Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council for the Town of Two Hills held April 25, 2023

2023-141 MOVED by Councillor S. Rajoo to give 2023-1028 Garbage Services Bylaw be given first reading this 25th day of April, 2023.

CARRIED

2023-142 MOVED by Councillor K. Thompson to give 2023-1028 Garbage Services Bylaw be given second reading this 25th day of April, 2023.

CARRIED

2023-143 MOVED by Deputy Mayor M. Tarkowski to give 2023-1028 Garbage Services consent for a third and final reading this 25th day of April, 2023.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:

Chief Financial Officer Report

The Chief Financial Officer’s report was provided to Council in advance for their review.

2023-131 MOVED by Councillor K. Thompson that the Chief Administrative Officer’s report be acknowledged as presented and incorporated into the minutes.

Carried

DELEGATION: The Town Auditor Nelson Ncube presented the 2022 audited financial statement.

Councillor Rajoo left chambers at 7:46 PM

Councillor Rajoo returned to chambers at 7:51 PM

A.C.A.O A. Clark left chambers at 8:20 PM

A.C.A.O A. Clark returned to chambers at 8:23 PM

2023-132 MOVED by Mayor L. L. Ewanishan to accept the 2022 audited financial statement as presented.

Carried

Chief Administrative Officer Report

The Chief Administrative Officer’s report was provided to Council in advance for their review.

2023-133 MOVED by Councillor K. Thompson to have administration apply for the early support grant for sustainable affordable housing projects.

Carried

2023-134 MOVED by Deputy Mayor

M. Tarkowski that the Chief Administrative Officer’s report be acknowledged as presented and incorporated into the minutes.

Carried

CORRESPONDENCE:

2023-135 MOVED by Councillor S. Rajoo that the correspondence be acknowledged as presented and filed.

CARRIED

Councillor K. Thompson left chambers at 8:50 PM

Councillor K. Thompson returned to chambers at 8:51 PM

NEW BUSINESS:

Rural Renewal Stream

The Rural Renewal Stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) aims to facilitate the attraction and retention of prospective immigrants to rural Alberta by adopting a community- driven approach that aligns with the local economic development objectives and bolsters community growth.

2023-136 MOVED by Councillor K. Thompson to apply for the Rural Renewal Stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Councillor Rajoo requested a recorded vote

AGAINST: Councillor S. Rajoo & Mayor L. Ewanishan

FOR: Councillor K. Thompson, Deputy Mayor M. Tarkowski, Councillor A. Romaniuk

CARRIED

BYLAWS & POLICIES:

2023-1027 Tax Penalties & Incentive

To keep in line with local municipalities, the bylaw will need to be updated

2023-137 MOVED by Mayor L. L. Ewanishan to give 2023-1027 Tax Penalties & Incentive Bylaw be given first reading this 25th day of April, 2023.

CARRIED

2023-138 MOVED by Deputy Mayor M. Tarkowski to give 2023-1027 Tax Penalties & Incentive Bylaw be given second reading this 25th day of April, 2023.

CARRIED

2023-139 MOVED by Councillor K. Thompson to give 2023-1027 Tax

Penalties & Incentive Bylaw consent for a third and final reading this 25th day of April, 2023.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2023-140 MOVED by Councillor A. Romaniuk to give 2023-1027 Tax Penalties & Incentive Bylaw be given third and final reading this 25th day of April, 2023.

CARRIED

2023-1028 Garbage Services Bylaw

Due to increases from the regional landfill, the fees for service must be updated to reflect the increase

2023-144 MOVED by Councillor A. Romaniuk to give 2023-1028 Garbage Services be given third and final reading this 25th day of April, 2023.

CARRIED

COUNCILLOR REPORTS: 2023-145 MOVED by Councillor K. Thompson to accept the councillor reports as presented and filed.

CARRIED

NEXT MEETING:

Regular Council Meeting Tuesday May 9, 2022 at 7 P.M.

by Sonny Rajoo

Rarely have the results of the provincial elections been more uncertain than the May 29th provincial elections.

All polls and our own understanding are that the New Democratic Party and the United Conservative Party are running neck and neck.

While rural Alberta has traditionally voted Conservative, the cities are for the most part unpredictable.

The NDP have a strong hold in the city of Edmonton and are expected to capture the majority of the seats, whereas the City of Calgary maybe a little different due to Calgary’s potential for giving the NDP a greater share of the vote.

This makes who will be Alberta’s next Premier a toss up between Danielle Smith and Rachel Notley.

Both these leaders have the respect of the province and come with their own set of values and ideologies.

It is heartening to know that Rachel Notley disagrees with her federal leader, Jagmeet Singh, over the energy sector and we as Albertans are more inclined to agree with Rachel Notley than with the Federal NDP.

Danielle Smith was a great leader of the Wildrose Party and endeared herself to the hearts and minds of Albertans with her highly principled values. It is no secret that recently Smith has made some blunders, and inadvertently back tracked on some of her previous stance.

Many of us still feel while the democratic system is far from perfect, it is still the best option compared to socialism and communism.

Beloved readers, it is my fervent hope that all of you participate in voting and helping our leaders guide this province as it continues to be a great place to live, work and play. I am impressed with the outpouring of support for Ukrainian refugees from our families, communities, and various levels of government. We are acutely aware of the many individuals and families that assisted our refugees by providing accommodations, meals, and other levels of support.

Greetings to all our readers,

As Spring sets it, the warm weather and longer days encourage us to spend more time outside. However, recently, the fresh Alberta country air has been filled with haze and the smell of smoke as many areas in the province battle raging wildfires. With many residents in areas being evacutated as firefighters do their best to control the situation and help minimize the damage to our province.

Stay up to date with the latest on the wildfires by visiting Alberta.ca. As always we urge our readers to be vigilant and obey all the rules set by the government for your safety. If you notice a fire, report it immediately. For more information see our article on pages 10 and 11.

This April I had the pleasure of spending some time with my uncle Joe in Barrhead. I was able to stay at his home for a few weeks - which actually is like a second home to me, as I lived there when I completed high school. (I even got to sleep in my old bedroom). I am beyond grateful for his outstanding hospitality during my stay.

While in Barrhead, I was able to reconnect with my family, especially my cousin, Krean, who has been like a brother to me from the moment we first met. It's often amazing how some friendships are truly timeless.

After eight years away from Canada, it was touching to be back and enjoy the beauty of spring while I was there. I am so grateful for the love and courtesy I received both while in Canada, and while in transit, and eagerly await my return.

If there is any news items you would like us to feature please feel free to contact anyone on our team. We love to hear from you.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to welcome Morgan to our team. We have been friends for several years and I am excited to be working with her as I'm certain she will be a tremendous asset.

Be sure to check out our website, soon to be updated and our Facebook page. Tag us to let us know of any upcoming events.

Until next month, stay safe and stay healthy

Our Team