Magrath town council briefs

Posted on May 18, 2023 by admin

By Kenyon Stronski

Westwind Weekly News

The following are selected briefs from the April 25 regular meeting of Magrath town council. 

New Business:

Financial statements for the Town of Magrath were audited by Patrick Treadwell. A motion was carried to approve the financial statements. 

Bylaw 1297, a tax rate bylaw was put before council and passed all three readings at the meeting. In addition to this bylaw, a Land Use Rezoning Amendment was sent back to committee for further discussion. 

Appointments were made to the library board. Kaytie Cook-Ward will sit on the board until April 12, 2025. Gabi Andersen will sit on the board until April 30, 2024. Kathy Harker will play until July 31, 2024 and Brittany Kyle will sit on the board until April 13, 2024. 

Administration Report:

Magrath CAO James Suffredine took the stand to highlight all the items administration has been working on since the last regular council meeting. 

Suffredine noted wind fencing has been installed at the multicourt and baseball and soccer fields are now prepped for the season. Street sweeping also took place in town however the process was slowed due to the last snowfall of the season. 

It was also said administration has met with the company that is supplying their financial software to discuss additional features that could be offered. It was noted this includes the possibility should the town agree to the additional costs for an e-government feature where residents would be able to access property and utility information online. 

The planning group for the upcoming Magrath Days has been meeting on Thursdays to discuss event planning and currently they’ve reported feeling well prepared. 

Council’s Reports:

Coun. Ken Baker met with Shelly from the Cardston Chamber of Commerce. Baker noted they are not looking to expand but are willing to share ideas of what has worked with them. He also said he’s currently working on a report from the Community Safety Survey – a report will be submitted by him for review at the next committee meeting. 

For Remembrance Day, Baker reported that everything has been booked and the fundraising for the event will begin shortly with donations funnelling through the town’s office. 

Coun. Gerry Baril noted he will attend the grand opening of the Kilmorey Lodge in Waterton on behalf of the Town of Magrath. 

Coun. Darryl Christensen attended the Magrath and District Regional Water Services Commission. He also attended the Chinook Arch Regional Library Board and the Magrath Library Board. 

Coun. Cynthia Ralph began a motion to allocate $25,000 towards an announcer stand and storage building at the Town Square fields. This motion was passed. 

Coun. Aaron Zaugg attended the Museum board and reported a sign was stolen from a trail and the museum is to replace the sign. The museum is also working on getting interactive displays.