Serving the communities of Rimbey, Bentley, Bluffton, Winfield, Alder Flats and Buck Lake
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Volume 15 Number 10
www.rimbeyreview.com
Council puts library’s lease offer on hold
Petition gathering momentum
By Treena Mielke Council has agreed to take no action regarding a letter from the library board suggesting the board withdraw their offer to purchase and instead lease the town office building to expand. The letter, reviewed by council at its Feb. 25 meeting, stated the Rimbey Municipal Library staff and board of directors are concerned the proposed sale may divide the community. “We are willing to work with all parties involved to serve the members of the community in the best way possible. As a result, the board of directors is willing to withdraw our offer to purchase the building for $1 and, in turn, lease it from the Town of Rimbey.” The letter states the library will ensure delivery of payments to the town to the relocated town office and maintain the drop box for town mail. The letter goes on to say the board has considered alternate locations for the library, but expansion within the current building is the most desirable. The lack of space in the library has resulted in a restricted selection of books and difficulty in accommodating patrons for programs and events. There is also a shortage of office and workroom space. “Our goal is to provide a wellrun, accessible library that continues to play a strong role within the community. Our proposed expansion will help us achieve this goal.” Mayor Sheldon Ibbotson said a decision regarding the sale or lease of the building is not viable at this time due to a petition now being circulated asking for a referendum regarding the sale of the office buildings to the library board for $1. Continued on page 19
By Treena Mielke
Reuben Giebelhaus holds a petition which is circulating in Rimbey stating that a referendum be held in conjunction with the municipal election regarding the sale of the town office building. Giebelhaus is opposed to the town selling the building for a $1 to the library board. Treena Mielke Photo
A petition started by a Rimbey resident who doesn’t like the idea of the town selling its offices for $1 to the Rimbey Municipal Library board is gathering momentum. Reuben Giebelhaus said 10 people are circulating a petition requesting council to hold a referendum regarding the sale during the October municipal election. More than 300 people have signed the petition that states the town offices are assessed at approximately $650,000 and the proposed new town offices in the provincial building will limit access for the disabled and elderly. Rimbey CAO Tony Goode is checking with the town’s lawyer as to the validity of the questions asked on the petition. He noted that each signature has to be checked to ensure the person is a town resident and at least 18 years of age. He added at least 240 signatures are needed to be valid. Goode will bring the lawyer’s comments to council at its next meeting. Giebelhaus said a decision has yet to be made as to whether the petition will continue to be circulated to obtain more names. He added the petition was started so the citizens of Rimbey could have an opportunity to provide input as to whether a building they own should be sold for $1 to allow for library expansion. “I know it gives the impression that I’m down on libraries but it (the sale) doesn’t make economic sense to me. The people in Rimbey own that building. They paid for it. If the town votes in favor of the sale they (council) can go to bed with a clear conscience.”
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