Council discussed the need for renovations to the CDSS office, particularly the floor and kitchen areas at their regular council meeting on Aug. 12.
It was noted that the current setup is outdated and poses potential hygiene concerns, especially the location and condition of the sinks.
Coun. Brett Alderdice highlighted the issue of water freezing in the kitchen during winter, which previously required leaving cupboard doors open and running an electric heater all night.
That was a “big fire hazard,” and suggested that the kitchen be moved from the outside wall to an inside wall near the bathroom, where there is existing plumbing.
Discussed was the unprofessional appearance and safety risk posed by the four different types of flooring in the office and the towns responsibility as property owner for ensuring a clean and safe workspace.
Also considered was adding more desk areas equipped with computers to improve the office’s functionality and appearance.
The furnishings, ceiling tiles missing, cracked or not fitting properly, and the sprinkler system, which has been decommissioned, needs to be removed.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Quinton Flint agreed to explore the possibility of grants to fund the renovations.
“There are new programs that people want,” noted Deputy Mayor Ron Checkel.
Mayor Peacock agreed, “it will be a busier place.”
Flint suggested that the plumbing be done immediately to prevent pipes freezing this upcoming winter, with the rest of the repairs being done at a later date.
Council passed a motion to proceed with the required repairs of the plumbing up to $5,000 in 2024 and put the additional renovations in the 2025 budget.
Airport apron, pothole repairs
During the Town of Coronation special council meeting on Wednesday, July 24, the tender for the airport apron and paving project was awarded to Border Paving Ltd.
Council also discussed critical infrastructure issues focusing on the need for pothole repairs.
Bids were put forward by four companies in response to the tender, however some of the companies were unable to provide the full scope of repairs.
Council passed a motion to proceed with the necessary pothole repairs at a cost of $99,040.
The project has been awarded to Border Paving Ltd., with funding drawn from the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) with any remaining costs covered by general surplus.
Tax sales
Council established reserve bids for properties being offered for sale at the 2024 public auction, as required by Section 419 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
The MGA stipulates that reserve bids must be set as close as reasonably possible to the market value of each parcel, with conditions for the sale also set by council.
Council members expressed concerns that the reserve bids might be too high, potentially making the properties difficult to sell.
“If we bring the values down we might be able to sell them,” expressed Coun. Mark Stannard, “we are not going to sell anything at that price.”
Council agreed.
CAO Flint explained that the assessor determines property values based on square footage and that the municipality has limited influence over the assessments.
Council passed a motion to establish the reserve bids as presented for properties being offered for sale at the 2024 public auction.
As required by the MGA, a municipality must prepare an annual tax arrears list showing the parcels of land on which there are tax arrears for more than one year as of March 31.
Further to this, any parcel of land shown on the 2023 tax arrears list which remains in arrears as of March 31, 2024, must be offered for sale at public auction between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025.
Administration scheduled the 2024 public auction date for October and will advertise the auction in the Alberta Gazette for a minimum of two months, as per the MGA.
Aggressive dogs
There has been a significant increase in dog attacks on both animals and residents in recent months noted CAO Flint, expressing to council that municipalities face limitations in addressing these issues since dogs are considered personal property.
Flint outlined that to confiscate a dog, legal action is required, which demands extensive documentation supporting the case.
While efforts are being made to document the incidents, he emphasized the need for written reports or video evidence from residents, as courts require tangible proof to take action.
“It can be frustrating,” Flint expressed, noting that without community members reporting incidents involving aggressive dogs, there is little that can be done.
Coun. Stannard questioned the effectiveness of existing bylaws, asking, “What is the point in having a bylaw if it cannot hold up in court?”
The municipality can deem dogs aggressive, compelling owners to obtain insurance.
Owners are then given 48 hours to comply with the insurance requirement and ensure their dogs are securely contained. If a dog escapes, the town has the authority to seize it. Non-compliance can be brought to court, where documented incidents can speed up the legal process.
Flint noted that relying solely on the bylaw could result in delays lasting months or even years.
Flint urged residents to document occurrences and report them to the RCMP to open a case file, which is essential in preventing further attacks. “That is my plea to the community.”
Council moved to accept the CAO report as information.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA Review