By Patricia Harcourt, Editor
An inter-municipal committee has officially been established between the Town of Viking and Beaver County.
“The town has been meeting with the county for several years without a bylaw in place,” explained Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Doug Lefsrud.
He added: “The proposed bylaws will bring these meetings into compliance with provincial legislation.”
The Municipal Government Act (MGA) requires that committees of council be established by bylaw, including inter-municipal committees.
The issue has also had to be addressed by other municipalities in Beaver County, with such formal agreements required between the county and Town of Tofield, Village of Ryley, and Village of Holden.
But the agreement was delayed somewhat over lack of consensus by Viking Council prior to the October municipal elections.
The new council addressed the issue Dec. 15. Councillor James Buttner voted against proceeding to third and final rea
ding after council passed first and second reading in one sitting on that day.
Buttner stated he wanted council to have more time to consider the bylaw before proceeding. Third reading was passed in January enacting the bylaw.
Representatives for the town on the committee will be Mayor Paul King and Deputy Mayor Judy Acres. There will also be two county area councillors on the inter-municipal committee.
“The chair position will alternate each meeting between the county and the town regardless of the meeting location,” stated CAO Lefsrud, in his report.
“The CAOs will attend committee meetings to provide advice and to fulfill other administrative responsibilities outlined in this bylaw,” he said.
And for each inter-municipal committee set up between the county and the four municipalities, he said: “Attendance of other municipal staff will be at the discretion of each CAO.”
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