The beginning of September marked the re-start of the County of Stettler’s County in the Community program.
Stettler County started the County in the Community presentations before the summer with the goal of holding a session in each of the municipality’s seven wards.
Doors opened for the Sept. 5 session at 5:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the Stettler and District Agriplex.
The majority of council was on hand for the session, as were a significant number of county administrative staff including chief administrative officer (CAO) Yvette Cassidy, director of municipal services Andrew Brysiuk, director of protective services Clint Sime, and more.
Stettler’s crowd of ratepayers was smaller, numbering around 10 people; however, the low numbers gave ample time for the ratepayers to interact with staff and councillors.
Around 6 p.m., long-tenured councillor Ernie Gendre, who has been on council for around the last 10 years, called the assembly to order and served as the master of ceremonies for the evening.
A light supper consisting of hamburgers and salads was offered following which Gendre took to the microphone again.
During his portion of the discussion, Gendre noted that conditions in the region are “hard for producers” and emphasized that is why council declared the state of emergency back in June.
He further discussed budget priorities and planning that council will be undergoing in the coming weeks and the 140 water surveys that had been received.
Once Gendre concluded, CAO Cassidy took to the microphone and introduced the dozen staff who were in attendance.
Also on site were representatives from Stettler and District Family and Community Support Services, who were discussing the variety of services offered by the organization, including the new volunteer driver program which was highlighted by Gendre.
The Sept. 14 Botha date and Sept. 21 Red Willow date were postponed to later in the fall due to low registration numbers.
The County in the Community gathering held at the Stettler Agriplex on Sept. 5 was an opportunity for county ratepayers to ask questions of their elected councillors and administrative staff. Stettler and District FCSS was also in attendence.
Coun. Ernie Gendre, a 10-year member of council, acted as master of ceremonies for the County in the Community event. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
