The meeting of SARM District 5 was held in the Travelodge, Saskatoon, Sask., on Wednesday, June 25, 2003 commencing at 9:30 a.m.
Those in attendance were:
• Reeves 14
• Councilors 40
• Administrators 16
• Visitors 6
Director Nick Postnikoff called the meeting to order at 9:40 am welcoming everyone and went on to introduce the dignitaries present.
Reports
SARM President Neal Hardy spoke on the following topics:
• BSE - Jim Hallick is SARM’s representative on the Provincial advisory committee
• Education tax on property - SARM has been raising this issue since 1964, 1980 – 2002 = average 212% education tax increase on agricultural land, Provincial Education tax commission is now holding hearings. SARM will present revenue alternatives to the commission Province has discretionary funds available
• Ag. land assessment - 2005 reassessment will eliminate the LMI and will create an assessment increase shift to the East side of the province, proposed $330 per acre average ag. land value, proposed $57 per acre productivity point, $$5.80 PMI (330 / 57)
• Lessee owner rights group - TLE claims on leased crown land
• Federal Government - went to Ottawa in May, 2003, met with Minister of Fisheries & Oceans met with other officials associated with Hon. Paul Martin
• SARM general insurance program - 170 RM’s participating to date
• RM Act amendments - new council will take office at first meeting following election commencing 2005, new road weight regulations
• Revenue Sharing - formula had been amended and now includes road classification (85%) and rolling 3 yr. average RM expenditure (15%)
Hon. Ron Osika, minister of Government Relations spoke to the meeting noting the following:
• greater use of the internet to distribute municipal information
• RM Act amendments
• 15.4% increase to Revenue Sharing with a change to the distribution formula
• amendments to municipal Planning & Development provisions
• gravel extraction & oil/gas drilling license fees are under review
• Provincial Education Tax Commission
• SAMA operations
• CSIP program
Bonnie Bjorndalen, Municipal advisor made a presentation on the recent amendments to the RM Act.
• Transportation - RM may adopt a weight management bylaw to designate a haul route or set weight limits, must harmonize with adjoining municipalities, must be consistent with Sask. Highway’s weights, a dispute mechanism is available, RM may establish a policy to issue overweight permits, haul agreements now apply to a producer/shipper, hauler or a receiver, agreements may be applied on a multi-municipal / regional approach, simplified road closing and leasing procedures
• Council term of office - effective 2005, new council will assume office at the meeting immediately following the election
• Improved fire suppression charging procedure
• Optional simplified assessment appeal process
• reinstate the education property tax rebate program
SARM Pres. Minister’s Address - GRAA
SARM Asst. Executive Director Dale Harvey spoke on the Municipal Leadership Development program noting:
• 5 education modules directed at local government elected officials and staff
- Municipal roles & responsibilities
- Financial, strategic & land use planning
- Economic development
- Human resources management
- Public relations & communication
• 1 day workshops at various locations
• more information available at www.mldp.ca
Sask. Municipal Hail Director Wayne Nargang noted the following in his address:
• 2002 loss history
• Competitive advantages of Sask. Municipal and Additional Hail Insurance
Brian Kelly, brought greetings from Sask Power and noted Sask Power’s:
• electrical operations
• environmental responsibilities
• vacant farmyard power line removal
• Highway 2 corridor forest clear cutting for power line
• Ducks Unlimited assistance program
• 3 phase power access costs
Jack Comeau, SARM benefit consultants spoke on the critical illness insurance program for Council members, employees and appointed officials:
• program will pay a lump sum in the event of a serious illness
• RM officials, employees & spouses eligible (age 16 – 64)
• premium refund option available
Dr. Garry Bowes, Sask. Agriculture provided an update on the Noxious Weed Control Program
• weed inspector training clinic (early April) open to anyone
• biological control of scentless chamomile & leafy spurge
• chemical rewards program
SARM Vice President Bob Schulz spoke on the following topics:
• BSE disaster
• strychnine pest control
• Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• 2005 centennial celebrations
Larry Stamatinos, Sask. Highways provided an update on the Railways Act and regulations
• operational guidelines
• short line tax assessments.
SARM Executive Director Ken Engel spoke on the following topics:
• general insurance program
• bridge signing
• CSIP
• Prairie Grain roads program
• municipal rationalization study assistance
- $5,000 per RM
- $2,000 per Village
• Provincial Education Tax Commission
Murray Purcell, Prov. Council of ADD Boards member, spoke on the Environmental Farm Planning program
• increasing environment regulations affecting agriculture
• production quality protection is a priority
• voluntary on farm assessments (Environmental Farm Plan) to aid in identifying
environmental risks and remediation
• Environmental Farm Plans may be required to obtain financing in the future
• John Buchan, Sask. Ag. is the provincial coordinator
Moved by R.M. # 403
That this meeting be adjourned.
Carried.
The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
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