Town of Luseland council hears update on arena renovation
By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice
LUSELAND – The Town of Luseland council heard about possible upgrades at the local arena during their regular meeting July 23.
In a phone call with Your West Central Voice newspaper July 27, Mayor Kathy Wurz noted that councillors heard a presentation from the arena renovation committee that sounds very promising. The committee has raised about $500,000 of their own money and is now applying for grants for the renovation project. Wurz stated the arena's kitchen needs work and renovations could also include improved washrooms and new player change rooms.
The committee has spoken to a contractor about the project and they're hopeful that some of the work could start in 2027.
Wurz also reported that Pioneer Haven seniors home kitchen upgrades have progressed nicely and are less than a week away from completion. Wurz stated it sounds like everything went very well with the updating of kitchen equipment, which was very much needed. She also noted some provisions were made to service to accommodate the renovations.
The mayor updated councillors on the new outdoor Main Street venue, which is being assembled right now. She said the stage is being put together and it's on track to be ready for the Harvest festival this fall.
Councillors also got updates from the building committee that included a fire hall report. Wurz observed R.M. partners have been very generous for the fire hall project. The town also recently met with the fire department to discuss drainage plans for the building.
The mayor stated a walk-around tour and barbecue will be held for the fire hall but no date is available.
Under the landfill report it was noted an investigation will be done about a better ramp. Councillors also heard about cemetery maintenance concerns as the heavy rain this year has caused grass growth that staff are coping with. Wurz noted town staff have certain problems too with working near grave markers, as the markers are private property and staff are prohibited from touching them.
Councillors were updated on the community hall's water issues due to the wet spring.
The regular police report was submitted to council and within it was a report on a July 1 incident where a vehicle struck one of the town's water/wastewater stations, causing considerable damage. Wurz noted the incident is under investigation.
Councillors passed their new business license bylaw which Wurz stated needed to be updated and modernized. The new bylaw has more detail and includes new types of businesses that didn't exist in the past.
The mayor noted an update on an order to remedy appeal under Luseland's unsightly premises regulations. The mayor stated the appeal ruling was in the town's favour and therefore the unsightly premises situation will have to be remedied.
Mayor Wurz noted Luseland signed a lease agreement with a new business coming into the town-owned mini-mall, a new gymnasium. Wurz stated the owner is a Chamber of Commerce member and is very enthusiastic.
Discussion was held regarding long-term infrastructure planning for Luseland, including water/wastewater and roads. It was noted the town may look for an engineer's quote in 2027 to aid in planning for these projects.
Wurz confirmed engineers completed drone analysis of Hwy. #31 which is intended to analyze the road's condition. The results of the analysis aren't yet available.
Mayor Wurz stated the town continues to look for an arena helper to assist the contracted manager; Wurz stated it's been difficult to find a steady employee.
Luseland was happy to receive offers for some lots the town acquired through tax enforcement; Wurz stated the offers were accepted and the lots are no longer the town's responsibility.