Wetaskiwin city council showed its support and approval of the newly revamped Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce by approving a request for $10,000 in funding, during the regular council meeting Jan. 9.
A memo was presented by city manager Dave Burgess. “The Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce has requested the City’s support in partnering on various initiatives in 2017,” stated Burgess in the agenda item.
The list of events included website and marketing promotions, business workshop series, business expo and trade fair, business awards gala, annual Meet in the Millet luncheon, annual entrepreneurship luncheon, state of the city and county joint address and the chamber golf tournament. Burgess noted in the item that the request complies with the 2017 budget.
Mayor Bill Elliot said a vote of confidence in the chamber was in order. “I’m really pleased with the direction the chamber has taken since they amalgamated with the Leduc chamber,” said Elliot. The Wetaskiwin board of directors has contracted the Leduc Chamber to handle operations.
Councilors unanimously approved the request.
Financial aid
Assistant city manager Therese Myndio gave councilors a report on the 2017 Grant in Aid program, a municipal grant program which provides up to $500 for local not-for-profit type groups.
“Thirteen applications were received,” Myndio stated in her report. “After reviewing these for compliance with the policy guidelines, it is recommended that 12 of the applications be accepted for funding totaling $6,000.” It was noted the funding is in compliance with the 2017 budget. Councilors unanimously approved Myndio’s recommendation.
Police appreciation
It was noted at the beginning of the meeting Law Enforcement Appreciation Week is held in January, although Mayor Bill Elliot pointed out to council it appears the week is intended for RCMP, not the city peace officers.
That’s okay, noted the mayor. “We appreciate our peace officers every day of the year,” said the mayor.
Social media mayor
Elliot said he’d noticed on Facebook’s Wetaskiwin rant and Rave that some residents were critical of the outdoor rink ice being cracked.
It was pointed out at the council meeting the cracks are probably related to skaters using the rink too quickly after it’s flooded. If users wait until the ice is frozen, the ice won’t cracks.
It was also pointed out that temperature fluctuations can affect the ice surface too; early in the season the rink had to cope with a 25 degree change in temperature.
Mayor’s report
During the council reports agenda item, Mayor Bill Elliot told his peers during the holiday season he attended the Pine Haven Colony Christmas party. “The whole colony was there,” said the mayor. “ It was just marvelous.” He said the Christmas-themed entertainment was excellent. “They were just amazing,” he added.