Firefighters from the Drumheller, Rosedale and East Coulee fire halls were recognized for their varying years of service at the Drumheller town council meeting on Monday, January 22.
    The presentation came in to effect after the regular Alberta Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA) conference and trade show as they did not have enough time to present the awards.
    MP Kevin Sorenson, MLA Rick Strankman, Alberta Fire Commissioner Kevan Jess, and Drumheller Mayor Heather Colberg presented the federal and provincial awards, shaking hands with each retired and current volunteer.
    The federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions independently recommend eligible and deserving members of the fire service to the Chancellery.
Federal awards recognize 20 years of service and upwards whereas the provincial awards begin at 12 years of service.
    Drumheller Fire Chief Bruce Wade was pleased with how the evening turned out.
    “I think that myself and all the firefighters are excited,” said Wade. “It was a nice recognition for their time training, fighting fires, and responding to their emergency calls and it’s nice to see the guys get some recognition.”
    The Provincial medal’s design consists of crossed axes, a hydrant and a cross, and a specific symbol known internationally in the fire prevention community.
    The normal background is of a maple leaf. The red ribbon represents fire and the gold represents common exemplary service medals, representing the upstanding service these volunteers continually do.

Council Notes
Drumheller Town Council
Regular Council Meeting
Monday, January 22, 2018Mayor Heather Colberg called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
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MP Kevin Sorenson, MLA Rick Strankman, and Alberta Fire Commissioner Kevan Jess presented federal and provincial awards to firefighters in the area.
These were presented to both current and retired Drumheller firefighters; Craig Comstock, Joe Gerlinger, Peter Gruber, Frank Kalman, James Martin, Bob Repas, Rick Schinnour, Jeff Gerlinger, Merv Smith, Steven Wade, Doug Stanger, Duane Bolin, Bruce Wade, Luigi Vescarelli, Blain Zacharuk, Bill Bachynski, John Gallagher, and Vince Seitz.

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A public hearing commenced for proposed Bylaw 13.17 to amend the Land Use Bylaw 10.08 by redesignating Lots 39 and 40, Block 24, Plan 1712473 in the Town of Drumheller from the Central Commercial District to DT (Downtown Transition) District. These lots were formerly known as Lots 18, 19, and 20 and Block 24, Plan 3099AD.
Cynthia Cvik, CEO and Director of Planning of Palliser Regional Municipal Services explained the bylaw and what is being considered. She said they recommend that council give second and third reading to Bylaw No. 07-13 as amended to rezone Lots 39 and 40, Block 23, Plan 1712437 from Central Commercial District to Downtown Transition District.
No submissions for or against the proposal were collected to the Town of Drumheller.
Council closed the public hearing. This subject will be revisited in two weeks

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Summer Manca and Julia Fielding of the Economic Development Advisory Committee brought forth a delegation on the final presentation of downtown beautification techniques and revitalization concepts.
The advisors committee with stakeholders to come up with unique potential ideas for the downtown area.
They took a few different concept considerations, with a focus on economic activity, community gathering space, balance local and tourist needs, marketing opportunities, flexible and season use or programming.
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Council adopted an amendment to policy C-01-14, to align remuneration of annual per diem to term of election and to update and/or remove outdated information.

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The 2018 Fee Schedule proposed for adoption includes the following changes; 2 per cent increase to Recreation Access and Facility Rental Fees, Aquaplex, BCF entrance & memberships, pool, ice, ball diamond, conference/room rentals, 2 per cent increase to cemetery fees, and $25 increase to airport hanger land lease fees.
Bulk sewage disposal fee rate increases effective January 1 and May 1 were previously adopted as part of the 2017 fee schedule. These increases, along with the proposed October 1 increase represent the third year of a phased in approach taken in the 2016 bulk sewage disposal rates that had unknowingly gone unchanged for a number of years.
The necessary increase identified, were imposed by taking a staggered approach (before and after tourist season) over a three year period in order to minimize the financial impact to ratepayers due to sheer volume.
The overall 2018 Tax supported budget reflects a 2 per cent increase in user fees.
Council adopted the 2018 Fee Schedule as presented with the amendment to exclude the airport fees at this time.
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A request for the authorization to write off uncollectible 2015 business license account balances against allowance for bad debt was brought forward.
Administration recommended that council approve the write off of uncollectible 2015 business license fees against the allowance for bad debt.
Councillor Lisa Hansen Zacharuk made the motion to authorized the write off of the 2015 Business License fees that remain outstanding.
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Councillor Jay Garbutt brought the Sandstone Manor 2018 Budget to attention.
Council accepted the 2018 Sandstone Manor budget as presented.
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Councillors Garbutt and Tom Zariski presented a draft version of the Vision, Mission, and Values statement.
He explained that input came from many diverse areas of employment at the Town.
Councillor Garbutt noted that this draft is still a work in progress and any input is welcome.

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Meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.