Bylaw changes still in the works

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Major revisions of some key town bylaws are still in the works, council heard at a recent meeting.

The status of the revisions was a topic of discussion during Davidson town council’s regular meeting on Oct. 17.

Coun. Arlene Low expressed some concern regarding a lack of regular formal updates on the bylaws and other matters.

She said she finds it frustrating how council will request action or discuss a topic at one meeting, and “then they’re never brought up again.”

In May, council requested that town staff prepare a draft of a business licensing bylaw, to target businesses that operate in town but whose owners do not currently pay commercial property taxes.

The current business licensing bylaw was approved in 1981 and remains on the books, though it has not been updated or enforced in decades.

Regarding the new bylaw, Mayor Tyler Alexander said at October’s meeting, “It’s something that we’re looking at putting in for next year, so we’ve got time yet.”

In March, council agreed to form a committee to oversee the Davidson cemetery, and to replace the existing bylaw, which dates back to 1951 and was last updated in 1979. The committee was formed, but council has yet to see a draft of a revised bylaw.

Following a pair of dog bite incidents in August and September, council also agreed to a recommendation from town staff that the animal control bylaw be reviewed.

In that case, the aim was to expedite the process of dealing with animals deemed dangerous, by eliminating the step of holding a hearing.

Within the last year, council has also requested a revision of the fire bylaw, with co-operation from local fire officials.

Assistant administrator Donna Bessey told the Leader last week that she is gradually working on the bylaw revisions as time allows, juggling that with her other responsibilities.

“They’re all important,” she said. “I’m doing the best that I can.”

Sometimes, Bessey said, council provides only limited details in regards to the changes they want to see, which delays the process.

Coun. Todd Lockwood said last week that better communication between council and staff would help the process along.

Council also heard at the meeting that office clerk Diane Hryniuk had given her notice of resignation. Her last day is Nov. 30.

Hryniuk and her family are moving to Saskatoon as her husband Rick has accepted a transfer to Cargill’s Clavet facility, as crop inputs manager. The move also brings them closer to the family farm.

Administrator Gary Edom said that clerk Della Siroski has agreed to take on some additional hours at the office.

As far as staffing levels are concerned, he said, “I think we’ll be OK.”

Wall of honour

Coun. Jessica Foster provided an update on her work regarding the wall of honour at the north-end rest stop.

At present, the wall of honour holds only one plaque, recognizing fireworks designer Brad Dezotell for his contribution to the 2005 Homecoming. A second plaque is planned, honouring Dezotell for a similar role in local Canada 150 events.

Council has agreed that the wall should be expanded to include more local residents of note, but they have yet to establish the criteria or process for selecting honourees.

Foster brought several samples of plaques of various sizes and materials. Council approved the use of aluminum plaques measuring 10” x 5”, at a cost of $192 each.

Council also briefly discussed plans to honour Davidson native and entrepreneur Murad Al-Katib with a larger, separate sign.

Rec updates

The construction of a steel storage shed outside the AGT Centre is still on hold, pending the completion of a concrete pad.

The shed is to be used for the storage of furniture and equipment during planned improvements to the fitness centre.

Council heard that recreation director Trevor Ouellette has spoken to three local contractors, only one of whom showed interest in completing the work. Council asked town staff to seek a quote from a contractor further afield.

Coun. Jessica Foster reported from a recent Communities in Bloom (CIB) meeting that the committee has expressed interest in making improvements to the parking lot area at the AGT Centre.

The idea drew a positive response, with councillors asking that CIB put together a rough proposal for the town’s consideration.

“I think it’s safe to say we’d all love to see that place beautified a lot,” said Mayor Alexander.

Administrator’s report

Gary Edom presented a written report to council, noting that the sewage lagoon has been drained to a safe level and that one-third of sewer mains have been cleaned.

In response to a request from resident Derrick Vetter, the town will be inspecting a storm sewer main near his home on McGregor Street to determine if the line has collapsed or become blocked.

Council also heard an update on the progress regarding government approval for the new pit at the landfill. Trent Thomson has joined the town’s public works staff.

Other business

The Prairie Patches Quilt Guild has offered the town the gift of a quilt, measuring 49 feet by 59 feet, intended for public display. Council moved to accept the gift and ask for input from the guild as to where they would like to see the quilt placed.

Plans are still in motion for a meeting with town officials and two business owners to discuss possible paving of the road running east to the water treatment plant, known as the “A&W Road.”

Mayor Alexander said he has spoken to a local contractor regarding repairs to the sidewalk along Government Road in front of Davidson School. The broken sidewalk is targeted for replacement either this fall or next spring.

Council heard that Mike Hoehn had recently volunteered his time to fix some trouble spots on the cemetery road, filling a sinkhole and levelling the gravel. Councillors moved to publicly thank both Hoehn and Milton Schilling, who contributed the use of his truck.

A joint meeting between the town and the RMs of Arm River and Willner is planned for January. Councillors provided some possible topics for discussion.