The new town council in Rimbey met for the first time last Monday.
After being sworn in, the next order of business was assigning councillors to various boards and committees.
The deputy mayor, who was determined by the highest number of votes received in the recent election, will be Bill Coulthard who will hold the position for three months. Councillor Lana Curle will then take over, followed by Gayle Rondeel and, finally, Paul Payson.
Sitting on the cemetery board which includes representatives from Oberhammer Funeral Chapels and Wilson’s Funeral Chapel and Crematorium are councillors Bill Coulthard, Gayle Rondeel and Paul Payson.
Councillor Lana Curle is the council representative for the Beatty Heritage House Society.
The Blindman Youth Action Society representative is Bill Coulthard.
Gayle Rondeel will represent council on the Rimbey Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Rick Pankiw, Bill Coulthard, and CAO Lori Hillis will sit on the disaster services committee.
Gayle Rondeel will be the council rep for Rimbey Family and Community Support Group.
Mayor Pankiw will be the council representative for the fire commission.
CAO Lori Hillis was assigned the position of F.O.I.P. coordinator.
Sitting on the Historical Society Board will be Lana Curle.
Councillors Bill Coulthard and Gayle Rondeel will attend interagency committee meetings.
Councillor Paul Payson will continue to sit on the Rimbey Library Board.
Mayor Pankiw will attend parkland Regional Library Board meetings as the council rep.
Paul Payson will be the representative for Neighborhood Place and Councillor Curle will sit on the Rimoka Foundation Board.
The Wellness Committe representative will be Coun. Payson.
Coun. Curle will represent council on the Physician Retention Committee.
During its meeting, council also decided to have recorded votes on every motion that was made.
The decision was followed by some discussion, although it was unanimous.
Coun. Paul Payson said he didn’t feel it was necessary, but noted votes are public information and how a councillor votes is viewed by members of the public who are in the gallery.
Overall, councillors were in favour of the recorded vote.
“It’s transparency,” said Coun. Bill Coulthard.
“I’m totally in favour of it,” added Coun. Gayle Rondeel.
A decision whether to retain the services of Elizabeth Armitage of Vicinia planning & Engagement Inc. as planning and development officer was postponed to give new councillors an opportunity to learn more about her role and wages.
Administration recommended to retain Armitage on a three-year contract as the town has had a positive, ongoing relationship with the individual.