Finances in good shape
Council heard from Sundre’s director of corporate services that there were no surprises in the municipality’s financial situation or causes for concern that arose during the third quarter.
“In terms of cash, the operating bank account seems significantly high, at just over $5 million,” said Chris Albert.
“There’s just two big projects that we still have to actually pay the bills on, so that number will decrease substantially,” said Albert.
Additionally, there are also some expenses for the following six or seven months that will be covered from that account, he said.
“Most of our tax payments come in in June and we have to kind of survive for the full year.”
But overall, he said, the cash balances seem quite consistent not only with last year, but also with previous years.
“In terms of the revenues and expenses, most of the departments look like they’re on track with their budgets,” he said.
“There are still some large expenditures that are coming through in departments that we’re expecting, plus there’s still one quarter left to go.”
Among the large expenditures still expected are payments for fourth quarter requisitions, engineering costs for planning and development, as well as roads, he said, seeking a council motion to accept his report for information.
Coun. Charlene Preston so moved, initiating a discussion.
Coun. Richard Warnock wondered whether there were any surprises.
“There’s no surprises that I’m seeing,” said Albert.
Mayor Terry Leslie inquired if administration anticipated a deficit or surplus situation at the end of the year.
“Our multi-year budgeting states that we are not allowed to have a corporate deficit at the end of any given year,” said Albert.
Preston’s motion was carried.
Department report highlights
Chris Albert, Sundre’s director of corporate services, outlined numerous highlights from reports submitted by the municipality’s departments.
From legislative services, Albert said there had been several meetings with developers and residents.
“The vision for Sundre meetings are going well,” he added.
From planning and development, he said work remains underway on the downtown overlay project, while the operations department reported that construction for the 2019 Main Avenue Phase 2 was done for the season.
“The elevated pathway will be completed, weather permitting,” he said.
“Operations and engineers are working on the design for the future lagoon upgrade,” he said.
Furthermore, efforts to develop a communications plan to address concerns about lead in water as well as snow removal priorities were underway, he said.
From the economic development perspective, there has been no changes in the vacancy rate since September. Staff met with a local entrepreneur about the possibility of purchasing a local business, and Alberta Transportation’s 2018 traffic counts were analyzed, with no observable changes in those numbers, he said.
Coun. Charlene Preston moved to accept Albert’s presentation for information.
As a suggestion for administration, Coun. Cheri Funke recommended — in light of winter’s early arrival and people commenting on social media — using some of the town’s monthly newsletter to feature a map outlining snow removal priorities so residents are more aware of the schedule and “what gets removed, and when.”
“Just a thought,” said Funke.
On an unrelated matter, the councillor also wanted to know if the kitchen at the Sundre Arena would be available for all user groups now that it has been tendered out.
“As far as I know,” answered Sue Nelson, community services manager.
Preston also wondered if operations staff had been pursuing conversations with Alberta Transportation regarding large potholes on either side of the Red Deer River Bridge.
“It’s terrible again, and I’ve been hearing about it,” said Preston.
Jim Hall, operations manager, said he does not communicate about the issue directly with Alberta Transportation, which refers such concerns back to highway maintenance contractor Volker Stevin.
“I had reported that in September,” Hall said.
“They have a concern line, and I have submitted that.”
Hall added he also intended to find out whether cutting out that section of asphalt to re-grit it with some steel to hold it up would be in Alberta Transportation’s budget.
Coun. Todd Dalke wondered where concerned residents should be referred, to which Hall said he wanted to confirm.
In a followup interview with the Round Up, Hall said he had updated administration on where to direct people who have concerns.
“Volker Stevin can be contacted by the public (and) staff at 1-888-877-6237,” reads correspondence he submitted to administration. That number, however, is not to be used for complaints about the roundabout project or highway upgrade projects, he added.
“Concern examples are icy road conditions, pot holes, damaged or missing signage as well as compliments,” he wrote.
“The Red Deer River bridge pothole situation has been temporarily repaired as of Nov. 18.”
While the contractor will be responsible for short-term solutions such as filling the potholes, more permanent repairs are the responsibility of Alberta Transportation’s bridge division, he said.
“Our staff will work in conjunction with Volker Stevin to keep them apprised of the condition. I will pursue the bridge division to obtain a schedule of repair for the expansion joint potholes,” he wrote.
Preston’s motion to accept for information carried.
The full, detailed breakdown of each department’s reports presented during the meeting can be found on the municipality’s website, www.sundre.com, by clicking on “Minutes & Agendas” at the bottom of the page and then selecting the Nov. 18 agenda.
