2016 Newsletter RM of Moosomin

No.121 Office Contact Information:

Administrator: Kendra Lawrence Address: Box 1109 Moosomin, SK S0G 3N0 Phone: 306-435-3113 Ext. 1 Fax: 306-435-4313 Email: rm121@sasktel.net Office Hours:

Monday to Thursday 8am - 12pm and 1pm - 4pm Council Members:

Reeve: David Moffatt - 435-9245 Div. 1 Jeff McMullen - 435-7847 Div. 2 Garnet Fawcett - 435-9251 Div. 3 Herb Doll - 434-7643 Div. 4 Calvin Mills - 435-2076 Div. 5 Dale McAuley - 733-4524 Div. 6 Ernest Dobson - 435-9591 Council Meetings: Council meetings are generally held the second Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m. in the Municipal Office in Moosomin. If you would like the opportunity to speak to council, please make an appointment by contacting the office at least one week before the date of the meeting. Public Works Information: Foreman – Ken Giesbrecht Maintenance.–Bobby Stevens Maintenance– Blake Kennedy Maintenance- Faron Gibson

New website: www.rm121.com

Running for Municipal Office

For governments to be representative of, and responsive to, the needs of their constituents, their make-up should reflect the demographics of the constituency. As an elected official, you will

• bring the perspectives of your demographic to the decision-making table • influence changes that benefit your community and ensure its sustainability • put forward new ideas for debate and possible implementation and change • make a positive difference in the quality of life in your community • provide a voice for your community with other levels of government • be part of a team that makes decisions that affect all aspects of community life

Qualifications It’s not crucial to have education or experience in a government setting to run as a candidate. You likely have skills, knowledge and abilities that are transferable to the elected official’s role.

The Local Government Election Act, 2015 (LGEA) provides the requirements for candidates in municipal elections.

In the case of a rural municipality (RM)

• on the day of election is 18 years of age, and • a Canadian citizen • a resident of Saskatchewan • is eligible to vote in the RM

Elections will take place Wednesday, October 26, 2016. Poll will be

Open from 9:00 am- 8:00 pm (NEW TIME!!)

Elections for Reeve, Division 1, 3 & 5

Elections 2016

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Water Quality Testing- The RM has water quality testing bottles available at the RM office. You can take a sample of your water and send it to the Provincial Lab for water quality testing

Water, Wells and Drainage Issues. Oh My!

Development Permits

Every person shall apply for a development permit before commencing any development within the municipality, so that site and building setbacks requirements in the Zoning Bylaw are being met. (i.e. all farm buildings, grain storage, machine sheds, residences or additions to, linear public utilities, and oil wells to name a few).

Building Permits

The municipality has contracted the services of Meridian Inspections Ltd as its building official. Building permits must be applied for and approval granted for: Country residential homes and Light/Heavy commercial/industrial

Plans of the development must accompany the application and inspections will be completed by the building official periodically during the construction process

Rural Plumbing & Onsite Sewage Permits

These permits are a requirement of Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region. To find out more information check out their website at www.rqhealth.ca (Search onsite sewage)

There is a guide and applications forms found there. Permit applications are also available at the RM office as well.

Growth means Development. Got your permits??

“Development of any kind requires permits Contact the office to ensure you have the proper permits in place before you start.

Wells- Reminder of Yearly Notification for Users of Non-Potable Wells

Please be advised that the health region no longer monitors the bacteriologic water quality of Non-potable wells. Therefore water from municipal wells in the R.M., available to the public, are not treated or tested and is considered unsafe for human consumption. DO NOT USE this water for drinking, cooking, food preparation and oral hygiene purposes

Drainage Issues

Water continues to be an issue for many and the continued drainage has caused many issues both for fellow ratepayers as well as the municipality. Please remember it is illegal to ditch/drain water off your land to someone else’s land. Also, it is illegal to dig ditches in the RM road right-of-way. Drainage projects that remove or lessen water flow on your land require the approval of Saskatchewan Watershed Authority so the impact on neighbouring landowners can be minimized.

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Help put polluters in their place Did you know that you can report illegal dumping through Saskatchewan’s TIP hotline? All reports are investigated and calls are confidential. Call the toll-free number or submit the report online. saskatchewan.ca/tip | 1-800-667-7561 | SaskTel Cell #5555

According to the Ministry of the Environment, it is illegal to burn grain bags on public OR private property. Fines for burning grain bags range from $0 – 1 million dollars based on the severity of the offense. The most relevant restrictions related to grain bag burning can be found in The Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2002, under Section 4(1) – Prohibition on discharges and in The Clean Air Regulations under Section 11 – Prohibition, burning. At this time, there are 6 waste collection sites that take grain bags with an additional 6 sites to be added in the near future. More information on these sites can be found at www.simplyag.ca or by contacting Travis Quark, Simply Ag – Coordinator, at 1-866-298-7222.

Illegal Dumping Awareness

Grain Bag Burning- Big No No!!

Fines for burning grain bags range from $0- 1 million dollars based on severity of offence.

Lower Souris Watershed

Programs available thru the Lower Souris Water shed: 1. Grain Bag Roller – available free of charge . To book the roller contact Tyler Fewings at 306-452-3292

2. Farm Stewardship Program- provides financial assistance to implement management practises to improve

air, soil, water and biodiversity.

3. Farm & Ranch Water Program- government funding to assist producers with agriculture water infrastructure. Examples are dugouts, water wells, pipelines, livestock watering systems, etc

4. Wetland Conservation Fund- funding of $2000 per wetland acre to implement a wetland restoration project on your property with a 10 year agreement.

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Sometimes you need to burn grass, bush piles or stubble. Please ensure you are well prepared and that you have fire guards in place. These “ Controlled burns” should also be reported. By reporting it ensures no unnecessary fire call out fees.

To report a CONTROLLED BURN CALL 1-866-404-4911 (The number is answered 24/7-365 days) You will be asked the following: (Have your info ready) • What is your land location? * How long will your burn last? • What is your RM number? * Your name and phone number. • What are the location details? • What are you burning? You will be asked to call back, once the burn has been completed.

Controlled Burns!!!

Quick Reminders Gravelling - The R.M. does not accommodate private gravelling. Please contact private contractors for your project needs. RM Maps – Maps are available from the office at $10.00/map. Mowing- Has begun and we ask that you ensure gates are swung into your property to prevent damage to your gate and municipal equipment. Passing Municipal Equipment/Workers- We request that when passing municipal equipment and workers that your speed be reduced to 60km/h. Snow Pushing/Ridging- Snow can not be pushed out onto the municipal roads it causes safety issues for traffic. Please keep it to your own property.

Gopher & Beaver Programs Gophers- 2% strychnine is available at the municipal office. The Ministry of Agriculture announced the permanent registration in March 2012. Beavers- the RM has a $30.00 bounty on beavers again for 2015. Area councilors must confirm the kill for payment.

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