Council Notes
Drumheller Town Council
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Monday, December 18, 2017
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The Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting started with an announcement about the meeting schedule. Council will have their next COW meeting on Tuesday, January 2, the next regular council meeting on January 8, and the 2018 Operational Budget meeting on January 10.
Councillor Tom Zariski was sworn in as Deputy Mayor for the months of January and February, 2018.
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The Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC) gave their semi-annual update to council. The presentation was directed by president Brock Harrington and executive director Heather Bitz.
Vice president Jeff Hall, past president Shelley Rymal and DDCC office coordinator Marley Henneigh were also in attendance.
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Neil Dobell, president of the Canadian Badlands Aquatic Club and Sheila Martin, head coach of the club gave an update on the current condition of the club.
They requested that the town increase better communication between the pool and club, better invoicing as it is difficult to understand, set up and take down the ropes that are in the pool, keep the water temperature lower than it is, and to cover the remaining expense of the starting blocks.
CAO Darryl Drohomerski explained the latest updates of the pool. Most issues have been repaired, tested, and passed but a couple more things must be fixed before reopening.
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Vance Neudorf, director of the Canadian Badlands Passion Play, presented his findings on the outcome of the 2017 tourist season as well as upcoming events or ideas for the Amphitheatre.
They have decided on a new name; The Badlands Amphitheatre to allow some of the other events planned to keep growing rather than the stigma of the Passion Play and its niche.
They also wish to repurpose the old benches currently being used into a boardwalk that would keep tourists busy in the valley.
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Family Community Support Services (FCSS) coordinator April Harrison gave a presentation how the recent Economic Needs Assessment within the FCSS department of the Town of Drumheller.
They did an Economic Needs Assessment survey which aligns with the 2016 census data. 726 responses were received translating to 8.4 per cent of the eligible Drumheller population.
More feedback sessions will take place before the final survey results will be announced in April 2018.
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ATCO came to the meeting with a delegation about the Drumheller Franchise Renewal. Patrick Charron, customer service supervisor, and Allan Gano, district manager of the southeast region presented.
The ten-year franchise agreement expires November 17, 2018. A franchise agreement betters the municipality and ATCO to provide an exclusive Electric Distribution Service. ATCO charges a franchise fee on its utility bill which provides a stream of revenue for the town.
A new AUMA template has come to light for council to deliberate.
They explained the benefits to the municipality and to ATCO by using this new franchise agreement.
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