Aug 19 Council returned for their last meeting of the summer Aug 19 with all five members of council attending: Mayor Patricia Matthews, Deputy Mayor Kelsey Johnson, Councilor Heather Davies, Councilor Stu Hutchinson and Councilor Christopher Steeves.
THE LONG
APPOINTMENTS
Perhaps it was the upcoming waxing moon, but it was an energetic and eventful night, starting off with a visit from Strathmore’s Mayor Steve Grajcyk paying tribute to the Chestermere United Soccer Team over their recent win. Grajcyk who sported an “I love Chestermere” t-shirt came with his entourage of Town Criers and before he left challenged Mayor Matthews to Run with the Bulls. Grajcyk said, “While I run inside, she’ll be outside.”
The YELL youth group gave an update on their past and ongoing projects. Their summer interns are almost finished for their term and new youth leaders are needed for the fall. A video contest will be started in September with the theme “SYNERGY in 7 Seconds”. This launch will happen during the September Art Days. A Central Resource Guide for Youth (brochure) will be made to promote the group and will be available online as well.
BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES
Council continued with the business of the day. Councilor Steeves brought up the fact that the CNR crossing by the canal was supposed to be fixed this summer and still hasn’t been touched. He mentioned that the other two crossings in town are in need of repair as well. The town is to investigate.
The light intensity of the new business park in Rainbow Falls was addressed said Councilor Davies.
ACTIONS/DECISIONS
A transfer of funds to Recreational Reserve in the amount of $124,000 was made due to the Westpark Drive closure and purchases of homes. This fund will continue to enhance the town’s vision in becoming a recreational oasis.
Chestermere Utilities Incorporated (CUI) asked for an agreement for Capital Project and Funding from the town to hold funds for infrastructure. They were also looking for a 20 year Franchise Agreement which would give them the authority to how and where services would be used. This follows a standard practice set up by other suppliers such as Fortis and ATCO. When asked why this was beneficial for the town, Ray MacIntosh, COO said that the exclusivity would prevent other companies coming in which would give the municipality more coordination and control.
Sandy Johal, Controller for the town provided the Statement of Operations. It was standard except for a one time payment to the County of Rockyview for reimbursement of taxes due to annexation.
The Mountain Bike Park Committee made a request for additional revenue in the amount of 109,000 from the Town’s Recreation Reserve, with the hopes that phasing would not be necessary and completion can happen in the fall, weather permitting. There was still some outstanding grant money available.
Patti Sproule, Director of Community Services requested that amounts of approximately $123,000 in the General Operating Reserve which originated from grants be transferred to the Community Services Reserve to support existing program funding.
Bylaw 21-13 was addressed which addresses the change of Land Use in Westmere’s Phase 7, the last phase to be completed. This phase will change from the original land use designation of higher density duplexes and townhouses to single family dwellings and will include a park with berms to be used for a toboggan hill. Residents in opposition were not concerned with the above changes but other personal concerns that council rerouted to the developers.
It was recommended that a committee be formed to oversee the audit policy that would be responsible for setting standards, hiring of auditors and enforcing general rules.
BYLAWS
A third reading was passed in changing Land Use in the Rainbow Falls Business Park/Light industrial to Direct Control.
A first reading was heard in regards to a Fortis Alberta Franchise Agreement.
The Rainbow Road tie in to Chestermere Boulevard was given first reading. Melcor agreed to front load construction costs with a 0% loan to the town which would be paid back over a 4 year period through offset levies. It was emphasized that this would be accomplished with no cost to the taxpayer and that it should commence immediately.
It was also noted that all only new development would have to pay offset levies. Town Manager Randy said that there are presently $3.2 million dollars in offset levies.
A question was raised about extending Rainbow Road north to the Number 1 highway. As a major intersection is to be built by the province possibly within 10 years nothing will come about before then.
CORRESPONDENCE and INFORMATION
The ongoing neglect of the school yard at St. Gabriels the Archangel was noted and could be enforced through the noxious weed act.
A car wash will be held by the 2013 Grad Class for the High River Grads who had to postpone their own
REPORTS
The Town’s Enterprise Facilitator Marilyn MacArthur gave an update on recent activities. A Small Business Networking Business Breakfast will be held at The Point Restaurant October 16 featuring guest speakers from the business community.
THE SHORT
HIGHLIGHTS OF AUG 19 COUNCIL MEETING
Westmere’s last phase changed to single family homes from duplexes and townhouses and will include a small year round use park with toboggan hill.
CUI to secure 20 year exclusive franchise with town
CNR tracks still in need of repair as promised by CNR
Bike Park receive funding for completion by late fall, weather depending
Community Services able to keep present program funding through transfer of existing grant funds.
Audit Committee to be hired to oversee audit policy
Rainbow Falls Business Park/Light Industrial Site changed to Direct Control, lighting intensity addressed
Rainbow Road Tie in at Chestermere Boulevard moves forward to be completed by the end of 2013 with NO COSTS TO TAXPAYERS
St Gabriel the Archangel to be contacted to address unsightly grounds
Edgewater Crossing Area Structure Plan reading was removed last minute for consideration to be given to owners of the land.
Grad 2013 holds car wash for fellow High River Grad Class
Small Business Networking Breakfast to be hosted at The Point Restaurant October 16 with Guest Speakers from the business community.
