County of Two Hills Holds Organizational Meeting

 Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

The County of Two Hills held its annual organizational meeting on Oct. 29. It was also the first meeting since the municipal election which included a swearing in ceremony for all members of council.

Murray Phillips was nominated as Reeve by Div. 1 Councillor Don Gulayec. There were no other nominations, so Phillips was declared Reeve and was the first to take the oath of office. Div. 5 Councillor Elroy Yakemchuk nominated Neal Lapaschuk as Deputy Reeve and Div. 2 Councillor Murray Phillips nominated Don Gulayec as Deputy Reeve. Following the results of a secret ballot, Don Gulayec was declared Deputy Reeve and sworn into office.

Council members were appointed to several committees, some of which include: Agricultural Services Board, Eagle Hill Foundation, ACE Water, Regional Waste Management Committee, etc. A new committee, the Regional Fire Services Committee was also formed. The Regional Fire Services Committee includes all members of council as well as fire services coordinator, who will meet with the fire chiefs every three months. Reeve Phillips said they will also invite a council representative from the Village of Myrnam and the Town of Two Hills to be a part of the committee.

Deputy Reeve first suggested the idea of having something “more structured” and to be a “sounding board” as well provide information to individuals with the fire departments. Phillips suggested the formation of the Regional Fire Services Committee and quarterly meetings with all members of council the fire chiefs. Gulayec said he could live with that.

Div. 5 Councillor Elroy Yakemchuk said the biggest thing is communication, and felt this committee would be the best way to improve communication.