Doug Bedard from Harvest Operations Corp. attended council to discuss a proposed energy development project west of Irricana.
While Harvest does not need Irricana’s permission, the company requested council advise it of any concerns there may be about the project. The development involves very low level sour gas. Council was presented with a copy of the company’s emergency response plan and agreed to provide a letter stating there is no objection to the development.
Rocky View Foundation manager Carol Borschneck approached council to request the Town’s support for borrowing to rebuild the seniors lodge in Crossfield and to complete the addition to the Jubilee Manor in Airdrie.
As the loan is low risk and Irricana residents have access to some of the Foundation’s housing in the area, council agreed to support the borrowing. Borschneck said if the loan was in default at any time, Irricana’s portion of the debt would be about $27,000, but with the need for senior’s housing and the stability of the Foundation, loan repayment is not expected to be a problem.
Members of the Irricana Library Board and staff presented the annual report and financial statements for the Irricana Library, which council accepted. Council expressed its gratitude for the excellent job being done by the library staff and board. A copy of the financial statement is available online at www.irricana.com
Councillor Frank Dusome reported the Kneehill Water Commission is now officially known as Aqua 7 Regional Water Commission. The request for the name change was made by Kneehill County, which wishes to distance itself from the water commission.
The Town has been withholding the deficit portion of Aqua 7 bills in Irricana.
It is Irricana council’s contention that until the Province deals with the commission’s deficit, the Town will hold onto the funds.
Aqua 7, however, feels that the money is being collected under Ministerial Order and therefore Irricana must pay.
Chief Administrative Officer Carol White informed council that she had met with Rocky View County to discuss policing in Irricana. Some changes will be made that will better meet the needs of the Town and the capacity of the County. This includes arranging for specific hours of patrol.
In the near future, council meetings will be videotaped. As Facebook and other social media have limitations to 15-minute clips, it was determined that Irricana will videotape all council meetings and make the DVDs available to the public through the library. Council authorized the expenditure of up to $1,500 to facilitate purchase of the necessary equipment.
An Irricana committee presented a new policy that could change the way the Town pays its council members.
At the last council meeting, Dusome made a motion to publicize councillor’s hourly pay that was previously based on the honour system.
Under the new policy, the mayor’s remuneration would stay the same at $300 per month.
The deputy mayor would receive $30 per hour if he or she assumes mayoral duties.
Councillors would continue to receive $30 per hour but would get an extra $100 per month.
Appointed public representatives would be paid $15 per hour.
When attending all-day sessions, such as the AUMA convention, per diem would be $30 per hour to a maximum of eight hours per day, or more with council approval.
Council directed the committee to re-evaluate the proposal and bring it back for further discussion.
Councillors did not agree with the $100 per month on top of the hourly wage. Council requested that items members can and cannot charge for be more clearly defined.
The next council meeting is March 7 at 7 p.m. in council chambers. The public is welcome.
