The following are brief highlights of the City of Wetaskiwin June 2 meeting. For more detailed information contact Frank Coutney, CAO (780) 361-6223.
Former SDAB member
Council will be recognizing Ms. Senio with a plaque at a future date to thank her for the five year contribution she made to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.
Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program funding
On May 26 administration sent a letter to various community groups and organizations throughout the county advising them of the grant opportunity available through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program and encouraging them to apply online.
Council accepted: Priority Application 1 - Arena ice slab floor with a total county contribution of $500,000 (Major Priority). Priority Application 2 - Roof construction at the Winfield Agriplex, drainage project, low emission ceiling, osmosis machine with a total county contribution of $152,684.30.
Priority Application 3 - County of Wetaskiwin Parks Revitalization Project with a total county contribution of $95,000.
Amended Church Manse By-law for 2015
At the May 12 council meeting council authorized the cancellation of the municipal portion of the property taxes for church manses for 2015. Due to an administrative error, By-law 2015/31 did not show the correct 2015 levy and the 2015 balance owing after the municipal tax levy adjustment. The total municipal tax levy is 3,053.32.
Road Closure - Esben Larsen
Council denied the request received from Esben Larsen for the closure of the road allowance adjacent to the east boundary of NE 26-47-26-W4M with exception of the most northerly 15 metres and the west boundary of Plan 0621902, Block 1, Lot 1 - SW 25-47-26-W4M (south of SH 616 on Rge Rd 261 to Twp Rd 474) due to public opposition.
Municipal Affairs - Grant funding ice and water rescue
On April 14 council was provided with the response received from Brad Pickering, Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs, dated April 1 stating, “due to decreased resource revenue creating conditions that require the Province to be prudent with expenditures and diligently demonstrate fiscal restraint, the County's application submitted to the Intermunicipal Collaboration component under the ACP was declined for the Ice and Water Rescue for the applied amount of $128,668.00”.
A second letter of response was received from Deputy Minister Brad Pickering advising that the ACP program received an unprecedented number of applications in the 2014/15 program year. As a result of the popularity of the ACP program and due to the reduced program budget for 2015/16, ACP is under review to ensure it continues to meet the needs of municipalities. He stated the feedback provided from the county will be under consideration as they move forward with the evaluation process and eligibility criteria.
Council accepted the response from Deputy Minister Pickering as information
As per council's resolution of April 14, administration is investigating alternative
funding sources. The county has received verbal commitments from the summer villages as well as potential funding from service groups. Revised quotes are being obtained for equipment and training.
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Subdivision and Development Appeal Board members
Council appointed Chris Daniels as a member for the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board effective immediately to December 31 and with an addition of a three year term effective January 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2018.
Daniels is a retired police officer and has expertise as an insurance executive in customer relations and conflict resolution. Daniels is active in the Wizard Lake Area Structure Plan (Leduc County), has a keen interest in the planning process under the Municipal Government Act and ther county's Land Use Bylaw and is aware that both plans affect the county's strategic direction and individuals planning and development activities to ensure sustainable and responsible growth and development.
Land purchase by-law
Historically, council approved a by-law for ease of tracking where land was purchased for road widening, bridge installations, easements, right-of ways and the project it pertained to. All purchases during the 2014 fiscal year were presented to council and had received prior approval. Council approved the by-law to enable ease of tracking where land was purchased for road widening, bridge installations, easements and right-of ways and which project it pertained to during the 2014 fiscal year.
Dust Control - Request from Adam and Laura Schwengler
On May 18 Councilor L. Seely received an e-mail from Adam and Laura Schwengler requesting dust control on Range Road 75 north of Township 470. The Schwengler's stated that the traffic past their residence at 470052 RGE RD 75 is the same traffic that travels past residents living south of them whom the county provides dust control for as per Section 13 of the Dust Capping Policy 3201. Council approved: Each resident along RR 7-5 between TWP 460 and TWP 471 shall receive 300 feet of dustcapping, provided at no charge with the funds to come from the Division 7 Clearwater Operating Reserve, effective June 2, 2015. (Resolution # PW20140715.1010).
Manluk Industries - Promotion of County
On May 14 a letter was received from Frank Luebke, Manluk Industries advising that on behalf of the Manluk Maniaks Racing Team, they will voluntarily promote the County of Wetaskiwin throughout the province by placing the county logo on their race trailers. Council approved the voluntary promotion but without any financial contributions.