Three Hills Mayor Ray Wildeman called the December 23, 2024, Special Meeting of Council to order at 10:04 am.
Clr Miriam Kirk was not in attendance.
Acceptance of the agenda for the Special Meeting of Council on December 23, 2024, was accepted as presented.
The only item on the agenda was Item 3.1- Number of Councillors.
At the October 21, 2024 Special Meeting of Council, Council passed first and second reading of Bylaw 1498-24 - Number of Councillors Bylaw. In accordance with section (231) of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), a petition on the Bylaw was not received before the 60-day deadline of December 16, 2024.
At the November 12, 2024, Regular Council meeting, Council directed Administration to host a public participation process for the Number of Councillors with Council approving the proposed timeline, the information to be presented to the community and the questions utilized in the survey.
The link to the survey was available from November 13 to December 13 on the Town’s website and a link to the survey was also posted in The Capital and on the Town’s Facebook page, weekly, during this time. The survey was also available in paper form at the Town Office and blank copies of the survey were delivered to the Golden Hills Lodge for easy access to their residents. All paper surveys submitted to the Town office were entered into the online portal to be captured in the final report.
The public meeting hosted on December 4, 2024, at the Community Centre, had 26 residents attend along with four members of the current Council and two members of Administration. At this meeting, attendees asked various questions that were answered by Administration.
As a result of the public participation process, the Town received 94 survey submissions. Of the 94 surveys completed, 33 were submitted in paper form to the Town office.
The survey asked: Do you believe the Town of Three Hills Council should increase the number of councillors from five to seven? 31 said yes, 60 said no and three were unsure. Additional questions- asking for opinions on potential benefits, along with potential fiscal implications, improving the ability to represent the needs of residents and make more informed decisions.
After each member of council had an opportunity to express their thoughts a recorded vote was taken.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Marilyn Sept “that Council approve third and final reading of Bylaw 1498-24, A Bylaw to specify the number of councillors”. Voting results were: In favour: Byrne Lammle. Opposed: Mayor Ray Wildeman, Deputy Mayor Marilyn Sept and Clr Dennis Hazelton. The motion was defeated.
Council will remain at five members in the 2025 election.
Mayor Ray Wildeman adjourned the Special Meeting of Council on December 23, 2024, at 10:31 am.