Picture Butte happenings

By Kathy Bly
For the Sunny South News

Appeal board appointment
Picture Butte town council has appointed Coun. Cathy Moore to its Subdivision Development Appeal Board in place of Coun. Teresa Feist. Feist already serves on the town’s Municipal Planning Commission and as such, cannot sit on the appeal board, as it hears appeals on decisions made by the MPC.
Marketing approach
Larry Davidson, chief administrative officer (CAO), presented council with a plan to print a marketing brochure for Picture Butte. Working with TNC Publishing, Davidson said he would like to print a booklet, similar to what has been done in the past for Picture Butte by TNC with a focus on marketing the town’s new residential subdivision and industrial lots. The cost of the brochure would be covered by advertising generated by local businesses approached by the publisher. The only cost to the town would be a maximum of $1,500 for a full-page advertisement in the brochure. The information on Picture Butte would be provided by the town, who will have full editorial control of the final product. Council voted in favour of the request.
Academic award support
Picture Butte town council has committed $200 in support of the Picture Butte High School Academic Awards for 2015. Council voted in favour of funding two – $100 awards to be presented later this month at the local high school. CAO Davidson noted the town does not have a firm donation policy in place. “Is it our job to force residents to pay more taxes to then hand out to community groups?” he asked suggesting community groups should approach town residents themselves for donations.
Mayor Wendy Jones noted the funds are directed to youth in the community and show that council values education. Deputy Mayor Joe Watson also noted schools are one of the selling points for the community.
Raw water line cancelled
Picture Butte council passed a motion at its June 8 meeting to shut down a raw water line, which services out-of-town residents southeast of the town.
When a new water user agreement for this line was created in 2013, users were required to fill out agreements and pay for the use of the line each year. While some have filled out agreements and paid in the past, this year no users have filled out agreements or paid for the service. CAO Davidson also noted there are users who have hooked into the line without the knowledge of the town. In passing the motion, council directed administration to shut off the line that services Lethbridge County users and to discontinue the service to any residents outside of the town’s boundaries.
Council to Council
Picture Butte council has been approached by Lethbridge County council for a council to council meeting. The county requested town council to consider one of two possible meeting dates in August but Picture Butte council only meets twice in the summer and would prefer a fall meeting. Administration was directed to ask if a Sept. 10 meeting would be possible for the two councils to get together to discuss areas of mutual interest. CAO Davidson said he’d like to see at least three items on the meeting agenda including the fire service agreement (if not already finalized), the intermunicipal development plan and cost-sharing on the regional water line.