Magrath Council Briefs

By Karlene Skretting
Westwind Weekly News
reporter.karlene@gmail.com

During Magrath’s March 10 council meeting, the following topics were brought up and discussed by council.
Counc. Richard VanEe made a motion to pass the Tangible Capital Asset Policy, it was carried unanimously. The new policy will help to provide more consistency in accounting standards.
Counc. Gerry Baril made the first reading motion of Burning Bylaw #1188, it was carried unanimously.
The Bylaw reads “No person in the Town of Magrath shall burn any material or things in an open area.”
It goes on to list five exemptions like the barbequing of food, enclosed fire pits and fireplaces, contained campground fires in the parks in Town, or when a permit has otherwise been obtained beforehand.
“It is just an overall review of our current bylaws, to bring them up to date,” said Mayor Russ Barnett after the meeting. It is a priority of the current Council to update bylaws, as some are 20 to 30 years old.
The updating of bylaws by administration will also educate the public in the process he added.
During council roundtable reports, Counc. Baril assured council that the Ridge Regional Public Safety Services (RRPSS) Peace Officers are doing their jobs, despite complaints from the public over the last month.
At the most recent RRPSS meeting he found out that “there was an increase of fines put out in the Magrath area so you know that they are there doing something.”
So far the first quarter of the year dollar amounts were “significant to the tune of $5,700 …”
He went on to mention that the RRPSS is seeking more direction from local councils to provide more information and direction about land use bylaws so that things are more consistently enforced.
Counc. Baril would like to let residents know that they are welcome to contact the Bylaw Officers by calling 403-715-8513 if they have any complaints regarding bylaws like stray dogs, noise complaints, dangerous or unsightly property. The HUB number will be directed to whichever Peace Officer is currently on duty.
When it was his turn, Counc. Brian Oliver shared what he learned while attending the recent SouthGrow economic seminar with Counc. Brenda Beck. He highlighted four topics: broadband, agriculture and development, promoting new business and renewable energy.
He admitted that he wasn’t too sure about the value of joining SouthGrow initially, but the seminar helped him realize that value and see some of the benefits.
Pointing out that the Town assessment alone that will be provided and done this year would cost more than the fee to join the economic development alliance of twenty-plus Alberta communities who are committed to working together to achieve prosperity for the region.  
After the meeting Counc. Beck confirmed that is costs 35-cents per capita to join, or approximately $800 for the Town of Magrath.
“I think it is going to be an organization that really helps us move forward with the school modernization on the Towns part of the CTS building. I am excited,” she added.
Counc. Beck pointed out that Magrath’s Mass Registration Night will take place on March 18 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Tom Karren Gym. Individuals will be able to get information on a large variety of recreational activities in one convenient location. Parents can register their kids for Soccer, Volleyball and Baseball Summer Camps, Little League Baseball, Jr. Co-Ed Softball, Swim Club, Minor Hockey, Extreme Talent Fine Arts Academy, among others.
To reserve a free table email reccommittee@magrath.ca
Mayor Barnett shared that at the Diamond Willow Terrace Lodge meeting he attended Monday night he found out that 13 architects expressed interest in the $7.5 million dollar project.
The new in shovel date has been changed to December of 2015 with the project more of a new building construction instead of the initially announced renovation.
Mayor Barnett also had the exciting announcement that Cardston-Taber-Warner MLA Gary Bikman notified him to confirm that Magrath was approved for the $350,000 Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) Grant that they applied for.
The money from the grant will go towards an extension of the east side of the walking trail system, a pavilion at the trail head and walking bridges to cross Pot Hole Creek. There will also be money allocated to set up a display with an explanation about the Irrigation Park and to acknowledge those who have contributed to the trail.
“We are thankful for the support of the provincial government,” said Barnett.
CAO Wade Alston pointed out that there is no matching requirement.