Forestburg council gave the third and final reading to the Utility Rates Bylaw during the meeting on Thurs. Dec. 15.
There will be an increase to Water and Sewer monthly maintenance fees by 50 cents per month and 25 cents per month respectively.
While both the water and sewer fees are seeing an increase there is also going to be a decrease to the monthly garbage services charge by $1.50 in accordance with the Flagstaff Regional Solid Waste 2023 budget.
Councillors were all in favour of the update to the bylaw which passed unanimously.
Snow handling concerns
Concerns were brought forward by Coun. Robert Frizzell regarding how snow removal is being handled in the community.
“Guys are out there working hard but some of the things I see, I think we can do something better,” said Frizzel.
Many concerns brought forward also dealt with the equipment including the possibility of the trucks being overloaded, and a suggestion to use a different broom attachment than what is currently in use for sidewalk snow removal.
A suggestion was also brought forward by Mayor Blaise Young that businesses could be reminded to do their part in ensuring that sidewalk conditions in front of their businesses are clear.
“We have to lead by example,” said Frizzell.
Bylaw changes
Administration made a recommendation to council to update its Gas Capitol Reserve Fee by increasing the charge to 30 cents per giga joule.
The money from the increase would go directly into the reserve.
Council approved the change which passed unanimously.
The Forestburg planning department has received a request to give an update to the land use bylaw in order to reclassify 4906 54 Street West from a highway commercial to a general residential district.
Council give the bylaw first reading and set a public hearing date.
Other business
Council gave a final look and approved the operating budget for 2023 which passed unanimously after councillors reviewed the changes which were made since it was last brought forward in a previous meeting.
After review from administration a suggestion was made to not hold a meeting on Jan. 5 which was approved unanimously.
Sarah Baker
ECA Review
