Feral and domestic cats are an ongoing problem in Delburne and recently arrived resident, Harry Curtis, asked the council to do more to control the problem.
The issue was raised at the Oct. 12 regular meeting of council.
All council members shared Curtis’ concerns and frustration.
A process to control cats had begun in May when the ‘The Responsible Pet Ownership By-law’ was updated to include cats. It requires cat owners to buy annual tags and there are procedures for trapping cats and enforcement.
Cat owners were encouraged to purchase tags in 2021, but there was a grace period for the remainder of the year to give an opportunity for information sharing and education.
Cat tags are mandatory in 2022 and those without will be subject to penalties and seizures.
Controlling cats is a work in progress and much harder to control than dogs. “We do need to address this ongoing issue,” said Coun. Ray Reckseidler, “but will need a little time to work out the wrinkles”.
The enforcement piece of the by-law will be the next priority.
Unsightly properties
A letter of complaint was received from Sheila Reckseidler about the number of residential properties that are untidy and derelict, including the burnt-out commercial property on main street.
Coun. Reckseidler declared a conflict of interest.
CAO Fegan has had discussions with the county peace officer who suggested enforcement under Bylaws 1156/2019 and 1108/2014 doesn’t have enough teeth.
CAO Fegan was instructed to work with the Red Deer County to propose changes to current bylaws.
Truth and Reconciliation
The Council invited Ryan Jason Allen Willert, a Siksika artist, to see if they could work together to develop a sign, flag or mural that would acknowledge the village is part of Treaty 7 and work to better understand and support reconciliation.
Willard said, “he was honoured to be part of a smaller town wanting to acknowledge truth and reconciliation and would look forward to producing an art piece that would be educational and beautiful”.
Consultation will continue.
Speed limits
The Traffic Control bylaw 1172/2021 received first, second, third and final reading and was unanimously approved.
Speed limits are now a maximum of 40 km/hour unless otherwise posted for school and playground zones.
GIS system development
The Village of Delburne was approved for a grant in the amount of $50,000 from the Municipal Asset Management Program to be used for a geographic information system (GIS).
The grant will be overseen by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in partnership with the Government of Canada.
Administration support services
Council unanimously approved accepting a two-year contract with Civic Solutions Inc. to provide joint finance and administration support services.
The previous contract had included the Town of Trochu. This contract adds the Village of Elnora. A joint contract is more cost effective in that it spreads hotel/meals/travel costs between three communities.
Brenda Schimke
ECA Review
