Raymond town council briefs

Posted on August 3, 2023 by admin

By Kenyon Stronski
Westwind Weekly News

The following are selected briefs from the July 25 regular meeting of Raymond town council. 

Items for Discussion:

During the summer months, it is usual for council meetings to be on a reduced schedule. As noted in the agenda item 7.1, this adjustment results in longer intervals between meetings and less frequent agenda preparations. Administration noticed an increase in available time to efficiently accomplish tasks and to meet the demands of council due to this reduced schedule. Administration wants to further explore the benefits of a reduced schedule and proposed a trial period during the fall months. The trial period will fall from Sept. 1 to Dec. 1 and administration says it will allow them to effectively assess the benefits of the reduced schedule while minimizing potential disruptions to regular council operations. Administration notes the council meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of every month. 

A proposed amendment to the town’s Capital Spending Plan was also brought forth to council. Currently, total capital expenditures for Raymond in the 2023 approved budget levels out at around $3,223,212. This number is expected to ramp up significantly in 2024 as the town will be spending an additional $8,300,000 on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion. As projected, the town’s expenditures from 2022 to 2027 will total in the area of $17,591,796. 

Council Committee Meeting Reports:

Coun. Bryce Coppieters had a busy few weeks with him reporting to the Chief Mountain Regional Solid Waste Services Commission on July 12. Coppieters reported that recycling and diversion were discussed and the Town of Raymond and Cardston Support Services are the two groups that have been currently utilizing this program. It is mentioned that the town’s recycling program will be discussed and it will be identified if there are any ways to enhance the current program. 

Coun. Allen Tollestrup attended Ridge Country Housing – noting Ridgeview Lodge has zero vacancies and currently 17 people on a waiting list to get in. Meadowlark Manors has zero vacancies with 11 on a waiting list and the community housing in Raymond has zero vacancies with seven people awaiting openings. 

Tollestrup also mentioned the handi-bus is getting more use this year than any time in the past three years. Noting most trips are to Lethbridge or staying local within the Town of Raymond.