Taking care of business

Times Contributor

 

Council agreed to several requests for decisions on Feb. 5. The first was a vote to keep bookkeeping fees for WADEMSA at $757.44. They also agreed to a 2013 requisition by Drumheller to pay a fee of $36.20 per capita, for those Wheatland residents using its solid waste treatment services. Marigold levy fees were agreed to, which remained the same as last year. A requisition from Wheatland Housing management was also approved. 

The 2013 Calgary Regional Airshed Zone Membership was deferred for consideration, pending a presentation to council in March or April. Councillors wanted more information on what benefit membership offered the County.

Approval for the Strathmore Seed Cleaning plant loan passed second and third reading.

“I talked to the chairman. He said that with the nice weather most of the building is now closed in. Some of the machines are being installed and they are still waiting for some,” said Councillor Ken Suave about the Seed Plant.

 

2013 seniors conference

Councillors will be filling out a questionnaire about the needs of area seniors, in order for the Grey Matters Conference to develop a speaking agenda. 

Councillor Alice Booth said that last year’s conference highlighted the importance of developing measures for a safe community.

“It was a big issue across the province and we need to catch up on it,” said Booth. “The conference is a good place to find out what is going on. Especially when people are transferring from their houses into care facilities, it is a good seminar to see who is doing what.”

The conference was asking councillors to suggest groups and topics for presentations. Councillors suggested Making Safe Communities a public policy. Some of the local service groups were suggested as possible presenters.

 

Gleichen war memorial

Permission was requested to alter the memorial by adding names of soldiers that served in Afghanistan.

“Now that it is a historical memorial site, any changes require permission,” said CAO Jennifer Deak.

Council approved the additions to the memorial.

 

Narrow escape

Councillors thanked CAO Jennifer Deak for her vigilance over council activity. In recent news, several officials have been called to task for purchasing tickets with municipal funds to attend political party fundraising functions. It is illegal for a municipality to donate to political parties. Last year, Deak warned councillors that such an action would constitute a conflict of interest and recommended that they could not request to have the County pay admission and attend as paid representatives of the County.

“Many thanks go out to Jennifer Deak, as she kept us out of hot water,” said Councillor Ken Sauve.

 

Carseland sewage lagoon

Councillor Ken Sauve questioned whether a public meeting, regarding the progress on the Carseland sewage lagoon, might be set up.

Others questioned if that was necessary.

“No meeting is needed and people can petition if they have concerns. A public hearing is automatic,” said CAO Jennifer Deak when questioned about the appropriate process. 

Councillor Sauve said an open house or meeting would allow people to see how things will change, get information on how it is paid for and who it serves. He gave the example of the meeting held in Rosebud. It was pointed out that the Rosebud meeting was held because an emergency was involved.

“I think something like this affects people and it is our due diligence to have a meeting there. People commute and a meeting could catch people who can only attend in the evening,” said Councillor Sauve.

“A public meeting is fine, but a public hearing is more formal having all the information presented,” said Councillor Ben Armstrong.

Council directed staff to check on the availability of the Carseland Hall for a public meeting and bring the information back to council.