County of Wetaskiwin council handled a number of interesting items at their regular meeting Apr. 3, ranging from wind turbines to Canada Day.
It was also noted at the meeting that Rod Hawken has been permanently named chief administrative officer for the County of Wetaskiwin, taking over for Frank Coutney who recently retired.
Wind turbines
During Hawken’s regular report, the subject of wind turbines near Winfield came up. Hawken noted a firm has voiced interest in developing wind turbines in that area.
Reeve Kathy Rooyakkers noted a wind study was done in the Winfield area and the money paid out to landowners can be good but some people don’t like them. She also noted the county can comment on such applications, but the approval goes through the provincial government.
Councilor Terry Van de Kraats said it’s disappointing the provincial government can force approval of such things when there are a lot of conflicting stories out there.
He also didn’t seem fond of the wind turbines. “I do not want the landscape covered in these things,” said Van de Kraats.
Community grant
Councilors discussed the Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) – Intermunicipal Collaboration Grant. A memo in the agenda noted the Summer Village of Grandview has applied for a $50,000 grant through this program.
“Minister Anderson states in his correspondence that he is pleased to inform the County of Wetaskiwin, Leduc County, and the Summer Villages of Argentia Beach, Crystal Springs, Golden Days, Grandview, Itaska Beach Ma-Me-O Beach, Norris Beach, and Poplar Bay that grant funding totaling $50,000 has been approved under the Intermunicipal Collaboration component of the 2017/18 ACP grant program in support of the intermunicipal collaboration project between the municipalities,” stated the memo. “Furthermore, Minister Anderson notes the strong working relationship between the County of Wetaskiwin, Leduc County, and the Summer Villages of Argentia Beach, Crystal Springs, Golden Days, Grandview, Itaska Beach, Ma-Me-O Beach, Norris Beach, and Poplar Bay.”
Budget deliberations
Councilors agreed to hold 2018 budget deliberations the afternoon of Apr. 17, plus carry over to Apr. 18 if necessary.
Hawken said the county needs the bylaws approved so tax notices can be mailed out by the end of May.
Canada Day
County council will be attending the City of Wetaskiwin’s Canada Day celebration July 1.
“The City of Wetaskiwin’s Canada Day Committee sent a letter inviting the County to join in their Canada Day Celebration on July 1st, 2018 along with a schedule of events, parade registration form and a sponsorship package,” stated the memo given to council.
Councilors discussed sponsoring the event, but also noted many communities within the county have Canada day events and sponsoring one could set a precedent.
Councilors simply decided they would send several representatives to the city event.