‘Butte council briefs

By Kathy Bly
For the Sunny South News

Butte council seeks meeting with neighbouring councils
Picture Butte Mayor Wendy Jones is looking to neighbouring municipal councils to join in a meeting to discuss areas of mutual interest and concern.
Jones, reporting on her activities as mayor at the June 22 council meeting, said at one time there was a group of five who met as representatives from the communities within the borders of Lethbridge County to discuss common areas of concern between the municipalities.
She said she was recently approached by the mayor of Coalhurst Dennis Cassie, about the possibility of holding such a meeting in the near future.
Jones noted back when the group used to meet, Coaldale was part of the group but she questioned whether the meeting should just involve communities on the north side of the Oldman River.
“They are a bigger municipality than the rest of us,” said Jones, of Coaldale.
She suggested the issues and concerns Coaldale may have, particularly with Lethbridge County, would be different than what smaller communities on the north side of the river might face. “There’s still value to it,” said Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Larry Davidson, speaking in favour of establishing a new meeting group including the municipalities of Barons, Nobleford, Coalhurst and Picture Butte.
“I’d be in favour of putting a group together without Coaldale,” said Deputy Mayor Joe Watson.
Council agreed the four communities on the north side of the river have a number of common issues and concerns that need to be addressed. Picture Butte will be contacting its neighbouring municipalities to discuss the potential for a joint meeting.
Picture Butte council briefs
Council reviewed a request from the Green Acres Foundation on behalf of Alberta Health Services (AHS) for permission to install a sign promoting the health centre along Rogers Avenue or Highway 519.
The sign would be placed along the highway in front of the Foundation’s Piyami Lodge.
Council discussed the placement of the sign, noting the Prairie Tractor and Engine Society’s sign is already in the same general location. Deputy Mayor Joe Watson said since the access to the health centre is closer to 3rd Street, the sign should be located along Highway 519 toward the actual entrance.
“It makes sense to have it as close to 3rd Street as we can,” said Watson.
Council directed administration to send a letter to the foundation indicating the town would like to see the sign located near the 3rd Street entrance.