The Town of Bashaw council discussed making its beautification committee more formal, governed by bylaw rather than policy. The discussion was held at the Mar. 18 regular meeting of council.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller presented councillors with the town’s community centre bylaw as a template for a new beautification committee bylaw. Currently, the town manages the beautification committee through a policy, which doesn’t have the authority of a bylaw.

Fuller noted during her presentation that the community board bylaw may be too rigid and councillors were asked to provide input on whether they wished the proposed beautification bylaw to be dialled back.

Coun. Kyle McIntosh began the discussion by noting the beautification committee needed a bylaw rather than a policy, and that, as part of the bylaw, a set of terms of reference should also be included, which would outline the rules by which the committee will operate.

McIntosh continued by stating he’d like as much flexibility as possible in the beautification committee bylaw, but also noted he had never approved a bylaw such as this before and didn’t want to make mistakes that would require revisions later.

Mayor Cindy Orom observed that council had previously voiced interest in reviewing the beautification committee policy, after which the CAO indicated the policy should likely be replaced by a bylaw.

Councillors began discussing what they wished to see in the bylaw. McIntosh wanted the term of a committee member clearly defined and suggested four years.

It was also noted during discussion that some strict requirements, such as mandating a beautification committee report for every council meeting, would likely be too onerous.

Mayor Orom noted Bashaw’s beautification committee has some very passionate, long-term members, and she predicted the committee will likely see little turnover. She added that longer board member terms, such as four years, would illustrate council’s confidence in those members.

Coun. Reina Masyk stated she would like it prominently advertised when there is an opening on the beautification committee. She said any eligible and interested community member should apply, adding she appreciates people stepping forward from the community.

Councillors passed a motion directing staff to rewrite the draft beautification committee bylaw with council input and bring it back to a future meeting.

Fire dept. update

Coun. McIntosh stated he recently met with fire department officials to discuss a new initiative. “I met with the fire chiefs on Mar. 11 to discuss the dispatch definition, upcoming tour and future priorities,” stated McIntosh in his report to council.

Library board

Councillors approved a resolution appointing one of their members to the public library board due to an oversight. The CAO noted that a previous resolution appointing Coun. Masyk to the library board was incomplete and should be redone.

Councillors unanimously passed a resolution to appoint Masyk to the Bashaw Library Board.

Due recognition

Councillors reviewed the Town of Bashaw awards policy, which guides the presentation of long-service awards and can include elected officials, municipal staff and provincial athletes.

Private deliberations

Councillors entered a closed session to discuss two items: personnel (cemetery mowing and groundskeeping) and ATIA Section 19 (personal information).