Pay raises are in order for the new council for the Town of Stettler after regular municipal elections this October.
At its regular meeting April 6, town council proceeded with the regular process of reviewing remuneration for the mayor and councillors prior to a general election, this year on Oct. 18 with nomination day Sept. 20.
As a result, council opted to direct administration to review the rates and present a recommendation and report to council in the next few months.
“We invite any suggestions and comments from residents and property owners as part of the process,” said Mayor Dick Richards.
Council policy states that the policy for remuneration be reviewed in September preceding the new council term.
“Starting the review at that time may not leave enough time to undertake a good analysis, provide information to council and implement the recommendation,” said town manager Rob Stoutenberg.
“Having this done well in advance of nomination would also let the potential candidates know what remuneration will be.”
For the current council, basic annual remuneration was set for mayor at $15,315 and councillors for $11,486.
For the municipal elections, assistant chief administrative officer Greg Switenky was appointed returning officer.
As part of the recommendation, the returning officer was directed to research the availability and economics to utilize electronic voting, to hold an advance poll, and to provide a mobile polling station for designated seniors’ residential complexes and to homes of voters who are unable to leave their homes.
Electors could be using electronic voting machines to make the process simpler and more efficient.
“I still haven’t closed the book on bringing in electronic voting,” said Switenky.
“That’s something we’re getting prices for.”
Electronic voting would provide results 15 minutes after the polls close, he noted, rather than over one hour.
New director of operations
Town manager Rob Stoutenberg reported that Melissa Robbins has been appointed the director of operations, starting Aug. 30, 2010, to succeed John Keith who retires this summer.
Gravel tender awarded
Council awarded a contract for gravel supply for 2010 to James Marshall Trucking for $46,195, the lower of two bids received.