Sherwood Park Minute: Smeltzer House, Severance Pay, and a Public Satisfaction Survey

Sherwood Park Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Sherwood Park politics

This Week In Sherwood Park:

• There will be a Council Meeting on Tuesday at 2:00 pm. Council will discuss a tartan design for submission to the Scottish Register of Tartans to be properly registered as the official tartan for Strathcona County. Council will also discuss directing Administration to prepare a report on all indoor gymnasium and multi-sport court spaces within County facilities. This report will include an assessment of unmet demand for the spaces, identify areas with the greatest space deficiencies, and explore strategies that could be implemented to address any unmet needs.
  
  
• Strathcona County is inviting residents to complete its annual Public Satisfaction Survey. The survey aims to gather feedback on the quality of life in the county, including services like transit, sewage, cultural opportunities, and municipal communications. Mayor Rod Frank emphasized that the results will guide decision-making and help make the county more livable. In addition to the online survey, a telephone survey will be conducted by an independent contractor. The online survey closes on February 14th, 2025.
  
  
• Smeltzer House is celebrating its 40th anniversary as an arts and culture hub in Strathcona County. Originally built in 1920, the property was purchased by the County in 1977 and opened in 1985 after renovations. Over the years, it has become home to various community groups, such as the Strathcona County Weavers Guild and Strathcona County Potters. The site has also seen growing interest in its glass fusing classes.

Last Week In Sherwood Park:

• A report revealed that Strathcona County spent $1.1 million on severance and termination pay in 2024, which represents 0.61% of the total salary budget. This amount has increased significantly over the past five years, with severance costs rising more than threefold since 2020. Ward 2 Councillor Dave Anderson raised concerns about the growing severance payouts, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in how tax dollars are spent. The County’s budget for salaries and benefits has also steadily increased, reaching $181.7 million in 2024.
  
  
• The Sherwood Park Farmers' Market has returned to its original location at the Strathcona County Community Centre after a brief stint in the Emerald Hills Shopping Centre. Despite the hopes of increased traffic at the shopping centre, both vendors and organizers agreed that foot traffic was better at the Community Centre, and the space was more suited to the market's needs. The market is now back in the hallway outside the Strathcona County Library, running every Wednesday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm for the winter season. The outdoor market will return to the Emerald Hills location in the summer. Additionally, the market has introduced a youth vendor program, offering young entrepreneurs the opportunity to participate for free once a month.
  
  
• Strathcona County Council announced its withdrawal from the Edmonton Metropolitan Regional Board (EMRB). The Province's move to make EMRB membership voluntary, rather than mandatory, has led to expectations that the organization will dissolve, with all 13 municipalities likely to follow Strathcona County's lead.