Athabasca County Reeve Doris Splane has decided she will end her five years serving in the position by not allowing her name to stand for a reeve nomination at the county's Oct. 10 organizational meeting.
Splane announced her decision with a letter she presented to county council at its Sept. 11 meeting. In the letter, Splane said she would no longer remain as the reeve "due to life's circumstances" beyond her control, but would remain as a councillor.
She added in an interview she wanted to take a step back to spend more time with her family and her grandchildren.
"It was with mixed emotions that I submitted the letter to council," Splane said. "Over the last five years I've been very privileged and honoured to represent the people of Athabasca as their reeve."
Splane has been selected by her Athabasca County council peers to serve as reeve for the past five years at the annual organizational meetings. She is in the midst of her sixth term on council, having held a seat there for the past 16 years.
In the letter to council, Splane indicated she would be willing to step into the role of deputy reeve if council wishes it.
"I am still willing to serve as deputy reeve and help as much as I can if council sees fit to grant me that privilege," Splane said in the letter.
County council unanimously voted in favour of a motion by Coun. Larry Armfelt to accept the letter as information. Armfelt said while making the motion it comes "with regret."
Splane said her time spent as reeve has been rewarding.
"There have been so many highlights. It's been real exciting. There have been some challenges, there have been rewards. Just seeing the county moving on in such a positive way is rewarding," Splane said. "But that's not me, that's the whole team. I've just been the team leader."
Deputy reeve Warren Griffin said he was a little shocked at the announcement.
"I respect her reasons. I've been very appreciative for the five years she has given council as a reeve, with her leadership," he said.
Griffin said county council continued to support Splane in the position due to the fairness she had in the role.
"She's been fair to members of council and she doesn't pick up sides right off the bat. She tries to foster a positive working environment so the council as a whole works together as a team, which has served us well," Griffin said.
"I believe that we function as a team," Splane said. "And that's what's key."
Future of county council
Splane said stepping back from the reeve position will involve participating in fewer functions. She added she is not sure what will happen in terms of the committees she serves on after the Oct. 10 organizational meeting.
"I don't have a lot of committee meetings at this point or committee functions. Council had freed me up because of the other commitments I required," Splane said, adding she might step into committees vacated by other councillors.
Griffin said council will decide on who will step into the reeve position in time.
"Council will make a decision on who they feel as a whole best fits the position, just like any other position with the county in terms of committee appointments," he said.
Splane said she hopes the council can continue to work as a team going forward.
"We are at the destiny of life and the time has come for me to step back," Splane said in her letter to council. "Thanks for supporting me through the years and may we continue to function as a team serving well in our position governing Athabasca County."
