Council Notes - December 3, 2024
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Council Notes - December 3, 2024
Elections Bylaw. Council has passed an Elections Bylaw. The Bylaw outlines legislative requirements governing municipal elections, as well as establishes clear rules and guidelines for the administration of elections. The full Bylaw will be available at www.edson.ca/election2025 in the coming days.
Homelessness Response. Arising from a Notice of Motion, Mayor Zahara put forward several motions as a follow-up to the RCMP Homelessness Town Hall Meeting.
- That Council make a formal request to the Edson RCMP to conduct foot and vehicle patrols in collaboration with Town of Edson Peace Officers in areas of concern for vagrancy, such as the commercial district, during the day and during business closing times, to enhance public safety.
- That Council authorize the Mayor to send a letter on behalf of concerned businesses and Council outlining the overall themes during the recent Homelessness Town Hall and requesting the MLA, MP, Minister of Public Safety, Minister of Social Services and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions attend a Town Hall with Edson business owners to discuss these concerns.
- That Council lobby higher levels of government for enhanced resources in the community to help those seeking mental health and addictions treatment and for more affordable/transitional housing options in the community.
Council recognized the concerns of the business community, and the safety issues presented, as well as the need to continue to work to find a solution that addresses the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness.
Uncollectable Linear Property Taxes. Council has authorized Administration to expense the 2024 Uncollectable Linear Property Taxes as bad debt in the amount of $6,128.79. Through the Provincial Education Requisition Credit and Designated Industrial Requisition Credit Program, the Town will be able to apply for a credit of $426.55.
Compost Bins in Town Parks. Council had requested that Administration explore the option of placing compost bins in Town Parks. Administration presented the research and recommended not to proceed with the program due to costs and logistics. Council accepted the report as information.
Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) Update. With the recent announcement of upcoming new ATE regulations by the Provincial Government, The Town of Edson has moved forward with the cancellation of the ATE program in our community. Traffic safety remains a Town priority, and all efforts are being made to find capacity to maintain proactive policing and patrols of the community, especially in school zones and along the highway.
In an effort to help educate motorists to slow down, Council has directed that a letter be sent to the Province requesting permission to install permanent speed indicator signs at both entrances to the community, as well as the east-bound lane of the overpass. Current regulations only allow for the signs to be temporary.
Next meetings—A Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for December 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in Council Chambers.
Agenda/Information package HERE
App users view the video HERE