Council Meeting Highlights - August 21, 2024
Bylaws and Policies
Policy #INFR-011 - Road Approaches
- Approval: Council approved Policy #INFR-011, which outlines guidelines and procedures for road approaches within Beaver County.
- Changes in the policy:
- Approach Construction: Due to high demand for approach construction requests, the County updated the policy to allow landowners to construct their own approaches, with the County providing the culvert as an alternative cost-sharing method. If a landowner agrees but fails to construct the approach, the County can recover the cost of the culvert.
- Unauthorized Approaches: The policy now has provisions to address unauthorized approaches constructed without prior approval. The goal is to collaborate with landowners to ensure the approach meets safety specifications. If a resolution cannot be reached, removal of the approach and invoicing the landowner will be considered as a last resort.
Bylaw 24-1155 - Fees, Rates, and Charges
- First Reading: Council completed the first reading of Bylaw 24-1155, setting out the updated fees, rates, and charges for various services within the county.
- Changes in the bylaw:
- Development Permits - Permitted Use: $100, Discretionary Use (for value up to $1 million): $250, Discretionary Use (for value over $1 million): $400, Variances: additional 50% of application fee.
- Subdivision Applications - Base fee: $750 plus, Per lot fee: $250 per title created, Title search: $15, Endorsement: $200 per title created, Recirculation of application to stakeholders after initial circulation: $250, Subdivision approval extension: $350 with first and subsequent extensions.
- Subdivision Development Appeal Board applications – increase to $300.
Strathcona County Community Mediation - Provision of Services
Living in a rural community should be an enjoyable experience and offers the opportunity of building connections with neighbours and fostering a strong sense of community. However, challenges between neighbours can occasionally arise, impacting the quality of life. While the County's policies, bylaws, and procedures address many issues, some disputes fall outside the County's jurisdiction. Although County employees strive to facilitate communication and suggest possible actions, these efforts don’t always resolve concerns to residents' satisfaction.
Recognizing the increase in neighbour disputes, and the limitations of in-house resources, Council authorized an agreement with the Strathcona County Community Mediation Society to provide mediation services to Beaver County residents at no cost. This initiative provides a valuable resource to help resolve conflicts and maintain harmony within the community.
Town of Vegreville Regional Recreation Feasibility Steering Committee
Council appointed Councillor Bruce as a representative to participate in the Town of Vegreville's Regional Recreation Feasibility Steering Committee, with the understanding that this participation does not guarantee any future financial commitments from the County.
Kinsella Lift Station Repairs
Council approved an unbudgeted expenditure of $100,000 for emergency repairs to the Kinsella Lift Station, with funding from the General Sewer Reserve.
Land Flood and Beaver Control Contract Budget Adjustment and Dam Blasting Services
Council allocated an additional $20,000 to the 2024 budget for land flood and beaver control to ensure consistent service delivery. Council also allocated $5,000 for a trial project involving beaver dam blasting services.
Provincial Capital Priorities Request
Council authorized the submission of the following capital projects to MLA Jackie Lovely for advocacy in the Provincial 2025 budget:
- Highway 870 paving (between Highways 14 and 619)
- Highway 854 surfacing pilot project
- Highway 834 widening
- Highway 14 surface (repairs and passing lane) and shoulder (mowing) maintenance
- Bridge repairs/replacement
- Wastewater (Kinsella lift station)
- Thomas Lake flooding and wetland restoration
Transfer of Acting Commander Corporal Petruik from Tofield Detachment
Council authorized the Reeve to send correspondence requesting reconsideration of Acting Commander Corporal K. Petruik's transfer from the Tofield RCMP detachment.
Council also directed Administration to invite RCMP Superintendent Gary Graham and Staff Sergeant John Pike to a future Council meeting to discuss RCMP detachments and staffing in the County.
For more information on items discussed at the Council Meeting, please review the full Agenda Package for this meeting here. New and/or amended Policies and Bylaws are uploaded to the website after they have been signed.