Hanna council held a special meeting before the regular council meeting on June 14, for the passing of Coun. Gerald “Brass” Campion.
Prior to the meeting, Mayor Povachuck and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kim Neill discussed whether or not the regular meeting would be held.
Out of respect for Coun. Campion and his commitment to the council, they decided to proceed with the meeting as they believed it would be something he would have wanted.
Campion served on the board for 12 years with an attendance of approximately 290 council meetings and only missing one through his entire career.
Council held a moment of silence for Campion and Mayor Povachuck asked members to reflect and share memories that they had for the late councillor.
CAO Neill prepared comments where he discussed Campions accomplishments, dedication to his work and commitment to representing the residents of Hanna.
Council and Mayor Povachuck expressed their appreciation for being able to work alongside Campion.
Jennifer Cooper, daughter of the late councillor, appeared before the council where she spoke on his commitment to the council even in his final moments. Cooper also prepared a statement to honour Campions legacy.
Coun. Campion passed away in the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on the evening of June 11. A memorial service will be held on June 25.
Lack of support
Coun. Sandra Murphy contacted Canada Blood Services (CBS) for the possibility of a blood drive in Hanna, but was denied their services.
The request was made after an inquiry by a resident regarding a blood donation clinic for Blood Donation Month.
Council has previously inquired with CBS about accommodating blood drives for donors in Hanna, they have always been denied service.
According to a conversation with Coun. Sandra Beaudoin, CBS refuses to come to Hanna since it is “too far for them and too much trouble for them to come to our community.”
Council finds it insulting that although they require plasma from donors, they refuse to travel to Hanna.
As CBS refuses to send services to Hanna, they advise residents to travel 75 kilometres to Drumheller on August 30.
Hanna Elks delegation
Vern Thuroo from Hanna Elks Lodge #451 informed the council that the Hanna Lodge was awarded the opportunity to host the Elks 2023 Provincial Conference.
The conference will be a three day event that will host 150 people.
Community Service board member
Kalli Cooper has been appointed to the community service board as a youth representative.
Council formally approved Cooper to her new position and will serve on the board until Oct. 31, 2024.
Two more positions remain vacant. Hanna annually advertises for people to fill positions that require council to appoint members.
Program complaints
Hanna residents have come forward and expressed anger towards the Poop Fairy program that was recently launched. Coun. Sandra Warwick brought forward some of the complaints she has received regarding the campaign.
The residents believe that the council is wasting time on this issue when there are other issues that need to be addressed. In addition, they wanted to know how much the council has spent on this campaign as they believed it was wasting taxpayer dollars.
Council launched the program in response to the complaints regarding pet waste that is not picked up. The cost of the campaign outside of time spent by staff has only been around $75 spent on gift cards from local businesses.
CAO Neill mentioned that he would be more than happy to speak with residents regarding problems in the community that need to be addressed.
Daniel Gonzalez
ECA Review
