Edson Town Council updates
Dec. 5 meeting
Road Closure. A public hearing was held for Bylaw 2207, to close a portion of road on the west side of 63rd Street, between 8th and 11th Avenues. The road closure is part of a small land swap to properly line up roadway access to 63rd street in that area from the new subdivision. There were no submissions for the public hearing and the bylaw will now be sent to the Minister’s office for approval prior to second and third reading.
Cycling Delegation. Mike Stoner-Walker of the Edson Cycling Association gave a presentation to Council regarding the progress they’ve made at Willmore Park on the trail system, as well as plans for the Bike Skills Park starting construction this year. There was also a funding request as they move forward with the project. Council will review the request at an upcoming meeting.
Potential Sale of the Recreation Complex. After some discussion about the potential sale of the Edson and District Recreation Complex, Council has directed administration to draft an open Request for Proposal process for the sale, while inviting the Edson Golf Club to participate in that process. This was passed in a recorded vote with only Councillor Chouinard voting against the motion. It was determined this is the fairest course of action to get the best result for the community as a whole. The process will not be based on monetary compensation alone.
2018 Budget. A motion was made to change the 2018 Operating Budget to an interim budget, stating more discussion was needed on certain items before proceeding. In a recorded vote, this motion was defeated with Councillors Chouinard, Bevan and Wilkinson voting for the amendment, and Mayor Zahara, and Councillors Baier. Currie, and Sorensen voting against it. Following that, a recorded vote on the 2018 Operating Budget as presented was held. The budget was passed with Mayor Zahara, and Councillors Baier. Currie, and Sorensen voting in favour, and Councillors Chouinard, Bevan and Wilkinson voting against it. More detailed info on budget to follow.
There was also a motion made to change the 2018 Capital Budget to interim. In a recorded vote, only Councillor Chouinard voted in favor and the motion was defeated. The 2018 Capital Budget as presented was approved.
Management and Out of Scope Compensation Policy. Council approved the new Management and out of Scope Compensation Policy, laying out salary ranges for these positions based on market, internal equity and ability to pay. Market data was reviewed while putting the policy together from multiple surveys of similar communities. Prior to this policy, there was no formal structured process for setting salaries for management and out of scope employees.
Mountain Pine Beetle Advisory Committee. The Town of Edson’s participation in the newly created Hinton Mountain Pine Beetle Advisory Committee has been approved by Council. Mayor Zahara has been appointed to the committee with Councillor Chouinard as an alternate.
Write-offs. Council gave approval the writing off of outstanding and uncollectable accounts as per normal practice.
FCM Conference. Approval was given to allow all of Council to attend the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference in Halifax this year.
Council Meeting Cancellation. The December 19, 2017 and January 2, 2018 Council meetings, along with the December 26, 2017 Committee of the Whole meeting have been cancelled due to the Christmas/New Year’s break.