In Elk Point: Council denies school trustees request, new Fire Chief elected, and outhouse cleaning

Family School Liaison Worker

A request from the Board of Trustees of St Paul Education to support the Family School Liaison Worker (FSLW) program was denied by council.

The FSLW program provides counsellors in schools around the division and “offers a wide variety of services which include individual and group counselling, crisis management, case consultation and initiating referrals to other agencies,” explains board chair Heather Starosielski in a letter to the Town of Elk Point.

Until 2017, Elk Point contributed $10,000 annually to help support the program, but had to turn down the request this year to meet the town’s budgetary limitations.

Fire Department Report

Elk Point Fire Department held its annual election in early January, choosing Kent Bernard as the new Fire Chief, and Matt Utri as the Deputy Fire Chief, upon approval of Elk Point Town Council.

Bernard has requested to change the term of his position from one year to three years to provide continuity in leadership.

The item has been deferred to the Feb. 5th Elk Point Fire Department committee meeting for review and recommendation.

The Fire Department continues to look for reliable, committed members who will be trained to assist in emergency situations.

New tax concessions for businesses that allow emergency workers to leave during work hours may reduce roadblocks for some people interested in the positions.

Outhouse cleaning

The town received a request from St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor Parish for assistance in maintaining the outhouse at its cemetery.

Volunteer parish members who keep the area clean have reported an increase in outhouse use, noting the cemetery is a convenient stop for walkers who use the trail around the grain elevator.

As noted in the letter, “[The town’s] assistance in keeping the trail walkers regular would be greatly appreciated.” Council denied the request but appreciated the pun.