Eckville Town Council has named a Director of Emergency Management (DEM) as well as three deputy DEM’s at the April 8 meeting.
Originally the Town was looking for one person to fill the position, but the local field officer from Alberta Management Agency recommended Council consider appointing several Deputy Directors of Emergency Management (DDEM) as well.
According to a report made to Council this practice is currently being used in several municipalities in Central Alberta.
Council appointed Stephanie Hawkins as the DEM with Penny Sieling, Jack Ramsden and Darcy Webb as DDEMs.
The adjustment will result in a slight increase in costs for honorariums, but the expenses should be covered in the current budget.
On April 8 Council also made some adjustments to the reserves.
Council voted to transfer $115,000 from the Town’s 2018 Unrestricted Surplus (operating fund) to the Town’s Restricted Surplus (reserves fund) Operating Contingency Reserve and that the transfer be reflected in the 2018 Audited Financial Statements.
The Ambulance Reserve was also renamed the Emergency Management Fund, and the Museum/Library Reserve was divided into two distinct reserves.
The Library Reserve has a balance of $62,270.09 and the Museum Reserve has $30,000.
Additionally, Communities in Bloom is starting a berry garden.
The organization has purchased 20 trees, which will be placed on the south side of the Emergency Services building.
Kick It To The Curb will be May 4 and the School Clean Up is scheduled for April 30.
The manufactured home in Westview residential subdivision now has power, natural gas, water and sewage, but a report to Council said there are still a few minor things to be done before the house is ready to be a show home.
Signage and ads are to be designed, but in the meantime people interested in looking at the home can contact the Town.
Council also has extended the application deadline for the STEP Program to April 12 to allow more time for applications.
Before the April 8 meeting Council presented Karen Yetter of Blackfalds with a tablet. Yetter was chosen from the draw held by the Town at the Red Deer Home Show March 6-8.
The next regular scheduled meeting is April 23.