Mayor’s update for February

By Mayor Mary Giuliano

With only 21 months left in this council’s term to accomplish the many goals being established during strategic planning it seems easy enough to state the core values of building and maintaining a well-planned city that balances social, economic and environmental values, ensures financial and human resources are used effectively and efficiently, provide information of activities and operations of the city and involve and engage the community in a meaningful manner.

Finding new and better ways of doing things, demonstrating honesty and sincerity in work and service and being open and transparent in communication to create an informed community with strong leadership  committed to the long- term goals and city’s vision, all the while providing quality service and safety for all citizens takes cooperation and hard work by everyone  involved.

A lot of concerns have been expressed over snow removal. Our workers do a good job with the equipment available. It is difficult to clear the entire town in one day when a snow event happens. Weekends are more difficult as less workers are on duty due to financial constraints and lack of manpower. Making changes to allow for more workers and equipment means increasing the snow removal budget presently at half million dollars. It’s also difficult to do a good job of clearing the streets when vehicles are parked. Please contact the city to find when alternate days are for moving vehicles to the different side of the street for snow clearing.

Information some may not be aware of is that with the small lot subdivision modular homes are a permitted use. These are not single trailers but pre-fabricated homes. There has been a lot of negative comment regarding the small lot subdivision which came about to allow for more affordable housing. Most of the homes built on these small lots are not deemed affordable; however, a modular home would allow for home ownership at a more reasonable price range.

The city owns 30 buildings, some of which are in need of repair; a facilities master plan will be conducted to address these issues.

A week ago I had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Deena Case and Dr. Mike Stuckey and sons Arden and Isaac (all pictured above). This husband and wife team are here for two years working out of the Sparling East Clinic.

People are asking why council meetings are no longer televised. The person doing the filming resigned and as the city doesn’t have the equipment needed until an investment is made into this purchase they will remain untelevised.

This isn’t due to council not wanting this action but to the length of time it takes for the process to make such an action happen. The city has several committees that are working diligently, the OCP, Beautification, Quality of Life, Design Review, Leisure Board Advisory, the Tourism Working group,  are just some of the volunteer persons that put in lots of time to contribute to the betterment and goals of the city. To all of those individuals, many who sit on several of the committees, I want to extend a sincere thank you.

I also want to thank John Gawryluk and Corlyn  Haarstad for their research and presentation to council regarding the cemetery.

As mayor I continue to attend workshops, seminars, meetings and events. I answer all emails and phone calls and do my best to find solutions to concerns but sometimes it is difficult to do so. Regardless, I appreciate all correspondence and want to thank everyone for all comments.

Jim Hendricks is officially the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Fernie. Council extends sincere Congratulations to Jim and thanks him for the many hours of service as acting CAO, deputy clerk and chief financial officer. In Mr. Hendricks new role as CAO, council feels confident goals will be achieved under his capable management.

Article Share