Mayor Cawley talks projects and progress

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Vauxhall Advance

By Cal Braid
Vauxhall Advance
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An update from Mayor Kim Cawley shed some light on the steps the town office is taking to keep progress moving
along in the right direction.

During the third week of June, the Vauxhall council had a special meeting to review its strategic plan. Cawley said,
“We have a new council member since the plan was written, and it’s definitely a priority to keep the plan at the forefront of our minds when it comes time for budget discussions, future planning, and our priorities as council – which
ultimately stem from the feedback we received from the community during the strategic planning process.”

“We had some great discussions surrounding our three main goals: developing and implementing an economic
development strategy, a community development strategy, and an engagement and communication strategy,” she said.
Council also talked about ways of engaging the community in planning and executing events that are attractive and inclusive to all residents.

In addition, they discussed forming a committee for local volunteer groups, churches, clubs, and societies to work
together and utilize one another’s resources.

“We had good conversations about our upcoming recreation projects that include replacing the arena and curling
rink floor that are way past their lifespan. We will be hosting a community information session on this at some point in
the near future,” she said. “And again, we highlighted the need to be transparent in the community, as misinformation
seems to be the source of unnecessary grief.”

The Town is moving ahead with its sanitary outflow project, and Cawley said, “While it won’t be a noticeable upgrade for the better part of the community, it is a necessary one. Residents may see some action at the north side of town
and across the highway over the next several months.”

Summer recreation is another priority. “We’re looking forward to another busy year at the pool,” she said. “We’re so
incredibly blessed to have such a nice facility and are thankful for the volunteers who worked hard to make it happen,
as well as the staff who keep it so well maintained. We are experiencing some life guarding staff shortages, and because
of that, pool hours may be reduced some weeks. Council would like to see our local youth get the necessary training
to be future life guards at our pool, and have discussed ways we can support these young people who have that desire.”

Moving into the season of heat, road trips, and outdoor recreation, she said, “We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer!”