Deputy Mayor Joe Pedersen reviews Standard’s 2018 progress and looks forward to the future.
Q: Looking back on 2018, what were some of the major accomplishments and successes for the village?
A: Looking back over 2018, some of the successes and accomplishments were that due to good market pricing, we were able to get a large amount of infrastructure work completed such as water and sewer upgrades and roadwork. This is in keeping with our 10-year Infrastructure Plan and we are moving along, getting all our planned work completed.
Q: What were some difficulties facing the community this past year, and what might be some solutions being worked on?
A: With support from residents, the village and other government partners our local Community Groups have been very active with a number of major projects and have made great progress over the last year. The Ag Society is in the process of building an outdoor skating rink and this should be completed this year. Once completed, we will be able to have an artificial ice surface, if necessary. The Ag Society has also been very active in supporting sports activities in the village, such as softball and T-Ball. The Memory Lane Group, has turn a wonderful job in creating a beautiful walking path and green space. There will be displays of artifacts related to the history of Standard and it will be a nice place for our residents, to walk and enjoy the prairie skyline. Unfortunately, our CO-OP grocery store had to close early in 2018 but reflecting the community spirit in Standard, a group of local investors got together and purchased the building and made necessary upgrades to the coolers, etc. They have also chosen a local couple to manage the operation. The group is currently obtaining the required permits and preparing to open, very likely in early March. We will again have a “full-service” grocery in town. The spirit of the community is shown at all fundraisers, with large turn outs to support various groups. The community hall hosts many of these events and local volunteers put long hours in, to make these events a success. The challenges facing us in 2018 and in the upcoming year, are challenges faced by many rural communities. In particular, the current economic condition, has slowed down work in the energy sector and has had a “spill-over” effect on other trades. Companies are still operating but income has been reduced, in some cases and this has caused lay-offs and cost cutting. In the past and moving forward, the village will be proactive in maintaining the infrastructure within the village and it is hoped that costs of material, such as asphalt, will not increase too much.
Q: Where are we at on the 2019 budget, are we looking at an increase or a decrease?
A: . We are currently preparing for the 2019 budget. At this point, I cannot comment on the tax rate but it is hoped, if there will be an increase, it will be minimal. Taxes are never a popular subject but they are required to maintain services, within the village. It is the obligation of Council, to ensure this money is used wisely and for the benefit of our residents.
Q: Looking ahead to 2019, what would you say are the big projects or objectives being pursued by the village?
A: Other than work scheduled on the 10-year Infrastructure Plan, there are currently no major projects planned for the village. The objective of Council, this year and in years past, is to provide our residents with reliable services and offer them a place to live and raise their families, that is comfortable and clean.
Q: Do you have a message you’d like to send out to the people of Standard?
A: If I may extend a message to the residents of Standard, thank you for making this the community it is! You make this village a wonderful place to live and work. It has always been shown, that when something needs to get done, you do it.
