Bentley Town Council Makes Key Decisions on Election, Joins Mayor's Caucus
The Bentley Town Council convened on April 8th, 2025, at 6:30 PM, to address several key items impacting the town. Mayor Greg Rathjen called the meeting to order, beginning with an Indigenous Acknowledgement.
Municipal Election Preparations Underway
The council took decisive action to prepare for the 2025 General Municipal Election. HelenAnne Homenuk was appointed as the Returning Officer, with Marc Fortais named as the Substitute Returning Officer. An advance vote was scheduled for October 16, 2025, between 4 PM and 8 PM. Special ballots will be available by request in person only between September 15 and September 30, 2025, requiring a scheduled meeting with the returning officer. Both the advance vote and the General Municipal Election will take place at the Senior's Drop-in, located at the Town of Bentley Municipal Office.
Town Joins Mid-Sized Town's Mayor's Caucus
After a discussion regarding the benefits, the council voted to join the Mid-Sized Town's Mayor's Caucus. Councillor Valiquette moved that the Town of Bentley join the Caucus and pay the associated membership fee. Mayor Rathjen was appointed as the primary representative, with the Deputy Mayor serving as the alternate. The motion included a provision that any representative attending on behalf of the Mayor and Council will be compensated according to the approved rates for meeting attendance.
Some concerns were raised about the transparency of the caucus meetings, which are currently held in camera. However, the council ultimately decided that the benefits of participation outweighed these concerns. It was stated that the caucus would benefit mid-sized towns and provide a forum for lobbying discussions amongst the Town’s to lobby the Provincial and Federal levels of government.
Other Business
The council also reviewed and accepted the prepaid cheque listing (Cheques No. 20250152 to 20250180) for information. Correspondence from Lacombe County Council and information regarding the delayed opening of Aspen Beach Provincial Park were also received and accepted. Council reports were provided by Mayor Rathjen, Deputy Mayor Grimsdale, Councillor Valiquette, Councillor Hansen, and Councillor Eastman.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 PM.