A letter urging council to reconsider the minimum municipal tax of $500 was denied at the regular Coronation Town Council meeting on Mon. Aug. 13.
Leanne Watson of Stavely, Ab., owner of farm property that falls on the east side of Albert St. from Imperial Ave. to York Ave., wrote in her request to council, “Certainly this would seem, for lack of a better term, a ‘money grab’ as all of the properties that are close to or above the minimum $500 would not be affected.”
Watson’s taxes have increased from$41.75 to $507.49.
“We did this for a reason,” stated Coun. Vickey Horkoff. Council unanimously denied the request.
Riding Arena proposal
Council learned that the proposal by Darin Eno at a previous council meeting to construct an enclosed riding arena at the Coronation Rodeo Grounds that could potentially be used for the Bull-a-Rama, riding practice and competitions, 4-H shows and sales has the agreement by the Coronation Ag Society that they will be the managing partner for the construction of this facility as well as management upon its completion.
Council agreed to issue a letter of support and consent as the Ag Society will be applying for grants.
Dirt stockpile
Council was asked by administration to consider future use for the old BMX track area as a green space/recreation area for public use and enjoyment, as well as an area for overflow camping for ball tournaments in conjunction with Communities in Bloom (CiB) plans for an edible orchard.
Currently, campers are permitted to park along the northwest corner of Ball Diamond #4 for tournaments and pay $20 per night for unserviced camping fees.
It was agreed to ask the Ag Society to find an alternate site to store the dirt stockpiled for the Bull-a-Rama from year to year so the town could plant grass, provide picnic tables and garbage receptacles for this area.
“That means more work for the town staff,” noted Coun. Shelley Cook.
Lifejacket Loaner Stations Council received information regarding a $1,000 grant approval for the construction of a Lifejacket Loaner Station in Coronation from Cabela’s Canada Outdoor Fund to build the station.
The initial supply of lifejackets of varying sizes will be supplied by Cabela’s Canada.
The Lifesaving Society will also provide banners, posters and ‘watersmart’ education materials for the station.
Sheri Wuzinski proposes that lifejacket kiosks be developed at both the Coronation Pool and the Coronation Dam to ensure that there is sufficient access to this valuable lifesaving resource at both public use waterbased recreation areas.
Council accepted the material for information and administration will look into actual costs for construction of the two kiosks.
Bylaw report
Bylaw Officer Sheri Wuzinski reported on July activities including one fine for a trailer unlawfully parked on the street. Her report also included three other trailers parked unlawfully on the street, seven unsightly properties, four derelict vehicles and three dog calls.
PEPS donation
Council unanimously passed the resolution for the Paintearth Regional Waste Management Ltd. (PRWM) corporation to provide the annual funding grant of $100,000 to the Paintearth Economic Partnership Society (PEPS) for their operating budget.
Camp kitchen
Council approved clarification on the partial and full day rates for the campground kitchen. A partial day is now defined to be four hours or less and a full day, more than four hours.
Transitional progress report Urban Systems hired to work with Battle River Economic Opportunites Committee (BREOC) provided a written report to council that included information regarding the two Economic Transition Centres being set up to open Oct. 1 tentatively.
One is to be located in the old Paintearth Gas Co-op building on main street, Castor and the second office is on the second floor in the provincial building in Forestburg with ongoing renovations to both locations proceeding.
A wheelchair lift will be necessary for access to the Forestburg office at a cost of $30,000 to $40,000. Each centre will have one manager and one assistant with the positions lasting 18 months.
Budget shortfall of $145,685 is being addressed by members of BREOC who are involved seeking additional funding as the initial Coal Community Transition Fund (CCTF) application for an additional $700,000 was not approved by the government.
Members include the municipalities of the counties of Paintearth and Flagstaff, and communities of Forestburg, Heisler, Halkirk, Castor and Coronation.
Canadian Badlands Tourism
Coronation council will apply to host a one-day session for Canadian Badlands Tourism guest speaker, Roger Brooks.
The town will be required to provide a meeting room for 150 people, morning coffee/tea and lunch and marketing the event.
Brooks is a tourism destination development expert hired by Canadian Badlands Tourism for a learning tour in four communities across the region.
Land Use Bylaw
Council passed third and final reading of the Land Use bylaw to include provisions to allow placement of fabric covered buildings and C-Can storage units in residential and commercial districts.
Currently, they are only permitted in Industrial districts. Payments In the cheque listing for approval by council, it was noted that the town paid $126,126. prepayment to Horseshoe Paving for the Community Centre parking lot paving which the Community Hall Board has already reimbursed in full to the town.
Other expenses included lighting for $27,405 and new flooring upstairs in the arena for $21,265 and flooring in the Lion’s Rec Centre for $9,347.
