Fire implementation stumbles over protocol

Times Contributor    

 

Wheatland County council stepped through a glass door May 20 by finalizing the draft fire implementation plan recommended by staff; but then they turned around and held that door open, to see if the other towns and villages in the county would also step over the threshold. 

The council vote was divided, but passed, with the main point of debate centering on who should sign first, Wheatland County or area towns and villages. Those votes opposed were cast by Reeve Glenn Koester, Councillor Rex Harwood and Deputy Reeve Ben Armstrong.

“I would like to hold off because the villages would be accepting the running of these departments. If we approve this before the villages, it will seem like they have to approve. It is a partnership, so I would like to see this,” said Koester.

There was a lengthy process to develop the plan and all fire departments, towns and village councils were given the opportunity to contribute to the plan.

“It is often hard to get consensus. We had 26 parties to work with and sometimes it was a challenge. It was a great process and everyone was heard. Instead of going to one model there are several choices. I believe this is at a stage where we can move forward,” said Emergency Services Manager Judy Unsworth.

A second motion followed the divided vote, indicating a letter of acceptance should be sent to the towns and villages, requesting they confirm their acceptance. All Wheatland council agreed to this motion. 

The need for clear communication and recognition of boundaries was evident in feedback letters from village councils that were submitted to Wheatland County about the plan and posted on their website www.wheatlandcounty.ca . These can be viewed along with the plan, under agendas and minutes May 20. 

There is general support and positive agreement in the county with most of the proposed items and actions in the plan, which address issues on a three tier urgent need basis. However, there were still some exceptions voiced about the process.

“We believe you have crossed the line and are now intruding into the affairs of our municipality. The tone of your report and its conclusions leave us wondering if you understand the concept of partnership and consultation. Our council is aware and appreciates how difficult your task is in reforming fire service throughout the county, but the way in which you are proceeding seems clumsy and not to be working very well indeed,” Hussar Village Council said in a statement.

“This review and implementation plans from this point forward need to recognize the other municipalities and their contributions to the fire departments,” Leah Jensen, Chief Administrative Officer for the Village of Standard.

All parties in the discussions agreed that help was needed for associations and fire departments that were struggling, such as Gleichen, Strathmore Rural and Carseland, but they unanimously voiced financial and governance decisions should remain with municipal councils and area fire associations. There were also finer points of plan like equipment decisions and fire crew training sessions once a week that were questioned. A modified training schedule was suggested, along with local decision making on equipment needs.

Many of the points in the plan are already being put into action. For example, TJ Maynard was appointed Fire Chief for the Gleichen and Cluny Fire Department. Discussions with Siksika Nation are commencing regarding assisted service agreements, and Chief Administrative Officer for the county Alan Parkin and staff are helping to get several associations back on track. Other actions already in play in each fire department are noted in the document. The governance review for Strathmore Rural and Carseland is being compiled and will come to council June 9. 

The question remains: now that council has accepted the draft plan as final, what will happen if the other villages and municipalities don’t send letters of acceptance for the fire implementation plan.

Staff pointed out that under the Municipal Governance Act, the county has a duty to ensure fire service is available to its ratepayers and if consensus isn’t reached, it will have some difficult decisions in the future.