Alix welcomed its Interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Robert Stoutenberg, who was CAO for the Town of Stettler.
Stoutenberg has 31 years of experience in local government and, on an interim basis, replaces former CAO Troy Jenkins who resigned earlier this month.
“My approach is simple,” Interim CAO Stoutenberg told Alix council during its regular meeting June 21. “We work as a team. We work hard on the issues but we are soft on the people.”
Stoutenberg is Interim CAO for the next three months and said he looks forward to meeting the challenges ahead.
Soutenberg retired from the Town of Stettler three years ago after being with them for about 28 years.
Stoutenberg, in a phone interview Monday, said he and his wife travelled around North America in a fifth wheel for the last three years and recently purchased a house in the U.S. after selling their fifth wheel. The couple plans to spend winters there.
“Now we’re looking at going back and doing some other things than just extensive travel and this opportunity came forward and I said I would gladly come and help them on an interim basis.
“I look forward to meeting everybody in the community and working with them on the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead and hopefully I will leave Alix a little better off than when I came in,” said Interim CAO Stoutenberg.
Special meeting
Alix council called a special meeting June 14. The media wasn’t notified.
Minutes of the special meeting show that the agenda listed appointment of an Interim Acting Chief Administrative Officer. After coming out of in camera, council voted in favour of appointing Wendy Menage as Interim Acting Chief Administrative Officer.
Another resolution was made to get legal advice if needed regarding the resignation of former CAO Troy Jenkins.
Council briefs
Mayor Arlene Nelson, during council’s regular meeting June 21, made a motion to cancel the July 16 and Aug. 2 council meetings but the motion was defeated with only Coun. Gord Christensen voting in favour of the motion.
Coun. Rob Fehr said council should hold those regular meetings considering everything that has been going on in Alix and use this as an opportunity to “get caught up.”
Coun. Jody Widmann agreed.
Coun. Curt Peterson and Coun. Gord Christensen, however, disagreed and said they were okay with the meetings being cancelled.
“We can call a special meeting if something comes up,” said Coun. Peterson.
Highway of Heroes
Charles Andrews, during Alix’s regular meeting June 21, made a presentation and asked council to support the Alix Highway of Heroes.
Andrews wants a portion of Hwy 12 within Alix’s village limits to be named Alix Avenue of Heroes. Before he can solicit private and corporate donations for the estimated $3,500 project, he needs a letter of support from council.
He said he wants to start fundraising Canada Day and asked council to make a decision at their June 21 meeting.
Andrews wants Alix to create a “permanent recognition of all those who have served and those currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, law enforcement, fire and emergency services.” He wants signs erected and a flat flown from lights along the road.
“In order to reflect our rich history, I suggest alternating our current Canadian flat with the Red Ensign and 1868-1921 Red Ensign to create a pattern of 16 flags reflecting the historic periods of the First World War, Second World War and current period of time,” he said in his letter to council.
“It is proposed that the signs and flags be installed the beginning of November and the signs be unveiled after the cenotaph services on Nov. 11,” he said.
Council received the presentation as information and Mayor Nelson said council would “take it under advisement” and get back to him.
Lisa Joy
ECA Review Reporter
