Edson Town Council updates
Aug. 21 meeting
Delegation. Mr. Ross Van Bostelen of Westmoreland Coal Company gave a presentation to Council regarding the 40th anniversary of continuous operation of the Coal Valley Mine. He also presented Council with a framed photo to be hung in the Town Office commemorating the event.
Bench Creek Bank Stabilization. Council has directed Administration to award the project to the only bidder, Give Back Contracting Ltd., in the amount of $690,190 + GST, subject to removal of the additional conditions appended to the bid. $200,000 will be funded through MSI grants with the remainder coming from unrestricted surplus. This project is to repair the bank sloughing on Bench Creek, particularly in the area near the RCMP building.
Tiffin Booster Pump Station. A motion to rebid the Tiffin Booster Station repair project was defeated and Council has directed Administration to investigate alternate options to restoring water pressure in that neighbourhood. There was only one bid received for the project which came in at $497,000 + GST, nearly twice the estimated cost of $260,000. One of the options being considered is installing in-line booster systems in affected homes. Those residents in the Tiffin area that feel their water pressure is abnormally low because of the booster station being offline are asked to contact the engineering department at engineeringandplanning@edson.ca or by phone at 780-723-4402.
Recreation Complex Demolition. Council has directed Administration to commence the RFP process for the demolition of the Edson & District Recreation Complex. Council reiterated their opposition to investing any further funds in the operation of the facility, or capital costs to make the required improvements. It’s Council’s desire to put that money towards the development and operation of the new multiplex project.
Council Expenses Transparency. The amendment to Policy L-C-4, Travel and Hospitality Expense Policy, has been approved by Council. This policy outlines the rules surrounding Council expense claims and now mandates that all Council expenses be available for public viewing on the Town’s website.
Council Strategic Priorities. Council has adopted the new Strategic Priorities document, with the addition of a benchmark section. Once finalized, the document will be available on the Council section of the website at www.edson.ca/ council.
Tax Sale. A Public Auction for the recovery of unpaid property taxes has been set for September 14th, 2018. Reserve bids for the 11 properties have also been set based on the assessor’s fair market value evaluation.
Meeting Cancellation. The Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for September 11, 2018, has been cancelled due to Council’s Strategic Planning Session.
Municipal Internship Program. Council has approved proceeding with a grant application for the Alberta Community Partnership – Municipal Internship Program through Municipal Affairs. This would assist the Town of Edson in funding the employment of an intern for a oneyear term. This program has been a great success for Edson with two administrative interns and a financial intern being a part of the organization over the last few years.
Next meetings - The next Council Meetings are scheduled for September 4, 2018 and September 18, 2018 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for September 25, 2018 at 10 a.m.