Okay. Well, 3 PM we'll bring this regular council meeting to order and
I'll ask Council Heistad to please read the land acknowledgement.
» Thanks, Mayor Berkeley. The town of Inisville acknowledges that we are
meeting on Treaty 7 um treaty 7 territory of the ancestral and
traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Kaii, Picani and Sika as
well as the Sutina First Nation and Stony Nakota First Nation. We
acknowledge that this territory is home to Miy Nation of Alberta region 3 with
the historical Northwest Matei homeland. We acknowledge the many First Nations,
Matei and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations.
We are grateful for the traditional knowledge keepers and elders who are
still with us today and those who have gone before us. We make this
acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation and a gratitude to those
whose territory we reside on.
I would make that motion. M Barkley. >> Thank you. All in favor?
Carried. All right. And we'll move into 3.1, the
regular council meeting minutes for October or October August the 10th.
Could I please have someone make a motion that we um adopt those as
presented? Councelor Highand. >> I'll make that motion.
» Thank you. Any changes? No. All in favor? Okay. Carried.
All right. And we'll get into our council agenda now. Uh 4.1 uh notice of
motion. And I'll turn it over to CEO Becker.
» Thanks, Mark. Barkley. Hello, councel. I'll speak to the contents of the
report. Put it over then to councelor Russell who was the author of the notice
of motion that was presented before council on August the 10th. Uh as you
can see, councelor Russell uh support by council through a resolution to direct
administration um regarding some uh information
regarding uh moving into eliminating one AMP meeting per month as well as the
summer months. Um although not part of the written notice of motion, council
Russell did speak to the proposed motions um which I'm I'm gathering he
would speak to today. I won't read them and I'll let him um speak to that. As
per the request of administration, administration did conduct a little bit
of research um and looked at different
municipalities similar size and location um in the area and a little bit beyond
just on the number of uh council meetings, committee meetings uh that
make up um their governance model. That's there for your information
council. um was also referenced uh requested for budget impacts for
eliminating one AMP meeting per month as well as the summer months. Um as council
runs Russell indicated in his uh delivery of his notice of motion
administration agrees it being that $10,000 um savings um which is gathered
through your remuneration policy. uh through the work I undertook um
difficult to really quantify dollars but you can quantify dollars on the amount
of time administration does spend on development of of council agenda items.
Um however
did not quantify a number so much to demonstrate the value or the cost of
developing um the agendas but we'll speak to this throughout the report.
um administration through myself indicate ind indicates there is there
could be some inefficiencies for administration in the ability to
allocate time to other priorities during the week off the weeks off if there's
five weeks in a given month instead of allocating time slots each week to
report development the report indicates later that you can speak probably argued
counter argue to the point that um u it could add additional workload to
administration um From my perspective, it outlines
really the procedure in developing a council agenda agenda. Whether it's a
council meeting or an AMP meeting, it's the same process, but as the report
states, each director researchers prepares their RFDs. Um, comes to the CO
for review. Once our review is complete, um, it goes to the executive assistant
then to start the process to put into the agenda format digitally.
Um, and really depends on the size of the agenda, but it could range from 2 to
4 hours uh per agenda. Um, I was saying this morning to SLT, that's I could
spend probably two to three days per week um regardless um as a CO and
reviewing and developing the package um each week dedicated for C to council's
uh agenda development. report indicates um how council has his
um traditionally used AMPA meetings and that is to dive deeper into different
agenda items um but also been used as a engagement channel with with community
stakeholders um as well as for policy and strategy reviews
um including budget. Um the report indicates it but we're
here to support you. So it's really up the council to determine what governance
way or u mechanism or procedure you wish to have to allow you to conduct your
work. Uh just going down into the very last sentence um as stated amp meetings
rest largely with council strategic and governance priorities and the style and
depth of council wishes to govern by. So if council has any questions to my
report um specifically to the information I presented certain to take
those questions. If not, I put over to councelor Russell to speak to his notice
of motion. >> Okay. Thank you, CEO Becker. Council
Russell. >> Okay. Thanks, Mayor Burke. So, I I spoke
to this at the last meeting and you know um about the length of minutes when we
go back that 96 minute length of meeting um is two years back and so it's 15
months of the previous council and 9 months of the current council. So those
are the average meeting lengths and I don't think anyone could say that any
argument was um cut short or any discussion cut short in that time. So we
were able to accomplish them in in a fairly short some of them fairly short
times. Our last meeting was an example if we hadn't have spent the 10 minutes
on the notice of a of uh motion that that I put forward there really was only
one agenda item and we would have been done in 50 minutes. Um and I understand
there are some times that it's going to be a little longer but the reason I
brought this forward wasn't um you know there is budget implications for sure uh
in terms of renumeration for for council. There is certainly time demands
that would be a little less for administration if we reduce by one but
it's looking at being the most effective governors but we also and need to do it
in the most efficient way. So, not knowing if it would work long term. Um,
I did want to wait until, you know, I the first few months I thought wondered
why we had four, but as it went on, I wondered more. So, waited the 9 months
to bring it forward. For me, I think there's with the motion that I'm going
to put forward, there's very little risk to council because um as I mentioned
before, council always has the right to to call an additional meeting if if
needed for an emergent item. Um but based on the data that's there on the
meetings of the last 24 months, um I think there's a possibility that we
could maybe do it in in three meetings a month rather than four.
Um, but I'm not asking council to make a commitment right now without having a
trial basis. So, what what I'm recommending and I'll put the motion on
the floor that council trial one meeting per month for 6 months held on the first
Monday of each month from September 1st, 2026 to February 28th, 2027.
If this first motion passes, then I would make the second motion. But
there's no sense making that till we see how the first motion goes. And that
second motion would be at that time after a six-month trial we evaluate it.
And for me, I think there's zero risk, but I think there's two wins for council
in this if we were to do this. One is if we were to do it and we were able to do
it for three meetings a month and it it seemed to be effective, there would be
some savings in terms of of u cost to taxpayers and also in terms of time to
our administration. um with a new CEO, they're going to be,
you know, have a a busy year getting to get their feet under them. So, it having
that extra time might be beneficial to a new CEO. Um but, you know, so that would
be one win. It also would be a win if we found out it didn't work. Um because
then we could I could say to any taxpayer said to me, "Why do you have
four?" I could say, "Listen, we tried to do it in three. It's just not possible.
We need to have the fourth meeting." So, I see a win on both sides regardless of
what the decision is in February 22nd, but we won't know unless we tie do the
trial. So, I'll just leave it at that. >> Thank you, Councelor Russell. So, we
have a motion on the the table. Um, I'll open it up for discussion now. We'll go
around to see what everybody thinks. Uh, councelor
» Heistad.
» Well, okay. I thought you were going to put your light on, but
» Okay. >> Oh, yeah.
You go ahead. >> No. Beauty before age.
» Okay. Yeah. Actually, um I made a comment. I think it was a couple weeks
ago. Um I I think that our current uh route that we work on is is effective. I
believe that. Um similar to what I'm trying to recall
what I said, the C we got a new CEO coming. We have a lot of changes. I
think there's a lot more work for this council in the next three years and it
comes down to with you have a new CEO coming on stream um is making sure that
we're doing our jobs as um you know governors and making sure that we're um
attuned to what's going on in our community. And I think that having that
those two au that gives us that opportunity to have those communications
um and and the one-on- ones with people in our own community and it's we're
addressing things uh sooner than later. And I find that the AMP is a great oper
opportunity on the as to the day-to-day work whereas the regular council
meetings uh you know sometimes we it's we're dealing with the day-to-day but
the we get to really know the the nuts and bolts of what's going on in each
department and we have that free flow and I like the free flow as a counselor
uh more regularly than not. So, Councelor Russell, I'm going to be
opposed to this this motion, but I respect where you're coming from and
thanks. >> Okay. Thank you, Councelor Heistad and
Councelor Hill. >> Yes. Thank you. Um, I'm more than uh I
would be definitely in favor of trying this out. I I see the side of being
responsible to the community and and seeing if we can uh function well and
efficiently without the fourth meeting. Um, and I think there's there's uh like
I don't see a problem with trying it and uh being able to say that we did try it
and and knowing that we've been kind of with the information provided to us, you
know, there are three meetings a month seems to be quite uh regular or quite
common for most municipalities, but uh maybe we do need the fourth, maybe we
don't, but this is the only way we're going to find out. So, I'm I'm fine with
that. >> Okay. Thank you, Council Hill. Anybody
else want to uh jump in? Uh Councilman Keller.
» Thank you, Mayor Barkley. Um I'll speak in favor of uh Councelor Russell's uh uh
motion here as well. I think uh as he said earlier, we got nothing to lose by
trying this and just seeing how it works. Um I too have often wondered,
particularly from the administrative side, the volume of work that happens uh
each week after we leave here uh to get us ready for the next meeting. So, um, I
I think there's some some wins here and we'll have some answers in February.
» Thank you, Councelor Wing. >> Thank you, Mayor Barkley. Um, I will not
be voting in favor of this resolution and given a lot of thought. Um, and I I
think the conversation has been really important, but I guess where my position
is right now, um, I've I've written down some points because I think it's I think
it's actually important more important that we consider um, than just a couple
of comments. So, at our workshop on August the 5th, we reviewed every single
council, committee, commission, and board relative to their mandate and
purpose, our participation, and our desire to continue or not. So, we did
not identify A&P at that time as being a committee of concern or determine a
desire to amend its terms of reference, which is schedule A of our council
procedure bylaw. Um, the terms of reference has a very um intense
description of the work that council should be doing at&p. And so, you know,
if we're not having wholesome A&P meetings, that's on us. where I would
say to you that eliminating the meeting is in fact just making it more evident
that there's some of this work that we need to be doing that we haven't maybe
been paying attention to. Um, in the five summers that I've been on council,
we have adjusted our meeting schedule, eliminating AMP meetings and therefore
only meeting for two council meetings in July and in August. So, it's been in in
the 11 weeks since our last council meeting on June the 24th, we've met four
times for council business. And yes, some some of us have participated in
community events. We've had open houses and a workshop. Um, but I feel like
we've become disconnected as a team by reducing our meetings to that degree
because there has been a lot of stuff going on. So typically after we would
have a community meeting or an event at the first AM immediately following we
would debrief that event. We would talk about the participation we would talk
about the feedback. We would talk about our own agenda and the content and
whether we wanted to continue as we move forward. So, I feel like we're not
closing the loops or we're waiting to close the loops. Um, and perhaps not not
having the proper or adequate time to do that because we have other things that
that are on our regular council meeting agendas. So, I would actually propose in
the future that we add one A&P back into July and August to ensure the the uh
connection and the continuity. Um, I think the timing for this, um, our
most important work and our and relationship is recruiting, hiring, and
subsequent retention of our CEO. And we're all aware of the ongoing work. We
aren't even halfway through the process we've identified for the successful
completion of the work. And once we have found our preferred candidate, the TR
transition and successful onboarding of that individual will begin. I've sat on
both sides of the table. I've been the one reporting to the board and I've been
the director or chair of the board and I understand the complexities of those
relationships and relationship building, but I also understand the need
especially at the beginning for time to invest in relationships and to ensure
we're all moving forward in the same direction. So just sort of my last
thought is we have a really aggressive and optimistic strategic plan that we
adopted unanimously earlier this year. Um it identifies significant and
important goals and outcomes, none of which will happen if we aren't all on
the same page and moving the plan forward. Um housing, community economic
development, the new recreation master plan, asset management, school site, so
on. But finally, the last point on that in that strap plan is around land
development. And I saved that for last because last week at our budget meeting,
our budget open house, the last guest who joined us about it was about quarter
to 4 was a major land developer in this region who's very curious about what our
what our plans are for future growth. This person is aware of our strategic
plan. This company is aware of what our intentions are and so they're curious
about well what's coming next. And so it was a significant conversation. It
should lead to further meetings and hopefully further outcomes. But I think
the one the biggest gap or biggest lapse in good governance is adopting a strat
plan and not resourcing it um adequately and effectively. So um I I just think
that to step away um to reduce our meetings by 25% we
eliminate time for ourselves and for our community as well. Um, and so I yeah, I
would prefer that we um I I think it's I think that it takes time and commitment
to support council. I know it does to support council, but it also takes time,
a huge amount of time for a meeting to be um rescheduled or to be put inserted
into every one of our individual calendars. So if we don't have
significant content for an agenda, then council could decide to cancel it. But I
think that's much easier than trying to fit meetings in or reschedule them. So
that's my thoughts. Thanks. All right. Thank you very much for those comments.
Um I don't know. I kind of all over the
place on this. I you know work es and flows. I I think last term we came out
of the the shoot uh very ambitious and there was a lot going on. um new
industrial park development, the southwest residential, the outdoor
rinks, the playgrounds, and on and on and on. The aquatic center took up a lot
of time. And I think towards the end of that term, the last couple of years, you
can't just keep putting things on administration's desk. Uh they need to
have time to breathe and and do the work. and and so I I think that's why we
maybe saw a bit of a a downturn in in time with with&mp and am but I I don't
know that I'm just kind of anecdotally saying that. Um, on the other hand, I I
think that um, you know, we you're right, councelor Russell, we we haven't
spent a lot of time in AMP or in council meetings for that matter and and um, you
know, that that's going to be dependent upon, you know, council driving that
agenda and driving our strategic priorities and and, you know, meetings
will last as long as there's good dialogue going on. So if that's not
necessarily taking place then um the meetings will will be very short. So you
know I I don't mind trying this for a few months. I don't know whether it's 6
months or four months or or whatever it is. I I'm interested when we we do have
a new CEO in place what their thoughts will be on on this. Um I look at nine
communities on this list some larger than us that do not have uh two AMPs a
month. And so I I do see the
I guess I I I see how much time administration does put into the package
every week and and that is a lot of administration time and you're right
it's week after week after week after week and and um so I I think uh you know
some of councelor Wing's comments are you know very valid but you know if we
have a an open house like we did last week for budget well we have
opportunities in our round table to report back on those And um that's where
that should be happening or we can put it as an agenda item on the actual
agenda. But you know I I think to support administration and
and all the things they have on their plate. Um I wouldn't mind trying this
for a few months and and see how it goes. And and like I said with a new CEO
coming on board, let's see what that person has to say going forward. And and
it was interesting that um oh I won't get into that. Never mind. But um yeah.
So yeah, we have Yeah. Yeah. Okay. So um do you want to follow up with anything?
Council >> just follow up on on councelor Wing one
one comment you made about our committee meeting. Um it was brought up in our
group there and we did bring it forward the end, but no decisions were made on
any committees at that meeting. It's going to the next stage, but um I think
I made council aware at that time that I did have this notice of motion already
in place coming forward. So, um, but I think everyone's had their their fair
share. I respect everyone's opinion and the motion's on the table, I guess.
» Okay. So, we'll call all in favor of, uh, Councelor Russell's motion.
Okay. And opposed. Okay. So, four to two. It's carried. Thank you,
» Mayor Barkley. >> Yes.
» Could I make the second motion now that that first motion's passed? So, I move
that at the February 22nd, 2027 council meeting, council evaluate the six-month
trial of one ANA am meeting per month and decide to either permanently move to
one AM meeting a month or revert back to two AM meetings per month.
» Okay. Thank you. Does anybody have any further discussion about that? All in
favor? All right. Carried unanimously. All right. Thank you.
Okay. We will move into 4.2 two and the CAO report.
» Thanks, R Barkley. As you can see, the report is quite brief. Only thing I'd
highlight is again if council has any feedback on your recent council
engagement um that could come into now or kind of lead into the conversation
about budget, it would be helpful for you perhaps as well as administration to
hear some of that feedback. Other than that, that's my report.
» Okay. Thank you. Um Okay, you go first. I I have some feedback. Um, there were a
few people that showed up. I know midafter afternoon, midsummer was was
tough for people to get out, but I think the evening one coming up might have
better attendance. But I wonder if we were to advertise that there will be a
brief presentation at such and such a time. So I think what is the hours for
the next one? 6:00 to 8. So whether we say 6:15 or something, there'll be a
brief presentation to maybe get people there more to common time to maybe hear
um from folks. That's just a suggestion I would have. I I don't know if other
counselors agree with that, but um I think it's important to have those. Um
and I do think the next one being in the evening might be more highly attended.
But >> no, I agree. It was a beautiful sunny
summer afternoon and uh just so everybody knows, Ken had put together
some slides for me and I did have a presentation, but we thought we'd just
play it by ear and see how many people came. Um some feedback. I will go after
councelor Heistad because he has his lights on. So,
» no, that's okay. I was I was listening. I should have turned off Mayor Barkley.
I would agree with councelor uh Russell as with many of your comments as as I
cut you off. I think it's I think it's important to have a bit of a
presentation and and not a big Q&A but uh it was an opportunity it's another
opportunity to have those discussions. So I'm in favor of that. Thanks.
» Thank you for that. um some feedback I would say that the people that I spoke
to it was really around budget and why are you know costs going up so much and
staffing and and that sort of thing. So I'm wondering if we could think about
what should we have there. I I don't think it's helpful to the person that
you're speaking to just to say, "Oh, well, this and this and this and this."
because they're not necessarily going to to recollect all those details where um
I don't know whether we could have, you know, something in print that we
could give people that showed inflationary costs that showed I know uh
Director Kennedy I I always love that 2,00 to $2,900 number, but uh update
that to whatever it might be now um because it it's a good illustrative
point to um to explain um you know, how many staff do we have?
Right, that was a um a question I got u thank thankfully director Vickers was
there because I don't necessarily know that off the top of my head, but how
many do we have and how many part- timerrs do we have and when do they come
and when do they go and and I I think you know the more detail that we can
provide the better. But um yeah, I think of even I mean we talk
about accounting software and how much that's going to cost to to update and
licensing for that kind of thing and that's something that we didn't have 20
years ago or 15 years ago. So I I think there's a lot that's changed and with um
how an organization runs of course as anybody's organization has changed. So
you know it's it's different than it was. So,
but those are those are mostly the conversations I had was around that and
then um the developer at the end and and uh but I I know that director Jenkins is
dealing with people like that all the time and and we'll bring things forward
from that but it's great to see him there for sure.
And I uh sorry, Emma uh council, I've had some discussions with communications
and we were going to update just the advertising that it starts at 6 so that
hopefully we'll get everyone there at 6:00 and that someone will be saying a
few words at the beginning to kind of >> Well, I would say there's going to be a
presentation like at 6:15 or something like councelor Russell said.
» Yeah, we talked about that and we'll update how that's looking going out to
try and get everyone there right at 6 kind of thing.
» Okay. Okay. Thank you. And I don't know if they're um I I know the the involve
information is upright where people can use the the slider on there to determine
do you want to put money into this or this and what happens and uh Mayor
Berkeley. So there is a section under the asset management where they can put
money in for different assets and they have a certain dollar amount. Uh and we
are continually updating the budget page on involve each week as we put things
out through budget posts. We're continually updating that page. Yes, I
think the uh state of infrastructure report we didn't have that there that
probably be worthwhile to to have some copies of that and because it was a
topic of discussion for sure just the supports
what we're doing. So, okay. Councelor High.
» Um Mayor Barkley, Councelor Wing was fine. Go ahead.
» No, you were ahead of me. >> Well, okay. Um just the other a question
that I've had at at the event, but also otherwise um is around assessments and
how assessments are actually done and in our last term we actually had our
assessors come and give us a presentation and so I wonder if that's
not an opportunity for um the future to have a delegation come and explain how
it all happens and if we could kind of advertise for maybe people would come
and listen but if we could have some information just saying to them you can
call the town and appeal or question your val the value and they're they're
not happy with the response that they get either. So they I think if there was
some assistance in how does how do they arrive at the numbers? They don't come
and walk through my house. They don't knock on my door. That that kind of
thing. Um that would be helpful. >> Thank you.
» So do you mean having wild rules come to the presentation?
» No, I think wild rules coming to council at a future date, but I think had
information at the budget openhouse around assessments would be helpful.
» When were they here last director? a couple years.
» I They were here recently. >> I thought they were here with new
counsel. >> They were
very early >> generally. They probably came. Yeah.
» Yeah. >> Yeah.
» Mhm. Council >> Yeah. Mayor Barkley. Um we we were
having the same conversations, councelor Wang and I, with um certain people or
certain individuals. And I think this we talked about the staffing side of
things. I think there's a lot of people that have lived here for, you know,
years and years and years and they think it's, you know, 1986 still. And I think
that the data and the information will help uh clarify that cuz when I look at
the numbers, I don't think it's exponential where we have our staffing.
And I think we staff appropriately overall the last number of years that
I've sit around the table. But as the assessment piece um that did come up in
the discussion and it's it's always um how do you you know how do you explain
it properly to people and uh it's easy to look at the numbers um is the couple
that we are talking to are saying they've gone around and checked out all
the houses and you know the areas and I think it's it will help us when we're
having that framing that discussion. So, but on the staffing level, I'm I am
confident with it, but it's it's good to have it uh readily available. Thanks.
» Okay. Thank you. All right. Anything else? If not, we'll
just have a motion to approve the CAO report, please.
Councilman Keller, >> Mayor Barkley, I'll make that motion.
» All right. All in favor? Carried. Okay. Okay, we'll move on to the council
action control.
Any questions about anything on here?
If not, we'll just have a motion to accept council action control as
information. Councelor Hill, >> I'll make a motion that we accept the
council action control as information. >> Okay. Thank you. All in favor? Carried.
All right. We'll move into 5.1 with director Kennedy.
Thanks, Mayor Barkley. So, yeah, in front of you a report coming back to you
just in regards to a review of the 42nd Street and 52nd a intersection. Um,
during the review, we also identified an opportunity here to uh include an
inventory of our playgrounds, school zones, as well as an assessment on our
traffic signal um that we we look out on an annual basis. Anyway,
uh part of the review, so we came up with four options. So really one one
option is to increase pedestrian crossing time which we did move forward
with increasing it by 5 seconds to 15 um which has improved that a lot of time to
get across the intersection at 52nd a option two uh we are are looking at
uh changing the existing school zone on 52nd a to a playground zone. Uh this
would change uh would then give some consistency to the other roadways that
surround the school uh as they are all uh operated as playground zones as well.
Existing cost uh would be within our existing budget for that. Option three,
uh we looked at upgrading that traffic signal at that intersection. Um this
would include increasing the timing flexibility during peak hours. Uh
changing the intersection to a camerabased monitoring uh which gives us
again more operational ability. Uh we'd look at look at adding an
additional left turn lane uh arrow for the eastbound traffic on 42nd Street as
well as replacing all the existing signage heads to LED inserts. that cost
uh for that just that one intersection upgrade would be in that $50,000 range.
Uh we did look at the additional uh intersections that we have for traffic
lights. So along 50th Street, 40 at 44th A, 49th A, and 50th A. Um this would
include upgrades to LED lights, uh which hasn't happened in a while. Therefore,
that cost was roughly $30,000. Um those two projects we'd look at
bringing into our capital uh budgeting deliberations uh for further discussion.
Um then we looked at the playground zone uh throughout town. Actually we have 22
playground zone signs uh all varying with con um variety not
being consistent throughout the community. To improve this, uh, we did
look at recommending replacing these signs with an updated version, as well
as adding a additional signage for playground zone hours for clarity, um,
making it 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Additional or estimated cost for this
would be in that $1,000 range, which we're recommending doing, um, as part of
our operating project next year.
So, we are recommending uh op proceeding with option two um as well as proceeding
with the replacement of playground signs in 2027
and then bringing in further discussion for option three for the intersection uh
light upgrades. So, we'll take any discussion.
» Right. Thank you, Director Kennedy. So, do the lights have LEDs now or
» they're not. >> They're not. Okay. I wasn't sure whether
you meant replacing or >> No, okay. Yeah. Okay. All right. So,
I'll have uh somebody please make the recommended motion and then we will open
it up for discussion.
» Councilor High Stand. >> I'll make that motion that council
direct administration to proceed with conversion of the school zone on 52nd
Avenue between 42nd Street and 47th Street to playground zone in 2026.
» Okay. Thank you. Um, anybody have any comments about that?
» I get comments about uh I think it's that left-hand turn uh 42nd. I think
that's the in the 52nd there. How with the broom you guys are confident with
that is, >> you know, you're talking about the to
upgrade the intersection. >> Yeah, the integration.
» It would just be a light signal. So, it wouldn't be adding a light.
» Okay. Okay. That's what I was thinking. >> Okay. All right. All right. Thank you. I
was like, where how the heck could that happen? So, no, I appreciate that.
» Okay, councelor Wing. >> Thank you, Mayor Barkley. Um, and
through to Director Kennedy. When we talked about this the last time, we just
we briefly touched on well, we touched on the fact that the playground or the
playground zone doesn't extend all the way past the ball diamonds on 52nd. And
we know that the speed on 52nd is becoming more and more of an issue. So,
I I wonder why we wouldn't consider extending the playground zone all the
way to just short of 40th Street to incorporate all of the green space.
There's kids running back and forth from the what used to be Max across to the or
the ball diamonds, whatever. And it I just think that perhaps then that might
help slow people down in general on 52nd.
» Uh we could heavily look at that as further um review. Well, I guess when
when uh director Leath comes back, we can look at a further.
» Okay. Thank you, Council Hill. >> Yes. I I think that since we've had this
brought up, obviously, it was a worthy topic to have the time and resources put
into this. Um, as far as the $1,000 cost for the signs and and it being proposed
in the 2027, is there any way I understand it's finding capacity, but
what would have to happen? uh outside of the budgetary expense of the thousand
dollars to be able to implement the new signs. Um obviously I know that time is
not free and we can't always just free up staff like that, but is there any way
it could be done prior to 2027 since we've already have the need for it and
the cost is is uh I feel acceptable. >> Um councelor Hill, we we could look at
trying to include it in this year's but it is done down to resources. uh our
team teams get into their fall kind of program here to get going on. Um
replacing signage is just as one more thing. So that's why we were looking at
putting it into our 2027 tasks. >> Okay.
» Okay. Council Keller or Councelor Russell, anything?
» Thank you, Mayor Barkley. I I would just like to comment on uh Councelor Wing's
uh comment about extending that down 52nd to about just before 40th Street
there. That makes a lot of sense to me because of the traffic issues we have
that start just past the lights there.
» Councelor Het did have his light on. He's been so polite to everyone else.
» I thought we'd try to go around him again. How's that?
» I tried. appreciate that comment. >> No, I I agree with a lot of the
comments. I do like the consistency in the signs cuz I know some of them it's
sunrise to sunset. Well, what is that? When is that? You know, and uh when
schools are in session, well, which school is and isn't in session? Creates
confusion. So, I do like the consistency. I agree with counselor um
Hill about the $1,000. If we could get it done sooner, it would be great. But
if it is more of a um resource issue rather than the money issue, I I get
that as well. But I'd like to see it as soon as we could do that. And I do like
uh councelor Wing's suggestion of of getting director Lee's involvement and
seeing should we maybe extend that down to the end of the ball diamonds because
that is a busy area for kids moving back and forth and uh I see it all the time
when I bike through there the amount of pedestrian traffic happening. So
» yeah, it's interesting. Well, I live down there so as does council Keller and
drive that road a lot. Um, so I'm not a huge fan of turning the playground zone
in or the school zone into a playground zone. Uh, I'll give you my reasons why.
The the street is wide. Um, on 51st, there's houses that front that street.
There's the community entrances or the front door entrances to two schools. On
52nd, the entrances to the schools are well off that street. And so after say
4:30, 5:00, there's not much happening along there. like even after school
activities are taking place on 51st Avenue for the most part or people are
driving into the parking lot and then I think of all of July and August there's
nothing but also if you go further down by the the Circle K store of course and
that ball diamond I there is um lights for the the crosswalk there flashing
lights but it it is pretty busy um to to me all along that the big deal has been
the the intersection at at 42nd and 52nd uh just the congestion there twice a day
during school hours. But um you know I guess to provide consistency if we're
going to bring Director Le in to see about extending the rest of it, it
wouldn't make sense to have school zone, playground zone. That that would really
confuse people. So
Council Heist. >> Yeah. No, I uh I was just going to say I
agree with uh councelor Hill and the $1,000 and bumping it up 2026
as to uh councelor Wing's comment about the playground zone down to 40th. Um I'm
just referring back to a conversation we had. Um councelor Hill, correct me if
I'm wrong. You looked at the whole area as a campus to to make it safer for
everybody. So, I'm good with us making sure that we're uh doing our due
diligence and working with Director Leath on, you know, if we extend the
that playground zone, but I think this is a really good opportunity for us to
to improve some of the safety in our community. Thanks.
» See you back. >> So, the council to put you back where
you're at. So, we have a motion on the table as per the recommended motion.
We're hearing some feedback to direct administration to consider or to explore
moving the playground zone from 42nd Street to 40th Street or around that
area. Um with so that if that's council's wishes, then I'd recommend
moving into an amendment um to direct administration accordingly.
» Yep, for sure. Okay. So, we'll have an amendment to the um to the motion then
please to add the playground zone extending to
» 40th y street or almost yeah to the end of 40th
» council Russell >> is is the amendment to um request
administration to bring back more information regarding that or make that
switch right now I think it's to bring back more information right now we just
be approving the school zone conversion Right. But in addition to that also
bring us back information about possibly extending.
» We should have two different motions in >> I think maybe it should. Yeah.
» Yeah. >> Yeah. Two motions. One is original
motion which you'll deal with um later. But the one right now is if you want is
if there's a motion on it that can be presented be to amend the current motion
or to have an amending motion to proceed with the conversion of a school zone on
52nd Avenue between 42nd and 40th Street.
» So yeah, I was going to ask Becca like what I mean council can decide to do
that. We don't need to have a a report come back from director Lee. So that's
what we wish to do and >> so or
» I think Mayor Barkley is
» that's for the director stating hey I want the director of protective services
eyes on this okay >> recommendation.
» Okay. All right. We'll have two different how about we have two
different motions and we'll keep it clean. So we we'll have the the first
motion >> uh 52nd and 42nd playground
» and then we'll have another motion to direct administration. Okay. So, who
wants to make the first counselor? >> So, councelor already made the first
wasn't listening to him. Sorry. Kidding.
» Okay. All in favor? >> Kind of. Couldn't remember this. Okay.
And then we'll have another motion, please, to um direct administration to
bring back a report on extending that playground zone to 40th Street.
Counselor Hill. >> I would make that said motion.
» Okay. Thank you. Any discussion? All in favor? Carried. And then the third
motion,
» councelor Russell. >> Thanks, Mayor Eric. I move that council
direct administration to include funding for traffic signal upgrades, LED traffic
light conversions, and playground signage improvements in the 2027 budget
process. >> Right. Thank you. All in favor? Okay.
Carried. All right. And we'll move into 2027
budget priorities 6.1 with Director Vickers. Thank you, Mayor Barkley. Um,
so we've brought this report uh before council to just kind of begin the
discussion around the priorities for the 2027 budget uh and also to kind of put
in front of you guys budget deliberation dates and start thinking about getting
those booked just cuz we know how hard it can be to get everyone in the room at
the same time. Um so the uh report today brings together the strategic the
strategic plan that council previously um had passed, our draft corporate plan
that's kind of brand new before council today and our updated tenure capital uh
plan and it's kind of just the starting point uh for the development of the
budget. Um so earlier this year, as I said, um council adopted the strategic
plan and identified four uh pillars that were that will guide the town's work
over your four-year term. Um within those four pillars, council did identify
three goals. um for particular attention during the 2026 and 2027 year. Uh and
those were increase housing options that are diverse, affordable, and accessible,
increase recreation and wellness opportunities, and develop a clear
approach to the town's role in land development. So, the draft corporate
plan kind of takes those priorities and identifies the work administration is
proposing over the next kind of several years. And the 10-year capital plan
provides the longerterm look at infrastructure, facilities, fleet, and
other capital requirements. And these documents are intended to kind of work
together and provide the framework that administration is using to present uh
budget 2027 to council. Um so let's talk about budget
deliberations too. So each year we do like to look at um three full days of
budget deliberations typically in that third week in November. Um so for 2026
um this year it would be the 17th to the 20th of November.
Um and in in advance of budget deliberations, we always tend to um um
look at some organizations that through our budget we actually bequeef money out
to specifically the public library and the historical village. Um they can come
in advance so not during budget deliberations but just prior to and
that's the moment that they can talk to council about their budget request,
their ask for what they're looking for the next year. So we're I want to take
this opportunity to ask is there any other organizations that you would like
us to invite with the purposes to hear some kind of budget request. So not not
an organization that we just want to hear what they're doing. That can happen
anytime. But these would have a very specific ask for them to come to council
with whatever budget request they're wanting. So typically we like the
library to present to us how much money they need for the next year, what their
request of the town is that we then can discuss within our budget.
Mayor Barkley, uh, this might be out out of turn, but, um, is there is there a
term of an agreement we have with the Lions Club in the in the campground? Is
that something that we might is that still all good?
» So, wonder do you know what does >> because that's a subsidized piece the
town is involved in? >> Yeah, the count agreement expires in
December this year. >> Okay. So, so potentially having them in
this year would be appropriate. >> We can we can add
» I just I just kind of Yeah. Thank you. >> Perfect. We'll add that to the list.
Yeah. Is there anyone else like that kind of kind of group that you'd like to
see? If not, we can add some later. It's it's
no big deal. But
okay. So we have attached the updated uh 10-year capital plan and currently it's
identifying uh $20.7 million in capital expenditures from 2027 to 2029. So
approximately 3.88 million in 2027, 5 million in 2028. And then you can see
a large jump of 11.84 million in 2029. That does um hold the um the arena
project that's sitting in our 10-year capital uh capital plan. You will see
later in this project that we are looking to do an arena feasibility study
um later next year and that will kind of identify finalize the arena project kind
of identify what it looks like. Yes, >> director Vickers. Yes, recreation. Um, I
do not want personally am concerned about making a step into recreation
facilities without Red Dear County being involved because um
when we look at the record agreement and uh what's required in there for us to
keep them apprised of the needs in this community when we look what's happened
with the ICF and then um I I think it's really important that uh
we make sure that we're not getting ahead of ourselves
and I I would also like us to think about and I'm sure you already do but
that there's you know grant programs that come and go and um I have reached
out to Blaine Caukins office to have them send some information about the
announcement a couple of weeks ago but how do we align or can we even align
we need to do or some of the work we need to do with grants and and you know
what what is shovel ready mean? Do we have to have a design in place? I always
felt that the Dodd's Lake work that we did that was we did that partly because
so we would have something ready to go if an opportunity came up but are we
missing out on things because well we'd like to do this or we're going to do
this but it doesn't fit here here and here and uh I think of infrastructure
water wastewater there was you know federal provincial announcement two
weeks ago on on that and what does it take to qualify what does it take to
qualify with the government of Alberta's water wastewater facilities I know we've
tried in the past and we haven't been successful, you know, because it I don't
know doesn't quite fit, right, Director Kennedy? And and so I I really like
administration to
I guess do a lot makes it sound like you're not doing the work. I know you're
doing the work, but but I would like us to um kind of have that information come
forward to see where we can align our priorities with what kind of grant
funding is available, if that's even possible. and maybe it's not
we can absolutely explore what that could look like. Um
and like this is all preliminary numbers and and everything is just
» so the tenure capital report that's really where all our building condition
assessments and when we've done all that stuff and from the state of
infrastructure that's kind of where that's pushing us is to kind of invest
invest those dollars in and that's where the arena project is. that's sitting
from those building condition assessments that there is that large
large project. So, we do need to really iron that out and see about what that is
and really kind of create that shovel ready uh ready project so that if there
is a potential grant, we are ready to apply for that. Yeah, I just don't think
it's fair to the residents of our community and our business owners that
they are bearing the burden of the recreation facilities
and the library. >> You know, and I I look at the um you
know, we'll get to the the letter in our correspondence, but
» Yes.
» Okay. >> Yeah. Mayor Barkley. Um just in regards
to that um with the expenditures and further work with the county, I guess I
agree with you wholeheartedly. I think that uh there's a lot lot more work that
needs to be done um with that partnership and that work with them. do
do we want to have those meetings more regularly like you know like that's I
think there's an opportunity with that and making sure that there's more
structured meetings with the county and and as we're coming up to 2029
um because there's a lot of work to do on this one. So I I agree with you but I
I just wanted to know what your expectations were of us as counselors as
well as the administration. Yeah, it would be the ICF committee that that
would do that and that would be dependent upon the two administrations
to to um we we have a project and you know we we need to speak earlier.
Obviously I you know you look at the the letter for for Rotary from the county.
They're saying no to the bike park but also saying it needs to go to ICF but
they're already saying no to it. So you know and and I know Rotary went to
Red Deer County. they were told you have to go through the town of Enisvale and
so when they do it's a no but the skate park didn't have to go through that
process. So I think we we're clear now that we need to use this ICF process to
to ask for funding and uh to make sure we we do that going forward and and um
not to to get ahead of ourselves.
Okay. Yeah, we'll look into into that and see
what we need to do to make sure the appropriate steps are being followed,
but we still want to make council aware of of what those numbers kind of look
like uh and what we're currently expecting right now. We do anticipate
that arena project that is just for what's in that building condition
assessment, not for anything new or expanded or anything like that. So that
number will definitely get redefined as as we go forward hopefully through the
building condition assessment and whatever conversations we need to have
with Raider County or any other committee as well. So we're we're on the
topic of recreation with the recreation master plan. Director Jenkins is are
they involved in in any feedback in that as well? they'll be invited to like a
stakeholder meeting or whoever whether that's um on the elected side or or
administratively they'll be invited um as part of that
» outreach. Um and again sort of that feasibility study
is the attempt to be ready for those grant opportunities. Um again that the
grant opportunities pop up and they want you to be able to justify what you're
going to do. Um, and if if we don't have that laid out, particularly with the
arena where, as Director Vickers mentioned, that's $9 million, that's
just replacing all the things that have been identified for replacement. That's
not new dressing rooms, that's not an expansion, that's not washrooms, that's
not that's not anything. So trying to develop a project scope so that you know
even if the project's two or three years out from that study you you have it so
when the grant comes in and says how is this project going to enrich the
community you have that information. >> Okay. No thank you for that.
» Okay. So we'll move on. So administration uh we've also prepared an
early kind of three-year projection to give council the sense of some of the
financial pressures that are currently showing um for 2027 to 2029. So here's
kind of where we're sitting today. So you can see that the tax requirement
current increases are kind of looking like that. So in 2027 a total increase
of 8.82 and so on and so forth. So and this is this three year projection is
kind of look at it at two parts. So the base operating budget and then new
initiatives and funding requirements. So the first base operating budget. So this
is the estimated cost of continuing um everything that we've currently have
now. So all the current staff, the current programs,
all any increases and decreases um they're all included in that number.
Then the second part is any new initiatives and funding. So you can see
that in 2027 8.04% those are new initiatives. So this could be new debt
saving new like the there is still the last year of the aquatic center debt
servicing is included in that number. So that's all new news new new stuff.
So breaking the projection out that way kind of gives council a clear picture
what's changing from the existing budget and what is just standard from last
year. And again these are still preliminary figures and everything will
be continued to be refined before budget deliberations. As you can see, something
happened just before this that would now add more money into this budget that was
not put in here before. That $50,000 for um for the intersection was not was not
in here and now we will have to add that in there. So, more things will come out
before we get to budget deliberations. Um salary estimates will be updated for
actual staff costing and benefit costs and we'll continue still to look out
what um other municipalities are doing. Um we'll continue to update any major
external costs such as policing insurance, electricity, natural gas, um
any regional wastewater and water as well as any other information that
becomes available. So one of the significant items um is that continued
increase in funding for capital infrastructure replacement. So this kind
of this did start in 2025 where we started with $200,000 um and then an
additional $200,000 in 2026. And we would like to continue doing that until
we hit that $2.4 $4 million gap in capital spending each year. Um, so we
are looking to do that increase 200,000 each year. So we're looking at 627 will
be 828 and then a million dollar going into reserves in 2029.
And this is that gradual increase to kind of build up that infrastructure
gap. So one of the things you can see there
that the aquatic center debt servicing that final year is in there and then
once that 2027 year servicing in there we will be fully funded to make sure
we're making that full payment for that aquatic center including debt and line
of credit payment as well. Then you can see a new a new project. Um so we are
looking to do something kind of similar for the arena. We know that it's early
in discussions um and this is kind of the first time council's kind of seen
this. But while we're looking to do that feasibility study and start planning
what that project's going to look like, we know that likely we're going to have
some form of payment. Um we we will take every opportunity to look for every
grant and access every other form of funding we can, but we do want to be
prepared that if if at the end of the day we still might have a portion of a
line of credit or a portion of some debt that we're starting to build some of
that that debt equity kind of in our reserves. Um just an early thought, we
just want to make sure that it's kind of front and center. um for discussion with
council.
Um so and also there's some other initiatives. So in 2027 um so in
addition to any of that infrastructure and debt funding um it does include two
new positions. So one being a planner position. Um so as you guys know PCPS is
is no longer um that happened last year. We're kind of kind of trying to figure
out what that looks like. We did have a planner position on the books. It was
removed last year. Um, and now with PCPS gone, we do need to make some choices of
what we're going to do. So, either we do need to hire a planner. If we don't hire
a planner, there will definitely be increased costs to reach out to get some
kind of planning activities done with some kind of third party, which we don't
know what that would look like yet. Um, but this way we would have a planner um
inhouse um for about $120,000. Now, that hopefully would be all in inclusive of
benefits. Uh and then we also have another parks operator position that
would be uh needed as well with the addition of all the new subdivisions.
Bella Vista, the new one that we're bringing on, which likely in next year
they will have to have some activities in there plus the new industrial park.
We just they just need some more some more staff, right, to help with with all
that work. In 2028, they have the continued
infrastructure. Uh but then they also have the downtown area redevelopment
plan update. So you can see that in 2028 for $50,000. And then in 29, uh, we're
looking to, um, add in a human resources coordinator as well for around that
$120,000, um, dollars. So, and most
» can I ask why an HR coordinator? Like when we have a third party
or >> just like cost, the third party is is
quite expensive. We'd be able to get more full-time hours with someone
internal. we'd still likely maybe want to keep an external person for very high
level terminations potentially complaints like within to have a a third
party complaint system for staff to go to if there's some issues. Again, this
is all preliminary and we will we will iron these out kind of as we go through.
Um
okay.
Um, so any of these costs that are are are um in there, they do continue beyond
the year that they're first introduced. So any of the permanent positions or any
of the like debt contributions once they're in there, they are in there
permanently unless it's physically reduced the next year. So if we add in
200,000 for debt servicing, when we start budget next year, it's already in
there. Now, however, the one-time um expenses, some of those new initiatives,
those operating projects, those will go away at the end of the year. So, that
money doesn't stay in the budget year after year. Okay? And at this stage,
none of these initiatives are approved. Uh we're just being presented to give
council an early look at kind of what we're we're thinking about um in the
three-year projection. Council can amend them, defer them, change any of the
timing, phase them in, consider funding, other funding sources, um or ask
administration to bring back uh different financial scenarios if you
don't like some of these. Uh we have also begun public participation process
for 2027. We had our first public session um last week and we have started
um doing our weekly posts um online. So today, uh, administration is just
looking for council to provide any of those initial comments that you guys
have on the direction of the priorities or timing reflected in any of the plans.
Um, anything council would like administration to look at differently
before we're doing budget deliberations. Um,
is and and I guess yeah, any other organizations we already have identified
at the campground that we'll we'll invite and any specific dates that that
you guys could pick. Now, I understand that councelor Strong's not here, but um
just start thinking about some of those budget deliberation dates.
» Yeah, I I would just comment that like the the tax increases that that are
shown in here, requirement increases based on some of this information, I
think is is too high. I'll just put it that way.
I I just don't think we can keep going at 8 10% 7 8 9%s every year. It's too
much for people and I I realize I understand the other side of it and
things aren't getting done and but at the same time it's it's a lot.
» Y councelor Russell,
» thanks Mayor Barkley. I I would echo your comments like when I saw those
numbers I my heart jumped a beat. Um but you know I do understand the rising
costs and and what we have to do too. So you know this is just preliminary
numbers, preliminary discussion. We're going to have a lot of detailed
conversations on those three dates um in November. Um there is some data that I'd
like to have for that, but I think I'll wait and ask it at that meeting or
unless you'd want it now to prepare for it or
» the earlier we can get some of your questions so that we can gather the
information the better because it could take us some time to gather some
anything. >> Okay. I I don't think those will take
long, but I'll put it out there now. Um Oh, sorry.
» Certainly. Welcome your feedback. Councelor Russell and all the council.
This is only the first meeting. There's going to be several meetings u up to
November, >> right?
» That's getting into the fine detail, but there's going to be a lot of discussion
with you as we move along up to that date,
» right? >> So, anytime. Yeah, please.
» So, do you want it now or want me to hold off? Okay. I I would just like to
know I know we have roughly $15 million in debt right now, right? Between the um
industrial park and the aquatic center. I just like to know what is the annual
interest that we pay combined on those and what that equates to in terms of a
average amount for a of my let's say my tax bill is it 250 bucks my tax bill is
just going simply to pay interest right I just would like to know that number so
» I would say on that note too director Vickers when you bring that or at some
point in time you know I know we talked about the land sales, Southwest
Industrial Boing to pay off some debt and when when is that taking place and I
know when sales close and that kind of thing, but um
» yeah, that might look very different a year from now.
» Absolutely. So, yeah, we actually discussed debt this morning and and the
options that that we could look at once some of these sales kind of go through
and we have some of the money >> sitting there to actually play with,
then we could look at at paying down some debt. Could you or director Jenkins
could you bring kind of a an overview of like the grant programs that are out
there? Do we need to know that CO Becker or is it more of a an administration
thing? Who like we don't need like a 20page
report but it would be nice I think just >> council has that interest or have that
right to request that information. It's it's really up to you.
» Okay. And then maybe even like director Kennedy, you know, explain again or have
it in this report. Um, you know, what qualifies with, um, water, wastewater
infrastructure and and is that changing or who knows?
» Mayor Barkley, I would make the motion if we were all in. Do we want to choose
those three dates right now? I mean, I would put out there like the 17, 18,
19th, but I don't know what's available. That's the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
Um, or other if Friday works better for other counselors. It's flexible for me.
Any of those 17 to 20. So, whatever works for people that need to rearrange
schedules, but >> councelor Hill says as long as it
doesn't snow, you'll be fine. >> Okay. All right. So, will no snow on the
17th, 18th, and 19th, it'll be whatever. >> Okay. So that's a motion. Is everybody
busy with that? >> All in favor of the motion.
» Okay. Carry check. >> I like it.
» Okay. Can I ask a question of of council just with respect to that that corporate
plan document? It's sort of the first time council has seen that document.
We've probably been working on it for the better part of a year and it's
» outdated as soon as you finish it. But if there's any sort of feedback as to
whether it's helpful being able to have sort of that three-year outlook, those
types of things, is the information in it of value? The intent is that it would
be a a public facing document um that would be sort of updated every other
year um to to go through. Okay. Yeah. No, it's very valuable. Thank you.
Scary, but valuable. Yes, Mayor Barkerley, don't get me wrong. We we
assumed that when you guys saw those tax um amounts, you would be Oh, that's
interesting a little bit. That's nice. >> Um and we would assume that those are
not going to be the final numbers. Either you're going to direct us to pull
from grants, adjust priorities, reduce other expenses. So, we knew that that's
not But this is where we're starting, right?
» Yeah. And I was also interested too seeing the assessment. you're expecting
it to. >> So, a lot of that is new assessment and
that is we we looked through the the houses that we currently have for sale
and the capital buildings that we have for sale and some of that. And so, we
kind of worked it out. It may not be exactly in those three years. We kind of
spread it out over the three years. So, it could be higher in one year and less
and but so that is kind of amounts that we're kind of relying on with
with the new area that we're bringing on this year too. So, over the next couple
of years on when those assessments will will realize into our as taxes. And I I
also want us to be, you know, I realize last year we reduced the mill rate a bit
and yet there was still a significant increase.
» So I want us to keep that in mind because there's no sense saying we
reduced our taxes or 0% tax increase when people were getting hit with a 10%
tax increases. That >> that's
So council though, is there anything in here outside of the amounts? Obviously,
that's shocking, but is there any project on here that you don't like?
Like, do you want us to remove the arena debt servicing one for now? Is there
something that you're not happy with? Are we kind of in the right direction,
but we just need to finalize things? So, just some some of those comments would
be helpful just to make sure we're not going until November and you're like, we
don't want any of that, right? >> Yeah. No, I mean, I think you need to
plan for the arena, but I'm just really cautious right now that um
» we do that in the right order and and maybe maybe there's some partnership on
a cost of a Yeah.
» And even if we were building debt capacity for the Arena project, likely I
would recommend that we take that and put it onto the line of credit for now
and then we'd have we're paying less debt, but at least we have capacity in
our budget for a future debt payment. So there could be those options as well
too, but
and I don't like we don't know either like specifically and you'll get into
that later what some of the capital projects are, right? seems a big ones.
But >> yeah,
» so
» for 2027, the priority is linear infrastructure, roads, and underground,
right? >> As always.
» Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah.
» Yeah. You'll see the full listing of all the specific projects as as we get
closer.
» Okay. Anything else? No, we're good. Okay.
Thank you. We've got our date selected, so that's good. So, we will move on to
um 7.1 and the regional wreck facility inventory study.
» Thank you, Mayor Berkeley. Uh, so as council's aware, I believe this letter
was in your correspondence a couple weeks ago, Reder County has invited um
regional municipalities to participate in the creation of a regional recreation
facility inventory, um, intended to support some of these conversations
around recreation needs and opportunities, um, gaps and services and
and how those decisions will be made um, in the future. Um the county is looking
for application partners um a letter of support uh and or an indication of
willingness to participate in data sharing um for a proposed application
through the Alberta Community Partnerships Grant. So that's a
government of Alberta grant um available to municipalities. Um this is sort of a
first step that has been discussed administratively
uh in the past as a way to start a regional conversation around um the
wreck agreements and wreck funding. Um so we do feel that it's valuable to be a
part of this conversation um and and be a partner uh for that
grant allows us to be involved both in the the scope development of the project
as well as the sort of input. Um this is the type of thing even on a data sharing
level we would share our data um for even we get uh requests even outside of
the region to from municipalities doing um sort of rec master plans similar to
what we're doing. Um so that that's something that we would we would do in
any type of situation likely. So, Director Jenkins, like what is the like
what what is I guess the purpose is sharing our data, which I think we do,
but um you know, how involved would Inisville
be? Like are we going to be at the table with this or is it going to be all Red
Dear County doing this work and we're going to send them some information? And
so again, they're they're looking for that project partnership. Um, we at this
point have as much information as as this letter and I've had a brief sort of
email correspondence back and forth um on their with their administration. Um,
again, it's going to be funding dependent whether the the project moves
forward. Um, in in my opinion as the more involved we can be in that being
helping with the grant application, the more we're likely to get out of the
study. Um but again they'll be looking for data across the board about
facilities about usage data about age of facilities all of those types of things
to try to create a picture across the region of of what is available and where
some of those needs are. So
are you trying to put your light on Becker? There you go. You look like you
were trying to put your light on. Uh if council has reservation,
I think the deadline for submission um is October
» for the grant >> 15th. Yeah. The county had asked for an
indication of participation by the end of August.
» Yeah. >> As per your question, Mayor Barkley, if
you're if council yourself seeking more information on the scope of the project,
outline what you're signing up for. I think that's a legitimate question. You
can certainly pose that back to administration before moving into this
recommended motion if that's what uh where you're leading to.
» Yeah, it is what I'm leading to. I'd like to see more information and how we
would be at the table. And >> councelor Russell.
» Yeah, Mayor Burke, I'd agree. I'd like more information. I know what what is it
the outcome that Red Deer County is hoping to have out of this. Um I I I
don't know. Is it to to not fund individual communities, but maybe look
at, okay, the study says we only need three arenas in this area. We we've got
six, so we're out of that game. Like, I I don't know what what the goal of this
is, right? So, I I don't know. I'd like that information like what is the
purpose and what is the end goal that what is the objective they're hoping to
achieve by doing this? So,
Councelor Hill. >> Yeah, I I do obviously see some some of
the um hesitation and and wanting to know
more about it. I obviously from our standpoint or my standpoint, I would say
it would be nice for the inventory study to to identify that Inisell is
definitely um uh you know in need of of some investment and to that we have
seeing the needs assessment and and all our numbers that we do uh provide a
service to um the county residents and I I think it's kind of a double-edged
sword. It could be used against us, but it could also be used to help us as
well. But I I do understand the the hesitation and I I would also want more
information. But that's my understanding of it. But I guess uh it is like I said
a double-edged sword, but hopefully it would not be sharp on our end. So
» Mhm. I I just add to I I do see Mayor Berkeley that they've the letter is CC
to pretty much every municipality within Red County's boundaries. Right. So I
wouldn't want to be the only one not at the table. Um but uh cuz that could put
us at a huge disadvantage as well. But just a bit more information, maybe
you'll hear from other administration what other communities are thinking
about this and I think if we bring it the next meeting, I think we still meet
the timeline, don't we have to do to respond?
» Yeah, councelor W. >> Um I mean I certainly share everyone's
concern based on history and you know sort of how we're feeling right now. Um
they're not asking us for money. they're asking us for support. Um, I think that
we're better placed at the table with a list of all of our concerns and ensuring
that the data that is relevant to us is being seen and heard at that table. So I
mean we can certainly ask for for more information now officially from Redger
County but if they need a letter by the end of if they need something by the end
of August I mean I guess we can ask for them to give us extra time but they have
asked us for the information by or for agreement by the end of the month. So I
wouldn't have a problem saying let's be involved and be at the table.
He did say October that the the application's going in. Red Dear County
has asked for indication by the end of August that the grant is due
» um the 15th of August. So, they would need to determine if they're starting to
prepare that grant application. >> And I think it's fair to to ask for more
information. We we have a meeting coming up in a couple of weeks and um I would
like to see more information and
kind of the purpose of I agree with councelor Russell. Mayor Berkeley, would
it be possible when administration talks to him saying we're going to make a
decision at what is our next meeting? September 8th.
» Yeah. >> Um that we'll make that decision.
» Well, what's that >> to council? That's our dialogue we're
having council based on your motion of counseling your first meetings. Uh you
wouldn't be meeting until the 15th of September. Um so which is basically 3
weeks away. It's pretty significant time gap,
» but isn't our first our AMP meetings are the first Monday of each month. So that
would be >> September 8th.
» September 8th. Yeah. >> But
» we can't give you direction at that meeting.
» We don't have >> We don't have that.
» We don't have an AMP meeting that day. >> It's a regular one.
» No, cuz you just canled your first meeting.
the the second we cancelled the first not the third A&P of them.
» So you're meeting on the 15th 20 whatever and then the end of
September that's your meeting schedule. >> Yeah.
» I council >> I think if they need it by the 30th
maybe we should make a decision today then about whether we provide that. We
can always we're not committing any money like councelor Wing said right.
So,
» well, maybe we can do both. We can commit, but also ask them for more
information because I I think we we need that
» for sure. >> Mayor Barkley, um, speaking to this, I'd
like to see us commit to the letter and then follow up with the the ask because
all we're doing here is is they've invited us to the table. Um, sometimes I
always say it's better to be in the room versus looking through the window into
the room. >> Uh, so I uh I would move in that
direction or support the direction.
» I will. Mayor Barkley, I would move that council commit to being a project
partner with Renter County for the purpose of an Alberta community
partnership grant application for the completion of a regional recreation
facility inventory study. And we also would like administration to
bring back more information on the scope of this project
» or you don't you don't want to see more information?
» I can well I can't imagine saying no to being involved quite honestly. So in
more information or not, but if if having more information provided to us
in advance of the application is good for if that's what council wants, I'm
fine with that. So we can certainly add that in.
Okay. All in favor.
All right. We'll move into 8.1 correspondence and information.
Okay. Next,
um this um I would again look want more information
on what this means for Inennisville. Maybe we could have um drive come in and
do a presentation to us or you could administration could bring back some
more information. Do you want a motion on that? Um CO Becker.
» Okay. Um Okay. I I will make a motion then
that we um administration invites Red Dear Drive to to come in and
do a presentation to us about their new economic development
body and how they see Inisville fitting.
Any comments? All in favor? Okay.
And RCMP stats. Um, anybody have any questions about that?
And then we have MPC minutes. So, we'll just have a motion to accept the
correspondence as information, please. >> Council Hill.
» Mayor Barkley, I would make that motion that we expect accept the correspondence
information. >> Perfect. Thank you. Okay. All in favor?
Carried. All right. We'll do council reports next. So, we'll begin with
councelor Hill. >> Member Barkley. I did not submit of uh
uh >> we know
» as you can tell uh nothing nothing to report.
» Okay. Thank you. Councelor Wing, >> my report is in the package. Um Mayor
Barkley, I don't have anything to add. >> Okay. Thank you, Councelor McCeller.
» Mayor Berkeley, my information is in the package as well and no further
information to add. >> Okay. Thanks, Councelor Russell.
» Thanks, Mayor Berkeley. my uh reporters there. But I would like to say that I've
seen the lights along um Main Street have been put up. Now that it's getting
dark before my bedtime, I might be able to see them at night as well. So I
appreciate that. >> And councelor Heisad.
» Yeah. Uh, Mayor Barkley, I just the only comment I'd have, uh, I went to the
government of Alberta data center consultation in Lome and also went to
the one NDP data center consultation. It was interesting, right, seeing both
sides and it's a hot topic. So, I chose to go to both of those to learn more
about what was going on in the province and potentially in the future. So, just
wanted to bring that up as a highlight. and uh lots of it's you know an awkward
topic but I think there's there's ways to do it in the right way in our
province and it takes a lot of consultation and work on all parties so
thanks >> okay thanks and I don't have anything
further um did go see the um corn roast at the historical village on Saturday
and then the lantern festival which was really lovely in the evening uh former
counselor Bates's grandson was playing at the Lantern Festival, which was
great. So, it was a a really good evening.
Okay, we'll um move into upcoming events.
And the wastewater meeting that was originally for August 21st has been
switched to September 14th.
And we'll just have a motion, please, to accept the upcoming events as
information. Councelor McCller,
» Mayor Barkley, I'll make that motion. >> Awesome. Thank you. All in favor. Okay.
Carried. And then we'll have a motion to go in camera.
Councelor, >> I'll make the motion to go on camera.
» Thank you. All in favor? Carried.