Council Overview
Information from Drumheller Town
Council Special Council Meeting
Monday, March 23, 2020

Mayor Heather Colberg moved directly to a request Mayor Heather Colberg began the Special Meeting by stressing the importance of handwashing, sanitizing, social distancing and self-isolation as the community deals with the Outbreak of COVID-19.
Chief Resiliency and Flood Mitigation officer Darwin Durnie introduced the section chiefs of the emergency response command. He expressed his appreciation for all the hard work by the team.
He then expressed his concern about the circumstances of unacceptable behaviours. He said,“ We have people who are still coming back to Drumheller and not self-isolating and then putting the whole community at risk.”
He says there is an anonymous complaint form available for residents to tell the town or Alberta Health about their concerns over individuals or businesses that are not following social spacing and self-isolation protocols.
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Council passed a motion to approve the proposed Terms of Reference for the Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw and Design Master Plan Steering Committee; a second motion to approve the proposed Terms of Reference for the Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw and Design Master Plan Technical Committee; and finally a motion to appoint a Councillor to the Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw and Design Master Plan Steering Committee..
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Council awarded the contract for development of the Land Use Bylaw, Municipal Development Plan and Flood Resiliency Design Master Plan for the Town of Drumheller to 02 Planning and Design effective March 25, 2020, to December 31, 2020.
Durnie noted the number of interested parties declined to submit a proposal in light of COVID 19. O2 Planning and Design did submit a bid, however, it was over the allocated budget. Administration recommended awarding the contract to O2 Planning and Design and work on negotiating a better deal.
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Durnie addressed some concerns about playground safety due to COVID -19. He explains a number of playgrounds in communities are closed. He says they are being wiped down to establish a benchmark of cleanliness in the community. The discussion will continue as to when and whether playgrounds will be closed in the community.
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Council approved the deferral of utility payments for a period of 90 days with the potential of further concessions, and direct administration to work with account holders to develop an appropriate payment schedule, to coincide with the provincial program.
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Council approved the implementation of the short term property tax pre authorized payment plan relief for qualifying ratepayers until June 1, 2020, and that the town of Drumheller will work with those ratepayers to develop an appropriate payment schedule.

Council Overview
Information from Drumheller Town
Council Regular Council Meeting
Monday, March 16, 2020

Mayor Heather Colberg moved directly to a request for decision for the COVID-19 Response. Council approved the Drumheller Emergency Management Agency’s recommendations. These include:
• That Darwin Durnie be appointed as Incident Commander and Director of EmergencyManagement;
• All staff be placed on standby effective March 17 until April 30 and will be paid accordingly. In addition, that council authorizes any required overtime for out of scope staff and additional per diems for councillors as required;
• The Drumheller Fire Chief initiate a standby roster for fire and medical response, with members compensated at the Local 135 standby rate;
• Preparation and implementation of plans to react in accordance with the national and provincial guidelines; secure material and equipment for 30 days;
• Ensure essential service pandemic protocols are in immediate effect;
• And authorize the transfer of $500,000 from the operating contingency reserve accounts to fund the COVID-19 Response.
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Mayor Heather Colberg attended the Change of Command Ceremony at the Drumheller Institution. After six years, Darcy Emann relinquished command to Tracey Farmer as Warden of the Drumheller Institution.
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The Town of Drumheller is marking March 21 at the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
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Council awarded the contract for the provision of assessment services from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2025, to Wild Rose Assessment Services and appointed Rod Viske as designated assessor for the Town of Drumheller. The price of the contract is $464,418.
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Council Authorizes the Drumheller and District Seniors Foundation to borrow funds to a maximum of $6 million for the purpose of renovations to Sunshine Lodge as proposed. While the Drumheller and District Foundation is not requesting funding from stakeholders, they do require a motion of council supporting the borrowing of funds.
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Council adopted the Criminal record Check Policy C-04-20 and amended the Service Fee Schedule to set fees for criminal record checks at $40 for employment and other purposes and $0 for the volunteer sector.
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Council went in-camera to discuss its branding.
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Council returned to the regular meeting and passed a motion to adopt the new town logo designs as presented by the Branding Committee and direct administration to proceed with a soft launch when ready.
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Council held a Public Hearing for its Intermunicipal Development plans with Wheatland County, Kneehill County, and Special Areas. There were no written submissions and no one attending to speak on the matter.
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Council returned to its regular meeting.
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Council passed second and third readings of Bylaw 03-20, the Town of Drumheller - Wheatland County Intermunicipal Development plan.
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Council passed second and third readings of Bylaw 04-20, the Town of Drumheller - Kneehill County Intermunicipal Development plan.
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Council passed second and third readings of Bylaw 05-20, the Town of Drumheller - Special Areas Intermunicipal Development plan.
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Council passed second and third readings of Bylaw 07-20, the Town of Drumheller - Starland. County Intermunicipal Development plan.
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The above bylaws are to provide guidance and sharing of information among the municipalities that share borders as mandated by Municipal Affairs.