Pipestone Flyer
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Delegations:
FCSS
Marj Savage, Warburg FCSS Coordinator met with council to seek budget approval (it was approved) and discuss various program initiatives.
Savage and Warburg Cloverleaf Manor Manager, Gail Brozny discussed the need for a physician and clinic in Warburg. A review of a survey conducted by the Warburg Health and Wellness Committee suggests a clinic with easier access to a physician would boost numbers at Cloverleaf Manor and allow many local retirees to stay in Warburg rather than relocating to communities with convenient health care accessibility. The Committee will move forward with an initiative and send a funding proposal to the Rural Alberta Development Fund (matching).
FCSS News.
On January 25, Savage and a will meet with Bev Esslinger, Provincial Manager of Safe, Healthy Active People Everywhere (SHAPE), an Alberta wide non-profit organization that promotes the Active & Safe Routes to Schools programs throughout Alberta to discuss school crossing concerns along Highway 770. The school area cannot be designated as school zone because of highway policy—speed has to be maintained at 50 km. Esslinger will assess problem areas and share how best to deal what we can do.
FCSS will partner with United church Rainbows group (a support group for young children going thru grief due to divorce, suicide, etc.)with Judy Dumont partnering with the school.
Dove Real Beauty Workshop will be held in Warburg this spring.
FCSS is now an agent for Telecare program serving the west end of Leduc County. Savage says, “We have units here and do installations.” Telecare is an emergency phone (with transmitter button or wrist band) response service for seniors, the disabled and those needing interim support (newly released from the hospital). Telecare subscribers wear a special transmitter/receiver button or wristband and when alerted, a remote response team verbally interacts to provide assistance. The monthly fee varies, but averages about $37.95 and includes one button. Subscribers may add a husband or wife, for an extra $5. If you qualify it’s covered by monthly Alberta Seniors’ benefits at no cost to you. Call Marj: (780) 848-2828.
C-REPP.
Strathcona County Deputy Fire Chief, Ken Jones, met with council to discuss the benefits of joining Capitol Region Emergency Preparedness Partnership (C-REPP). Of the 24 municipalities in the Capitol Region, 20 have signed and two are pending. Calmar and Warburg have not signed. Mayor Kohl wanted to know the costs involved and how partnership will affect municipal agreements already in place (i.e. Leduc County).. Jones said having all 24 municipalities sign is good because “we all move together better as a group.”
“Joining means Warburg has access to a stockpile of shared exercises, training, protocols, etc.” Jones pointed out the scope includes more than fire emergencies—there are other emergencies—drinking water, explosions, tornado, hazardous materials, and pandemics. “Smaller communities need resources the most. Joining allows the designate direct access in case of emergencies.” By way of example, Jones said, “In case of an emergency, C-REPP member Leduc County couldn’t request an emergency response from Edmonton on behalf of Warburg. Without signing the partnership, the only legal way that could be done is by the Warburg Mayor directly contacting Mayor Mandel.”
Kohl expressed concern that this might go the way of the Capitol Region Board, where the “CRB gets consensus, not always 100%, and it quickly becomes a rigid regulation or law. Although they may have a good idea (such as land use), it often loses the meaning of the intent. There’s no leeway with something that doesn’t quite fit.”
Jones asked if C-REPP is proactively developing policy to enact regional emergency preparedness, what course does the province have to say, “Let’s make this law,” if 24 municipalities express, “What’s the need?” He reminded Council “you can opt out at anytime. Decisions are made by those who show up.”
Because Warburg Village relies “heavy on the County for direction,” Council wants to meet with Leduc County before making a final decision.
Warburg Public Library
Library Chairperson, Margot Hess and Board members Bob Miller met with Council to and show the basement renovation project plans and invite Council’s questions and input.
The renovation will feature a large meeting room for computer and other classes, a sitting area for small groups, a lunchroom, and storage room development. Contractor tender packages are available at the Village office and Library. Submission date is noon January 26, 2011.
New Business:
Bylaw #108/11 to establish authority and conditions for temporary borrowing up to $40,000—an annual bylaw—was approved.
The Fortis Alberta Franchise Agreement Extension was approved. Councillor Rapati suggested Fortis be contacted to replace faulty lights.
Council approved increasing the 2011 donation to Leduc and District Victim Services to $700 (based on a population of 696 residents)—up from $621 in 2010.
Council approved all Council and CAO attendance for the Saturday, January 29th, Grand Opening Ceremony of the Thorsby Recreation Complex. There will be a Meet and Greet in the Main Lobby of the Recreation Complex at 1 PM. Facility Opening Ceremony and Tour commence at 1:30, Entertainment/Activities from 2:30 to 5 PM.
Council has agreed to a letter of support for Calgary Lougheed MLA Dave Rodney’s proposed Bill 203, “The Alberta Get Outdoors (‘GO’) Weekend Act,” which will set aside the second weekend of every April as a special time for Albertans to participate in outdoor activities.
The Village will support the Planeview Manor and Cloverleaf Manor Resident’s Club’s request for $18.00 (0.44% of 2010 equalized assessment figures) funding assistance to offset transportation operating expenses of buses.
THINK PINK for the Wild Pink Yonder event—the Hole in the Head Gang will be riding again starting August 12 to September 3, 2011, from Coleman to Fultonvale “on the trail to a cure.” Fundraising for breast cancer research is the goal; but they are also in search of “the Pinkest Little Town in the West.” To that end, the Village will be “pinkified” for the visit on August 29. CIB is considering planting all pink flowers in anticipation of the visit; Village residents are encouraged to “go pink” creatively. (The winning town gets a free concert and bragging rights in the form of town entrance signs proclaiming them to be the Pinkest Little Town in the West.) Last year, participating Alberta towns helped the outriders raise $75,000 for breast cancer research.
The AUC has set April 11, 2011 as the start date for its public hearing into the Heartland Transmission Project application.
The Stats Canada census and the new National Household Survey will take place in May 2011.
Approximately 30 community residents attended the Village’s Christmas Open House on December 23, 2010. Ruth Miller won the door prize.