The candidates for the upcoming Town of Churchbridge election called the public forum to order at 7 P.M. on Wednesday, October 16th. The meeting was attended by potential candidates Tracy Swererda, Kat King, James Zelmer, Jocelyn Griffin, Terissa James and Kyle VanCaeseele. 35 residents were in attendance at the meet and greet event.
Tracy Swererda introduced herself first as a finance manager hired by the Town of Esterhazy. She stressed the importance of knowledge being power. She spoke about youth advocacy and about some of what she has brought to the council table over her previous term. Her goals for the upcoming term include ensuring tax dollars are spent efficiently, long term planning with sufficient reserves, a strong relationship with the R.M. of Churchbridge, a respectful council environment and supporting local growth.
Kyle VanCaeseele introduced himself next as a long-term resident. Having seen lots of ups-and-downs in the town over the years, he wants to step in to help the town. He wants to bring more people to town and more business.
James Zelmer was with the council over the last term after filling an open position. He mentioned he is comfortable with the council position now and spoke about his help supporting seniors and focusing on the town hall maintenance. He noticed the tremendous amount of volunteer work that is ongoing in Churchbridge. James encouraged residents, and seniors especially, to engage in volunteerism.
Terissa James spoke about her platform, giving a pamphlet to attendees to take home. Terissa mentioned she was on council over the last term and is engaged in volunteerism. There are things the town is missing, such as a long-term plan for the town and they need to be focused on. Strengthen relationship with the R.M. Of Churchbridge, drainage plans, Emergency Measures Organization (EMO). She wants to bring the voice of residents to the town council and engage those living in town as well as the youth, aiming to keep taxes low and fix infrastructure.
Jocelyn Griffin grew up in Churchbridge and moved back to town in 2013. She attended many council meetings as a concerned citizen and believes spending in Churchbridge is out of control. She mentioned the high tax rate which is hindering new residents from moving to town and causing locals to move away. She mentioned transforming the town to a place people would want to move to. Drainage was another issue she spoke on, mentioning her interest in developing an efficient plan to move water that is hurting locals. Her priority is to get spending under control.
Kat King is running for mayor. Kat has a background in construction, security and art, and understands water flow. She is making infrastructure a pillar of her platform and aims to cut unnecessary spending. There will be no contracts made that cannot be guaranteed by the contracted company awarded a tender. She moved to Churchbridge in 2010 and is a frequent attendee to the municipal council meetings.
Public Questions
Questions were asked regarding public works staff and the lack of communication between council members and residents. Residents are unaware of important topics such as chlorination of the water system and the town’s lift station lack of capacity. The potential electees reminded the group that any concerns or questions must be brought through the town office and recorded so council can discuss them.
Kat King mentioned she would be in favour of reviewing old bylaws that need updating if she is elected as mayor.
Questions were asked about snow removal. Terissa James mentioned having a snow preparation meeting prior to this year’s snowfall. This meeting was initially scheduled for September but will now occur in October.
The process about communication and filing complaints was discussed for the next twenty minutes. Drainage issues in town were addressed as residents are concerned for this upcoming winter’s snowfall and the following spring’s melt. The concern of residents still having their sump pumps connected to the town’s lift station was discussed as this is a big issue.
Current councillor R.Thies offered his assistance if the new council has any questions about projects previous councils have engaged in.
The town’s transfer site was the next topic. A public plan, better signage, expanding the area so residents can turn around easier and being open more often were listed as potential routes to help the transfer site.
The potential council members who spoke mentioned they are in favour of maintaining the current practice of a public forum at the end of each council meeting.
One resident mentioned the idea of having a yearly maintenance schedule to help with cleaning ditches so they are not blocked as much or missed altogether.
It was stressed that maintaining a relationship with the R.M. of will need to be a priority.
The last meeting of the current council will be held on Monday, October 21st. The municipal election date is November 13th. Advanced voting will take place in Churchbridge on November 7th.