Kelly Lafrentz will serve a second term as the reeve of the RM of Estevan.
Lafrentz was acclaimed to the top job in the RM on September 19, after nobody filed nomination papers to oppose him. Lafrentz said the last two years have been a busy time, as they were marked by flooding, growth in their industrial subdivisions and with their acreages, and a cooperative relationship with the City of Estevan.
"We've been able to work … with the City on some initiatives that bring services that … benefit both the RM and the City," said Lafrentz.
Last year's flooding forced the RM to rebuild much of their infrastructure. There are still some loose ends to tie up, with water built up against roadways, but most of the rebuilding is finished, and the water continues to recede amid warm, dry temperatures since early June.
Lafrentz is hoping that the next couple years will be easier for the RM, and that they won't encounter another situation like the one they faced in 2011.
"A lot of my time, as well as a lot of the councillors' time, was spent on dealing with flood issues of last year," said Lafrentz. "It's quite a change this year that we didn't have to deal with those items, and we got back to the day-to-day business of the RM."
He expects that growth and demand for services and infrastructure will continue to be challenges for the RM.
The RM will also continue to be involved in health care initiatives. A local health care committee, which has RM of Estevan representation, continues to try to attract and retain physicians, and they're trying to secure a CT scan for St. Joseph's Hospital in Estevan.
Lafrentz said he enjoys working at this level of government, because the council is able to make decisions that are then acted upon in a fairly timely manner. He also enjoys interacting with the RM's people, and encountering the challenges that face the municipality.
Division 1 Councillor Lorne Jahn and Division 3 Councillor Dennis Blackburn have also been returned to the RM's council by acclamation. Incumbent Division 5 Councillor Richard Gervais has been challenged by Del Block.
