Extreme makeover modified at Wheatland County

Times Contributor

 

Councillors reconsidered the need for a new council chamber renovation. 

“Past consideration was building a new building over putting in an addition. A new building was cheaper than the addition,” said Councillor Brenda Knight.

After some discussion, the decision was that upgrades to the room’s features may be all that is necessary.

“We need better electronics instead of dropping a lot of money into renovating chambers. The biggest issue around this table is the electronics. There is nothing the public can use. We need decent electronics and a serious sound system. Something so the electronics work,” said Councillor Ben Armstrong.

Councillors felt an additional presentation screen granted visibility for all councillors. They discussed wireless sound systems and microphone upgrades so everyone could hear. There was a suggestion to include a video conferencing option, to optimize the ability to talk with ministers and officials, while cutting down travel requirements.

Consideration for the public’s interest started with a request for a moveable table, complete with electronic hook-ups for presentations and a microphone. Comfortable chairs for public meetings were also on the list.

“We should investigate the upgrade on a public table and podium, so that they may make presentations. Make this a better place to do business. It is more respectful to them to have a place to organize their papers,” said Councillor Berniece Bland.

“We have to decide how we want council to be perceived when they come in here,” said Reeve Glenn Koester. “We need seating arrangements to represent fairness and accommodate staff. We need a plan.”

It was unanimously agreed that the electronics be upgraded and council requested a professional assessment for electronics, wireless sound system and advanced video conferencing brought back to council for a decision.

Councillors reviewed the parameters for Councillor Remunerations suggested by the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, appointed to give independent recommendations for 2013-2015.

The board suggested representative functions such as golf be paid for by the county but education and improvement courses were an individual matter. Things outside their division will be covered under per diem expenses. Wage increases should be tied to the Cost Of Living Allowance (COLA) except for the Reeve, who was recommended a $100/month raise.

They asked the CAO, Jennifer Deak, to clarify the payment of expenses that occurred outside their divisions.

There were questions, about reimbursement for community golf tournaments however, not education sessions.

“You don’t want to pay for education but you will pay for golf,” said Councillor Brenda Knight.

“It doesn’t seem rational that golf can be a council level decision and education is a personal decision. Staff education is paid, no matter what the turnover is. It is important to educate our councillors too. Education is at the crux of how councillors make decisions every day,” said Councillor Alice Booth.

Councillor Ken Sauve said council had agreed that attending the various golf tournaments supported community fundraisers and it allowed the public to interact and network with the Councillors.

“Either way it is taxpayers dollars. Taxpayers will take note of that. Every councillor goes back to the community and deals with it in their community,” said Councillor Booth.

There were also questions about remuneration for conferences, as councillors stayed all day at those and networking occurred there as well.

There was also a query about cost of living allowances. 

Councillor Booth indicated she thought it was better to keep wages up, rather than proposing a large amount later to catch up. Councillor Booth said the COLA should be a percentage instead of a dollar amount.

 

Taking care of business

Carseland and area residents will have their sewer taken care of during power outages, as council approved funding for a new backup emergency generator.

“It’s a very old generator; we have had a lot of trouble in the last few weeks. We have tried to fix it but no can do,” said Mike Ziehr, Assistant Transportation and Infrastructure Manager.

The generator will cost about $37,000 with delivery two months away. On Ziehr’s recommendation, council approved a rental generator be retained at $1,000 month, until the delivery of the new one. The two expenses will come out of the Capital Contingency fund.

Another business decision addressed provision of two outhouses to the Severn Dam, one for each side at a cost of $41,000.

 

Beautify Standard 

A resident from the Village of Standard is looking for funding to help beautify the community. 

“We need to advise the request ne sent back as we have a process for this. They can approach the Community Enhancement Board,” said Councillor Ben Armstrong. “We set up the committee so we wouldn’t be unduly persuaded at the time of the vote.”

The request, along with many other, is waiting doe the board to convene. They will begin dealing with requests next week. The County will post what the process is to request funding in the area papers. The committee will then present the recommendations to council for a decision. 

 

Handi-Bus ridership up

The Strathmore and District Handi-Bus Association thanked council for donation of $16,000. 

Councillor Alice Booth said the Handi-Bus has doubled its income so far this year with ridership at 400 people. 

“We have a good board now and we continue to move forward,” Booth said.

Community enhancement board meets

Community Enhancement Regional Board, comprised of 14 community members, met on June 12 to put organizational details in place. They will be examining applications for funding to various county interests. It was determined that board members would serve on a staggered two term, basis. The funds are targeted to non-profit organizations, societies and associations who promote, enhance and support creative groups and bring enjoyment, benefit and participation to county residents. 

Applications will be reviewed by Sept. 30, funds allocated by Dec. 1, but applicants must use the funds by Dec. 31, 2013. The applicants will be required to make a presentation to the board and if the grant is given, a final report confirming which expenditures will be required. The details of what should be included in an applicant’s request for funds will be listed on the county website listed in the Strathmore Standard paper and will be available at the County of Wheatland office counter.

 

Standard Fire Hall approved

Standard Rural Fire Chief Malcolm McKinnon, and Scott Jensen of the Standard Fire Department, presented the blueprints for council to review, in anticipation of gaining permission to build their new fire hall. The hall will be built on county owned land.

The Standard Capital meeting discussed the building specs and there were no problems indicated. Dave Churchill, Transportation and Infrastructure manager said that all the recommended the conditions for approval were agreed to.

The hall will cost approximately $845,000 excluding the subcontracted removal of soil. The 120ft. X 50 ft. building will provide six bays for equipment.

The current hall only has room for four units, housed in three bays, with one in a wash bay, and another unit parked elsewhere.

 

Noise Bylaw Considered

There have been complaints in Carseland about loud motorbikes and council discussed whether there should be a noise bylaw.

County protection officers said the RCMP also responded to a complaint over music festival-weekend celebrations, where the noise was disturbing residents. 

The existing bylaw only allows measures when attendance is over 250 people. When it is less than that, county officers have no control or recourse. They felt a bylaw could deal with complaints for smaller functions. Rosebud street festival was another example where the bylaw could be useful. 

“When we book an event, they already have to maintain a noise level,” said Councillor Brenda Knight.

Council directed Protective Services to investigate parameters for the noise bylaw, excluding the right by farmers to run farm machinery. Protection Services will make a recommendation to bring back to council. 

 

Loitering and Vagrancy Measures

Councillors met with Gleichen RCMP to discuss recent complaints about loitering and vagrancy. Police officers said that they could not do much more that encourage them to leave without a bylaw.

Staff Sergeant James McClennan, of the Gleichen detachment, offered to address council on the issue.

“It would help them in controlling the situation downtown. Businesses said they will install fencing to control traffic from cruising vehicles,” said Councillor Ken Sauve.

Officers agreed to keep up surveillance of Happy Valley on the reserve. The CPR owns it. RCMP said by bull dozing trees, it would clean the area up. CPR is also closing one of two entrances, which will also deter activity. 

Council agreed to begin the draft of the bylaw and any persons with concerns can address council at the public hearings.

 

County Staff Petition for Social Funds

County staff requested a 55 per cent increase in their social funds. Jennifer Deak, Corporate Operational Advisor (CAO) said there were 125 staff and the increase would average $100 per person. 

“It’s a lot of money and it’s taxpayer’s money,” said Deak.

The funds were to cover total staff social events for the year.  She said she asked staff to be a little creative and come up with some other suggestions that would not cost additional money.

“I think the increase is unwarranted,” said Councillor Ben Armstrong.

Speed Traps set for Namaka Road

“The speed on Namaka road is horrendous,” said Councillor Ken Sauve.

He reminded council that it is a 30km designation through the hamlet. 

He said there are many kids on the road and the solution would be to decrease the speed limit.

Council requested Protection Services to evaluate the situation.