CARSTAIRS - Council has given first reading to a $255,000 borrowing bylaw that if given second and third reading would allow the municipality to purchase a vacant lot for use in the possible future expansion of the exiting town office.
The vote came during the June 12 council meeting. Councillors also set July 10 for the public hearing on the legislation.
“There was an old building a few lots away that came up for sale, and we thought we’d buy it for future consideration,” said chief administrative officer Rick Blair.
“That secures the block for the town for future expansion of the administration building or other town facilities.”
The town already owns the property between the existing town office and the lot for sale, he said.
Bylaw 2024 would allow the municipality to incur indebtedness in the total of $255,000 over a period of up to 10 years.
There are no concrete plans currently in place to expand the town office, he noted.
Mayor Lance Colby says, “We feel it would be a good acquisition for us for future expansion and growth for us should we need to expand the town office or whatever we need. That would give us that block. It gives us options down the road.”
The town office is used not only by administrative staff, but also includes council chambers.
Council could give second and third reading to the bylaw following the July 10 public hearing, Blair noted.
Street sweeper funding approved
In other news from the June 12 council meeting, council gave all three reading to a second borrowing bylaw.
Bylaw 2043 will allow the municipality to borrow $282,207 for the purchase of a new street sweeper.
The loan would be paid off in equal payments within the next five years, meaning a public hearing was to required for the bylaw, said Blair.
The sweeper can be used in spring, summer and fall, he noted.
