Monday, June 26, 2017
The meeting started off with general remarks from Mayor Terry Yemen.
He commended the organizers for the Gran Fondo for its successful event.
Councillor Tara McMillan wanted to thank fellow councillor Tom Zariski for his efforts in the Badlands Passion Play golf tournament.
“If it wasn’t for Tom, they wouldn’t have a golf fundraiser,” said McMillan.
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To forward the meeting, CAO Ray Romanetz gave an update about the grant application and how the flood mitigation project is going to work out. With a grant over a year ago, there have been on going discussions about ownership and other topics.
Council passed first reading of Bylaw 04.17, to permit borrowing for up to $497,400 for the purpose of building a berm in central Drumheller to protect the town from further flood damage.
This is the first step in the process as requirements dictate to have a public meeting. The recommendation was to proceed with the first reading to allow for the borrowing of $497,400 as all options to get the 10% off the municipality’s plate have been exhausted. Now as of last Wednesday, a proposal was put together but with great difficulty to get wording. The intention is to have delays dealt with now before it causes problems.
The town’s overall debt ‘is in really good shape.’
Rates are very reasonable right now and future generations will be paying for the work at a steady, solid rate of interest.
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Bylaw 05.17 covers the second flood mitigation project approved by the government. Another $516,000 will be put towards the project in order to create a berm in the East Midland and Newcastle area.
Further grants have also been identified for future projects through the grant that has been approved. The first reading carried.
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An application was received by the town to appoint a new Economic Development Advisory Committee leader.
Mr. John Goudy was seen to ‘do a very good job’, especially with his local background knowledge and different perspective. Goudy will be serving a three year term.
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A request for a two year extension for the auditor appointment was brought to light. The extension will be ensuring stability for next two years of 2017 and 2018 as three years tends to be the most effective in terms of relationships and understanding.
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A request for a new liquor service model for the Badlands Community Facility (BCF) was brought to attention. Roughly one to three events per year require liquor service at the large facility.
Three options were presented but only one stood out to create easier service to the customer as well as help local businesses and organizations.
A motion was carried to enhance the current self serve model with an interest to provide a pre-approved list of organizations and businesses to provide and to offer services. So far the BCF is not losing bookings because of the lack of service.
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The meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
