AGM topics decided on by M.D. council
With the Municipal District of Taber setting their Annual General Meeting on April 27 at the Grassy Lake Community Hall, council still had to finalize the agenda.
From previous discussions, potential topics for the upcoming AGM could be a 2021 financial overview, an update of infrastructure projects, water consumption, Rural Crime Watch/RCMP, Land Use Bylaw Project, RenuWell project update, strategic plan review, economic development, voluntary business directory, beautification grant, rural broadband strategy update, and a regional fire service presentation.
“I think we should flush it out a bit more of what we would like administration to help prepare for us as we enter that meeting. Also, to seek input on if you think those topics should be included or changed as we move forward.
That meeting is coming up quick,” said Deputy Reeve Tamara Miyanaga at the M.D.’s regular meeting held on March 8.
Others also weighed in on what they wanted to bring forward to the AGM.
While many liked the initial list of topics, some changes were suggested.
“I would really like to introduce the new RCMP sergeant so people begin to get to know him and what he wants to do in our area. I know we have talked about RenuWell in the past, and it’s going to start this spring, but it’s not high on my list. Land Use Bylaw project — I don’t know if we’ll be into it far enough to really do much with that one. Other than that, I know rural broadband is a real issue with everybody, economic development — those are important ones for me,” stated Reeve Merrill Harris.
Others agreed cutting some topics may be a good idea to keep the length of the meeting reasonable.
“I think we’re pretty good on the topics in the agenda — I don’t want to make it too heavy and have it too long of a meeting. I think it is important we recognize our volunteers, particularly in the fire service. I’m very happy to see that there. I just want to make sure we appreciate those volunteers
and what they do for the community,” added Coun. Brian Hildebrand.
With the regional fire service a potential talking point, councillors were in favour of bringing that discussion to the AGM. They also wanted to make sure they thanked the volunteer firefighters and everyone associated with allowing them to go to any calls.
“The regional fire service, if we had a list of names of who is volunteering and the companies they work for — that allows them to step off work and go volunteer when needed,” added Coun. John DeGroot.
Another potential topic was around information for ratepayers who may be considering allowing renewable energy on their land.
“We have had a number of renewable energy projects coming to the M.D. of Taber and I am just wondering if we couldn’t have a presentation on the responsibilities of landowners when accepting those on their lands.
That being property taxes and things of that nature. I don’t know that everyone understands the responsibilities they would have in accepting renewable energy — it’s a bit different than oil and gas. I think that needs to be addressed and let people understand the differences between renewable and non-renewable,” explained Coun. John Turcato.
“There are quite a few topics there — how long is this going to go on for? We keep it short and sweet to keep the people entertained, so I’m thinking you can take a couple out of there like Land Use Bylaw project. Like Merrill
said, there is too much to it and I don’t know if there is that much to it to keep people interested. The rest of them I think are pretty good,” added Coun. Murray Reynolds.
With the Land Use Bylaw project discussed as an option to potential cut, Hildebrand gave his view on why it should be included.
“I wonder if the Land Use Bylaw shouldn’t be touched on because it is in development.
Just to have some community engagement on that.”
Others pointed to the fact it was still in its infant stages as a reason an update might not be all that critical.
“I don’t think we’re going to be through the process before the next AGM. We may have a draft version ready for the next AGM, but that’s my guess of the timeline. It’s such an overreaching and huge document, it will take some time to get through it. We’ve got a laundry list of items we wanted to change, so I think it will take some time to get done,” stated Turcato.
With time being a major consideration, Turcato also reversed on bringing the renewable energy discussion to the AGM — instead, he thought it would be better as a pamphlet/information sheet that is posted online.
“That might be something that is better for the website and our social media,” he added.
Another thing needing to be decided was who would be speaking to each topic — administration or council.
“If council is willing and able, it’s always good to have council give as much as we can,” said Harris.
“There are some that we should try to alleviate the burden on administration for these presentations,” added Hildebrand.
Council decided to eliminate discussions on RenuWell and the Land Use Bylaw project. A motion to accept the AGM agenda as modified from the discussion was carried unanimously.
A motion to provide a handout at the AGM and place it in the newsletter/ M.D. website regarding landowners entering into renewable energy companies was carried as well.