Town council to change economic development committee

Claresholm town council has taken the first step in updating the bylaw governing the town’s economic development committee.
At its Nov. 27 meeting, council discussed the composition of the board, length of term, and where representatives should come from.
Changes brought forward included having two members of town council, instead of three; one member from the council of the Municipal District of Willow Creek which increases the total membership from nine to 10; and appointments will be for three years.
Mayor Doug MacPherson said he liked to see the M.D. on board, but wanted to see a four-year appointment for committee
members.
Coun. Donna Courage said she would like to see appointments for two years, so more people had a chance to participate.
MacPherson said four years is justified because the town is run by committees. It takes a year of training to learn the role, then three
years of smooth running for the committee.
“The longer they’re in there, the more they understand it,” MacPherson said.
He also pointed out the bylaw currently allows for one member from outside the town, but the committee has four members from beyond the town.
Coun. Kieth Carlson said continuity will be paramount on this committee, because any business coming to town will have an 18-
month turnaround.
Courage said there is an abundance of qualified candidates.
Carlson agreed, but members should not be rotated it is detrimental to the operation of the committee.
Marian Carlson, the town’s chief administrative officer, noted the committee could have subcommittees to utilize
these additional candidates.
Council passed first reading of the economic development committee bylaw then approved three amendments to the bylaw before second reading is given. The committee shall:

• Consist of 10 voting members appointed by council;
• A maximum of three members of the committee may be from outside the municipal boundaries of the town;
• Appointments shall be for four years.

Everyone voted in favour, except Courage who was opposed.
The economic development committee promotes residential, commercial and industrial development in the Town of Claresholm.
The final two readings of the bylaw will be given at a future meeting or meetings of council.