MD Council appoints interim Reeve

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Council for the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 received Rod Zielinski's official resignation during their meeting held August 7.  Zielinski was the Councillor for Division 3, and was also the Council's Reeve.  His resignation necessitated the appointment of a new Reeve by Council.

To that end, MD Council held a special meeting after their regular meeting.  Councillors Bjorn Berg, Helen Cyr, Rodney Cyr, and Terry Yagos were present, as was Director of Operations Leo Reedyk, Development Officer Assistant Tara Cryderman, and CAO Wendy Kay.  Kay presided over the process.

Councillor Bjorn Berg let his name stand, and Councillor Helen Cyr nominated Deputy Reeve Terry Yagos for the position.  A hidden-vote ballot was taken, resulting in a tie.  Legal council was consulted, and according to CAO Kay suggested council either take another vote or agree to appoint Yagos as Reeve until a new councillor is elected for Division 3, due to Yagos' position as Deputy Reeve.

Council was divided on this issue, sending it to another vote, which also resulted in a tie.

Councillor Berg suggested Yagos could continue on as Deputy Reeve until a new councillor was elected.  "I need a Reeve," said CAO Kay.

MD of Pincher Creek No. 9
Reeve Terry Yagos and Deputy Reeve Bjorn Berg
C. Davis photo

Councillor Helen Cyr made a motion that Yagos "step up" to the Reeve position until the election of a new Division 3 councillor, expected to occur sometime in October.  That motion carried unanimously.  Councillor Berg then said he would let his name stand for Deputy Reeve, almost simultaneously with Councillor Helen Cyr nominating him for the position.  That motion also passed unanimously.

Therefore, until such time as a by-election can be held, which is expected in October, Terry Yagos is Reeve and Bjorn Berg is Deputy Reeve for the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 Council.

Deputy Reeve Berg then asserted that Zielinski's place as alternate on the Emergency Services and Emergency Management boards needed to be filled with a "strong voice" from Council.  With no one else stepping forward, Reeve Yagos agreed to assume the responsibilities.

Related story:
MD Reeve Rod Zielinski announces his resignation