Hardisty resident Jim Bronson sat in on the council meeting Mar 14 and during the public question period had some queries pertaining to any new information on the Manor and the number of current vacancies.
“Any different decisions made on renting?” Bronson asked council. Bronson has had people ask him about the Manor and was interested in getting an update on any possible developments.
Mayor Doug Irving stated there is a meeting on April 3 with Flagstaff Regional Housing and Bethany Group is supposed to give more information on how the building can be utilized with either renovations or incorporating it in to affordable housing units.
At present 10 of the 26 rooms are rented.
“I really think if they renovated and made it more of what people would want to live in, what seniors are looking for, I think it would be more utilized,” commented Coun. Connie Beringer.
Mayor Irving has received feedback from some residents and intends to get more before the upcoming meeting.
The initial feeling is that seniors are looking for more of an Assisted Living style of accommodation which would provide meals and housekeeping.
Council discussed the differences between lodge settings, Assisted Living, manors and the different rules and staffing regulations that come with each type of seniors housing. All these things need to be taken in to account.
Also taken into consideration was senior housing in neighbouring communities, and if it was working in these communities.
Public Works inventory
Public Works has surplus equipment in their inventory that has not been used for some time and it was decided to sell the 1997 Chevy one ton and the 1996 International Model 4700 3 ton truck at Lindstrand Auctions in their Spring Auction.
Audit services
Brian King Professional Corporation has been providing auditing services to the town for over 15 years and a proposal has been submitted to continue for 2018-2021.
Council accepted this proposal citing the fee schedule is very reasonable, he is accessible to answer any questions for staff or elected officials and is very well versed with municipal accounting practices.
Land Use Bylaw
Jane Dauphinee and Kyle Miller from Municipal Planning services attended the council meeting in preparation for the March 21 scheduled Public Open House at the Hardisty Community Hall that will deal with the updated Town of Hardisty Land Use Bylaw.
The open house gives the public a chance to hear any proposed changes to the Land Use Bylaw and Dauphinee, Miller and the town council will be there to facilitate an open discussion and address any concerns that may arise.
The Land Use Bylaw will not be finalized until there has been a first reading from council followed by a public hearing and then a second and third reading from council.
This gives plenty of time for public input.
Lisa Bye
ECA Review
