RM of Rosedale Tackles Code of Conduct Issues

This month, the Municipal Council discussed a few issues of compliance with the municipal code of conduct. Code of Conduct training, available online, is mandatory for all municipal Council members, and at their first meeting as a new Council last October, a speaker was brought in to discuss the role of a municipal Council, including code of conduct issues.

First was a question of whether a board member would be able to continue serving on a local board, and if so, what procedure should take place to square that with municipal requirements. As well, they asked for clarification around how they were able to use their ward’s discretionary funds. Another was an observation that all Council members agreed to uphold the Will of Council, the decision of a majority vote, whether they agreed with the decision or not. This was a bit contentious, as there was an incident at the public hearing for the financial plan recently where that bylaw was not followed.

As well, there were several concerns around roads, which is a common topic in a municipality of this geographic size and location. An agriculture-based population means large trucks and machinery using gravel roads to an extent that belies the small population density. Topics this month included transportation of aggregate, repair of and extension of culverts in multiple areas of the municipality, and dust control.

A public hearing was held to bring an existing situation into compliance with current bylaws, which involved reducing the setback required for the existing dwelling. Additionally, it was noted that the existing development agreement was designed more for rural development and not development within village areas, and most of the requirements did not apply so it could be left out of the application.

Due to equipment and operator unavailability, Council invited tenders to mow the roadsides this summer and fall. The cost would be very similar to what they would pay for their own equipment and operator. Ultimately Council decided to table the decision until they were sure they would not be able to use their existing resources.

Also discussed were a water line hook up, third reading of a pair of bylaws, passage of the 2022 audited financial statement, and a need for radio frequency change.

Finally, as this was outgoing CAO Kara Sylvester’s final meeting with the RM of Rosedale, the Reeve and Council took a moment to wish her well on her next adventure.