Council supports bench show
By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer
Claresholm town council has renewed its support for the Claresholm and District Fair Days Bench Show.
At its Jan. 14 meeting, council agreed to donate $990 to the bench show, the same amount it has contributed over the past few years.
That contribution includes $600 for cash awards presented at the bench show and $390 for advertising in the bench show catalogue.
The town will also provide sand for a money pile enjoyed by children in the parking lot outside the bench show.
The bench show is an opportunity every year, in the second weekend of August, for people to enter their best baking, art, crafts, photography, and much more in various categories to be judged and prizes awarded.
Sparta Stomp 5K
Council reviewed a letter from Leah Prawdzik, Sparta House program coordinator, inviting them to participate in the Sparta Stomp, a five-kilometre walk on May 11 in support of those living with mental illness.
“I suggest we enter a team,” said Mayor Doug MacPherson.
It was agreed all seven members of council would participate if their schedules permit it.
Tangible capital assets
Council updated the town’s policy governing tangible capital assets.
The town is required to account for all tangible capital assets, such as buildings, equipment, roads, sewer lines, sidewalks and more, and depreciate them accordingly.
The audit of the town’s 2017 financial statements revealed the need to review the policy governing tangible capital assets, specifically to ensure the rates used are appropriate.
Marian Carlson, the town’s chief administrative officer, explained the new policy is very similar to the previous one.
Amundsen Park re-design
Council reviewed a report on the re-design of downtown Amundsen Park.
A committee overseeing the re-design met on Jan. 9 for a brainstorming session with many community groups represented, including council; town administration; the Kinsmen; Kinettes; Lions; Family and Community Support Services; Economic Development Committee; and Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce.
The group discussed potential ideas and upgrades to the park; and ways for each group to be involved.
Any plans or designs require council approval.
Other park stakeholders are welcome and the next meeting is in February.
Seniors service awards
Council reviewed information from Alberta Seniors and Housing on the 2019 Minister’s Seniors Service Awards.
The deadline for nominations is Feb. 28.
Foundation dinner
Council also read an invitation from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta to their Friends of the Foundation Dinner on March 28 in Lethbridge.
In-camera
Council went in-camera at the end of its meeting to discuss legal; confidential evaluations; personnel; and intergovernmental relations issues.
Upon reverting to open session council made decisions on three matters:
Appointment
Council agreed to appoint Alec Harrison to the Economic Development Committee.
Fire department
Council agreed to create a full-time fire chief position within the Town of Claresholm effective Feb. 1, 2019, and to appoint Sean Kelly as fire chief of the Town of Claresholm Fire Department effective Feb. 1, 2019.
Granum Family and Community Support Services
Council agreed to enter into a one-year agreement with the Town of Granum to administer their Family and Community Support Services programming and funding as presented.