Stettler Town Council heard reports from the local Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment, as well as reviewed interim budget summaries. Council also discussed a scheduling conflict for council members attending a convention for municipalities during its Feb. 19 meeting.
Staff/Sgt. Cam Russell, commander of the local RCMP detachment, was on hand as a delegation. He was there to address any issues or concerns regarding the RCMP in Stettler. Russell was happy to report there were no major issues, and that his officers were continuing with their efforts for increased community engagement and visibility.
Mayor Sean Nolls asked about a possible town hall meeting with the RCMP in Stettler and was told one will be scheduled, but for now, they are planning to continue hosting them in lower-visibility communities.
The RCMP resource officer was also discussed briefly. Both Mayor Nolls and Coun. Gord Lawlor commended the officer assigned to the Clearview schools. Both feel the officer is well suited for the position and has positively impacted the students.
Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (ACAO) Kim Hymers touched briefly on the interim Budget Summary for 2024. Coun. Gord Lawlor commended the ongoing efforts of administration for keeping a close eye on the budget as well as maintaining and presenting the budget reports. The report was accepted as information with a carried motion from Coun. Lawlor.
Hymers also presented the interim Capital Budget for 2025. Hymers noted that there had not been a lot of items carried forward into the new budget. The report was accepted with a motion from Coun. Travis Randell.
The upcoming Town Council meeting for Tuesday March 4 was addressed. The date coincides with the Alberta Municipalities Spring Caucus, which many members of council will be attending. Due to this, it was agreed to cancel the regularly scheduled meeting on that day.
In councilor meeting reports, Coun. Kurt Baker reported that the Stettler and District Board of Trade had 362 registrants for the Big Jack Classic this year. This is despite the particularly cold temperatures of that weekend.
Coun. Cheryl Barros reports that the Heartland Beautification Committee has decided to withdraw from the Communities in Bloom. A major reason for this decision was noted as cost.
The committee has gained insight and several ideas from their experience with the organization. They also feel that it would be more beneficial to focus on the look of the community year-round and not just for a couple of days during the competition.
The regular meeting was adjourned with a motion from Coun. Scott Pfeiffer.
