President's Message

     Well, spring has sprung in our area of the Province and I hope everyone else is experiencing warm weather, songbirds, and spring cleaning! Please mark June 6-9, 2000 on your calendars as “unavailable” because you’ll be in Saskatoon at the 45th Annual UMAAS Convention.
     The Convention Committee has put together an exciting package with the theme Taking Charge. Although we have some new ideas for the Program we are returning to some old - also, the Convention site is the Travelodge and we will be returning to Rosthern for golf, ball, and the barbeque.
     The Executive has had a “full slate” over the last year and the new hot topic will be the Interim Report of the Task Force on Municipal Legislative Renewal. As you know, drastic change is being recommended and the effect of the proposals will have a major impact on our members and our Association. The Executive is currently working on a position statement for UMAAS. Mr. Garcea and members of the Task Force have been allotted time at the Convention to discuss the document and the direction it is recommending.

There are a number of other issues your Executive has been working on and they include:

     1) Meetings with RMAA, SUMA, SMACH and MEPP to keep informed of the activities of these organizations as they pertain to our membership.
     2) The Strategic Plan has been reviewed and updated.
     3) The Education Committee is working on a new scholarship program for the Junior LGA Program.
     4) The Advisory Committee is reviewing our UMAAS membership format.
     5) We are co-ordinating the election workshops in co-operation with SMACH.
     6) We have consolidated the Association’s Bylaws and will bring them forward to the Convention for consideration.
     7) We are fully prepared to take responsibility for the two advanced levels of certification.
     8) Web site project is nearing completion.
     9) Provided position statement to SMACH on proposed Urban Municipality Act, 1984.

     These are samplings of the projects your Executive has been involved with over the last four months. The success of these endeavours would not be possible without the loyal, dedicated and caring members of your Executive. They have stepped forward whenever requested to tackle very difficult tasks and produce great results. I am very proud of each of them.
     On a personal note, on January 1, 2000, I began my new job as City Commissioner of the City of North Battleford. The new job is very challenging and the learning curve has been very steep. However, I am enjoying this challenge and hope I have the skills to carry out my duties on a long-term basis.
     I have announced to the Executive that I will not be seeking a third term as President of the Association. We have a very capable Executive and I’m sure that we have members who would do a fine job in “the chair”. There also will be Directors’ elections in the odd-numbered wards so please consider putting your name forward. Being part of the Executive has been a very rewarding experience – professionally and personally, for me.
     I look forward to seeing each and every one of you in Saskatoon. Let’s make the 2000 Convention the biggest and best ever!

President,
Jim Toye

Director’s Editorial Mark Dubkowski, Delisle

Now that we have survived the hysteria of Y2K, it is time to look ahead to 2001 and face another large challenge in dealing with another general reassessment. By now, everyone should have received from SAMA some preliminary figures for the 2001 Reassessment. In conjunction with reassessment, the Provincial Government is considering some legislative amendments dealing with assessment and taxation. One such consideration being debated is the introduction of the base tax as a tax too; for municipalities. If the base tax is adopted, it is proposed that usage of the minimum tax be eliminated. UMAAS is opposed to the elimination of the minimum tax simply because it has been a useful tax tool and many municipalities may still wish to retain this method.

UMAAS would suggest adding one more tax tool in the form of a maximum tax. This tax tool would be used primarily in the residential sector to control the spiraling tax bill of new or newer homes. One trend that many communities are facing with reassessment is a continuing larger spread in assessment values between newer and older homes. If this trend is going to continue with general reassessment, a maximum tax would help control the accompanying tax increases. Some would argue that the base tax would control this, however, even with the base tax the spread between top and bottom would continue to grow. Homes over a certain size, for argument sake say 2,000 square feet, would not be eligible or would be subject to a higher maximum tax because they would not be considered your typical residential home. Payroll taxes like CPP and EI have maximums regardless of income. Why should property taxes on your residence not be subject to the same limits? For communities trying to encourage residential construction, being able to guarantee a maximum municipal tax would pay for itself in no time.

The UMAAS Executive feels that the maximum tax concept has some serious merit to it and should be debated further. If you have any opinion regarding this matter or any of the other proposed changes to taxation policies in conjunction with reassessment, please let me know or your Division Director.

Executive Director’s Editorial Richard Dolezsar, R.M.A.

     Our 2000 Convention will be held June 6th to 9th at the Saskatoon Travelodge.

     Our 2000 Convention theme is “Taking Charge”.

     In view of all of the reports and discussions centered around the very core of rural Saskatchewan’s Municipal Government we certainly will be challenged to “Take Charge” of the changes that may occur around us. Our program is near finalization and promises a very rewarding experience to all who participate.

Working session topics include:

     • Who’s in Charge of Moral Around Here?
     • Professional Development Bylaw Options
     • Legislation Updates
     • Municipal Employees Pension Plan
     • Keep Your Heart in a Changing Game
     • Task Force on Municipal Legislative Renewal
     • Hiring Practices / Human Rights
     • Taking Charge of Change

     Membership is a prerequisite to Convention registration and for those of you who have been a bit tardy, the membership application is on the back of your Newsletter. On a positive note, 1999 was the first year UMAAS achieved 100% membership by those legally required. That is every “certified” Administrator in communities exceeding 100 population was a member.
      The Travelodge has reserved a block of rooms for the Conference at a single or double rate of $65.00. These rooms will be held until May 8th. Please advise the hotel you are with UMAAS to get the Convention rate.
      Also included with this mailout is a consolidated copy of our Association Bylaws. There are some minor changes which have been highlighted. These are proposed for adoption at the Convention.

      In closing remember: “Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it” and “The next best thing to saying a good thing yourself is to quote one”. Looking forward to seeing you all in Saskatoon.

UMAAS Position Statement
Re: Municipal Amalgamation

     One of the fundamentals of municipal government is local autonomy – the right of people in communities to undertake those decisions that affect them locally. The proposal contained within the Task Force Report to force the amalgamations of municipalities is an affront to local autonomy. The Urban Municipal Administrators Association of Saskatchewan is opposed to that portion of the report promoting the concept of forced amalgamation of municipalities.
      UMAAS believes that certain aspects of the report have merit, principally legislative renewal. The adage “change is constant” is recognized by our members, and they are prepared to work with change for the betterment of our communities and Province. Legislative renewal is needed to enable our municipalities to deal with our changing environment, and to empower duly elected members of local government to meet the new challenges in a timely, efficient, and effective manner. Change should not be forced upon Saskatchewan’s local governments. Change should be negotiated in a forum of mutual respect for each party’s roles and responsibilities.
      UMAAS believes the Task Force must substantiate major portions of its Report. We concur with comments to the effect that many statements contained in the Report are without foundation or support. Consolidation has been implemented in other areas of our great country, and Saskatchewan residents are anxious to avoid the negative experiences suffered by others. The Report cannot offer any guarantees that the vision of the Task Force is the correct vision for Saskatchewan. Without these guarantees, there is an understandable fear of the unknown, especially when one considers other factors detrimental to the well-being of rural Saskatchewan. We feel the Report, at the very least, must offer a clear picture of the process and restructuring plans envisioned by the Task Force for any possible hope of acceptance by our Association or by others.
      UMAAS feels the Task Force must address a number of issues currently and noticeably absent within its Report. Amalgamation of municipalities will in all likelihood result in:

           • the loss of volunteers whose labour, cheerfully given at little or no cost, have resulted in a significant            number of capital facilities and “soft” programming which enhances the quality of life for            Saskatchewan’s rural residents;
           • the unionization of public sector employees, which may result in higher employment costs with a            greater potential for service disruptions;
           • increased cost of delivering grass root services from a further distance;
           • loss of economic activity in many communities;
           • residents of Saskatchewan’s smallest communities will feel betrayed by the Provincial Government,            and may feel alienated, disenfranchised, and disillusioned with a more distant regional government.

There are probably many other negative ramifications that would be identified by other parties. UMAAS feels that the rural community fabric will be torn apart – its residents must be given a say in the damage that will be done to them.

Administrator’s Profile
Jim Main
Dinsmore, Saskatchewan

    Jim was raised in Central Butte, Saskatchewan and after public school attended the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, and Lethbridge Community College.
    Upon leaving school he worked for the Saskatchewan Department of Highways and Transportation for four years, then spent fourteen years with Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting and Agassi Resources at their sodium sulphate plant in Alsask, Saskatchewan. When the mine closed in 1991, Jim returned to school at SIAST Palliser campus, Moose Jaw where he took Business Administration and received his diploma in Accounting in 1993. He later earned his LGA certificate from the University of Regina when he accepted the Administrators position in Dinsmore.
    Jim has served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Wheatbelt Fire Protection Co-operative for four years, Secretary of the West Central Municipal Government Committee for one term and two terms as Director on the Dinsmore Bowling Board. He is currently Secretary-Treasurer for the Dinsmore and District Health Foundation and Dinsmore Hall Board.    His love of young people and sports has led him to be a cub leader with the Boy Scouts of Canada, coach minor baseball and softball for 14 years as well as the senior boys high school basketball team for two years.
    Jim’s wife Judy is the E.D.P/LAN co-ordinator for the Dinsmore Credit Union. They have two children, a son Cory who graduated high school in 1999 and a daughter Solana who graduates this year.
     In his spare time Jim enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, golfing and curling, but derives his greatest pleasure from spending time with his family.

COMMUNITY PROFILE - Dynamic Dinsmore

    The Village of Dinsmore, located 90 miles South West of Saskatoon, was incorporated in 1913 and took it’s name from Mr. R. Dinsmore who Homesteaded in the area and ran the first Post Office.
    Mainly an agricultural community, Dinsmore lies in the heart of one of the largest grain producing areas of the Province, thus its slogan “The Buckle of the Wheat Belt”.
    The district was first settled by Finnish immigrants, including the eccentric Tom Sukanen who built an ocean going vessel in the rolling Coteau hills to the south with intentions of sailing back to Europe. In the early years mica was mined in the area along with greystone which adorns many of the buildings on the University of Saskatchewan campus.
    Dinsmore has produced several Provincial championship teams from its excellent recreational facilities which include ball diamonds, arena complex for hockey, curling and bowling, community hall, playground and campground. A short drive takes you to three of the best golf courses in Saskatchewan - Elbow Harbour, River Breaks at Palliser Regional Park and Outlook Regional Park.
    The Yester Years Museum offers an excellent view of the past with its over 3,000 artifacts.
    A strong business community, excellent health care facility, K to 12 school and friendly people make Dinsmore a great place to live or visit.

President's Message

Director’s Editorial Mark Dubkowski, Delisle

Executive Director’s Editorial Richard Dolezsar, R.M.A.

UMAAS Position Statement
Re: Municipal Amalgamation

Taking charge of change!

U.M.A.A.S. Agenda 2000
Convention
“Taking Charge”

Administrator’s Profile
Jim Main
Dinsmore, Saskatchewan

COMMUNITY PROFILE - Dynamic Dinsmore

President's Message

Director’s Editorial Mark Dubkowski, Delisle

Executive Director’s Editorial Richard Dolezsar, R.M.A.

UMAAS Position Statement Re: Municipal Amalgamation

Taking charge of change!

U.M.A.A.S. Agenda 2000 Convention “Taking Charge”

Administrator’s Profile Jim Main Dinsmore, Saskatchewan

COMMUNITY PROFILE - Dynamic Dinsmore

UMAAS Position Statement
Re: Municipal Amalgamation

U.M.A.A.S. Agenda 2000
Convention
“Taking Charge”

Administrator’s Profile
Jim Main
Dinsmore, Saskatchewan