March 2024 Council’s Corner

In Davidson Town Council’s Strategic Plan, one of the values identified was transparency in municipal decision making, finances, and communication.  Council’s Corner will focus on these strategic priorities as it relates to the Strategic Action Plan:

1. Engagement, Communications and Team Work

• Thank you to Western Sales for the use of a snowblower attachment for our skid steer this winter. It was a huge help with snow removal while our equipment was down for repair.
• Council is once again undertaking a Dutch Elm Disease survey of all American elm trees within the Town. This is typically done every other year in efforts to protect our urban forest.
• Council continues to participate in the Davidson School Scholarship program, providing a scholarship to a graduating student who has displayed school involvement and community leadership.
• Due to the annual price adjustment from Loraas, and in order to fully cover the cost of the garbage and recycle service, Council had the final read on a bylaw to increase the total monthly cost of these services by $3.04/month. This price increase will appear on your Jan-Mar 2024 utility bills.
• The 2023 financial audit is complete, with Council set to approve the annual financial statements at their April Council Meeting. Council is currently working on the 2024 Operating and Capital Budget.
• A tentative meeting has been set in April with Highways representatives, Town Council, and the RM of Arm River and Willner to discuss the results of the first Highway 11 Open House that was held in December 2023.

2. Infrastructure

• Council made the difficult decision to cancel the AGT Addition Project in February, even though there was grant funding to cover a portion of the project. The funding we were approved for was based on 73% of the engineer’s project cost estimate of $663,255 used in the application.  This resulted in $486,343 grant funding from the federal and provincial government, with the Town covering $176,912.  We were shocked when the first round of tenders had the total project priced at $1,111,191.  After some cost saving measures were implemented to the design, the project was re-tendered.  This time the project came in at $1,008,575.  With grant funding capped at $486,343, the Town would still need to cover $522,232.  Council felt that there were more pressing infrastructure projects they should focus on.  Funds from the donations received for this project ($3,220) and the fundraising done to date ($20,165) have been transferred to the Recreation Reserve for future recreation use.
• The maintenance and upgrades to the water tower had to be postponed due to ice build up in the tower. When the ice has melted, the engineers and contractors will return to complete this project.  Meanwhile, you may notice water pressure variances.
• Council has scheduled for sewer manhole repairs to take place this spring, as identified in the sewer line camera work from last fall.

3. Recreation and Cultural Programs

• Council approved Sask Lottery funding for 5 community projects, and to date $5,218 remains unallocated.  The Town is encouraging local groups that have eligible projects and did not previously apply to submit a request for funding before the April 22^nd Council meeting.  Saskatchewan Lottery Grants support local sport, culture and recreation programs.
• The Town was recently awarded $5,000 from the Community Initiatives Fund to support swimming lessons at Panther Pool.  Panther Pool will open June 3^rd and lessons will begin that day.  Swimming lesson dates will be available in April and registration will open on May 13^th.  Watch the Town website for more details including how to register.

If you have questions or want more information, please contact the Town Office.