Council Notes
Drumheller Town Council
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Monday, August 27, 2018
Councillor Jay Garbutt was sworn in as deputy mayor for the months of September and October.
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Council heard an update from the Marigold Library System CEO Michelle Tombs, which included information about the organization, its value and impact in Drumheller, and new programs with the organization. The levy rate for the Drumheller Public Library will be $6.15 per capita in 2019 and $6.24 in 2020, increased by 1.5 per cent, in relation to inflation.
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Council heard a delegation from William Stock, charitable gift advisor with Salvation Army Alberta and Ben Lippers of the Drumheller Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has moved into the former ATCO building. In 2017, 741 individuals used the food bank in Drumheller. The delegates requested the town to provide a grant to assist them, short term, with their daily expenses so services are not disrupted while they move to the new building. They requested a grant of 2.5 per cent of their operating costs, per year for a two year period, which would relate to a grant of $12,500 per year. Councillor Jay Garbutt said the town typically begins budget planning in October and it is usually approved in the new year, and council will consider this in their planning.
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Council discussed approving the new levy rates for the Marigold Library System and tabled it for the next council meeting.
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Director of Infrastructure Armia Mikhaiel updated council on the results of the open house recently held regarding the intersections in the Bankview community. The majority of feedback received prompted the department to recommend to turn the intersection at 7 Avenue and 1st Street SW into a four way stop. Feedback from the community also has prompted infrastructure services to convert the intersection at 10 Avenue and 2 Street SE to a four way. He also said infrastructure recommends closing the intersection at 10 Avenue and 1 Street SW due to resident’s concerns over excess traffic on that road. Councillor Garbutt said he was disappointed with the decision because it was previously recommended by experts to change the intersection’s direction and the town was following popular opinion. Mikhaiel said the long term residents there voiced concern and that the road there is actually shifting, causing the centre lines to be misaligned, so the intersection allows the driver to adjust. Councillor Lisa Hansen-Zacharuk voiced concern over the closure of 10 Avenue and 1 Street because it is convenient for drivers. Councillor Fred Makowecki said he lives in the area and has seen a large increase in traffic and dangerous driving habits. Councillor Tony Lacher voiced his support of the recommendations.
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Administration presented their quarterly reports for May, June, and July. CAO Darryl Drohomerski highlighted grant applications for flood mitigation, the town’s updated communications strategy, the downtown plaza preparation, and lobbying for transportation projects.
Director of Infrastructure Mikhaiel highlighted continued work to resolve the Royal Tyrrell Museum sewer odour issues, work done on the outdoor pool, the repair work and reopening of the water fountain, the street improvement program this summer, the cemetery expansion project, the water plant optimization project, and work on the East Coulee lift station.
Director of Corporate Services Barbara Miller said the CRA is currently conducting a payroll audit, the Drumheller/Wayne flood in April report and recovery documents are currently in progress, and work on a new public works shop is in progress. Corporate services successfully applied for a flood readiness grant application. Their strategic priorities include flood mitigation, and road blocks prohibiting the town to purchase the former Elks Building with demolition plans were resolved.
The community services update was provided by acting director Darren Goldthorpe. Priorities outlined include a poverty reduction strategy. Updates included an upcoming community social needs assessment, a survey on rural homelessness, mental health capacity funding, and the operation of a before and after school care program is being taken over by a contracted group by Golden Hills School Division.
Director of Protective Services Greg Peters submitted a report despite being away. Details include the bylaw amendments made in preparation of cannabis legalization, work a tourism corridor bylaw, updates to the community standards bylaw, and an upcoming open house regarding a proposed fenced dog park on September 20 at 7 p.m. at the BCF.
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Members of council presented their quarterly reports, of which only selected highlights have been included here. More detailed reports are available on the Town of Drumheller’s website, www.dinosaurvalley.com.
Mayor Heather Colberg highlighted developments on the committees she sits on. The Economic Development Advisory Committee is pleased with the success of the downtown plaza and wishes to oversee it again next year, but also feel there should be a plaza committee.
Councillor Lacher reported the Valley Bus Society will be hosting a casino fundraiser on September 12 and 13. No members of Community Futures were willing to hold the chairperson position, and the federal government indicated if a chair is not elected at their September 13 meeting, they will not receive funding in October and they will move to dissolve Community Futures.
Councillor Makowecki said the Drumheller and District Sold Waste Management Association is in good financial shape and is in the process of buying a plastics granulator.
Councillor Tom Zariski highlighted the taxi commission is in the process of researching and developing a draft ‘Uber’ bylaw.
Councillor Krystyne DeMott reported that subdivision activity has stalled with no more applications.
Councillor Hansen-Zacharuk reported the Heritage Arts and Culture Steering Committee met and discussed future grant applications.
Councillor Garbutt highlighted the Drumheller Housing Administration’s finances are on track with their budget. They also have a new housing advisor who is working well.
