New Year’s message from the Strathmore Mayor

Times Contributor    

 

When Mayor Michael Ell checks his personal calendar on his iPod, it is filled with many engagements for the New Year. Between council meetings, official social engagements, committee work, training sessions and research and discussion for town business, there is only a little time left to fit in personal interests such as singing with the Gleichen choir. His wife often enjoys accompanying him to official events and Ell said she brings a special kind of grace that is shared with everyone they greet.

Ell said he is slowly finding his balance in council proceedings and enjoys the challenge and interaction with council members, town staff and members of the Strathmore community. Town council’s first meeting of the New Year will be Jan. 8. 

“I must say council, in the short period of time that we have been together, is very, very good to work with. We have people with different backgrounds, different ideas, and I think we complement each other,” said Ell. “While we don’t always agree with each other, we listen to each other and come together to find solutions.”

He said high on his priority list is good communication with town residents.

“I still want to keep communication with the public open. We had an open house for Christmas and I want to do another open house in the springtime. People contact us, and bring us their ideas, and give us their thoughts, and we want to work with that,” said Ell.

Ell commented on how input from residents creates an energy that generates ideas and action. He observed this process in the recent Christmas Parade. He commented on all the hard work done by organizers and individuals to put on the parade. He has received feedback that the town could be more involved and offer more help to organizers for events such as this.

“I was talking with a businessman and they suggested that the town be more involved with the Santa Claus Parade. Some of the discussion from councillors and citizens was that it needs to be a little earlier in day because people have children and there needs to be music, and it could be a little livelier,” said Ell.

Others suggested lighting trees in Kinsman Park and utilizing the amphitheatre for festive activities. He said this type of discussion is creating synergy between organizers, residents and the town regarding how resources can enhance resident experiences. He would like this type of thing to continue into the New Year and extend to discussion around the downtown revitalization too.

He said he is very pleased with the town staff and commented that during the current weather challenges, they have shown their dedication and commitment to our residents. The town responded to highway closures during the blizzard and it tested emergency response plans. Ell said reviews and debriefings will highlight areas of need, and the town and council can ensure resources are put in place to meet those needs.

“There is an emergency plan in plan in place. Our fire department and the rural fire department worked very well together in regards to the blizzard emergency we had. I think it helped to save lives,” said Ell.

Ell said that road crews are responsible for responding to blizzard conditions and keeping citizens mobile; and although their work meant town Christmas light installations were delayed, he thought Fortis and town employees had their priorities in the right place. With the large amounts of snow this year, council assisted the crews this week, to ensure cleared roadways for residents will continue into the coming year, by increasing the snow removal budget. He commended the crews for their diligence and sees that they are finally reaching residential areas.

“There are many municipalities that do not clear snow from residential areas,” said Ell. 

Ell said that some of the council focus in the New Year will be about encouraging residential, commercial and industrial growth. He said the Chief Operating Officer has had some initial discussions with people interested in doing business in town. Ell is aware political wheels sometimes turn slowly, but he wants to keep important issues in the forefront and move them through appropriate channels. While an Economic Development Officer didn’t make the budget this year, he is still committed to finding ways to have the position developed in the future. He met with Wildrose Community Futures to gain insight into their programs for employment and business opportunities.

“I think we are looking to get new development for the town … make sure it is well thought out and good for the town. Other things we are working on … is to try and find some suitable sites for schools right now, schools are a priority right now,” said Ell. 

He said there are many Area Structure Plans to review in the coming year. He is proud that council didn’t increase the debt load with the new budget and it still covers some new infrastructure projects as well.

Ell is also planning to visit each committee assigned to council at least once next year. He recently met with the Strathmore Assembly of Youth and commented how fortunate we are to have exceptional and engaged youth in this community. He also wants to meet with Wheatland County councillors and discuss any shared interests.