Council reviewed several items at its Jan. 21 meeting including the purchase of a new printer and procedures for the Regional Fire Department.
The first items on the agenda were new Standard Operating Guidelines developed by the regional Fire Advisory Committee. The Committee presented three policies to be instituted by the Regional Fire Department. The three policies are regarding: Firefighter Remuneration, Procurement, Disposition, and Tendering, and Stettler Regional Fire Advisory Committee Terms of Reference.
The remuneration policy remains the same and regulates pay for members based on the table of training and experience. Coun. Wayne Smith made the motion to accept the policy, which was carried.
The procurement, disposition, and tendering guidelines help streamline the process so that the department knows what is required and expected. This policy was accepted with a motion from Coun. Scott Pfeiffer.
The policy of terms of reference is to provide more detail regarding what is expected of the Advisory Committee and what their role and responsibilities are. The policy was approved with a motion from Coun. Travis Randell. The County Council had approved all three policies at their earlier meeting.
Director of Information Services Graham Scott addressed council regarding replacing the Town’s main office printer. The current unit is used for large-scale print jobs, specifically notices and other items sent to residents. It was purchased in 2015 and many of the parts for it are no longer available. Due to technical issues, a new unit is needed sooner than expected.
Administration recommends purchasing a new unit from Ricoh for $21,134. Ricoh has serviced the existing unit and has a good relationship with the town. Advantages of the unit include the lowest per-print cost, 110v operation so it can be moved to different parts of the office if needed, and fastest-to-print capability. Council carried the motion to approve the purchase from Coun. Gord Lawlor.
The Town and County Museum’s budget was reviewed by council. The requested amount of $36,000 is up from last year’s $35,000. The projected budget is expected to run a deficit of $110 by the end of the year, based on planned funding. This includes the County of Stettler’s contribution of $32,000. Council noted that the museum has gone to great lengths to improve its profile in the community, as well as in the tourism industry. Coun. Randell also noted the museum has ‘..lots of dedicated volunteers.’
Randell also touched on the recent memorial ceremony for museum Kay Anderson where members of her family were in attendance and spoke of the early days of the museum.