Council Notes
Drumheller Town Council
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Monday, June 17, 2019
Mayor Heather Colberg announced the Community Futures AGM on June 27 at 4 p.m. They are looking for members at large.
There will be an RCMP presentation at the Badlands Community Facility on June 20 from 7-8:30 p.m.
***
Communications Officer Julia Fielding presented a draft communications plan. It is based on four goals; Keeping residents informed about programs and services, increase the capacity of the Town to communicate with citizens in meaningful ways, boost participation in local government and develop relationships that bridge differences and foster dialogue. Councillor Fred Makowecki notes the plan ought to be cognizant of people who are not connected electronically.
***
Ms. Fielding also presented a Request for Direction in regards to developing a town app. She presented proposals from three companies. Her question to council is what would council like to see in an app. Councillor Tony Lacher expressed his preference towards using a more local company that is integrated with other technologies and is easy to use. Councillor Lisa Hansen Zacharuk noted ease of use and reliability as important components. Councillor Jay Garbutt expressed questions about the usage of personal data by the companies hosting the app.
***
Director of Corporate Services Barb Miller presented a draft of a policy regarding relief of municipal property tax on destructed improvements. This discussion came up in light of a number of local residential properties that were destroyed by fire in recent months. The purpose of this policy to provide guidance for council when exercising its discretionary power in response to a request for the cancellation of property as a result of destruction of improvements and to make sure this is applied in a fair and consistent manner. Red Deer and Edmonton have policies that apply to this situation.
***
During Round Table, Councillor Garbutt spoke on his attendance at the AUMA Summer Caucus on June 12 in Ponoka. One program that interested him was funding available through the AUMA Municipal Climate Change Action Centre for solar installations on municipal buildings. He has concerns over Bill 7, which allows municipalities to discount property taxes to incentivize businesses. This was discussed by Minister of Municipal Affairs at the caucus. Another topic of discussion was Intermunicipal Frameworks. He noted the deadline is approaching to have these agreements with neighbouring municipalities to best deliver services, in place.
Councillor Zacharuk noted the improvements to the medians as well as businesses along the tourism corridor.
Infrastructure Service Director Dave Brett updated council on the fountain at the Rotary Park. The fountain was in operation last weekend, however, more leaks have been discovered. The plan is to operate the fountain beginning on Thursday for the weekend, and then shut down for remaining days of the week to mitigate water loss. The Plaza in downtown Drumheller is scheduled to open July 1.
***
