The Community
Press Volume 113, Issue 35
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
$1 Including GST
INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ‘PRESS
36th Annual
Heisler Elks extend thanks to front line health workers Page 11
Draw Winners
Moms Connection group creates community for Flagstaff moms Page 10 Community Cares webinar series rolling out with Flagstaff focus Page 11
Congratulations to the 2021 Sweethearts Draw winners Gary and Janet Zettel from Killam. Gary entered Janetʼs name at three participating locations and was the lucky winner from hundreds of entries. The Zettels will enjoy gifts and gift certificates from Wild Rose Co-op Sedgewick Home and Farm Centre; Budding Ideas and Paw Prints in Killam, Lakeview Liquor Store in Hardisty, Wild Rose Co-op Killam Liquor Store, Apple Drugs/Daysland Pharmacy, Main Street Medley in Alliance, Guardian Drugs Killam, The Apothecary Shoppe/The Source in Forestburg, Killam Subway, Purple Scissor Salon in Daysland, Coutts Home Hardware Forestburg, and The Community Press.
New Flagstaff Featured Business Profile Page 28
AND MUCH MORE!
Province slowly advances into Step 2 of reopening Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The province of Alberta has lifted some of the restrictions outlined in its Path Forward Step 2 effective Monday, March 1, with some remaining in place as leading indicators are not improving at the hoped-for pace. Premier Jason Kenney said on Monday, “I’d like to thank every Albertan who has responsibly observed all public health measures through Step 1 over the past several weeks, to protect lives and our healthcare system in the process. “I know this has not been easy, especially with the cold weather in February limiting our ability to gather outdoors. “The sacrifices Albertans have made are the reason we are able to take another step forward today.” That step includes reopening libraries in the province, at 15 per cent of capacity, not including employess, as well as indoor low intensity and group fitness activities. Health Minister Tyler Shandro outlined the changes, to take effect immediately, saying that the province relied on recommendations from the
fitness sector in making Monday’s decision, including how low-intensity is defined. “We wanted to offer more flexibility while keeping safe.” Expected easing of restrictions on retail stores, further easing on children’s sports, hotels, banquet halls, community halls, and conference centres will be delayed. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw says that the province had 291 new cases Monday, and 5,900 tests, for a positivity rate of 4.9 per cent. All three, Kenney, Shandro, and Hinshaw, indicated that the expected drops in new cases has not been as expected, and positivity rates and R-values remain higher than what the province would like to see moving fully into Step 2. Hinshaw said the vaccine is the best defence, with 235,000 doses administered, and 88,000 who’ve had their second shots, with 123,000 booked appointments since Wednesday. She extended thanks to Alberta seniors for their patience, and family and friends of seniors for help with online booking and travel to appointments. Hinshaw added her thanks to Alber-
tans for following the pandemic restrictions, but noted that the easing of restrictions Monday, “Is not a signal that we’ve turned a corner. We need to be more careful than ever. The choices we make every day deeply matter.” Kenney said that the remaining items in Step 2 have not been added to Step 3, but may roll out sooner if numbers come under control. Kenney reiterated that things can change quickly, pointing to the number of hospitalizations this past fall going from 100 to 900 in just five weeks. Of concern is the positivity rate, which has plateaued rather than declined into a level the province would like to see. Kenney said the east side of Alberta, including Flagstaff County, is doing very well, with just 50 cases per 100,000 of population, especially compared to the northeast quadrant of the province, currently experiencing 1,600 cases per 100,000. Hinshaw added, “Even in low rate areas, it doesn’t take long for the virus to spread if given the chance,” urging Albertans to continue to follow the guidelines in place. Hinshaw said the province is working
on a report that will show how transmission of the COVID-19 virus has happened in Alberta, but says that it is extremely complicated and time consuming. She urged anyone with symptoms to be tested, and if positive, to ensure they are self-isolating. Hinshaw said data shows around 40 per cent of those who have had COVID-19 got it through household contact. Kenney said that one of the key indicators for reopening is hospitalization numbers, which have dropped, “but it is lagging three to four weeks after the number of infections. Hospitalizations are a key metric, but not the only metric. “We have seen a slight increase in cases, in variant cases, and in a positive R-value.” Kenney credited aggressive contact tracing as one of the key reasons why the variant has not spread in Alberta as widely as predicted, but added, “However, we have gone from 12/day to 24/day.” The Flagstaff region has gained one active case since last week’s report, and overall has seen 103 people recover from the virus out of 106 infected.
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, March 3, 2021
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The Community Press, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - Page 3
Daysland opening applications to share MOST funding Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The Town of Daysland has announced that it will use a portion of its Municipal Operating Support Transfer (MOST) grant from the provincial and federal COVID support funding to provide financial relief to eligible not-for-profit groups and organizations in Daysland who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, or restrictions arising from the pandemic. Daysland’s total allocation for the funding is $88,437, and CAO Rod Krips says, “A portion of that will be used to offset internal COVID-19 related expenses, and to revamp Council chamber with cameras and laptops for Council members so that Council meetings can be held virtually, as recommended by Alberta Municipal Affairs and Al-
Alliance to share MOST funding Leslie Cholowsky
berta Health Services.” As yet, no determination has been made as to those exact costs, but the remaining funds will be made available to nonprofits in the town. Krips says the application period is open from Tuesday, Feb. 23, to Friday, March 12, at 1 p.m. and that full eligibility details are available through the Town office. Councillors Murray Candlish and Jeanny Fisher, along with Krips, will adjudicate the applications received from the community. Council will ratify the decisions of the adjudication committee at their March 22 meeting. The number and nature of applications received will give Council an idea of the need that exists in the community, or “A pulse on the organizations that do apply,” Krips says, adding, “the
only down side is how do we get the pulse of the organizations that don’t
apply - as we know that all organizations have suffered to some extent.”
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Editor
The Village of Alliance Council has allocated some of its Municipal Operating Support Transfer (MOST) to the Alliance Arena Board and the Alliance Agricultural Society. Alliance CAO Carmen Frank says a portion of the funding will also go towards upgrading the Village office computer equipment. The total allocation for Alliance is $20,594. The funds come from both the federal and provincial government under the Safe Restart Agreement, to cover incremental costs and reduced revenues association with the pandemic and actions taken in response to it. Council made the decision at their Feb. 18 regular meeting.
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Page 14 - The Community Press, Wednesday, March 3, 2021
The Community Press, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - Page 15
March 2021 M Meetings
Council Meetings Flagstaff County Co ounciil M Meetings eetings aare re conducted the 2nd and a 4th Wednesday of each mon nth commencing at 9 a.m. u unless otherwise planned. p Council and Committ ommittee meeting agendas aare re aavvailable att the County’’ss websit ebsiite te at: flagstaffffff...ab.ca/c .ca/council/meeeeetings-and.ca/council/me tings-andminu utes tes
7800-384-4100 1-877-387-4100 Email: Stay Connected with Us: s
Council Highlights
Flagstaff County is recruiting for the temporary full-time term position of:
Finance Clerk
Council Highlights briefly identify decisions made by Council. Council encourages its residents, businesses and stakeholders to keep in touch with Council news. 2021 Purchase of Grader Council approved the quote received from Brandt Tractor Ltd. for the purchase of one 2021 John Deere 772GP AWD Grader for the cash basis price of $420,600. 2021 Sale of Used Graders Council approved a motion to re-tender for the 2015 Caterpillar 160M AWD Grader, with no wing. Council approved a motion that the following bids received for the sale of used graders be accepted: $185,240 + GST for the 2016 John Deere 872GP AWD Grader, from Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers; and $180,000 + GST for the 2016 John Deere 872GP AWD Grader, trade-in from Brandt Tractor Ltd.
Public Input for 2022 Business Plan Council approved a motion to contract a communications company to provide a proposal to create an effective and meaningful public engagement program.
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume along with a cover letter by mail or email to:
Intermunicipal Assessment Review Board — Appointment of Chair Council approved the appointment of Murray Hampshire as Chair of both the Intermunicipal Composite Assessment Review Board and the Intermunicipal Local Assessment Review Board for a two-year term, expiring March 2023. Regional Fire Services Manager — Recruitment Firm Council approved a motion to table the recommendation that Council request the Recruitment Committee select the recruitment firm for the hiring of a Regional Fire Services Manager; and as Flagstaff County has agreed to fund the costs, set a budget limit for the recruitment process.
12435 TTo ownship w Road 4442 PP..O. Box 33558 Sedgew e wi wic icck, AB T0B 4C00
To be a strong, vibrant and sustainable regional community of communities through collaboration and a focus on economic, social and environmental cooperation that contributes to a rural essence and quality of life. To view the full job description, please refer to the Flagstaff County website at www.flagstaff.ab.ca
Fire Guardian Appointments Council approved the appointments of Kim Cannady, Brent Hoyland, and Kelly Loder as fire guardians for Flagstaff County under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act, effective March 1, 2021 until February 28, 2022.
Address: e
Flagstaff County Vision:
PW 013 Residential Dust Suppressant Draft Policy Council approved a motion to direct administration to further revise the draft policy PW 013 Residential Dust Suppressant to reflect the options of providing residents to either continue to utilize the County provided MG 30 dust suppressant at full cost recovery, or utilize an approved dust suppressant product as per the Alberta Transportation dust abatement product list.
Killam and District Health Care Foundation — Request for Funding Council approved a motion to direct administration to review if there is a business case for the development of the Seniors Tailored Living complex in Killam, AB.
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed Noon - 1 p.m.)
Summary of Position:
Regular Council Meeting of February 24, 2021
Policy HR002 Long Service Incentive Council approved a motion that we provide reasonable notice of elimination of Policy HR002 Long Service Incentive Program and provide a voluntary option of payment based on current eligibility effective March 1, 2021.
The Finance Clerk is responsible to assist the Finance/Administration Officer to ensure effective operation and delivery of all financial and administrative functions. Some key responsibilities are as follows: • Responsible for the management and coordination of the financial accounting
software. • Assist in the preparation and analysis of the Business Plan and Budget. • Complete the monthly bank reconciliations for all bank accounts. • Prepare and submit Workers Compensation Board (WCB), and GST
remittances. • Responsible for the year end documents and reconciliation for Workers
• •
•
Flagstaff County 12435 Township Road 442, PO Box 358 Sedgewick, AB T0B 4C0 Contact: Deb Brodie, Finance/Administration Officer Email: dbrodie@flagstaff.ab.ca Direct: (780) 384-4109 Thank you to all applicants for your interest in Flagstaff County; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
Once approved, the full Council Meeting minutes can be found at www.flagstaff.ab.ca under the “Council” tab and in the “Meetings and Minutes” section.
•
Compensation Board (WCB), Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP), accounts payable, benefits accounts, salary disclosure and any other. Assists with the development of policies and procedures and other documents relative to the efficient and effective operation of the Finance department. Facilitate and administer the payroll and benefits plan and the Human Resources policies and procedures and provide support to Management, Supervisors and all staff. Provide support to the Finance./Administration Officer, the Payroll and Benefits Officer, and Accounting Clerk/Receptionist. Develop and maintain a good working knowledge of County policies, procedures and bylaws.
Qualifications: • Two (2) years post-secondary education in business/accounting or equivalent
experience. • Knowledge of local government procedures and experience in a municipal
environment will be an asset. • Ability to handle confidential information in an ethical and professional manner. • Ability to develop clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written
materials, with excellent communication, organizational and accuracy skills. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in the course of
work, including the ability to work cooperatively in a team environment as well as independently. • Ability to perform a variety of tasks and prioritize the use of time to meet deadlines. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Adobe Software and Accounting Software.
Position Type: Hours of Work: Salary Range: Closing Date:
Temporary Term Position April 2021 — April 2022 Monday to Friday, 7 hours/day $62,754.61— $77,180.23 Until suitable candidate is found.
Tender for Sale of Grader
Flagstaff County invites tenders for the sale of the following used grader: G1616 – 2015 Caterpillar 160M AWD Grader C/W Front Lift Group and Hydraulic Angle Dozer – Serial number: CAT160MJD9T01423. Comes with 17.5R25 Michelin Snow Plus tires, blade life accumulators, 16’ moldboard, hydraulic front lift group, 132” hydraulic front angle dozer. Current hours: 5,339. Estimated hours at time of sale: 5,450. Documentation to support a consistent and comprehensive SOS maintenance schedule and any historical repairs on this machine can be provided upon request. • This equipment can be viewed on our website at www.flagstaff.ab.ca/opportunities/tenders or at the County Shop in Sedgewick and will be sold on an “as is basis.” Hours may vary slightly depending on time of sale. • Download a tender form from our website at www.flagstaff.ab.ca/ opportunities/tenders or contact our Administration Office at 780-384-4123 to receive a tender form. • Please send bids in a sealed envelope marked “USED GRADERS TENDER” to Flagstaff County Administration Office, Box 358, 12435 Twp Rd 442, Sedgewick, AB. • Closing date for bidding on items is Monday, March 15th, 2021 at 11:00:00 a.m. MST. The highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. The tender opening will be streamed live on Monday, March 15th, 2021, starting at 11 a.m. Watch the website for a link. For further information, please contact: Kevin Kinzer, Shop Supervisor, at 780-390-0312.
FLAGSTAFF COUNTY
Page 16 - The Community Press, Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Accepting Tenders to Purchase ACCEPTING TENDERS TO PURCHASE HAMLET OF STROME OFFICE/ POST OFFICE BUILDING Flagstaff County (the “County”) is currently accepting tenders for the purchase of the Strome Office/Post Office building located at 5025 – 50th Street, in the Hamlet of Strome, Alberta, legally described as Plan RN 67, Block 3, Lots 6 and 7. This property is currently zoned as Hamlet Public District in the Flagstaff County Land Use Bylaw 09/18, Section 9.11. For more information please visit: https://www.flagstaff.ab.ca/county-services/ planning-development/ bylaws-policies-and-related-documents and refer to Section 9.11.1 HAMLET PUBLIC DISTRICT - Permitted and Discretionary Uses for this parcel. The tender documents can be obtained at the Flagstaff County Administration Building or by email by contacting the County Office at 780-384-4100. Tenders must be placed in sealed envelopes, duly marked “Tender – Sale of Strome Office/Post Office Building”. All sealed tenders will be received until 11:00:00 a.m. MST on March 25th, 2021 in person, or by registered mail, to the Flagstaff County Administration Building located at 12435 Township Road 442, Sedgewick, AB T0B 4C0, Attention: Darrell Szott, Public Works Superintendent. Tender opening will follow immediately after tender closing and will be streamed live on the Flagstaff County website: https://www.flagstaff.ab.ca/opportunities/tenders. For further information regarding the Building and instructions, please contact Darrell Szott, Public Works Superintendent, at 780-384-4100.
Accepting Tenders to Purchase ACCEPTING TENDERS TO PURCHASE HEISLER GRADER SHED SHOP Flagstaff County (the “County”) is currently accepting tenders for the purchase of the Heisler Grader Shed Shop building located adjacent to the Village of Heisler at 43010 Rge Rd 162, within Flagstaff County, Alberta, legally described as Plan 8221991, Block 1, Lot 1. This property is currently zoned as Agricultural District in the Flagstaff County Land Use Bylaw 09/18, Section 9.3. For more information, please visit: https://www.flagstaff.ab.ca/county-services/planning-development/bylaws-policies-and-related-documents and refer to Section 9.3.1 AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT – Permitted and Discretionary Uses for this parcel. The tender documents can be obtained at the Flagstaff County Administration Building or by email by contacting the County Office at 780-384-4100. Tenders must be placed in sealed envelopes, duly marked “Tender – Sale of Heisler Grader Shed Shop”. All sealed tenders will be received until 11:00:00 a.m. MST on March 25, 2021 in person, or by registered mail, to the Flagstaff County Administration Building located at 12435 Township Road 442, Sedgewick, AB T0B 4C0, Attention: Darrell Szott, Public Works Superintendent. Tender opening will follow immediately after tender closing and will be streamed live on the Flagstaff County website: https://www.flagstaff.ab.ca/ opportunities/tenders. For further information regarding the Building and instructions, please contact Darrell Szott, Public Works Superintendent, at 780-384-4100.