By June Norvila
* A bylaw to borrow $55,000 to purchase a new 3-T multi-use Dodge quad cab dually 4 x 4 town truck equipped with a dump box, was passed and the truck is hard at work.
* A policy establishing guidelines for the acceptable use of the Internet and e-mail on town's four computers was adopted.
* Bentley should be in line for over $59,000 in federal government gas tax transfer payments.
* Equipment at the 48th Avenue playground was removed replaced with upgraded apparatus.
* Council passed Bylaw no. 134/2009 governing Parks and the Campground. The municipal 32-stall campground was opened effective May 15/09 for overnight camping with a contracted caretaker/manager living on site that is provided with water, sewer and power.
* A policy establishing the guidelines and procedures for the posting of non-profit events on the town's electronic sign were adopted and the town now has a policy for recognizing milestone events of individuals and community organizations.
* Council received a structural assessment f the Oxford School / Elks Hall that indicated many possible problems that could be very expensive to repair. The report was shared with the Elks.
* Renovations/upgrades at the Bentley arena will continue with financial help added from the Lacombe County of over $13,000.00.
* During the regular June 23 council meeting, council visited the fire hall where they were able to see the brand new rescue truck and another truck that had been donated to the fire department and retrofitted.
* Council voted to have a one minute investment attraction video of Bentley made for $700 that will be able to be viewed on CAEPTV and will get a copy for posting on the town's own website.
* At the July 21 meeting, a delegation from the Bentley Playschool made a presentation to the town and thanked them for their support and the use of the town basement facility for the past years.
* The Roads and Storm Management project will be the main focus for the next couple years to the tune of $4.875 million, funded equally between the federal and provincial Canada/Alberta Building Canada Infrastructure Stimulus Fund and the municipal government.
* At the regular meeting of Bentley town council on Tues., Aug. 11, the Bentley Generals senior hockey team were granted permission to construct a 20' X 38' addition to their dressing room on the west end of the Bentley arena at no cost to the town, subject to all conditions being met.
* Council was advised that the town's property insurance renewal premium under Jubilee Insurance Agencies would see a significant rate increase of about 43 per cent. Also, the base deductible rose from $1,000 to $5,000 and the Business Interruption Limit was reduced from $500,000 to $100,000. Administration will investigate options.
* A motion was passed to draft a letter of concern regarding formation of a provincial Municipal Auditor General department.
A violent hailstorm interrupted the council meeting and made it difficult to continue until it was over!
The next regular council meeting will be on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 6:45 p.m. in council chambers. Meetings are always open to the public to sit in.