“We have to stop spending”

By Philip Buisseret

Commentator/Courier Freelancer

At Redcliff’s town council meeting on Dec. 10, Coun. Larry Leipert voiced his concern over the proposed purchase of a new backhoe for $225,000. “We have to stop spending someplace” said Leipert. Coun. Cathy Crozier pointed out that the town has spent a lot in repairs on this piece of equipment, that now requires $34,000 in repairs and questioned the wisdom of spending further on an aging vehicle as the town has already spent more on repairs than the worth of the equipment. Director of public services, Corey Popick, informed council that if we need to use a backhoe at present the cost is a $600.00 per day rental. The proposal to buy the equipment was defeated and public services was directed to proceed with repairs to the backhoe and if a backhoe is needed in the meantime to hire a contractor for the work on “as needed basis”.

Review of Policy 122
The policy refers to the hiring of firefighters hired by the Town of Redcliff. Community and protective services requested a change to the existing policy that requires firefighters be Redcliff residents or work full time within corporate town limits. The new policy would allow for 15 per cent of firefighters to live outside town limits. Council noted that there have been no shortages of resumes from town residents in the past and opted to stay with the existing policy that may be reviewed as required.

Golf course update

A closed in camera meeting was held lasting an hour following the regular Town Council meeting. The meeting was with the newly formed Riverview Golf Course executive. The executive consists of previous Mayor of Redcliff Bill Duncan, Cliff Sackman, Jerry Beach, Darrel Schaffer, Russ Paulson (absent) and Cody Booker. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss with Council a proposal going forward to have the Golf Course open for the 2019 season. After the meeting, Duncan said it was positive, and council would review the proposal as presented. Duncan noted that out of 134 persons contacted, 130 supported the concept of buying memberships for 2019.
“Without schools, churches, arenas and recreational amenities like a golf course, we don’t have a town, we have a suburb,” said Duncan.
“ A town has heart and soul and the golf course is part of what gives us that. Our golf course is the type of course where families can come and enjoy themselves, even though they may not be expert golfers, its all about quality of life.”
CFB Suffield has approached the new membership with a view to renewing ties.
“That is something we are looking at,” said Duncan.
There are no plans to have a driving range at this point, however Booker said that a future youth program is high on the agenda.

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