw 07(2023) Community Plan - a first reading of the bylaw was held and carried. It was said that there was "homework needed" on it before being brought back for a second reading.
Bylaw 08(2023) Zoning - a first reading of the bylaw was held and carried.
Those interested in these new bylaws can find them on the town's website, as they're expected to be posted on there soon.
Communications Requiring Action or Decision
There was a request brought forward by Sandra and James Hofer for the Town to consider a new livestock bylaw, as the pair are looking to raise chickens in town. Administrator Trew asked Council to consider new or updated bylaw language, and Councillor Husband said that the bylaws should be updated and made more visible for the public. Councillor Stephenson noted that the pros and cons of such a request need to be discussed, and it's expected that more research will be sought on this topic.
Reports of Administration, Staff and/or Committees Requiring Decision
On the topic of transferring reserve funds in order to fund a number of capital projects in town, Assistant Administrator Sillers went over some of the numbers. It was said that for the 2023 year, the Town plans $7.4 million in capital projects, with $750,700 estimated to be funded from the Town's internal reserves or savings. The reserves as of August 31, 2023 totaled $2,251,482. Projects that are currently in progress that will utilize such funds include:
The town hall complex parking lot development - $110,000
Town hall complex H-VAC control - $70,000
Landfill decommissioning - $162,500
Raw water intake upgrades - $266,700
Stormwater outfall - $64,250
For a combined total of $673,450.
The recommended resolution was that Council authorize the transfer of $180,000 from the general reserve; $162,500 from the waste management reserve; $266,700 from the utility reserve; and $64,250 from the gas tax reserve for the purpose of funding capital projects. A motion was made and carried to approve and move forward with the transfer for the capital projects.
New Business
An employee assessment regiment was discussed, which would see new performance appraisals, performance improvement plans, and self assessment tools put into place for Town of Outlook employees. Council made a motion to accept it.
A non arm's length transaction for Mayor Weiterman was approved and accepted for $73.65 for a recent travel expense.
