Luseland's economic development hire delivers early wins

By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice

The Town of Luseland council heard an update on their economic development position, which appears to be working out quite well. The report was made at the May 19 regular meeting of council.

In a phone call with Mayor Kathy Wurz May 20, Your West Central Voice was told that Luseland Credit Union and the chamber of commerce had approached the town with an idea for an economic development position, with the credit union offering to cover 75 per cent of that position. Wurz noted the town would be responsible for 25 per cent.

The deal appears to be working out well, with the staff member working on projects like discounts at the community-owned hotel and swimming pool, as well as a museum tour and visitor packages with other partners. Wurz noted council approved discounts for visitors at the hotel and swimming pool.

Councillors passed a new e-bike and e-scooter bylaw, with the mayor noting the Town of Luseland has received complaints about these vehicles, mostly related to speeding and lack of helmets. Wurz stated town staff have already prepared information for parents and youth about the bylaw, which is scheduled to be posted on social media, and Wurz hoped the police chief might visit schools to talk about the bylaw.

Councillors heard an update on an effort regarding the condition of Hwy. #31. Wurz stated this is a very busy haul route that also has substantial agriculture and commercial traffic on it, and Luseland's efforts to lobby for reconstruction. The mayor stated Luseland has been encouraging communities that benefit from the highway to contribute seed money for a study of Hwy. #31's condition, but there's been some hesitation. She noted council's opinion is that with the town's MLA as Minister of Highways, there probably won't be a better time to get this highway fixed.

Councillors got an update on Pioneer Haven and scheduled kitchen renovations at the senior home. Construction hasn't started yet, but planning is underway on things like new cabinets and a new cooler, among other things. Wurz observed the seniors home has been saving money for this project for some time. Councillors also heard the seniors organization is currently looking for a new secretary-treasurer.

A cemetery clean-up was recently organized in Luseland, with the mayor noting 14 volunteers showed up. Some cleaning and trimming was completed. She noted the public library is also looking to have a busy summer, as an update suggested lots of programming is going to be held there.

Public Works staff submitted a regular report which noted swimming pool work is underway. The mayor noted staff are preparing the pool for inspection, and if everything goes according to plan, the pool should be open by the end of May.

Councillors passed a resolution to give administration authority to take title of properties linked to unpaid property taxes.

The town now has a fairgrounds rental policy, with Wurz noting the grounds are becoming more and more popular, especially for baseball. A rental form has also been developed.

Councillors heard that one building permit was recently approved, for a garage. Another development permit was approved for a business wishing to build a covered patio.

The mayor noted a daycare requested a road closure to accommodate a fund-raising carnival scheduled this month. Wurz stated the daycare is raising funds to replace equipment.