Flagstaff County looking for Village Foreman

During the Oct. 26 meeting of Flagstaff County, the council reviewed information regarding the creation of a full-time Village Foreman position at the county level to contract to the Villages of Strome and Galahad.

As both municipalities require the position be filled, but neither can afford to do so on a full time basis, and as the county provides Administrative duties for both municipalities, a discussion was started about the possibility of Flagstaff County hiring a person to fill the opening.

The Village of Strome currently contracts Public Work to the Town of Killam, but Killam has given Strome notice of termination as of Dec. 31, citing capacity issues.

Administration explained to County councillors that they felt offering a position with Flagstaff County would be more attractive to potential employees than a part-time job in a small village.

The reasoning was in part, that through provision of this service, Flagstaff County Public Works would become familiar with the day-to-day operations of an urban municipality, should the circumstance arise that any municipality in Flagstaff become a hamlet in future.

Another point for councillor’s consideration was the Regional Water Operators Consortium Project, in which Flagstaff County is a partner.

In the issue summary, administration says, “The additional knowledge a staff member would gain in the water and wastewater field would be a complement to this project.”

The cost of the full time employee would be invoiced to the villages on a cost recovery project basis, with a review after one year.

Council moved to proceed to hire such a person and is actively seeking a qualified person to fill the position as soon as possible.