By Stu Salkeld The Pipestone Flyer
Wetaskiwin city council took the advice of the provincial government and tweaked its agreement with the Wetaskiwin Public Library, during the regular council meeting July 17.
Councilor June Boyda was absent from the meeting.
Brian McCulloch, director of Corporate Services, presented councilors with the draft agreement with the Wetaskiwin Library Board.
“In March, 2017, a revised agreement was approved by Council and the Wetaskiwin Library Board,” stated the agenda memo. “Since then, a number of suggested changes have come to light to further clarify the agreement.”
McCulloch explained the provincial government suggested a number of the changes, and councilors were provided with a copy of the draft agreement with changes in coloured ink.
Councilor Wayne Nielson had questions about the agreement. He asked about terminologies and budgets, and noted he was concerned the city would end up painted into a corner because of the agreement.
City manager Dave Burgess said the agreement is not a guarantee, but rather gauges council’s support.
Burgess also stated future councils may also want changes in the agreement.
Councilor Joe Branco, while examining the draft, asked if the Wetaskiwin Public Library pays out of their own budget for snow removal. Branco stated the Manluk Centre and the recreation department do so.
McCulloch said snow removal is part of a separate city budget and added that the city has a snow removal contingency fund.
Mayor Bill Elliot stated that McCulloch could bring back information about how the Wetaskiwin Public Library pays for its snow removal at the next scheduled council meeting.
Councilor Patricia MacQuarrie moved to approve the agreement as presented, and council agreed.
Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca