Resolution No. 8-04A

WHEREAS, Subsection 36(2) of The Rural Municipality Act, 1989 requires that the administrator serve written notice of the first and special meetings to each member of council, either personally to the member of council at his or her place of residence or, if the member is absent, to an adult who apparently resides in that place, at least 48 hours prior to the day of the meeting or by mail to the last known address of the member of council being served, at least seven days prior to the day of the meeting; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with Subsection 412.1(1) of The Rural Municipality Act, 1989 the notice must be mailed by registered mail if not served personally at the place of residence; and

WHEREAS, other relevant legislation in Saskatchewan provides for this service either by registered mail or personal service without reference to the location of service;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that SARM request Saskatchewan Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs (GRAA) to amend Subsection 36(2) of The Rural Municipality Act, 1989 by deleting the reference to the place of service, thereby allowing for personal service in a manner consistent with other relevant municipal legislation.

Response from Honourable Len Taylor, Minister of Government Relations:

The government has committed to reviewing municipal legislation with the aim of consolidating The Urban Municipality Act, 1984, The Rural Municipality Act, 1989 and perhaps ultimately The Northern Municipalities Act into a single statute. SARM and SUMA have agreed to work with Government Relations over the coming months to this end. The resolution has identified an issue that could be considered as part of the consolidation process.