Challenges and success expected in the New Year

Times Contributor 

 

Wheatland County Reeve Glenn Koester took a moment out of his busy holiday schedule to reflect on what issues might be front and centre for the county in 2014.

There were several areas that involved developing new regulations. 

“I think this council is much more up on their MDP (Municipal Development Plan).  I think they want to have a good discussion on it. Although there are opposing sides, they are very strong in what they are saying. It will be important to get everything nailed down and make sure everybody is heard,” said Koester.

Once the MDP is finalized, council will be looking at the Land Use Bylaw, a tool used to regulate how land and buildings are used in the county.

“I would like to have a good Land Use Bylaw. I think this is important for the county,” said Koester.  “Wheatland needs to take a good hard look at what they want. Will it be industry in this part of the county and farming in another? Up to now we really haven’t drawn a line.”

He said the public can expect some open houses to gather public opinion on the Land Use Bylaw. He thinks agriculture will continue to be a mainstay for the county, but sees it supplemented by residential, commercial and industrial development. To protect those county assets, attention will be given to finalizing the Fire Service Review. Koester expects the possibility of a new fire hall for Carseland will be on the council agenda and discussion will be needed throughout the implementation of the review recommendations. He said he wants to see the county work with the local fire volunteers.

“Anything that makes things easier for them,” said Koester.

Ongoing attention to infrastructure, water and utility issues will be a given and road maintenance will be part of that discussion. Koester wants to see a three year plan for county roads firmed up.

“We will be talking about that more. Every year a little bit needs to be changed on the roads and we want to keep it current.”

Coordinating the various service providers and different parties involved prior to actually working on the roadway is complicated, which makes it difficult for staff to keep to the three-year time frame, so Koester hopes residents will understand when there are some delays.

The Municipal Government Act (MGA) was reviewed in 2013, and council will have to be aware of any changes.

“Anything they say directly affects how we do business.  We rely on the MGA and it gives us our mandate,” said Koester, who thinks that the revised act will basically remain the same, but revisions will make it more user-friendly. 

Last year, several provincial studies, such as the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan, were examined by the public at several open houses. Those plans will be moving towards implementation in the coming year. The Calgary regional and municipal plans are also in the works and Koester is firm on upholding Wheatland County’s right to representation.

“I am not against the CRP and the land use framework, they are good things, but we have to have a voice, and an equal voice,” said Koester. “We are on the outside looking in and I would like to keep it that way. There are fundamental differences. If anything is imposed on us, or taken away from us. I would like to have the right to talk about it. Anybody who is making decisions on our land … I would like to have our ratepayers be able to vote whether that individual remains in power or not.”

He was encouraged by the improved communication channels that were opened up with provincial ministers during the 2013 WADEMSA negotiations, and is hoping any discussions with provincial ministers will be as open and responsive in 2014. 

He has no predictions of increased taxes, as he is waiting for the provincial linear assessments, which affect the taxation formula used for the county. Last year, the county took a pre-emptive move and hired a staff member to work on obtaining more grants, which has helped with municipal budgeting and lightened the tax load for ratepayers.  Koester is pleased with the results, so far. 

The administration office renovations are ongoing and 2014 will literally see final floor plans nailed down. Koester expects the plan will be adapted to fit council members, staff and the public’s day to day activities. 

Overall, Koester wishes all the residents of Wheatland County a happy and prosperous new year in 2014, and he hopes they will stop and talk about their concerns with him.

“We need to have an open door policy. I like to have our ratepayers feeling comfortable enough to talk to any councillor, or come to meetings. I love it when people come and talk to us,” said Koester. “When I first got here… the public hardly ever came in. Now, they freely come in and speak their will. I think I would like to continue that.” 

To encourage more open discussion the county is making a new addition to their website, by allowing access to council information packages. Koester hopes the community will find it a helpful and informative addition.

“Previously the council would receive packages in a secure section of the website. We want to open that up so everyone can get those ahead of time, so people can study it,” said Koester.

There are many ways the public can interact on the website, so Koester hopes residents will submit comments, suggestions and photographs to increase interest for everyone in the coming year.