Sewer and water penalties
In May, council voted to amend fines associated with contraventions of the water and sewer bylaw to $500 for a first offence and $1,000 for the second offence.
The rest of the rates, fees and fines schedule was brought to council for review on July 19 after councillors asked to see it.
Coun. Chad Hoffman raised a concern about upping fines when there are only suspicions the bylaw is being ignored by some.
“We're stepping up a law we're not sure is being broken,” Hoffman said.
Mayor Dennis Cooper said they do know that after a rain event the amount in the system jumps and while it could be inflow or infiltration, it could also be people pumping water into the system through their sump pumps. Sump pumps aren't supposed to be tied into the sewage system in Penhold.
“This is a deterrent and we do know our flows increase every time we have a rain event,” Cooper said. The amended fines were passed during the May 28 meeting.
Council voted to receive the report for information, with Hoffman voting against the motion.
Council summer meeting dates
Council quashed a suggestion from administration that there be only one regular meeting in August.
“I think I would prefer to have two meetings,” Coun. Kathy Sitter said.
Coun. Heather Klein said only having one meeting in August could dramatically increase the length of the August session and the one in September.
“It will definitely increase your workload for the next meeting,” said Rick Binnendyk, the chief administrative officer for Penhold.
All councillors and the mayor voted against a motion to have only one meeting in August. Council will meet as usual in August, on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, on Aug. 13 and 27.
Only one regular meeting was held in July, on July 16. A special meeting was called for July 9 to discuss calling in Municipal Affairs with regards to the sign controversy.
Committee code of conduct
Councillors voted in favour of a committee code of conduct policy during the July 16 meeting.
Klein, the chair of the policy review committee, said the new version clarifies some blurring between the responsibilities of committee members and staff.
“There's nothing that's surprising,” Klein said of the policy, which covers things like behavioural standards, conduct management, and speaking on behalf of the board or the town.
The motion to approve the policy was passed by council.
Coffee with council
The date for the next coffee with council has been set for Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. at the town offices.
Coffee with council offers the public an opportunity to talk to council in a more informal setting than a town council meeting.
