By June Norvila
The Bentley Community Van Society held its annual general meeting on February 23. There was a disappointing turn out even though the day had been changed to try to accommodate more people.
What a difference a year has made! A year ago there was no new van, funds were still being raised, and decisions of exactly what options to order were being made.
Now the old van is gone and being used in Mexico and there is a fully paid off 15-passenger van valued at $65,977. Renovations are in store for the bay where the van is stored and there is money in the bank.
The society's yearend statement for 2007 showed they had a bank balance of over $69,250.
The bank balance for the end of 2008 shows $61,509 with no liabilities.
Sponsorship recognition in the form of decals to be applied to the van was discussed.
Partnering with groups and clubs to help provide funding for trips/programs they want to sponsor is in the works and could bring the cost down to users.
Only an annual inspection is needed now, instead of an inspection every six months, so that saves on expenses.
The 2009 executive is: Vice President Greg Rathjen, Treasurer Jennifer Goddu replaces Dwight Landon, and Directors Barb Carson, and Dennis Schmidt.
Until replacements are found, past-president Cheryl Farnden agreed to stay on as chairperson, and past-secretary Angel Hand will continue to act as secretary. Both Farnden and Hand said they would become directors after their replacements were found.
If you or someone you know would like to get involved and help out with a worthwhile community project call Cheryl at (403) 877-3335 or contact any of the other executive.
Bentley ready to listen to proposals
At the February 24 regular Bentley town council meeting, a letter from the Medicine Lodge Ski Club stating opposition to the clearing of a four-metre strip of bush along a fence line by an adjacent landowner was received. The ski club feels it could be detrimental to the preservation of their natural area and wants more information. The town will suggest the landowner contact the ski club and negotiate directly with them.
The town had earlier indicated they had no objection but that it would be subject to approval by the ski club.
* After some discussion, town council agreed they are prepared to meet one time to hear specific, precise, well defined proposals from Frank Wilson and Lance Dzaman regarding the town possibly accepting the wastewater from the Sandy Point Resort development.
Council doesn't want to ‘shut the door; without listening, and wants the town to flourish while at the same time not incur any expenses because of this development that is outside their municipality.
* The local fire department was given permission to sell a truck which had been donated to them to raise funds to be used for the purchase of supplemental equipment that there is no funding provided for currently. They were denied usage of the truck as a wildland firefighting vehicle as per a proposal they had put forth as the town does not have wildfires within its boundaries.
* In response to a request from the Bentley Revmasters Car Club, the town decided to contribute the same amount of funding towards fireworks for the fair and rodeo as last year- $1,000.
* The January Lacombe County Protective Services report indicated they handed out eight violation tickets in Bentley.
* A draft copy of the wording of a Request For Proposals of a contracted campground caretaker and provision of security for the municipal campground was discussed. Advertising will begin soon and be via the town website, newspapers, and word of mouth.
* The town has received a $5,450. grant to be matched by the town to do a structural assessment of the Oxford School (Elks /Legion Hall).
* The town of Bentley Water/Wastewater Year End Report for 2008 was accepted and signed by all of council.
* An application for funding help from the Building Canada Fund - Community Component Program will be made to fund a Bentley groundwater expansion project as set out in the Water System Upgrade. Funding is divided evenly between the federal, provincial, and local governments.
* An application for federal funding help from the Building Canada Fund will also be made to help proceed with an expensive Storm Water Management Plan.
* The Town of Bentley had indicated last September they were withdrawing their membership in the Central Waste Management Commission. They received no verification. No meetings were held until recently when a 'special meeting' was called, and when a Bentley representative tried to attend, was not allowed to.
* Council went in camera to discuss a personnel issue.
* At the March 10 regular council meeting, payment of a requisition from the Lacombe Foundation was authorized. Municipalities had never been requisitioned by the Foundation to supplement operating costs before. A requisition to offset capital funding had been paid off in 2007. There had been no requisition in 2008. For this year the town's share is $4,591. It will be seen as a Lacombe Foundation levy of about .0427 mil on tax notices. The Lacombe Foundation runs the Lacombe Senior's Lodge and the Eckville Manor House Lodge.
* Equipment at the 48th Avenue playground will be replaced/upgraded.
* The Lacombe County Protective Services monthly report indicated five violation tickets were handed out in February.
* A Municipal Emergency Management Program review was done by Field Officer Bruce Mackenzie from Central District on February 23 with some recommendations made.
The next regular council meeting will be on Tuesday, March 24 at 6:45 p.m. in council chambers. All regular meetings are open to sit in.