DIDSBURY – Town councillors have given third and final reading to a re-designation of lots in the Poplar Ridge development at the north end of 14th Street.
The move came during the July 23 council meeting and followed a public hearing and first and second readings of the land use bylaw re-designation on July 9.
The re-designation changes 20 lots at the site from R5 residential district high density to R2 residential district general. The change creates 10 new larger lots.
Three years ago an application for subdivision was made by Wayne Poffenroth, on behalf of all owners of the Poplar Ridge condominium corporation, councillors heard.
“On Nov. 9, 2016 the municipal planning commission approved the subdivision at the site to take the existing 38 lots and create 37 individual fee simple lots, with one lot dedicated for municipal reserve, essentially dissolving the condominium plan,” administration said in a briefing note to council.
Last year, the subdivision was endorsed by the Town of Didsbury and registered with Land Titles, councillors heard.
“With phase one build out of Poplar Ridge, some challenges began to surface regarding future build out and development of the area, thus proposing a zoning change.”
NEW PROCUREMENT POLICY
Meanwhile, a new procurement of goods and services policy for the municipality is now in place following a council vote last week.
The new policy was reviewed by council at a recent policies and priorities meeting before being brought before council.
The new policy statement reads, in part: “The town’s procurement policy helps protect the interests of taxpayers, the town and the people participating in procurement processes by providing a consistent framework and clear, consistent direction for procurement at the town.
The policy states, in part, that the municipality “will conduct all purchases in a manner that results in the acquisition of quality goods and services delivering the best value to the town” and “purchases shall be made at the lowest cost available, consistent with the required quality and service. Local contractors that meet such criteria shall have equal access to opportunities with the town.”
As well, town personnel must “not solicit, or accept gifts, gratuities or favours from suppliers or potential suppliers other than promotional items of nominal value.
“All department managers are responsible to ensure that budget funds are available for any expenditure commitments made by them or their staff. They are also responsible for ensuring staff members with delegated purchasing authority have a complete understanding of the purchasing process and receive training on the completion and processing of the necessary commitment and purchasing documents.”
At last week’s council meeting, councillors voted to rescind the former procurement of goods and services policy Plan 002.
