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April 2024
Note: Some email platforms distort the Rural Sheaf (RS) formatting. The RS looks best when viewed as a webpage through your internet browser.
View as Webpage
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Scam Reported at 2024 SARM Trade Show | |
SARM has been made aware of a scam that was run during the 2024 SARM Trade Show. There are several RM attendees who have reported receiving "complimentary gifts" from a company by the name of Champion Commercial Products but were then invoiced for the "free" product upon receipt of the shipment. | | | |
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Please note Champion Commercial Products was not one of SARM's authorized exhibitors and will be black listed from any future SARM events.
Please stay vigilante of any potential scams while attending future trade shows and do not provide your contact information to any companies who have not purchased a booth in the show.
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RM Directory on SARM's Website
Don't forget to update the RM Directory on the SARM website. This will ensure that SARM and the public are kept up to date with current RM council details. This is also where we pull the information for SARM's convention name badges.
To access your RM Directory profile on the SARM website, please log in here and click on the “Manage your RM Directory Listing” link that is located under the Administrator’s Access for Updates heading on the Members Only homepage.
If you require any assistance, please contact coordinator@sarm.ca.
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2024 SARM June Division Meetings
The 2024 SARM June Division Meetings will be held during the second week of June (10-13). Please find further details below for each meeting.
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June Division 1 Meeting
Date: June 12, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Kipling Town Hall, 301 6th Ave, Kipling, SK S0G 2S0
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June Division 4 Meeting
Date: June 13, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Legion Community Centre, 208 1st Ave, Kelvington, SK S0A 1W0
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June Division 2 Meeting
Date: June 11, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Mosaic Place, 110 1st Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3L9
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June Division 5 Meeting
Please note there will be no June Division Meeting for division 5.
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June Division 3 Meeting
Date: June 11, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Coast Hotel, 905 North Service Rd E, Swift Current, SK S9H 3V1
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June Division 6 Meeting
Date: June 10, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Dekker Centre, 623 Carlton Trail, North Battleford, SK S9A 2Y7
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Draft meeting agendas will follow in the coming weeks and will be posted on the Division Meetings page of the SARM website. | |
Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative | |
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The TSS Initiative is a cost-shared grant program that uses a portion of Municipal Revenue Sharing ($1.5 million per fiscal year) to support municipalities on projects that focus on partnerships, planning, and collaboration. Projects are offered 75 per cent of the project’s eligible costs to a maximum amount.
The TSS Steering Committee will be accepting applications for funding until June 7, 2024.
Before applying, municipalities must:
- Ensure they have at least one community partner.
- Obtain a formal letter of support from council with a resolution number.
- Obtain a formal quote from an independent supplier(s).
Additional information is available on saskatchewan.ca.
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Celebrating Seniors Provincial
Volunteer Awards
Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM) is currently in the process of planning a Provincial Celebrating Seniors Awards and Banquet event, which will take place on September 29, 2024, at the Conexus Art Centre in Regina. This is an important, in-person, high-profile event where older adults (55+) are celebrated for their volunteer work. Older adults, from throughout the province are nominated and, while all who are nominated are celebrated at the event, one person in each category is presented with an award. Please nominate a deserving individual who has volunteered in your community.
Nominations must be submitted by June 14, 2024.
There is a nomination package, which outlines the nomination process and the information that is required when you put forth a nomination, that can be accessed on the SSM Website or email programs@skseniorsmechanism.ca / call (306) 359-9956 to request a nomination package.
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - May 2024
View the SARM Interactive Online Calendar to access the full year on the SARM website. This version is updated regularly as new dates of interest and deadlines are identified and should be viewed as the most current.
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Deadlines
May 1:
- For assessor to prepare the assessment roll
May 10:
- To remit and return monthly EPT funds
- To remit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
May 15:
- Submit CRA source deductions
- To advertise assessment roll as decided by council
- To mail assessment notices
- First day of hail insurance coverage with SMHI
May 31:
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Meetings
- Committee Meeting: May 9
- Committee Meeting: May 22
- Board Meeting: May 23
Monthly Reminder(s)
- During April & May council can consider applications for withdrawal of lands as shown on lists supplied by SMHI
- MEPP employee and employer contributions through PLANet, as well as submitting payment is due within 15 days from the end of the pay period
Special Days
- Mother's Day: May 12
- RMAA Annual Convention: May 13-16
- Victoria Day: May 20
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Resolution 8-23M: Water Truck Clubs
Exemption Granted
During the 2023 Midterm Convention resolution 8-23M was passed where it was requested that SARM request an exemption from Section 154 of The Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996 pursuant to Section 3-85 of The Saskatchewan Employment Act for residents contracted by rural municipalities to apply water to reactivate dust control products. We are pleased to advise SARM was successful in obtaining that exemption.
A copy of the exemption is located on the SARM website and linked below. If you have any questions, please contact legal@sarm.ca.
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17th Annual Saskatchewan Municipal Awards Winners
Congratulations to the 17th Annual Saskatchewan Municipal Awards winners. On March 13, at the 2024 SARM Annual Convention, winning rural governments received their Saskatchewan Municipal Awards. On April 16, winners from Saskatchewan's urban municipalities received their awards at the 2024 SUMA Convention.
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Award winner videos are now available to view on the SMA website. | |
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Respect in the Workplace Training
Since 2019, SARM has been fortunate to offer the Respect in the Workplace Training at half the cost due to SARM’s partnership with the Respect Group. This program is designed to empower your team with the skills to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Our goal is to have our members, both council and staff, certify themselves through the training. The program takes approximately 90 minutes and is done online in one sitting, but we recommend you break it up. You can come and go from the modules. The focus of the training is on culture change but of equal importance is the legal risk and liability avoidance it affords.
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The certification costs $20.00 per person. Councils and staff simply register for the training. SARM will invoice the members on a quarterly basis based on your activity. It’s as simple as that.
Linked below are the registration and access for Respect in the Workplace. You will also see the “Respect in the Workplace One pager”. Providing these instructions to your users simplifies the registration process for end-users and reduces possible confusion or challenges.
For helpdesk support, visit support.respectgroupinc.com
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Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a five-year, $485-million investment by federal and provincial governments in strategic initiatives for Saskatchewan agriculture. With a focus on anticipating, mitigating, and effectively managing production risk, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture has partnered with SARM to deliver the Pest Biosecurity Program with $3.9 million per year for five years (April 2023 to March 2028).
The Pest Biosecurity Program, available to RMs and First Nations (FN), south of the Northern Administrative District, and producers is made up of 5 programs that will provide resources when dealing with issues regarding invasive plants, rats, gophers, nuisance beavers, clubroot and other pests as declared/designated under The Pest Control Act and The Weed Control Act in Saskatchewan.
Visit sarm.ca for 2024-25 program details and forms.
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Upcoming Event
Pest Biosecurity Program Trade Show Booth
at RMAA Convention
Administrators! Don’t miss an opportunity to visit the Pest Biosecuriity Program trade show booth at the RMAA Convention in Regina May 14-15 and chat with the Plant Health Technical Advisors (PHTAs) to learn more about updates to the 2024-25 Sustainable CAP programs.
The PHTAs are your resource to help manage agricultural crop pests as well as prohibited and noxious weeds. See you there!
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Violence in the Workplace: New Policy & Prevention Plan Requirements
The provincial government has legislated that as of May 17, 2024, all employers in Saskatchewan must have violence in the workplace prevention policies in place that include:
- A commitment to minimize or eliminate risk
- Identification of worksites
- Identification of staff positions
- Procedure to inform workers of the nature and extent of the risk from violence
- Actions to minimize or eliminate risk
- Violent incident reporting procedure
- Documenting and investigation procedure
- Recommendations or post-incident counseling or consultation with physician
- Commitment to training
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Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP)
Step into the role of internship supervision and shape the future one-on-one! The Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP) offers a unique opportunity for Class A or Superior A Rural Administrators to provide individualized training and foster professional competency in future rural municipal administrators by helping them attain the necessary competencies and required hours for their “Rural Class C certification” throughout the 52-week internship period.
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Why Choose to be a MAIP Internship Supervisor?
- Legacy Building: By investing in aspiring rural municipal administrators, you leave a lasting legacy of healthy local government in rural communities.
- Tailored Development: Customize the internship experience to address specific skills and goals, ensuring maximum impact, offering practical guidance, feedback, and real-world insights that go beyond academic learning.
- Leadership and Strategic Skill Building: Hone your leadership skills by actively participating in the growth and development of a future Administrator.
- Financial Benefit: Upon approval, SARM will provide the selected host rural municipalities with a $17,000 grant intended to cost share the intern’s salary. The supervising administrator of record will also receive a $3,000 honorarium upon successfully completing the internship supervision.
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Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers attended three major conventions in the province including SARM and SUMA, was present and active at 13 trade show and community events, many of them multi-day events, and met with representatives and officials at rural, urban, and First Nations locations on 9 occasions to present and discuss the benefits of Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers in their communities.
The program continues to have a successful social media presence with unsolved crimes posted to our website and a following of 44,000 to the program’s Facebook page with a success rate of 54% for all crimes that are posted to the page.
Program Results
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Donate to Crime Stoppers
Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers acknowledges the tremendous financial support from all sponsors and encourages Rural and Urban municipalities to consider a $200 donation to the program in their annual budget.
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Impacted Sites Fund
Saskatchewan municipalities can apply for funding to clean up abandoned, environmentally impacted sites through the Impacted Sites Fund.
Administered by the Ministry of Environment, the fund provides financial support to municipal governments to clean up these sites so they can be used for future economic or social development opportunities.
Municipalities and municipal partnerships can apply for funding by filling out an application form and submitting it through the Ministry of Environment's Online Portal.
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Tick Free Spring Tips
As temperatures start to climb, the Government of Saskatchewan is encouraging people to take precautions to reduce their exposure to tick bites and the risk of tick-borne illnesses when enjoying the outdoors.
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To prevent tick bites:
- Wear light-coloured clothes so ticks can be easily seen.
- Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts and shoes that do not expose your bare feet.
- Pull socks over your pant legs to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
- Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Icaridin. Apply repellent to clothes as well as your skin. Always read and follow the directions on the label. Some repellents may have age restrictions.
- Shower or bathe as soon as possible after being outside to wash off loose ticks and inspect for attached ticks.
For more information on ticks and Lyme disease, including how to submit a tick for identification and testing: saskatchewan.ca/lyme or research-groups.usask.ca/ticks/#Passivesurveillance
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Government of Saskatchewan Invests $42.6 Million in Community-Based Funding to Address Interpersonal Violence
The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $42.6 million over three years ($14.2 million a year) to 34 community-based service organizations and 54 programs across the province that provide supports and services to individuals and their families impacted by the critical, complex issue of interpersonal violence and abuse.
Funded programs include:
- Sexual Violence Services;
- Residential Transition Homes;
- Enhanced Residential services;
- Family Violence Intervention programs;
- Family Intervention Rapid Support Teams (FIRST); and
- Victim Advocate Case Reviews (VACR).
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The Security of Loads Regulations Changes
Based on earlier consultations, the ministry recently updated The Security of Loads Regulations to enhance clarity and better align with the National Safety Code Standard 10 for cargo securement. The regulations have been updated to address public and industry concerns about bulk cargo not being properly secured, leading to broken windshields and other driving hazards.
Effective June 1, 2024, bulk loads not fully contained will require covering by a tarp or other appropriate material that cannot be dislodged during transport.
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(1) Any portion of a load of bulk cargo that is carried by a vehicle on a highway and not fully contained by the vehicle or a load container must be covered with a covering that meets the requirements of subsection (2). | | | |
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(2) A covering required by subsection (1) must:
a) be made of tarpaulin, canvas, wire mesh, netting or another material capable of containing the load within the vehicle or load container; and
b) be secured to the vehicle or load container in such a manner that it cannot separate from the vehicle or load container.
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(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a vehicle used:
(a) to collect refuse while the vehicle is being loaded or being moved during loading;
(b) to carry sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, salt, or a mixture of them to a location where the load will be applied to the road surface in winter highway maintenance by or on behalf of the ministry or a municipality;
(c) to apply sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, salt, or a mixture of them to the road surface in winter highway maintenance by or on behalf of the ministry or a municipality;
(d) for construction work within the limits of a construction project on a public highway; or
(e) to conduct snow removal services for the Government of Saskatchewan, a municipality, city, town, village, hamlet, or a regional park and is travelling on a public highway with a lawful speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour or less
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A copy of The Security of Loads Amendment Regulations can be found below. | |
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is keeping everyone updated on the province’s Health Human Resources Action Plan with this infographic highlighting key areas of success. | | |
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The following RMs have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service. | |
Looking to Hire:
RM of Senlac No. 411, Grader Operator/Labourer, Apr 30 - Close
RM of McKillop No. 220, Summer Maintenance Employee, Apr 30 - Close
RM of McKillop No. 220, Seasonal Maintenance Operator, Apr 30 - Close
RM of Corman Park No. 344, Gravel Truck Operator, May 3 - Close
RM of Corman Park No. 344, Asphalt Truck Operator, May 3 - Close
RM of Corman Park No. 344, Mower Operator/General Labourer, May 3 - Close
RM of Corman Park No. 344, Spray Operator, May 3 - Close
RM of Biggar No. 347, Assistant Foreman, May 3 - Close
RM of Lajord No. 128 / Hamlet of Kronau, Public Works Operator, May 3 - Close
RM of LeRoy No. 339, Heavy Equipment Operator/Class 1A Driver, May 6 - Close
RM of Moose Creek No. 33, Assistant Foreman, May 7 - Close
RM of Moose Creek No. 33, Seasonal Maintenance Person, May 7 - Close
RM of McCraney No. 282, Seasonal Equipment Operator, May 11 - Close
Town of Lanigan, Public Works Operator, May 11 - Close
RM of Marquis No. 191, Seasonal Maintenance Operator, May 24 - Close
RM of Usborne No. 310, Administrator, May 25 - Close
RM of Enterprise No. 142, Administrator - Maternity Leave, May 31 - Close
Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Tecumseh No. 65, For Tender: 2007 Castleton Belly Dump Trailer, Apr 30 - Close
RM of Moose Jaw No. 161, For Tender: 2005 GMC 3500, Apr 30 - Close
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If you have questions or would like to post in the SARM Classifieds contact: 306.757.3577 or sarm@sarm.ca
Please send your advertisement in a Word Document.
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Firefighting Apparatus Program
Your emergency responders are at the forefront of some of your most critical operations – it is essential to keeping them safe in a fire. The Canoe Firefighting Apparatus Program gets you firetrucks you can count on, all with a simplified procurement process and competitive rates.
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Sprayer Calibration Clinics
SARM Plant Health Technical Advisors, through the Pest Biosecurity Program, are excited to host two, one-day clinics in May 2024 for Weed Inspectors, Land Managers, and pesticide applicators.
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Attendees will learn how to calibrate small sprayers, properly tank mix herbicides, clean out sprayers, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). | | | |
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Date: May 22, 2024
Time: 1-3:30 p.m.
Location: Lutheran Shop,
RM of Corman Park No 344
RSVP: Call/text 306-946-9895 or email phndivision6@sarm.ca
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Date: May 23, 2024
Time: 1-3:30 p.m.
Location: Lumsden RM Shop,
RM of Lumsden No. 189
RSVP: Call/text 306-580-8708 or email phndivision1@sarm.ca
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SARM Webinars
SARM offers webinars for members. Not only can you participate in these live, but you can also have them as a resource to view again when it’s convenient. Past topics have included:
- Tax Enforcement
- Municipal Investment Solutions
- Drainage Products and Solutions
- Saskatchewan's Property Assessment System
- Combating Crime in Saskatchewan
- Pest Control Product Compliance
- Municipal Leaders' Roles and Responsibilities
- And more
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Future Topics
We want to hear from you!
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Let us know what you would like to hear about in the coming year by submitting suggested webinar topics through the following form. | | | | |
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SARM President Ray Orb, Vice President Bill Huber, and Division 1 Director Bob Moulding attended the RM of Francis’ Ratepayer Supper yesterday, accompanied by Minster Don McMorris and MLA Steven Bonk. | | |
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Congratulations SUMA on another successful convention! SARM always appreciates getting to connect with its urban counterparts on common issues and innovative ideas. | | |
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SARM is encouraged by the recent announcement of the agreement that has been reached between the province and the RCMP to fund a full complement of 1,174 officers. This funding commitment will assist the recruitment efforts for the approx. 250 unfilled positions. | | |
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SARM welcomes Darren Steinley, Division 3 Director, and Blair Cummins, Division 5 Director, to the board as representatives of their divisions. SARM also thanks Larry Grant and Judy Harwood for their many years of service. | | | | |
