Three new council members joined the Eckville town council Oct. 23 during their swearing in ceremony before the regular town council meeting. Before the ceremony, council members introduced themselves informally and gave a brief overview of the experience they bring to the table.
Three new council members
Newcomer Karin Engen is serving on council for the first time. She brings her background as a teacher, 24 years of serving on the school board and service to the Neighborhood Family Place to council
Ken Chapman is also serving as a council member for the first time. Chapman brings his background in construction and experience as a foster parent to the new team.
Laurie Phillips has served on council before and is back for a second round. Experience she brings to council are twenty two years working for the Wildrose School Division and working with special needs kids for nineteen years.
An election was held to decide who would serve as deputy mayor. Laurie Phillips put her name forward as a candidate and Coun. Kevin See nominated Colleen Ebden as the second candidate. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Jack Ramsden and Finance and Administration Supervisor Darcy Webb counted the votes and Colleen Ebden was declared deputy mayor.
Eckville’s town council for the next four years, Dwayne Meyers, Colleen Ebden, Karin Engen, Ken Chapman, Kevin See and Laurie Phillips and Mayor Helen Posti all took an oath of office, administered by Ramsden.
November declared Family Violence Prevention Month
A request was presented to council requesting that November be declared Family Violence Prevention Month. Counc. Engen motioned for the request to be carried through and all voted in favour for Mayor Helen Posti to sign the declaration.
Education of public on council process
Council discussed how many people are not informed on council process or how to set up a delegation for council meetings. Councillors are also often asked questions about events that are not organized through town council.
It was brought up that many people do no realize the Town only has one employee, CAO Jack Ramsden.
Counc. Meyers stated that many people aren’t even aware of what council does.
“Our job is to set policy and procedure,” said Mayor Posti. Ramsden runs the day to day business at the town office.
Council voted to put together information for the public on how to address council if you want to bring in a delegation and to make a change to the website that would enable the public to send inquiries to council.
New doctor to serve in town soon
Dr. Stephen Fugler will soon be serving the town of Eckville on Tuesday afternoons. Ramsden thinks it will likely be another two to three weeks before Fugler can start as Wi-Fi security still needs to be set up.
AUMA Rebate Contest win to support elementary school
The proceeds from the AUMA Rebate Contest win was given to the elementary school to be used for their playground. The total amount given to the school was $2, 000.
myra.nicks@eckvilleecho.com
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