Council Notes - June 7th, 2022
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Council Notes - June 7th, 2022
STARS. Glenda Farnden and Jon Gogan of Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) presented council with information on their program, fundraising efforts, future plans, and new helicopters joining the fleet this year. Locally, since 2017, there’s been nearly 200 missions flown in the Edson, Hinton, and Yellowhead County area. The Town of Edson currently supports STARS yearly by providing $2/capita to the group, approximately $16, 800 per year. A request has been made to make that a fixed rate of $17,500/year with a standing motion. Council will consider the request at budget time.
RCMP Annual Workplan. Staff Sergeant Christian Delisle presented his annual workplan to Council with 3 main priorities for the next year which include police visibility and community relations, crime reduction with a focus on theft, and member training.
Library Funding Request. Council has directed Administration to prepare a letter of support to conditionally approve up to $1,000,000 for the Library Renovation and Expansion project. The support is contingent on the library attaining additional grants and sponsorship, which will reduce the Town’s contributions.
School and Playground Zone Harmonization Update. An update was given regarding the plan to harmonize school and playground zones over the summer this year. Some adjustments have been made to the proposed zones following some consultation with the RCMP, public, schools, and other stakeholder. Under the bylaw passed at the January 11th, 2022, Council Meeting, the new harmonized zones would have a speed limit of 30 km/h between the hours of 7:30am and 9pm daily. It’s anticipated the changes will take place prior to the new school year. For more information, visit www.edson.ca/zones.
Assessment Review Board. Council has appointed Trisha Papke as the Designated Clerk for the West Yellowhead Regional Assessment Review Board effective immediately through to April 30th, 2022. Paul Butler has been appointed as the Designated Chair of the board for the same term.
Local Government Fiscal Framework. Council reviewed and provided feedback on survey responses regarding the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF). The LGFF creates a new framework for capital infrastructure grants, which replaces the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) in 2024/2025, as well as the Basic Municipal Transportation Grant.
Authorizing Intervention – Industrial Assessment Complaints. Authorization has been approved by Council for the Town of Edson to become an intervenor before the Land and Property Rights Tribunal in relation to the 2022 assessment complaint commenced by Weyerhaeuser. Assessments for designated industrial properties in Alberta are now administered by the provincial assessor. By becoming an intervenor, the Town of Edson will ensure representation in the appeal process if required.
Power + Initiative. Administration has been directed by Council to participate in the Alberta Municipalities Power+ Buying Group Contract for the procurement of electricity for the term of January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2033. Power+ is the next evolution of Alberta Municipalities’ Energy Program, which was launched in 2001 and aimed to provide a cost-effective supply of aggregated energy, including natural gas, electricity, and optional green power. Some benefits include eliminating intermediary charges, having longer contracts, and locking in rates long-term.
Next meetings - The next Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for June 14th, 2022, at 7:00 pm. The next Council meeting is scheduled for June 21st, 2022, at 7:00 pm.
Agenda/Information package HERE
App users view the video HERE