Paying respect

Times Contributor    

 

Who should be the one to lay a remembrance wreath at remembrance ceremonies? 

This is the question that was considered on Dec. 17, in Wheatland County council chambers, as many times the Reeve or area councillors are asked to place wreaths at community ceremonies.

“I really believe that the wreath should be presented by a veteran in the community,” said Councillor Berniece Bland. “To me, it is what it is all about. When you haven’t been in their situation, you can’t even begin to understand what it means.”

Councillor Rex Harwood considered there were a number of ceremonies conducted throughout the county for Remembrance Day, and agreed with Bland that if a veteran is available, they should be contacted to place the wreath. However, other councillors pointed out that many veterans had passed on, so the selection pool was narrowing; or, they may have declined the offer due to physical restrictions or availability. Councillor Alice Booth pointed out the Gleichen community set their ceremony to address fallen heroes of 1928 this year, and the community had no issues with the ceremony protocol as it was presented. 

Councillor Ben Armstrong said laying the wreath is also a way to pay respect to the fallen, for the freedoms we receive due to the sacrifices made for everyone’s freedom. He said other municipalities have representatives from council lay a wreath on behalf of their citizens, and to date, veterans didn’t seem to have an issue with it. Councillor Brenda Knight said some veterans don’t want to be part of the ceremony, but rather want to remain in quiet contemplation with their families, showing their respects in other ways.

“It is not about placing the wreath, it’s about remembering why they fought and making sure they are not forgotten,” said Knight.

 

Workplace action plan

Results of a 2013 Workplace survey gave Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Alan Parkin solid direction to develop action items that would improve Wheatland County workplace conditions for staff. He presented his plan to council for their approval.

“The plan has eight action items and with your approval we will proceed and direct the general manager for their implementation,” said Parkin.

The CAO will provide a written employee briefing, available to all staff that will outline the action plan. He recommended orientation for newly hired staff, solidification and action on approved budget items, developing a leadership campaign, implementation of  a performance management system, conducting  a compensation review, developing a non-harassment policy with subsequent procedures, and improvement to the washroom facilities.

 

Canadian Badlands Levy

Council approved the levy of 50 cents per person to continue to be paid to the Canadian Badlands Ltd (CBL) for 2014. The levy, which is used by the non-profit group to develop and promote tourism opportunities in Southern Alberta. 

The total payment comes to $4,142.50 for Wheatland County. CBL is made up of 61 cooperative regional municipal partners, and funds are matched by provincial and federal funding. 

In the past, council had written the group to ask them to consider changing the levy to a formula, to compensate between large and smaller municipal population areas. To date no such formula has been developed. They also wanted a summary of the past year’s activities affecting Wheatland County.

Councillor Alice Booth suggested they could bring up any issues at the organization’s annual general meeting, which is held in the spring. 

 

Community Enhancement

A reminder that applications for community enhancement grant money need to be filed before Jan. 31, 2014. The board has two vacancies, which will be filled prior to review of 2014 applications. The Community Enhancement Grant Funding is intended to enhance, promote and support groups and organizations in the Wheatland area. Ideas that bring enjoyment, benefit, beauty, recreation, entertainment, or participation and enhancement to other members of the community are considered. All applications are considered on their own merit. For more information see www.wheatlandcounty.ca or call the county office.