Rob Aellen was acclaimed to the position of Elnora Mayor at the organizational meeting on Tues. Oct. 1.
Organizational meetings are meant to establish positions, times of the meetings for the coming year, and gives council a chance to change certain things.
Along with Aellen returning as mayor, Leah Nelson is Deputy Mayor once again.
Signing authorities including Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) stayed the same after a motion was made with Nelson and Aellen as signing authorities.
“It makes it easier if one of us is gone,” said Nelson.
New emails for each councillor is now up and running on the newly revealed website at www.villageofelnora.com.
Regular meeting dates are being kept the same as the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
Council took a dive into the council remuneration review.
For regularly scheduled meetings, the mayor makes $80 while the other two councillors make $75.
All councillors make $60 per committee meeting they attend.
In order to entice young people to join as council, the current council made a motion to make minimum wage at $120 per day for both the Mayor and Council.
If people are deterred from joining because they can’t afford to take the day off, this change would alleviate that to a degree.
According to Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Sharon Wesgate, the average daily rate from surrounding communities is between $200 and $280 per day.
“It’s a step in the right direction but not too crazy,” said Coun. Kerrilyn Mose.
The mayor makes an annual stipend of $800 while the councillor and deputy mayor make $750.
Mileage was raised to the government standard of 50 cents per kilometre.
Purple Martins Conservancy introduced
Sisters Del and Debra McKinnon of Ponoka have established the Purple Martins Conservancy in Alberta.
“Every year we have our martins keep track of the number of eggs that were laid and the chicks that have hatched and a number of birds that have fledged,” said Mayor Aellen.
This information from all over North America is recorded and filed at the McKinnons and their counterpart in the states.
Mayor Aellen was informed that Ellis Bird Farm had three 18-year-old bird condos they are going to replace.
After talking, the head biologist at the bird farm agreed to donate the structures to Aellen for the purpose of establishing the Elnora Purple Martin Birds Conservancy initiative.
He has intentions of putting one condo at Pete’s Pond and one at the community garden.
Council gave permission with a motion.
Grants available through Alberta Tourism would allow for this new initiative to have some signs made and installed most likely near or on Highway 21.
Community foundation funding
The village was given $321.63 from the Red Deer and District Community Foundation.
Council brainstormed some local clubs and buildings that may be interested in the funding.
They chose to table the topic to have time to speak with the certain organizations they had mentioned.
Green Party visit Ethan Borlé, brother and campaign manager for Connor Borlé, came to council in his brother’s place to discuss the party platform, the candidate’s background, and more.
Connor was unable to attend as he was at a candidate debate in Innisfail at the time of the meeting.
Borlé mentioned they come from a family of six, all with different beliefs on the political spectrum.
Connor is a math and physics teacher in Red Deer.
The 27-year-old has never been in politics before.
Borlé asked what Elnora’s key issues were so he could report back.
Council noted high-speed internet, stable government funding, ageing infrastructure and associated costs, police services, the Elnora Health Care Centre’s use, seniors facilities, grant application process, cell service, etc.
Terri Huxley
ECA Review
