In his report to council, Rimbey Volunteer Fire Department chief John Weisgerber said the department has responded to 52 calls this year. He said the department is in need of more fire fighters as a number of members have moved out of the area. He noted the number of alarm calls has gone up, but the number of fires has been low.
Negative feedback
Director of community services Peter Stenstrom reported negative feedback has been received this summer regarding weeds and unkempt garden areas on town property.
Stenstrom said he would like to ascertain how to utilize more manpower through existing employees of by recruiting and organizing volunteers to deal with the problem.
Repairs needed
Stenstrom also noted the outdoor tennis and basketball courts by the pool need to be resurfaced and equipment at both facilities needs to be replaced.
The arena opened for business Sept. 16. Pond hockey and minor hockey has expanded its programming, thereby more ice time is needed for these organizations. The average start time for adult groups is now 9:15 p.m.
A report on the status of the community centre’s air handling units states $5,000 is needed for repairs immediately. The unit providing service to the lower roof area needs to be replaced as soon as possible to the tune of $25,000 and the next priority is one of the units over the main auditorium at a cost of $45,000.
Fall line up
The fall line up for activities includes basketball on Mondays at 7:30 a.m. at the community centre, badminton, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the community centre gym, volleyball, Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. at the junior/senior high gym, pickleball Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the community Centre gym, Zumba fitness Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the community centre gym, fusion boot camp on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at the community centre gym and art fusion for kids at on Tuesdays in the art club room.
Funding approval given
Town council gave thumbs up for funding to go to Rimbey Art Club for the Alberta Culture Days Art Show for $250, Rimbey Exhibition Association for the Rimbey Rodeo for $500, Rimbey Adult Learning for their Mental Health First Aid Event for $500 and to the Auxiliary to Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre for the strawberry tea and bake sale for $389.84.
The funding is available through the community Events Grants Program.
Polling station
Council agreed to have a polling station for Ponoka County residents located at the Rimbey Community Centre along with the Town of Rimbey polling stations for the advance vote on Oct. 9 and election day, Oct. 21. The county will have its own returning officer.
Resignation
Council accepted the resignation of Gail Stuart from the Town of Rimbey recreation board.