By Jeff Labine The Stettler Independent
Stettler’s mayor sees the upcoming Alberta Urban Municipalities Association as a chance for the newly formed council to grow as a team.
Mayor Sean Nolls as well as members of council and senior town staff will be heading to Calgary later this month for the annual convention and trade show. The event offers municipalities a chance to network, learn more about regional issues and possibly meet with provincial cabinet ministers.
During the last election, Stettler voted in a number of rookie members of council so Nolls said he sees this event as an opportunity for everyone to learn and build stronger bonds with each other.
“We’re a new team and it’s a really good time for us to get together and get to know one another,” he said. “I think, at this time and at this juncture, to really form that team bond and become a team.”
He said the event will also be an opportunity for Stettler councillors to meet fellow colleagues in other townships and counties and learn what their issues are.
This won’t be the first time Nolls has attended the AUMA convention and trade show. While sitting as a town councillor, Nolls said one of the sessions he first attended was on amalgamating townships and counties. He said sessions like that don’t benefit new councillors because they haven’t fully been brought up to speed on issues in the towns and counties.
In addition to the mayor, those who are confirmed to go include councillors Cheryl Barros, Scott Pfeiffer, Gord Lawlor, Malcolm Fischer, Wayne Smith, Al Campbell, CAO Greg Switenky, assistant CAO Steve Gerlitz, director of operations Melissa Robbins, and director of planning and development Leann Graham.
The event runs from Nov. 22 to 24.
As of Nov. 8, the town hasn’t scheduled any meetings with any provincial ministers.
Nolls added it would really benefit anyone at the moment anyways since the relatively new council still has a lot to learn before meeting ministers face-to-face.