Hello Everyone. Please know that I have written this on Monday in order to get this in the paper on time, so when you read it later this week, some items might鈥檝e changed by then.
There has been a lot of concern over the Golden 麻豆视频 Wind Energy Project. I can assure you that myself, council and administration share those concerns. Since March 16, in reference to the virus, we have been in constant contact with Potentia Renewables, the successful proponent of this SaskPower project. On March 18, we received their first pandemic response plan which has been revised a number of times since, as the information on the virus and the provincial and federal orders have progressed.
Citizen concerns increased substantially at the beginning of April and discussion on the matter was included in the regular council meeting of April 6, resulting in a resolution to provide the concerns in writing to the province. In the morning of April 8, a letter from the Assiniboia Town Council was sent to Premier Scott Moe with carbon copies to MLA Dave Marit, Health Minister Jim Reiter and Dustin Duncan, the Minister responsible for SaskPower. In this letter, we voiced all of our concerns with this project in reference to COVID-19 and asked if the province would consider postponing the project, but if postponement did not happen, that the project be required to follow increased public health measures.聽
On April 9, the Town received an updated response plan from Potentia and on April 13, a revised open letter to the community as well as a Community Safety Plan. These two documents can be found on the Town of Assiniboia鈥檚 website.
Now just a comment on the Assiniboia Union Hospital being declared a COVID-19 hospital. I would like to thank Lisa Cairns for her response to this decision, which is also available for viewing on our website.
During our virtual council meeting held April 6, we approved our 2020 Operational and Capital Budgets. I am pleased to announce there will not be a tax increase this year and we have also been informed that the school tax will not change from the 2019 rates.
In addition, council approved the following COVID-19 financial and operational considerations effective immediately until May 31, with potential to extend the discontinuation of property seizures related to tax enforcement. There will be a discontinuation of utility disconnects for non-payment with emphasis that customers will make long term payment arrangements with the utilities department.聽
Draw prizes will be awarded for the Utility and Tax E-Notice sign-up. The first draw will give a $200 credit, the second draw 鈥� a $100 credit and the third draw, a $50 credit. These credits must be applied to a tax or utility account as chosen by winner. There are also award draw prizes for a Pre-Authorized Debit sign-up. The first draw will present a $200 credit, the second draw 鈥� a $100 credit and the third draw, a $50 credit. The awarded credits must be applied to a tax or utility account as chosen by winner.
There will be a continuation of regular council meetings having further discussions on April 20 about frequency of meetings. Standing committee meetings will be held only as required. The assessment roll will be available to the public for viewing on the website, or by making an appointment. Please call 306-642-5001 to make appointment between April 17-May18. 聽
In closing, we will get through this, I know this is a stressful time, so please follow all of the orders issued by Public Health.
Please stay at home and do not go out unless you absolutely have to. Most stores deliver, such as the 麻豆视频land Co-Op Grocery store. No group gatherings or parties. Everyone should wash their hands and avoid touching their face. Most important of all is physical distancing, especially not in stores, in the aisles, or in line at the check-out.
Good luck and good health,
Bob Himbeault.
