Council Notes From All Over

WETASKIWIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Barry McDonald

Noise Abatement By-law
    The County of Wetaskiwin presently has two By-laws Number 96/54 and Number 02/16 which refer to preventing and compelling the abatement of noise and nuisances in urban residential, country residential, restricted country residential and lakeshore residential districts within the County. By-law 96/54 is the general Noise Abatement By-law, and By-law 02/16 is an amendment to By-law 96/54 which exempts agriculture operations as defined under the Agricultural Operations Practices Act. Council approved a new By-law that combines these two by-laws into one including all districts within the County as well as continuing to exempt generally accepted agricultural practices.
Nuisance and Unsightly Premises By-law
    In 1976, the County passed the Nuisance and Unsightly Premises By-law #76/36. As the County grows and more subdivisions are being developed, the calls to Planning & Development, By-law Services, Protective Services and Administration from County residents have grown. The complaints concern the state of maintenance of property and nuisance, dangerous and unsightly premises within the County of Wetaskiwin.
    Council approved a By-law outlining what is acceptable for County residents as well as providing Council and Administration options when complaints are received from the public. This By-law also outlines the definitions, complaint process, general prohibitions, enforcement options available to Council and Administration, as well as specified penalties should enforcement be required, and acts as another tool along with the Municipal Government Act. This By-law allows for expediting enforcement should the need arise.
Central Community Hall - Funding Review
    The Central Community Hall which is located in Recreation Zone 1, received $6000.00 in recreational funding from the County of Wetaskiwin to assist with the drilling of a new water well. However, the Community hall found that with the extensive repairs and upgrades to the hall in 2010-2011, (roof repair, wheelchair ramp, playground, steps, landing and concrete pad, P.A. system and bar) that they did not have sufficient funds to complete and pay for the well in 2012 and has since delayed the project until the spring of 2013.
    Council approved the Central Community Hall to carry over the 2012 Recreational funding to 2013 with the understanding that all funds must be used specifically for the drilling of a new water well project.
Health & Safety Terms of Reference
    Council approved minor amendments to the Health & Safety Terms of Reference Changes to be made to the Health & Safety Terms of Reference with the removal of the Tri-County Health & Safety Officer from the membership of the Health & Safety Committee as a result of the County of Wetaskiwin opting out of the Tri-County health & Safety Municipal Agreement as of January 
Land Purchase By-law
    Council approved a by-law for ease of tracking where land was purchased for road widening, bridge installations, easements and right-of ways and what project it pertained during the 2012 fiscal year. All purchases were presented to Council and received prior approval during the 2012 fiscal year.  
2013 Minister's Seniors Service Awards - Call for Nominations
    On January 18th, 2013 a letter was received from Denine Ritchie, Senior Services and Continuing Care Division, Alberta Health calling for nominations for the 2013 Minister's Seniors Service Awards. The Minister's Seniors Service Awards is a program designed to help recognize individuals and organizations who volunteer to assist Alberta's seniors. Award recipients will be invited to a special recognition ceremony in June as part of celebrations for Seniors’ Week 2013.
    Council nominated a volunteer Judy Goodkey for the "2013 Minister's Seniors Service Awards"  
Ladies Auxiliary Dinner & Comedy Gala - Sponsorship
    Cindy Ekkel, Wetaskiwin Legion Ladies Auxiliary notified the County of their upcoming Gala event being hosted on February 2, 2013. The Auxiliary “would like to invite the County of Wetaskiwin to sponsor/purchase a table at the event”. The "Councillor Attendance at Conferences/Meetings Policy #1105" is not applicable to cover the cost of such an event. Council accepted the sponsorship request and invitation as information
2013 R.H. Hume Curling Bonspiel
    The R.H. Hume Curling Bonspiel is hosted every year by a different municipality. Council approved hosting the 2013 Annual R.H. Hume Bonspiel in the Wetaskiwin Curling rink on March 1, 2013.  

WETASKIWIN CITY COUNCIL

Barry McDonald

Structural Steel Issues
    This correspondence is to update the City of Wetaskiwin on some recent issues PCL encountered during construction of the Wetaskiwin Regional Aquatic Facility.  Some of the structural steel recently erected on site conflicted with the quality requirements defined within the project specifications.  As a result of ongoing quality and schedule issues related to the structural steel subcontract, PCL has chosen to terminate the structural steel subcontract and remove the non-conforming structural steel from site.  PCL has since engaged a new steel contractor and refabrication is underway.  All costs associated with the repair and refabrication of the non-conforming steel will be borne by PCL.  PCL’s objective is to provide a safe, functional, and quality building that the City of Wetaskiwin can be proud of and believes this process will significantly benefit the project.   
Disposal of Surplus Property.
    At the Feb 27, 2012 Regular Council Meeting, Council directed Administration to form a committee to investigate the options for funding and retrofitting a surplus fire pumper for use at community functions.  A committee comprised of Council members, city staff, and fire department members met several times to develop a plan to retrofit the fire truck. The cost for retrofitting was $30,000.00 and did not include any annual operational costs. The project was deemed not feasible or sustainable.  
Ashoro Japan
    I would like to inform you that the current Coordinator of International Relations Mr. Ian Ruskowsky graciously signed to stay for the term of September 2013 to August 2014.
    We want to send our sincere gratitude for your coming to Ashoro this past fall. Your attendance at the Hokkaido Sister City Conference was greatly appreciated and really solidified your standing commitment to the Sister City Program. We are excited for the next Wetaskiwin delegation to arrive this spring and for everything that is to come for the future of the program. 
 Katsuhiko Akutsu, Mayor of Ashoro
Alberta Sport Recreation and Parks and Wildlife Foundation
     I am pleased to announce support to the Peace Hills Park in the amount of $8000 as awarded by Alberta Sport Recreation and Parks and Wildlife Foundation for the 2012 Municipal Recreation Tourism areas annual operating grant. You are required to account for this funding in your audited financial statement which you are to provide within the next 12 months.
Lloyd Bentz, General Manager

TOWN OF MILLET COUNCIL
Lorna Lowe

    Council was called to order at 6:00 pm with Councillor Wadsworth absent.
    There were five additions to the agenda (three in camera items) and no public presentations. 
Leaders Of Tomorrow:             The Leaders of Tomorrow requested the presence of a Millet Councillor at their January kick off event so Councillor Buchaski offered his time to represent the Town for this important initiative. 
Town Of Millet Strategic Plan: 
    Millet Council adopted their Strategic Plan for 2013 which includes completing an Investment Attraction Plan for the Town, as well as an Intermunicipal Development Plan with the County of Wetaskiwin. The Strategic Plan also sets out goals for creating a recreational/cultural master plan and entering into a long term cost share agreement with the County of Wetaskiwin. One major issue that is listed in the plan is to review the storm water drainage problems within the Town.
Sanding Truck Purchase:         A purchasing proposal for a new sanding truck was placed before Council by the Public Works Department. The cost of the truck could be covered by applying for an MSI Grant but if the grant is denied the cost could be covered by the Capital Equipment Replacement Reserve. Councillor Buchaski motioned for the approval of spending up to $90,000.00 for the purchase of a new sanding truck and Council passed the motion.
Additional Item - Library Board Appointments:             Council unanimously approved the appointments of Bob Maynard and Nic Heggerud onto the Millet Public Library Board for a term of three years.
    Council was adjourned at 6:07 pm to go in camera.  

CITY OF LEDUC COUNCIL

Lorna Lowe

    Council was called to order at 7:04 pm with Mayor Krischke and Councillor Mishio absent. Councillor Young chaired the meeting in the Mayor's absence. 
    There were no additions to the agenda and no public presentations.
Leduc Achievement Award: 
    A Leduc Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Bob Thompson for his 25 years of hard work and dedication with the Leduc & District Minor Football Association. In 1987 Bob and two other gentlemen formed the LDMFA and Bob stayed with the Assoc. as a coach until last year when he retired at age 61. Bob is also credited with giving a start to more than one CFL player.
    Upon receiving his medal Bob thanked Council and said that it had been a happy 25 years that he had been involved with the LDMFA.

City Councillors Terry Lazowski (left) and Bob Young (right) presented Bob Thompson (center) with a Leduc Achievement Award for his 25 years of dedication and hard work with the Leduc & District Minor Football Association

EDA Membership: 
    With the changes that are occurring at the Leduc-Nisku Economic Development Association City Administration was asking Council for direction regarding the City's membership with the group. The EDA is in the process of becoming a not-for-profit organization and has also recently accepted the resignation of it's Executive Director Gail Scott.
    Councillor Smith, who is on the board, commented that the new board has a very different look and feel to it and will continue to move forward.
    Councillor MacKenzie stated that his personal opinion is that he disagrees with the structure of the EDA and could not support it.
    Councillor Smith motioned for Council to take out membership with the LNEDA once the Society status is finalized. The motion was carried with Councillor MacKenzie against. 
Potential Sale Of 4428-47 Street: 
    Council had received a previous offer on this property which had failed due to financing issues. The property was listed at $359,900.00 and the most recent offer that came in was for $323,000.00. It was pointed out that with this offer the realtor has waived their fees to the City which would give the City an additional $6,500.00, plus there was a large cash deposit made with the offer.
    Councillor Finstad motioned for acceptance of the offer and Council unanimously agreed.
Public Commentary: 
    At the end of the meeting Mr. Bob Thompson took the opportunity to speak to Council and offered them congratulations on obtaining the Sawridge lands. He said "I know this has been in the works since about 1999 and this is one of the most specific things we've done to enhance our parks and lands. It's truly the jewel in our crown."
    Council was adjourned at 7:46 pm with no in camera items. 

LEDUC COUNTY COUNCIL

Lorna Lowe

    Council was called to order at 1:33 pm with all Councillors present.
    There was one addition to the agenda and no public presentations.
Pigeon Lake Door To Door Garbage Pick Up: 
        In negotiations that have been ongoing since October 2012 between Pigeon Lake residents and Leduc County, Councillor Mackay provided a notice of motion at the January 8th Council meeting that at the January 22nd Council meeting she would requesting to rescind Motion #489-12 relating to the Pigeon Lake door to door garbage pick up because this motion stated that garbage pick up would cease at the end of December, yet as of January it was still continuing. By Council rescinding this motion it would also allow negotiations to continue between the County and residents.
    Historically residents had the cost of their door to door service included in their yearly taxes but with the increase of service costs to the County they were now being broken out and charged separately. If an agreement could not be reached the County informed residents that their door to door garbage service would cease as of December 31, 2012, but due to ongoing negotiations and a decision made in Public Works the service was extended until January 31, 2013. 
    The motion to rescind motion #489-12 was defeated with Councillors Whaley, Mackay and Harrison voting in favour. Councillor Harrison was disappointed in the outcome of the vote and instructed administration to keep all the paperwork close to hand as she felt this issue might come back again.
Prepayment Of Offsite Levies: 
    A notice of the prepayment option will go out to eligible landowners by mail. The prepayment date cut off will be February 28, 2013 with payment in full needing to be received by March 15, 2013.
City Of Leduc ASP: 
    Director of Planning and Development for the County, Phil Newman, requested a deferral from Council on this issue until negotiations between the County and City of Leduc have been completed. It was proposed to bring this issue back before Council on February 12, 2013. Council carried the motion of deferral with Councillor Mackay voting against. 
    Communal Wastewater Treatment Pilot Project: It was being requested of Council for the County to enter into a contractual agreement with County Lakes Estates Utilities Association for a Communal Wastewater Treatment System Pilot Project.
    Councillor Stumph spoke as to how this would be taking place within his division and he is completely in favour of this project.
    Mayor Whaley also commented on how this project has been in the works for about eight years and it was easily understandable and well laid out.
Council voted unanimously to partner in this pilot project.
    Council was adjourned at 2:24 with no in camera items.