Council approved a proposal from MuniSight, a company affiliated with accurate assessment, for an online mapping and infrastructure asset management program at a cost of $9,560 per year.
This program would link directly to the villages financial software and would provide a significant amount of data attached to an interactive map.
It will provide information on taxes, utilities, assessments, bylaws and planning, as well as providing a visual of infrastructure including roads, water, sewer and gas lines and the stormwater system.
“We are required to do an asset mapping, which is way easier to do if we have a map,” Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Debbie Moffatt explained.
“We can add bylaw hotspots next year, to be able to track and provide feedback.”
Administration is pleased with the versatility and ease of the system.
“This is very easy to use and update which allows for documentation and will be very useful.
“I think the applications for the village are huge. Planning services, it is the way of the future.”
The Federal Government has required municipalities to implement infrastructure asset management systems in order to receive the Federal Gas Tax (FGT) fund.
In 2019, $100,000 was granted to the Village of Forestburg from this funding source.
Forestburg council held a brief annual organizational meeting prior to their regular meeting on Oct. 17.
Mayor Blaise Young and Deputy Mayor Bob Coutts will remain in their positions as no other nominations were received.
Council also agreed that regular council meetings will continue to be held on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
Spirit Night disappointing
Jackie Norman attended to make a presentation on Community Spirit Night, which was held on Sept. 19 at the Community Centre in Forestburg.
This was the third annual networking event which showcases various community groups active in the area that are hoping to attract more members. As the organizer of the event, Norman was disappointed at the poor turn out.
“We had 39 vendors but only 20 to 25 people that came through the door. Last year, 45 vendors and 50 or 60 people, based on surveys, but lots of vendors also did the surveys.
“A few vendors did not participate because of a lack of response last year. We’ve used Facebook, posters, billboards, word of mouth, for advertising. I’m not sure what to do to get more people in,” said Norman.
“It is disappointing to put so much work into organizing it and not have a good turn out,” said Coun. Elaine Fossen.
“Maybe we need to make it more into an event, have entertainment, something to do for the kids too, and have it in the spring when everyone is happy to get out.”
Norman said she will leave it for a year to see if there will be more interest in the future and would possibly work with another group to make it a bigger event.
Council agreed to donate $1,600 towards the Forestburg School Awards Program.
The funds will be disbursed from the Community Enhancement Fund.
Jody Pettigrew
ECA Review
