Edson Town Council updates

Sept. 20 meeting

Public Hearings. Council held a public hearing for a three separate bylaws.

The first dealt with a potential rezoning of two lots at 4824 17th Avenue from Single Family Residential to Low Density Multi Family Residential. Several residents were on hand opposed to the change, which could potentially open the door to the construction of a duplex on those lots. Some of the objections included parking concerns, land values, and traffic. The builder was also on hand to discuss potential options. A motion was made for second reading of the rezoning bylaw and was defeated.

The other two bylaws were for the rezoning of the current Walmart and Independent Grocers lands from Direct Control to Retail Commercial, falling more in line with the current use of the lands. There were no submissions or objections and Council passed second and third reading of both bylaws.

Land Use. Council gave third reading to Bylaw 2164, redistricting land between Glenwood Drive and Hwy 16 from Urban Reserve to Business Commercial/Light Industrial. The purpose was to give future land owners the confidence that this land will not be required for residential use.

Delegation. Troy Sorensen gave a brief presentation to Council regarding his perceived mishandling of the contract for his company (Alpine Exposure) to continue to use Town owned lands for locating his advertisement benches. He also felt a Request for Proposal (RFP) process at this time would be unfair as his draft contract was made public at a previous Council meeting. He proposed extending his contract to October 2018, at which time a new RFP process could be undertaken. A motion from Council was made to proceed with that plan, but defeated. As such, a Request for Proposal process for advertisement benches on Town property will continue as planned.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Borrowing. Council has given all three readings to Bylaw 2187, approving the borrowing of $10,324,990 from Alberta Capital Finance Authority for the purpose of constructing the Edson Wastewater Treatment Plant. This has been in the works for a number of years following some changes in requirements and regulations set out by the Province of Alberta under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. The total cost of the project is estimated at over $17.5 million, with over $6 million being covered by a Provincial grant.

Canada 150 Celebrations. Council has lent support to the Recreation and Culture Department’s grant application for the Canada 150 celebrations.

Travel and Expense Policies. Council has approved the Council and Staff Travel and Expense Policies as presented.

Meeting Cancellation. Council has cancelled the regularly scheduled Council and Committee of the Whole Meetings for October 4th, 2016 due to the AUMA Conference, October 11th, 2016 due to the AUMA Conference and Thanksgiving Long Weekend, and November 22nd, 2016 due to an Assessment Review Board Hearing scheduled for that day.

AUMA Standing Committee. Approval was given for Councillor Tammy Strang to participate in an AUMA Standing Committee.

ATCO Franchise Fee. As a part of the Franchise Fee Agreement, the Town of Edson must review the rates each year. Council has agreed to keep the ATCO Gas Franchise Fee at the current rate of 20%.

Intern Grant Application. With the success of the intern program over 2016, Council has approved the grant application for the Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) – Municipal Internship Program for 2017. The grant would cover funding to assist in salary, benefits and expenses for an intern.

Property Ownership Transfer. Council approved the transfer of a small portion of land, located on the east end of Town, to the Town of Edson. This land went to public auction for recovery of unpaid taxes in 2015 and was not sold.

Next meeting - The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be held Sept 27th, 2016 at 10am. The next Council Meeting will be held October 18th, 2016 at 7:30pm.