Three Hills Town Council Report

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Mayor Ray Wildeman called the Monday, February 27, 2023, regular meeting of Three Hills Town Council to order at 5:30 pm.

The meeting agenda and minutes of February 13, 2023, were accepted as presented.

Under delegations, council welcomed Three Hills RCMP Sgt. Jamie Day. Sgt. Day was accompanied by Cst. Tim VanderPloeg and Cst. Chantelle Weedmark. Sgt. Day provided council with his 2023/2024 Annual Performance Plan.

A detailed report on ‘calls to service was also included showing a steady but gradual increase since 2018. There was a substantial jump of 18.3% in 2022 when compared to 2021.

Sgt. Day reminds the public of the importance of reporting crime or activities of a suspicious nature to the Three Hills RCMP detachment. Sgt. Day offered accolades to the Town of Three Hills administration for their valued assistance and ongoing cooperation.

He also credited his members for their outstanding work and community involvement.

The next order of business was management reports. CAO Ryan Leuzinger got things rolling.

Aside from personnel items, Ryan dealt with a number of ongoing items such as reviewing the CUPE Collective Agreement, records management system, worked on safety committee terms of reference and reviewed storm water drainage agreement. Ryan also worked with the engineer, insurance company and insurance adjuster concerning the pumphouse and water infrastructure. He also attended a number of meetings.

Greg Towne, Director of Finance, reported on year-end work, mentioning a 5.9% increase in assessments over 2022. Greg has also worked on continued government grant and insurance reporting, and numerous other items.

Kristy Sidock- Director of Community Services reported that in the month of January, there was one development permit, two building, seven electrical, two plumbing and four gas permits.

Three Hills Fire and Rescue responded to five call-outs.

Staff are starting to plan for spring operations.

The Aquatic Centre has been very busy. Swimming lessons have required additional classes due to popularity. 173 people attended the free Family Day swim.

Grant Gyurkovits, Director of Operations, reported on utilities, transportation, cemetery and capital projects. This included a brief update on the new water distribution pump house design. Construction is slated for completion around March 2024.

New business moved on to Bronze Property Business Safety checklist under RCMP Crime Prevention. This was performed at the town shop site. It was accepted as information provided.

Council agreed to provide the Three Hills Community Centre lodge room and kitchen, free of charge to the Community Connection Outreach program, on a weekly basis, to the end of 2023.

Council reports began with Deputy Mayor Dennis Hazelton. Dennis had no meetings in the reporting period.

Clr. Miriam Kirk provided minutes from a recent Doctor R&R meeting. She also attended a library board meeting.

Clr. Byrne Lammle reported briefly on Chamber of Commerce highlights. He attended a Kneehill Housing meeting and an open house dealing with a future solar farm project.

Clr. Marilyn Sept attended a regular Police Advisory meeting.

Mayor Ray Wildeman attended a Mayor’s and Reeve’s meeting in Innisfail.

Both Council and Mayor’s reports were accepted as presented.

With no correspondence, Mayor Wildeman called for a short break before entering closed session at 8:05 pm to discuss a drainage agreement.

Council returned to open session at 8:44 pm and adjourned at 8:45 pm.