Inspector John Sutherland provided the monthly RCMP policing report, focusing mainly on police operations and initiatives.
He noted that a community policing unit is being developed that will concentrate on education and crime prevention program delivery.
A meeting has also been scheduled for December with mayors and administrators as well as Chief Lori Whitecalf of Sweetgrass First Nation on integrating community policing delivery across the detachment area.
Sutherland called the meeting significant because it will be the first time they will have everyone at the table to give direction.
Mayor Ryan Bater welcomed that initiative, saying “crime and safety don’t just stop at the borders of this city.”
Also coming up at the meeting was a discretionary land use application from CN for a new 46-metre radio communication tower in its yard site. The tower is the same height as the one that already exists. The new tower will be placed approximately 320 metres east from the existing tower location. The discretionary use application was carried unanimously.
In announcements, City Manager Jim Puffalt informed council that Jennifer Niesink had been appointed director of Planning and Development.
She had been with the City for three years as director of Economic Development and had been the acting director of Planning and Development role over the past year.
An extensive search was conducted and Puffalt said they were happy to find the right candidate internally, saying Niesink has “proven herself in the position.”
Not in attendance at Monday night’s council meeting was Councillor Kelli Hawtin. Mayor Bater was able to share the happy news that Hawtin had given birth to a daughter that day at 9:03 a.m.
In proclamations, Mayor Bater proclaimed AIDS Awareness Week, HIV Awareness Week and Aboriginal AIDS Awareness week.
