Following the addition of a few items to the agenda and the adoption of the previous meeting’s minutes at the June 18 Town Council meeting, Councillor Josh Rayment took the Oath of Office for Deputy Mayor for the period of July to October 2024.
Under New Business, Deputy Mayor Kevin Martin gave an address to the public on the formal disqualification of Mayor Greg Throndson from the seat of Mayor by ruling of the Court of King’s Bench on June 14, 2024. For the full address, see below.
During public commentary, a member of the public expressed concern that the uphill portion of Pare Drive had been reduced from 50 kilometers per hour to 30, and requested having a bylaw officer or member of the RCMP man the stop sign at 51 Ave. in an attempt to improve awareness of its presence. Council responded that the speed limit had not been reduced, but in fact that the 30 kmph sign had been knocked over years ago and was just now being replaced.
Council then appointed the JDP Wasserman Corporation as auditor.
The Parks, Recreation, Culture, and Environment committee recommended to Council that $1,000 grants be given to the Vermilion Vipers Swim Club to modernize their logo and to Vermilion Minor Ball to support them in hosting the U15 Alberta Female Provincial Ball Championships. Council approved these recommendations and reminded the community that these grants are available every quarter and that organizations should be sure to apply for this money. Visit https://www.vermilion.ca/en/explore-and-play/parks-recreation-and-culture-board-grant-application.aspx for the grant application.
Following Director of Finance and Administration Brian Leibel’s recommendation, council voted to change the funding source for the Sanitary Trunk Main Replacement from debenture to reserve, noting that doing so could result in approximately a 3% increase in taxes.
Council also voted to give signing authority to Councillor Rayment for his four-month term as Deputy Mayor.
The partnership between the Town and the County of Vermilion River was discussed, with councillors vowing to add more digital signage on their website highlighting the importance of that relationship.
Council discussed committee appointment changes.
In his management reports as Interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Director of Community Services, Mike van der Torre highlighted with gratitude all the hours volunteers have put into the beautification of the town, from flowerbeds to picking up garbage and weeds. The Town had put together garbage bags with gloves to assist with cleanup and council and administration were happy to see them being used. Van der Torre also mentioned the Yellowhead Grazing goats are back in town, helping to reduce invasive weed species and tackle hard to reach areas. They will be here all summer and will rotate from place to place.
Van der Torre also spoke about gophers, an ongoing issue for the Town. While Alberta Parks has granted permission to do a bit more work, van der Torre explained that this is not going to be a quick process, and could take years to remedy. Councillor Robert Snow extended gratitude to van der Torre for taking on the role of Interim CAO as well as his permanent role as Director of Community Services.
Director of Infrastructure and Planning Robert Dauphinee reported that the Town’s garbage truck driver is happy to have his truck back following the fire that had disabled it a few months back. Repairs have been done on the truck’s electrical system and hydraulics as well as new painting, prompting discussion of a notice to the public about properly disposing electricals and batteries. Dauphinee also reported that the former Waste Treatment Plant has been demolished but soils at the site are being monitored.
Manager Economic Development Mary Lee Prior reported that the Town was working on housing gap analysis to see where we are strong and weak in housing. Through the process, they gathered a lot of information, with Prior noting it was “very interesting to see our community in that light.” Amongst other things, the report reveals how many are renting versus owning, and how many cannot sustain their current rent.
During committee reports, Council heard about the status of the Vermilion Public Library’s new elevator, learning that a few small changes recommended by the contractor had been made but the project seems to be on track to be completed sometime in September.
Accounts payable for June 3 and June 5–18 was $756,524.27.
Council agreed to pay half of the Vermilion Agricultural Society’s heating bill for the winter as a show of good faith, thanking them for allowing the Town to store vehicles in their buildings for the winter for free.
During Council Round Table, Councillor Robert Snow raved about his first meeting with the Parks, Recreation, Culture, and Environment committee, expressing delight at all the things going on in the community. Councillors Kirby Whitlock and Robert Pulyk extended congratulations to Bennett Kwasnycia and Ayvah Leadbeater, the two youngsters who had participated in Lemonade Day the weekend prior. Councillor Paul Conlon reported that he and his family were learning to care for a preemie, which was met with congratulations from Council, and extended heartfelt thanks to Mayor Greg Throndson, highlighting in particular Throndson’s support of volunteers. Deputy Mayor Kevin Martin thanked Lakeland College’s Emergency Training Centre for training provided.
Council then went into closed session.
To take in Town Council meetings from the comfort of your home, register for the online Zoom livestream at https://www.vermilion.ca/en/your-government/council-livestream.aspx Council meetings take place the first and third Tuesday of every month beginning at 6 p.m.
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