Council Notes
Drumheller Town Council
Regular Council Meeting
Monday, March 5, 2018
Mayor Heather Colberg called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and proclaimed Thursday, March 8, 2018 as International Women’s Day.
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Council held a public hearing to amend Bylaw 03.18, by adding new wording to bring in to accordance with the recent revisions to the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
The Alberta Government introduced a new MGA on October 6, 2017 which started phasing in associated regulations and amendments as time goes on.
No written or verbal submissions were brought forward.
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Councillor Tom Zariski asked CAO Darryl Drohomerski about excess spring runoff and how storm water entrances will be backed up as they could potentially be frozen shut.
Mr. Zariski wanted to reach out to the community to have residents shovel away and clear these catch basins in front of their homes to prevent any problems.
Councillor Kristyne DeMott mentioned large ruts caused by snow and snow removal. Mr. Drohomerski explained the challenges and wants to create a snow plan for residents on snow routes for next season so everyone will know what is happening and when.
Councillor Jay Garbutt reiterated that citizens can make a phone call to have snow removed from trouble spaces.
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Mr. Drohomerski gave an update on the 2018 Strategic Business Plan. He explained the corporate priorities which involve council and the operation priorities, which are led by administration.
The Royal Tyrrell Museum sewage odor is in progress of getting resolved. A draft agreement between the Town and Government of Alberta is expected to be signed, completed and presented within two months.
Operational budget priorities include: flood mitigation, downtown plaza square plan, Elks demolition, civic solar project, and an employee innovation program.
Interest has been raised for the Elks building property this winter so a tender for the ownership will be put out again this week. Demolition is still expected to happen in May if no one signals their interest.
Auditors have begun auditing the Town of Drumheller’s financials for 2017.
Director of Protective Services Greg Peters is waiting on correspondence from a well known veterinarian before finalizing the Fenced Dog Park draft which will be presented to council at a later date.
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Director of Community Services Paul Salvatore introduced the Mobile Vendor Bylaw for second reading.
Councillor Lisa Hansen-Zacharuk noted that $5 million coverage was not necessary and can be seen as unaffordable for small vendor businesses. The coverage needed by vendors was amended to $2 million insurance coverage.
The bylaw passed second reading.
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Mr. Salvatore gave his fourth quarter report which was from October 1 to December 31, 2017. He also presented his 2017 Annual Report.
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Director of Protective Services Greg Peters announced the 2018 Spring Cleanup dates which will be from Monday, April 30 to Thursday, May 10.
Plans are to keep the route and range the same as previous years.
Crew members noticed that some residents would not pay a $15 fee to dispose of Freon as they would either refuse or said they would take care of it themselves. Mr. Peters mentioned that Bylaw officers will be patrolling during the clean up.
Mayor Heather Colberg noted that some residents were frustrated by the program as neighbours would collect unwanted items and wait until spring clean up to dispose of these items.
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Meeting adjourned at 6:12 p.m.
