Raymond council meeting summary

By Heather Cameron
For Westwind Weekly News

Bylaw first readings
A motion for first reading for Bylaw 1017-15, in regards to the carrying and discharging of firearms and archery equipment, which the peace officers deem important, was made by Coun. Depew and passed by all except Coun. Wolsey, who was not in attendance during the June 2 meeting.
A motion for first reading on Bylaw 1018-15, which is working to establish raw water opportunities for residents, was also made by Coun. Needham and unanimously passed by all in attendance.
First reading for Bylaw 1019-15, an update of the current bylaw, which regulates the distribution of potable water for municipal purposes in the town, to bring it in tune with the current legislation concerning the bylaw, was also moved by Coun. Robinson and passed by all in attendance.
Bylaw 1020-15, which outlines changes to the way tax assessments are issued to trailer parks in the town, was also moved for first reading by Counc. Depew and passed by all in attendance.
The public can find more information about the bylaws on the town website. Once Council has given first reading to a bylaw it is available for public comment and will be amended, or approved, based upon the feedback received from council, the public or administration.  
These bylaws will be further reviewed on Tuesday, June 16.  
Social Media policy
A policy was presented to council that would ensure that only employees authorized to respond on topics regarding matters of operations or policies via social media would do so.
The purpose of the policy, according to the information presented, is to make sure that those on council and employed by the Town are presenting accurate and consistent information to others. Coun. Needham made the motion to approve the policy and it was passed by all in attendance.
Town applies for Wellness Centre grant
During the meeting, the town discussed applying for the maximum amount of $500,000 from the Canada 150 Infrastructure Grant that would go towards a Wellness Centre building as part of the Victoria Park Project, which is to be completed in 2016.
If the application is approved, the Wellness Centre would need to be completed by 2017 per a condition of the Canada 150 grant.
Broadband resolution
Coun. Robinson brought forth information about a Broadband resolution, which is a request of AUMA to implement a broadband committee that will be dedicated to addressing the needs small communities have for broadband services. Coun. Holt made the motion for the resolution to go to the AUMA and it was approved unanimously.
Councilor Ralph to represent Raymond in Magrath Parade
In response to an invitation from Magrath’s Town Council for the Town of Raymond to participate in the Magrath parade, council elected to send Coun. Ralph to ride on the Raymond float in the Magrath parade on July 25.