Town council for 6-21
Town employee helping in Slave Lake
By Dan Singleton
Round Up staff
During last week's regular council meeting, councillors approved sending Town of Sundre executive assistant Jacci Hager to the Town of Slave Lake for two weeks.
From June 14 to June 30 Hager will be working with the Slave Lake town office as that community recovers from devastating wildfires.
Hager's responsibilities will include recording and compiling minutes from town meetings, handling calls and public inquiries, preparing council agendas, responding to public inquiries, and other duties.
The province is covering the cost of food and accommodation, with the Town of Sundre covering Hager's salary.
Town of Sundre CAO Ryan Leuzinger told councillors that Hager volunteered for the Slave Lake assignment.
“This assistance to the Town of Slave Lake is an exemplary example of town council's willingness to help a community in need,” said Leuzinger. “The Town of Sundre should be proud of the leadership qualities shown by town council with this decision.
“Not only will this prove to be a phenomenal learning experience for Jacci, the Town's representative going to Slake Lake, this assistance will prove to have positive impacts on our organization and community as a whole. Jacci's proven skills and compassionate nature will be very beneficial to those in Slave Lake."
A food drive spearheaded by Sundre Forest Products earlier resulted in hundreds of much-needed items such as clothing being collected here and sent to Slave Lake.
RV permit changes receive first reading
Councillors gave first reading on June 13 to a bylaw to amend the Land Use Bylaw 705 with changes regarding recreational vehicle permits.
On May 30, the Municipal Planning Commission recommended changes to the bylaw to designate uses for RV-DC recreational vehicles, recreational vehicle-park models, accessory structures, additions, decks and deck covers, enclosed decks and guest cabins as permitted, instead of discretionary, uses.
For discretionary uses, the commission has to make the decision on approval; for permitted uses the planning and development department, through the development officers, can make the decision.
“The general purpose of this district is to provide the placement of seasonal recreational vehicles,” said Tracy Ference, manager of planning and development. “There are no uses listed, as permitted, in the RV-DC district; therefore all uses are required to go before the Municipal Planning Commission for decision.
“In order to save the applicant time it is recommended to add uses to the permitted section so that the planning and development department can made decisions accordingly.”
Discretionary uses will still include such things as park signage, parks and playgrounds, public utility buildings and mechanized excavation stripping and grading.
A public hearing will be held at the July 4 council meeting as part of the approval process for the changes, council heard.
Municipality comparison presented to council
Councillors have been presented with a comparison of the Town of Sundre and other area municipalities when it comes to expenses and costs.
The Town of Sundre consolidated expenses by object include 29 per cent on salaries and wages. Other town rates are Carstairs - 31, Didsbury - 36, Olds - 31, MVC - 29, Rimbey - 37, Three Hills - 33, Athabasca - 30, for an average of 32 per cent.
Flag donation approved
Councillors have approved the donation of a Sundre flag to the Pioneer Village Museum.
In a letter to council, museum manager Darlene Smee said, “The Town of Sundre and the Sundre and District Historical society have a very good working relationship in many different aspects and we would be proud to fly the Sundre flag at our museum.”
In a note to council, CAO Leuzinger said, “The Sundre museum is a popular place for both tourists and residents. Having a Town of Sundre flag flying at this location would further advertise our community and reinforce the community branding that the Town of Sundre underwent in 2010.”
The Town of Sundre pays $99 for each flag.
Council approves parade route
Councillors have approved the June 26 Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce rodeo parade route, which is the same route as in 2010.
In a note to council, parade organizers Heidi Overguard and Amie Flowerday explained that the theme of this year's parade is “Salute to Agriculture”.
“It is our opportunity to acknowledge the people who have contributed to our community over the years through the success of their agricultural businesses and endeavours.
“As you know, agriculture encompasses a huge part of Alberta in one way or another and our community is grateful for the support of our local area farmers and ranchers throughout the years.”
The chamber has asked the Town of Sundre to provide barriers along the parade route and for the special constable to be on hand to assist organizers with traffic control before, during and after the parade.
Councillors also waived the $3 per table fee for the tables used at the 2011 rodeo pancake breakfast hosted by Sundre Sobeys.
“It is an event that brings in hundreds of local and rural families together in the downtown core,” CAO Leuzinger said. “It is a family-focused event that engages the community in local entertainment, food and fun. This event truly does represent what it means to visit, live and explore Sundre.”
Councillors have already given approval to a relaxation of the town's noise bylaw to allow for official fireworks during the rodeo.
Town supports kids' program
Councillors have given permission for administration to write a letter of support for the “Valley Kids Out of School Care Program”, which operates under contract as a tenant of the Sundre Community Centre with the Town of Sundre through the Sundre Daycare.
The letter of support is part of the program's accreditation process, Sundre Daycare Centre president Dayle Raymond said in a letter to council.
“The program is a before and after school program for children age 6 - 12,” CAO Leuzinger said in a note to council. “The program gives parents the opportunity to work their regular work hours while providing them the knowledge that their children are in a safe and secure place to engage in social interaction with fellow kids.”
Three more appointments to committee
Councillors approved the appointment of three residents to the town's economic development committee.
The new members are James Eklund, Marty Mennear and Wendy Morton.
There are now eight members on the committee, as well as council and town representatives. The committee works to promote Sundre and area economic growth and sustainability.
Coun. Chris Vardas said, “It's great that we have so many people on this committee. I'm all for it.”
Bunt transportation study
Councillors have passed a motion approving a traffic study that looks at possible long-term developments and changes to Sundre's road network.
Bunt and Associates Engineering prepared the 155-page Bunt Transportation Study.
“The purpose of this transportation master plan, as stated in the proposal, is to develop a transportation model that identifies/confirms the infrastructure and planning needs and priorities for the short term annexation, IDP fringe area, and referral area horizons,” Leuzinger said in a note to council.
“In essence, it takes into account land use assumptions, traffic volumes, recommended future road network and associated costs.”
The plan is not a statutory document, meaning it is not binding on council or future councils, but rather will be used to guide possible future development.
Councillors Patricia Toone and Tony Jordan voted against the motion approving the study, saying it should have gone back to the governance committee for further review.
