City Council had their last meeting of 2020 in City Hall chambers on Monday evening. After the province announced additional restrictions to help reduce COVID-19 transmission, council provided direction last night to staff that Council and committee meetings will now be held virtually.
Residents were also reminded of the restrictions and guidelines in place when visiting City Hall. “We are asking for appointment only for anyone who needs to see our staff in-person. If you are coming down to pay bills, that is not a problem as we will still run our normal operations,” said Mathew Warren, City Manager.
In the past few year, the city has promoted the online payment feature that is available on their website, so that residents can pay city-owned bills without coming down to City Hall in person.
“Based on the restrictions mandated by the province, City Hall has to have less than 30 people inside the building.”
The 30 person capacity will still apply to other city facilities, which include the two arenas at Crescent Point Place and Tom Zandee Sports Arena.
“There are some reviews that we have to do for our outdoor facilities,” said Warren, noting that the new restrictions at gatherings at outdoor public places are now at 10 people.
“We respects what is happening in the province. We have to make sure we do our proper vigilance as we go through this process. It is imperative that we listen to what our health officials tell us, and that we keep following the guidelines,” said Warren.
He noted that it excited to hear that a vaccine will soon be released in the province. The City of Weyburn will work with Saskatchewan Health Authority on creating vaccine clinics at public places like McKenna Hall.
A motion was passed to allow an extension for the approval of the 2021 budget, during council meeting. The City of Weyburn has an Annual Budget Policy to ensure Council and Management have met to discuss goals, visions, objections and priorities. The policy states Council will approve an annual budget by December 20 of each year, unless Council has approved by motion an alternate target date.
As 2020 was an election year, the budget directives and discussions were delayed and therefore the budget deadline of December 20 will not be met. The new target date for approval will be on or before January 25.
