Southwest Industrial Area Structure Plan
Administration sought a council motion to give first reading to a bylaw adopting the Southwest Industrial Area Structure Plan, as well as another to set a date for a public hearing. The plan was prepared by Dillon Consulting on behalf of Rolling Mix, which owns about 63 hectares of vacant land and a 1.5-hectare privately-owned parcel that is used as a residential recreational property. The plan outlines a policy framework for future redesignation, subdivision, and development as an industrial park. It also aligns with council’s strategic plan by promoting a diversification of Sundre’s tax base, water smart conservation, improved communication and transparency with stakeholders and recreation opportunities, reads background information in council’s agenda. Council unanimously gave the bylaw first reading and carried another motion to set a public hearing on Feb. 19.
Cost of living adjustment
Council discussed whether to approve a 2.8 or 2.75 per cent cost of living adjustment for municipal employees.
“It is completely up to council how they feel what the adjustment should be,” said Chris Albert, director of corporate services.
However, administration recommended determining the 2018 inflation adjustment using the October Consumer Price Index for Alberta All-Items, and that the prescribed rate should be one adopted to ensure a fair, consistent and verifiable calculation every year.
And while council had previously budgeted for a 2.75 per cent increase, administration’s suggested approach arrived at 2.8 per cent. That difference reflects roughly $11,000 more in the budget, which “we can easily absorb…throughout the year,” said Albert.
Coun. Cheri Funke moved to approve the living adjustment increase at 2.75 per cent, explaining she was going by what council had already anticipated in the budget.
Coun. Richard Warnock said while he is generally reserved regarding any increases to the budget or taxes, that this was an exception, and he expressed opposition to the motion. Former councils have in the past held adjustments as low as possible, he said, and added, “as long as administration has brought forward that they believe that we’re not going to exceed budget by doing this, then I believe it’s a risk we should take for our staff.”
Mayor Terry Leslie also spoke against the motion, pointing out that there was no increase in 2017. Coun. Paul Isaac said the difference was minimal, yet felt that all things considered, he would lean towards the 2.75 per cent increase, but would under different circumstances advocate a higher increase if the economics justified it. Funke’s motion carried with Leslie and Warnock opposed.
Fire dispatch service agreement
The fire dispatch services agreement expired on Dec. 31. The City of Red Deer provides dispatch services within the municipal boundaries of Mountain View County. Council heard that the regional fire chiefs favoured continued support of the contract, which the City of Red Deer had reviewed and made minor wording amendments to. Council unanimously carried a motion to approve the agreement as well as to authorize the mayor and chief administrative officer to sign the document on behalf of the Town of Sundre.
Police memorandum of understanding
The municipality is required to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the police service of jurisdiction in order for the services of a community peace officer to be carried out as per provincial regulations.
The former agreement expired in 2018, and needed to, under legislation, be renewed for the municipality to be allowed to employ a peace officer. Council heard the agreement had not changed but just merely expired, and unanimously carried to approve its renewal.
Museum funding request
Earlier in December, the municipality received correspondence from the Sundre Pioneer Village Museum’s executive director, who requested council consider partnering and providing funding assistance for a planned upcoming display to recognize the rich but rarely told history of Métis people in the area.
“This display is sure to make our guests think and it is my hope they will walk away with questions, answers and a new awaking and knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Act,” reads the email signed by Jaime Marr. “It is unlike anything we currently have and I anticipate the schools would be interested in coming to see it.”
The museum’s board is planning for its 2019 budget to include display modification and programming, but because the new Métis display is happening faster than anticipated with a fast-approaching display deadline of Jan. 26, the request was submitted to the municipality. Council carried, unopposed, a motion to accept the funding request for information.
Community services grant
Council considered funding requests from numerous organizations seeking financial support through the municipality’s community services grant. The grant is intended to: reinforce culture, arts and local amenities; promote a vibrant and active community; and to promote Sundre as a place to visit, live and explore.
The community services department received nine applications totalling a little more than $35,000. However, the maximum dollar amount budgeted in 2018 for the community recreation and culture grant is about $8,600.
Administration recommended dividing the grant equally — which would amount to about $1,433 each — among six applicants: the Sundre and District Allied Arts Society; the Sundre and District Curling Club; the Sundre West Country Centre; the Sundre Daycare Centre; the Sundre Bike n’ Ski Club; and the Sundre Royal Canadian Legion Branch #223.
Coun. Richard Warnock motioned to that effect, but Coun. Cheri Funke said the legion is a private organization whereas the rest are public, and argued the grant should go to community groups. Warnock was receptive to amending the motion, and following further discussion, council unanimously approved providing funds to the other five groups, at a breakdown of $1,720 each.
