By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Advance
The Village of Halkirk has updated their Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw, bringing it in line with Municipal Government Act requirements.
With outgoing Chief Administrative Officer Doris Cordel retiring at the end of summer, and with the hiring of a new administrator, now was seen as a good time to update the bylaw.
The bylaw establishes the position of Chief Administrative Officer in the community, and outlines job duties, requirements, and who village council may appoint to the position.
With Cordel’s departure imminent, council has hired Andrea Benoit to the position, effective the July 8th meeting, and with the establishment of the updated CAO bylaw, has appointed Benoit as the CAO of the village effective Aug. 12th.
Benoit has been training with Cordel since mid-July.
With a new Chief Administrative Officer in the village, there will be a few minor changes, the first of which is the immediate change to village office hours.
Effective the week of Aug. 17th, the village office hours will be Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
As part of the appointment to the position, Benoit will have signing authority on Village of Halkirk accounts along with Mayor Dale Kent and Coun. Sherry Jamieson.
Other highlights of the Aug. 12th Village of Halkirk council meeting
Alberta Police Funding
The Village of Halkirk has received notice from the Government of Alberta that costs for 2020’s policing to the Village of Halkirk will total $2,002, payable in January of 2021. Next year’s expenses are expected to be paid at the same time and will be higher than the initial amount, with costs expected to escalate yearly.
Village tractor
The Village of Halkirk’s tractor has been repaired at an approximate cost of $930, plus $180 to haul it to Stettler for the repairs. The Village pick-up truck also needs to be repaired, but no cost has been received for the repairs yet, though administration anticipates it to be “significant.”
Viability review
No new information has been received about the ongoing viability review of the village: however, if possible, Government of Alberta officials would like to hold a community meeting in September if travel restrictions are lifted. More details will be forthcoming as available.
Household garbage incident
A resident within the Village of Halkirk has received a warning letter after an incident with their garbage being improperly bagged. Village staff have been advised to not pick up any garbage that, at their discretion, “Appears unsafe for pickup.”