Public Works Week proclamation
The Alberta chapter of the American Public Works Association sent a letter to the municipality as part of a campaign seeking support to recognize and promote National Public Works Week, which takes place May 20-26.
The campaign calls “attention to the importance of public works in community life” and seeks “to acknowledge the efforts of tens of thousands of men and women in North America who provide and maintain civil infrastructure services.”
Chief administrative officer Linda Nelson presented the item and requested direction from council.
Coun. Richard Warnock moved to proclaim the week of May 20-26 as Public Works Week on behalf of the citizens of Sundre, initiating a brief discussion.
Mayor Terry Leslie said he liked the letter and the proclamation because it offers an opportunity to celebrate public works employees who are committed to providing quality services to their communities.
“That’s our town staff as well. This gives us the opportunity to celebrate in our own community. We really want to support our staff who work diligently,” he said.
Leslie said the proclamation is a big deal because public works crews work hard not only to maintain but also to improve services for present as well as future generations.
Council carried Warnock’s motion unanimously.
Seniors' Week proclamation
A letter addressed to Mayor Terry Leslie that was signed by Lori Sigurdson, minister of seniors and housing, requested that the Town of Sundre proclaim June 3 to 9 as Seniors’ Week.
“For more than 30 years, the Government of Alberta has recognized Seniors’ Week to honour and celebrate seniors for their many contributions to our province,” reads the letter.
“I encourage communities, organizations and all Albertans to take the opportunity to recognize and celebrate seniors during this year’s Seniors’ Week.”
Coun. Rob Wolfe moved that the municipality declares support for Seniors’ Week, which was carried unopposed.
Public participation policy working group
Chief administrative officer Linda Nelson provided council with an update on the public participation policy working group that had been previously discussed. She said new regulations require municipalities to adopt a public participation policy by July 23.
Council had also previously been asked for an opinion on the benefits of forming a working group in which citizens of the community would have an opportunity to provide input on the policy prior to being adopted.
“The purpose is to work with staff to create functional policy that is based on input from the group,” said Nelson.
“And it will create a framework for involving the citizens of our community in decisions that affect their quality of life.”
She said the policy should be realistic and remain within the parameters of legislative boundaries. It will give council and administration the tools needed to get information out to the public, as well as provide clear direction on the most effective way to receive feedback and get the public involved.
Residents who have volunteered to donate their time and commitment to the project include: Tom Mennear, Chris Vardas, Colin McNutt, Mike Beukeboom, Roy Cummings, Les Larson and Sonia Larson.
Nelson said administration was seeking council’s support and to accept the report for information as well as to extend an expression of appreciation to the volunteer members of the group.
Coun. Rob Wolfe's motion to that effect carried unanimously.
“I am thoroughly impressed you got Tom Mennear on a group,” Coun. Cheri Funke told the administrator.
“That’s just impressive, and I had to say that!”
