By Carson Ellis
Sgt St.Cyr presented to Ponoka council during its March 14 meeting. Cyr was reporting on the third quarter statistics for local policing. His presentation to the council showed the crime statistics in the area, as well as comparative numbers over the last several years.
The report also touched on changes to the RCMP’s improvements of their Operational Communications Centres, as the replacement of the current Enhanced 911 with Next Generation 911 systems which will allow video and real time text with 911 as well as improved telematics of police vehicles.
Delegations
Royal Canadian Legion president Earl Peavoy and vice-president Barb Olson advised council that their organization has decided to sell their current building.
Peavoy and Olson explained that the Legion is looking for a smaller, more affordable venue. They believe that the old library building may be a suitable choice. The delegation was looking for assurances from council that the Legion would have first right on the building if it becomes available for sale or lease.
Cemetery bylaw
After the delegations left, council turned to unfinished business regarding Cemetery Bylaw No. 477-23.
The discussion focused on updating various parts of the bylaw, including changing spouse to partner. The amended bylaw would also include deleting a policy that deals with resale of cemetery plots.
Coun. Prediger moved to give the amended bylaw second reading, which was carried, despite being opposed by Coun. Underhill. Third reading of the bylaw was then motioned by Coun. Cal David, which was also carried despite opposition from Coun. Clayton Nelson and Coun. Underhill.
Funding requests
Two requests for funding were then addressed.
The first was a motion by coun. Prediger that council provide a $550 hoodie sponsorship for the Ponoka Bantam Football team for their 2023 season. As well as a motion from Coun. Ted Dillon that council support the Par 3 Extravaganza with sponsorship of $3,750.00. Both sponsorships would come from the council’s advertising budget and were passed.
CAO Report
Chief administrative offier (CAO) Sandra Lund persented her report to council.
Lund’s report focused on clearing the community catch basins in preparation of the spring thaw, and the schedule for construction of 51 Avenue.