Courtesy: Village of Berwyn
Council Welcomes Madison McLachlan
Council welcomed Madison McLachlan to her role as Front Desk Customer Service and Financial Assistant for the Village of Berwyn. Jatin Saini commended Madison for her contributions, noting that she is great with residents and a positive asset to the Village of Berwyn operations.
Berwyn Arena
Council directed Administration to draft a proposal regarding the Berwyn Arena to present to the Berwyn Arena Society.
Lac Cardinal Regional Economic Development Board Update
Misty Velichka, the Economic Development Officer for the Lac Cardinal Regional Economic Development Board (LCREDB), provided Council with an update on the board’s recent initiatives. She highlighted enhanced social media engagement and the unveiling of their new website. She noted that the new website, laccardinal.com, includes business directories, information for students, video profiles, resources, and important links. Velichka also played a promotional video LCREDB created to promote the region. The LCREDB board includes members from Grimshaw, Berwyn, and the MD of Peace, and Mayor Johnson is a member of the board.
Procedural Bylaw 718
Council reviewed amendments for consideration to Procedural Bylaw 718, which governs the proceedings of the Village of Berwyn Council meetings, the council code of conduct, and public participation. Councillors discussed reducing council meetings from two meetings per month to one meeting and changing the delegation allotment time from 30 minutes to 15 minutes. These changes would reduce costs and increase efficiencies. Council will discuss further at the November 14, 2024 Council Meeting.
Letter of Support for Resident
Council heard from a concerned resident experiencing ongoing pressure from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas regarding historical land issues. Council expressed its support and voted to send a letter to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas requesting an expedited and favorable resolution for the concerned resident.
CAO and Financial Report
Jatin Saini, Acting CAO, provided Council with an update on operations, including the completion of the lagoon cleanup, the future installation of veteran memorial plaques and the plaques for the main street benches, and collaboration with the Lac Cardinal Regional Economic Development Board for possible grant funding options. He advised Council about the theft of the Public Works flatdeck trailer and discussed the installation of security cameras at the Public Works shop. Additionally, he shared an overview of Village financials, noted that the 2025 budget development is underway, and reported that the cost of the lagoon cleanup was $67,000.
ATCO Franchise Agreement
Council approved the Natural Gas Distribution System Franchise Agreement. The agreement allows ATCO to operate its gas distribution network within the Village and enables temporary rate adjustments to reflect cost changes.
Utility Policy
Council reviewed and provided suggested amendments to the Utility Policy and directed Administration to bring the updated version to the November 14, 2024, Council meeting for further review. The policy provides a process for administering utility accounts, water services, disconnect and reconnection, sewer, and garbage services.
