Coronation town council approves municipal infrastructure projects totalling $920,000

Written by Cheryl Bowman

Three proposed municipal infrastructure projects were reviewed by Coronation town council during the regular meeting on Mon. Feb. 13.

Council heard the roads are in need of urgent repairs and should be prioritized by council.

The proposal to council was broken down into three phases over a set time frame.

Phase one covered Albert St. from Victoria to Windsor Ave. at a total cost of $388,000.

Phase two covered Albert St. from Windsor to Norfolk Ave. at a total cost of $349,000 while phase three covered Coronation St. at a total cost of $183,000.

During discussion councillors had questions regarding the ability to do all the projects at once instead of following administration’s suggestion of only doing phase one.

“Does it make sense to do just phase one? If we are going to take out a debenture we might as well do all three, ” said Coun. Mark Stannard.

A motion was made to apply for a debenture from a bank offering the best rate and carried unanimously.

Council also made the decision to proceed with all three projects.

Leasing land

Administration requested council’s consideration to lease the land located at 4802 Royal Street instead of putting it up for sale.

Council heard that a steady stream of income from a lease would help to support the town’s finances while also providing a suitable location for a potential tenant.

Currently, on the land, there is a lease agreement with Bell for $2,368 per annum.

Council then heard administration’s suggestion of a rate of $5,000 per annum which would include grass-cutting fees.

During discussion councillors had questions regarding the rate charged for the lease.

“Why are we suggesting a rate of $5,000 for this company and the Bell lease is only $2,368,” said Coun. Stannard.

Other questions regarding the length of the agreement and the revisitation of the agreement with Bell were also discussed.

A motion was then made to proceed with a rate of $5,000 which was carried unanimously.

Fire protection bylaw

Council overviewed the updates to the fire protection bylaw done by town administration and the Coronation fire chief.

The fire protection bylaw outlines the regulations and requirements for fire safety in the community: protecting the public from the dangers of fire by promoting fire safety through the enforcement of building codes, fire department policies and other regulations.

During discussion questions were brought forward including if propane fire pits would be acceptable under the bylaw as they don’t have a screen cover.

“They don’t spark so they are okay,” said CAO Quinton Flint in response to the question.

All three readings were given to the bylaw and carried unanimously.

SCO-Fire agreement

A renewal of the contract with SCO-Fire was brought forward to council.

In the past, the engagement with SCO-Fire has been a means in order to eliminate the need for training and employing an individual who solely conducts fire inspections and issues permits.

During discussion councillors had questions regarding the breakdown of payments and if there have been any changes to the amount. While the exact details of the payments couldn’t be shared due to FOIP CAO Flint was able to confirm a slight change in the cost.

“There is a slight change but there isn’t a drastic update, I can send something privately to council,” said CAO Flint.

A motion was made to renew the contract with the organization and carried unanimously.

Campground attendant contract

A contract for a campground attendant was reviewed by council during the meeting.

Council heard the campground attendant is a contracted position, responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and overall experience of campers at a campground.

The campground attendant ensures the assignment of camping sites, collection of fees and the enforcement of the rules at the campground.

As well the attendant has the responsibility to set up the campground for camping season, help provide information about the area and resolve issues that may arise.

Council members liked the contract which was presented.

“Looks good to me but I am sure it is a work in progress as usual,” said Coun. Stannard. The draft contract was approved unanimously.

Council-to-Council

Council heard during the meeting that the CAO’s in the County of Paintearth feel with the increasing number of projects, audits, assessments and tax notification periods that a council-to-council meeting should be held soon.

CAOs have made a request for council to provide a confirmed date, time and location for the meeting in order to prepare.

A motion was made to direct CAO Flint to search for a location, recruit a caterer and to invite Castor, Halkirk and the County councils which was unanimously approved.

Board member appointment

A new member of council was needed to be appointed to the Paintearth Economic Partnership Society (PEPS) board during the meeting as Coun. Stannard resigned from the board position.

Council heard that given the role the PEPS board plays in setting the direction and overseeing the activities of the economic development in the region, it was important for the board to be built with individuals who have business skills, experience and commitment.

During discussion Coun. Matthew Peacock volunteered to join the board. The appointment of Coun. Peacock was unanimously approved.

Municipal Affairs meeting

Council reviewed an email correspondence regarding an invitation to request a meeting with the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

A motion was made to send a letter to arrange the meeting and approved unanimously.

Sarah Baker
ECA Review

About the author

Cheryl Bowman

Cheryl spent most of her childhood in Stettler, growing up on a quarter section north of town. After graduating from Stettler Composite High School she moved to Calgary where she worked in various industries, attended The University of Calgary and raised a family.

She enjoyed volunteering and contributed in a variety of ways, such as writing articles for the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and covering charitable events as a photographer.

She moved back to Stettler in 2023 where she still has family.