The Village of Clive will move ahead this year with a popular holiday celebration this December.
The decision was made at the Sept. 28 regular meeting of council.
Village Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Carla Kenney reported that Frost Fest will go ahead this December.
The event will feature sleigh rides, a bonfire and hot chocolate.
Council decided to cancel Fall Fest, however.
Online conference
Kenney reported village council recently took part in the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association annual conference which was offered online to meet pandemic guidelines.
While Kenney stated councillors missed the face to face interaction, the village was able to save some money because travel costs and other expenses weren’t necessary.
New house
Village council was happy to hear the village office issued a development permit for a new single family house with a garage.
The CAO said it’s pleasing to see the village is growing.
Grant funds
The village received notice it was approved for Municipal Operating Support Transfer funding to the tune of $77,000, to be used for operating costs due to COVID-19.
Kenney stated more information on this grant will be available soon.
Family Resource Network
Councillors heard a presentation from Family Resource Network representatives Karen White and Tammy Corsiatto who provided program information.
Village councillors have been looking into what programs are available in the region.
During the upcoming budget process councillors will decide which programs, if any, they will allocate funds to.
Urban bees
Councillors directed Kenney to gather public input on what interest exists in the village for urban beekeeping.
Kenney stated urban chickens seem to have gone over quite well., and the main purpose of the bees would be for residents to harvest their own honey.
Kenney stated the village will include an urban bee question with budget consultation efforts this fall.
The budget consultation will be available on the village website with some hard copies available at the village office.
Hydrant maintenance
The CAO reported councillors approved $19,031.41 for fire hydrant maintenance to be split over two years.
Kenney stated contractors able to examine the hydrants were available and after looking at ones in Clive, it was found about 18 needed some preventative maintenance, mostly gaskets.
Kenney’s advice was to perform the maintenance over two years to keep the budget hit to a minimum.
Upcoming budget
Councillors talked about developing their 2021 budget, the beginning of which will be done with strategic planning in October and budget planning in November followed by tentative budget approval in December.
Stu Salkeld, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review