COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS August 22, 2023
Keeping you informed of the services, business, and development that affect you!
Detailed information on each topic below can be found at bit.ly/MDBvilleAgendas.
#1 Notices of Motion – Councillor Don Slipchuk submitted a Notice of Motion to have the Reeve and the Deputy Reeve schedule regular meetings with the Mayors of the City of Cold Lake, the Town of Bonnyville, and the Village of Glendon, and with the Chiefs of Cold Lake First Nations and Kehewin Cree Nation, and to report back to Council on matters discussed.
Councillor Slipchuk submitted a second Notice of Motion to have Administration, on a monthly basis, strive to schedule meetings with representatives from Government of Alberta ministries, and that the Reeve and Deputy Reeve, with support from Administration, be directed to attend these meetings to speak on behalf of the M.D. regarding community concerns and issues.
Both Notices of Motion will come to the September 12, 2023 Regular Meeting of Council for discussion.
#2 Cherry Grove Fire Hall – Council directed Administration to bring the Cherry Grove Fire Hall Project to 2024 Budget deliberations using the design and costing estimates based on the Ardmore Fire Hall. The $6,809,917 cost includes the purchase of fire trucks but does not include the optional Phase 3 electrical, which could be an additional $160,000. This estimate is based on the original project costs associated with the building of the Ardmore Fire Hall and adjusted to include the 7% annual inflation rate.
#3 Planning and Development Decisions – Council made decisions on several development applications. Council approved applications for the following discretionary uses:
- to allow for an east side yard variance for the construction of a house addition
- to allow for a public utility use for a facility upgrade for wastewater treatment
- approval for a family care unit
- approval for front yard variance to allow for the construction of a single-family dwelling with garage
- to allow for the installation of a 150-foot internet tower.
Council also approved a subdivision application to subdivide an 8.6-acre parcel from an Agricultural quarter section.
#4 Planning and Development Updates – Council defeated a motion to give Second Reading to Bylaw No. 1849, for Roadway Licensing.
Council gave First Reading to Bylaw No. 1855. The proposed bylaw provides direction to Administration and the public regarding the allowed industrial districts to be utilized within the La Corey area through an amendment to its current Area Structure Plan.
Council gave First Reading to Land Use Bylaw No. LU 575. The proposed bylaw creates two new Direct Control Districts – the M.D. of Bonnyville Regional Airport and Industrial Direct Control District.
Council gave First Reading to Land Use Bylaw No. LU 576. The proposed amendment would include site rezoning from Agriculture to Rural Commercial to allow the subject site to apply for an Eat/Drink Facility.
#5 Briefly – Council heard two delegations. The first was Portage College presenting an update on their current programs and operations. The second was from representatives from Community Futures Lakeland. The presentation included information about the upcoming Power Up North Conference and other programs offered through Community Futures Lakeland. Council accepted both delegations as information.
Council accepted Second Quarter Departmental Reports from Environmental and Protective Services and Planning and Community Services as information.
Council accepted the Second Quarter Unaudited Financial Statements as information.
Council proclaimed September 9, 2023 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day.
Council accepted the Lakeland Lodge and Housing Foundation Board Appointments report as information.
Council adopted the amended Policy No. C-3A.019 Disposal of Municipal Lands Policy. The amendment will allow for direct sale at fair market value as an added option for disposing of municipal lands.
Council adopted Policy No. C-3A.020 Licensing of Municipal Lands Policy. This policy ensures municipally titled parcels, which are not required for municipal purposes, are licensed in a fair and equitable manner.
Council rescinded Policy No. 2A.002 Expenditures not Included in Budget Policy as it is redundant and is included in C-2B.012 Procurement Policy.
Council gave Second and Third Reading for Bylaw No. 1854, to amend the Waste and Resource Recovery Management Bylaw. The amendment allows for M.D. community halls to request a waste bin from the M.D. at no charge.
Council approved a transfer of $30,000 from the 2023 Community Action Grant Program Operating Budget to the 2023 Donation, Sponsorship, and Recognition Operating Budget. The transfer will help fund pending applications through the Donation, Sponsorship, and Recognition Program.
Council appointed Brad Dumencu as a Member at Large on the Regional Sports Tourism Committee for a four-year term to expire August 2027.
#6 Council Invitations – Council member attendance has been approved for the following upcoming events – Clayton Bellamy Foundation for the Arts 2023 Gala, Cold Lake Seniors' Society’s Annual Fall Barbecue, Power Up North Conference, Economic Developers Alberta Annual Ministry Dinner, and the Economic Partnership Summit.
Recordings of the Council meetings can be found on the M.D.’s YouTube Channel at bit.ly/MDBvilleYouTube. Follow us at facebook.com/MDBonnyville to stay up to date.