From the Ashcroft Council meeting on Apr. 23.
Roll Call: Mayor Andy Anderson and councillors Alice Durksen, Jerry Fiddick, Helen Kormendy and Jackie Tegart.
Honey Bee Day
Council proclaimed May 29 the third annual Day of the Honey Bee in Ashcroft, as requested by Clinton Shane Ekdahl of Saskatoon. Ekdahl is trying to have the day recognized across the country.
Grad bursary
Council agreed to continue to offer two bursaries of $250 each for this year’s Ashcroft Secondary School Grad Class. The school decides who will receive them. This year’s convocation is June 8.
Rodeo Support
Council received a letter from the Ashcroft and District Rodeo Association advising them that “By generously waiting the taxes on the Rodeo Grounds, the Village provides us with the equivalent of a Platinum ($500) sponsorship.” Included in the sponsorship is a half-page ad in their rodeo booklet, which was included for Council’s review. This year is the 50th annual Ashcroft Rodeo, and it take place June 16-17.
Hat Creek Rodeo
Council declined a donation request from the Friends of Historic Hat Creek Ranch for the 5th annual Ranch Rodeo on July 14-15.
“We’ve had a lot of requests for money tonight,” said Coun. Jackie Tegart, “with very limited funds. We wish them well, but I don’t think we have the money.”
Annual Fly In
Council declined a donation request for the 13th annual Mother’s Day Fly In and Lion’s Pancake Breakfast on May 13 at the airport. Being one of the event’s organizers, Mayor Andy Anderson left the meeting before the matter was discussed to avoid any conflict of interest.
Wellness Highway Sign
Council tabled a request from the Wellness branding committee for approximately $4,000 for signage. The signage would be to add the “Wellness Awaits You” logo to the existing wooden “Welcome to Ashcroft” signs.
It was decided to table the request until Council could meet with the committee for a joint planning session.
Variance Permit
Council grant a Development Variance Permit to Ronald and Deborah Oliver on Bancroft St. who were requesting a reduction in their side setback from 3.5 meters to 1.5 meters in order to build a small deck onto their house. There was no objection from adjacent property owners, the Fire Chief or the Village Foreman.
Fire Truck replacement
Council asked staff to investigate funding options regarding the replacement of the Village’s first line fire truck.
“I believe the Fire Chief and I were both surprised at the information we uncovered,” Administrator Michelle Allen told Council, “especially that we’re considered a medium-sized municipality.”
“I wonder how much money we can get for current truck,” said Coun. Helen Kormendy.
Allen said they could get $5,000 as a trade in, or $25-$35,000 selling it privately. Chief Brian Henderson, who was at the meeting, told Council that the 20 year old truck was still valuable to the Fire Dept. as a back up truck.
The Fire Dept. has a reserve fund of $140,000, which represents approximately 45 per cent of the cost of a new vehicle. The balance of the purchase price of $302,000 would have to be financed from other reserve accounts.
Next Meeting
May 28 at 7 pm in the Village Office.