[0:32] Thank you.
[0:38] » I know.
[0:57] All right.
[1:06] In the spirit of respect, authenticity,
[1:08] and reconciliation, the town of
[1:09] Slavelike honors and acknowledges that
[1:11] we are situated on the traditional lands
[1:13] of sovereign First Nation within Treaty
[1:15] 8 territory, home to indigenous, matey,
[1:17] and Inuit peoples who have occupied
[1:19] these lands since time immemorial.
[1:21] Councelor Gamick.
[1:27] I'd
[1:28] >> like to make a motion to adopt the
[1:30] agenda as presented.
[1:31] >> Motion on the floor. Any further
[1:33] discussion? Call to question. Those in
[1:35] favor and that one is carried. Perfect.
[1:38] We can move right into reports of new
[1:40] business and service level on dust
[1:43] control, gravel roads, and street
[1:45] sweeping.
[1:47] Alvin, floor is yours.
[1:50] >> Good evening, Mayor and Council. Purpose
[1:53] of the report is to provide council a
[1:56] summary of dust control uh gravel roads
[1:58] and street sweeping. The background
[2:01] every year the town performs the dust
[2:03] control, gravel maintenance program and
[2:05] street sweeping. The programs are
[2:07] essential and a part of of maintaining
[2:09] gravel uh paved and gravel streets to
[2:12] prevent higher capital costs in the
[2:14] future. uh discussion
[2:17] uh dust control involves the application
[2:19] of a dust control agent uh to gravel
[2:23] roads to minimize the dust. The dust
[2:26] suppressant used in town is calcium
[2:28] chloride. The calcium is applied to the
[2:31] gravel and retains moisture to help
[2:33] weigh the dust particles down. It also
[2:36] acts as a road stabilizer
[2:40] by adding uh calcium to the gravel.
[2:43] helps bind the smaller particles to the
[2:45] aggregate together and tighten up the
[2:48] road surface. This also helps seal the
[2:51] road to minimize water penetration when
[2:53] it rains. Repeating this pro process
[2:56] every year will improve the road surface
[2:58] and base for better quality of roads.
[3:02] All gravel roads uh are are part of the
[3:06] dust pro program. In Slave Lake, there's
[3:09] about 17 kilometers of roads that need
[3:11] dust control, excluding alleys.
[3:15] Every road in town receives one
[3:16] application per year. In the spring,
[3:19] until the frost is out of the ground, we
[3:20] try uh to disturb the surface as little
[3:23] if possible. This differs from roads
[3:26] that do not have any treatment. Treated
[3:29] roads form a hard crust and minimize the
[3:31] soft spots and prevent the help prevent
[3:35] the frost boils. That's a dark mudlike
[3:37] crap. Um, disturbing these frost boils
[3:41] opens up the crust and spreads quickly
[3:44] to become larger spots that will need uh
[3:47] lead to more expense extensive repair.
[3:51] Once frost is out of the ground and the
[3:53] roads firm up, usually end of May to
[3:56] early June, the roads are shaped up by
[3:58] the grater in preparation for the dust
[4:00] control or for gravel. Uh gravel can be
[4:03] typically laid uh mid June or mid yeah mid to late June.
[4:11] The successful contract of of our gravel
[4:13] maintenance program will deliver the
[4:15] gravel and roughly spread it down the
[4:17] road. The greater will finish spreading
[4:19] the gravel
[4:21] and uh work it into the road. Each
[4:25] summer, we budget for approximately 50%
[4:27] of the roads, putting a 2-in lift of
[4:29] gravel to maintain the structure of the
[4:31] road. When the gravel is placed, uh when
[4:36] the gravel when all the gravel is
[4:37] placed, the grater will dress up the
[4:39] road and prepare it for calcium. After
[4:42] all the gravel roads are finished being
[4:45] dressed up, the calcium is brought in
[4:47] and sprayed evenly down the road.
[4:50] Maintenance after requires pre-wetting
[4:52] the road uh prior to grading to maintain
[4:55] the effect effectiveness of calcium.
[5:00] Grading throughout the summer months
[5:02] happens once uh
[5:05] every uh one to two weeks. Uh we monitor
[5:09] the roads weekly and if they need it, we
[5:11] grade them sooner.
[5:13] This process is done earlier.
[5:17] Uh this process is not done earlier as
[5:19] it we would require two amounts of
[5:21] calcium and would be uh covered with the
[5:24] gravel when we do our gravel maintenance
[5:26] program. The pro the full process cost
[5:30] approximately 95 or $94,000.
[5:33] Uh the cost uh includes purchase of the
[5:36] gravel, preparing the roads uh purchase
[5:40] of gravel as well as maintaining the
[5:42] roads after the dust present.
[5:45] Uh street sweeping is another form of
[5:48] dust control. This allows for the
[5:50] removal of sand and salt throughout the
[5:53] winter that we use throughout the
[5:54] winter. This process cleans up the
[5:57] streets and prevents trash, dirt, and
[5:59] other debris from commun commun
[6:01] accumulating in the storm system.
[6:05] Uh there are two components to sweeping.
[6:07] The first is the initial uh cleanup
[6:10] including lawn and boulevard sweeping.
[6:12] The second is the ongoing maintenance
[6:14] throughout the summer. Uh water jets on
[6:17] the sweeper are used to minimize the
[6:19] dust that is kicked up by the brooms.
[6:22] Street sweeping starts in the spring
[6:23] when the overnight temperatures are
[6:25] constantly above freezing and most of
[6:28] the snow snow is melted. The initial
[6:30] cleaning starts with the two large
[6:32] brooms uh going out and doing the mains
[6:35] collectors arterials and picking up the
[6:38] bulk of the winter sand and salt.
[6:41] Once the remainder of the snow was
[6:43] melted off the lawns, the little
[6:44] sleepers sent out uh to remove the sand
[6:47] and salt that was left over from snow in
[6:50] the windross.
[6:51] Uh res residential lawn and sidewalk uh
[6:55] cleaning only occurs to properties that
[6:57] are on the designated side of the road.
[6:59] That's the side of the road that we put
[7:01] the snow on. The debris the debris is
[7:04] swept onto the road and then the bigger
[7:06] sweepers pick it up and haul it out to
[7:08] their snow dump. This completes the
[7:12] initial spring cleaning.
[7:15] After the cleanup has happened, we shift
[7:17] into m summer maintenance. Downtown core
[7:21] uh is scheduled to be cleaned once a
[7:23] week. This generally happens in the
[7:26] middle of the night on night shift. All
[7:28] means, arterials and collectors will
[7:30] also be cleaned once a week. This
[7:32] happens during normal hours. Residential
[7:35] sweeping will occur twice per month. Uh,
[7:38] and this also happens during regular
[7:40] hours. And of course, this is all very
[7:43] weather dependent as we found out this
[7:46] year.
[7:48] Um,
[7:49] any questions?
[7:53] » Councelor Hughes.
[7:54] >> Thank you, Calvin. Um, just to your
[7:56] comment about whether then, so are we a
[7:58] little bit behind with sweeping in
[8:00] residential areas at this point just due
[8:02] to all the rain or
[8:04] >> Yeah, we are. We have swept residential
[8:06] twice. Um, All quadrants.
[8:08] >> Yeah.
[8:09] >> Oh, okay.
[8:09] >> The hurdle we have is when it rains, uh,
[8:12] it's an oil field come uh, town, so when
[8:14] it rains, all the trucks bring the dirt
[8:17] and mud and stuff like that and they
[8:19] just like Caribou Trail, we've swept, I
[8:21] think, three or four times already.
[8:23] >> Okay.
[8:24] >> And it looks like it's just Yeah.
[8:27] >> Okay.
[8:27] >> So, the rain is uh not our friend when
[8:29] it comes to sweeping.
[8:30] >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you.
[8:34] Okay. Anything
[8:38] further from council on that? Councelor
[8:40] Chova.
[8:46] » I'd like to make a motion to accept the
[8:49] service levels summary of dust control
[8:51] gravel roads and street sweeping report
[8:53] as information.
[8:54] >> Okay. Motion on the floor. Any further
[8:56] discussion? Call to question. Those in
[8:58] favor and that is carried. Thanks.
[9:01] >> Thank you.
[9:03] >> All right. Next up, thank you. You too.
[9:09] >> Operating budget update. Roland.
[9:13] >> All right. Uh, [clears throat] good
[9:14] evening, your worship and members of
[9:15] council. Uh, the purpose of tonight's
[9:17] report is just to give council an update
[9:20] as to where we're sitting as of June
[9:22] 30th on our operating budget. Uh, I'm
[9:25] not going to go over everything. I am
[9:26] going to go over some of the highlights.
[9:28] Uh, some things are kind of in line. I'm
[9:30] just going to skip over those, but I
[9:31] will go with the ones that uh uh do have
[9:34] some variance uh on that. Uh the overall
[9:37] big picture right now uh for the revenue
[9:40] is that uh operating revenues are
[9:42] sitting at 18 18.2 million representing
[9:45] 71% of the approved uh $26 million
[9:48] annual revenue budget. Uh for municipal
[9:51] taxes, uh all municipal tax revenue has
[9:54] been invoiced for the year uh with
[9:56] revenues at 10.5 million or 100% of the
[9:58] annual budget. Uh this represents the
[10:00] total invoices build but not yet
[10:02] collected. Um I did provide a breakdown
[10:05] of exactly where we're sitting with our
[10:07] receivables uh as of July 1st for our
[10:10] taxes. Uh so currently we have $3.8
[10:12] million in 2026 outstanding. Um, that
[10:16] does seem like a big amount, but uh, for
[10:17] the most part uh, a lot of that is on
[10:20] the pre-authorized payment plan. So, not
[10:22] everybody pays the full amount on June
[10:24] 30th. We expect to collect most of that
[10:26] by December 31st. Uh, in 2025 we have
[10:29] $152,000 in rears. In 2024, we have
[10:32] 36,000. Uh, 2023 we have 9,000 and in
[10:38] 2022 and prior years we have 556,000.
[10:42] And in the 2022 total and prior, uh
[10:44] there's approximately three properties
[10:46] with one property in that range. That
[10:49] basically accounts for 90% of the uh
[10:51] total outstanding amount.
[10:54] Uh total arars uh total 754,000.
[10:58] Uh current roles are 1,392.
[11:02] Um and we do have 1,60 rolls that are on
[11:06] the pre-authorized payment plan. So, I'm
[11:08] just bringing that report back. When we
[11:09] did start the pre-authorized payment
[11:11] plan and tried to push this, we started
[11:13] around 56% about 8 years ago of the town
[11:16] that was on the pre-authorized payment
[11:18] plan. We're now sitting around 76%. So,
[11:20] that's come a long way. A lot of people
[11:22] have signed up to to pay their taxes on
[11:24] a monthly basis.
[11:26] Uh, so I think that's a a good thing.
[11:29] Uh, for user fees and sales are good.
[11:31] Um, so overall, we're sitting at 52% of
[11:34] budget. Not really any concerns here. uh
[11:37] the water and sewer uh fees are trending
[11:40] a little bit lower. Um not really
[11:42] surprising. It's been a very very uh wet
[11:45] year and winter never ended. So you
[11:49] don't have to uh water your grass and so
[11:51] we are seeing that. Um however the good
[11:53] news on that one is that re that lost
[11:56] revenue is uh offset uh with higher than
[12:00] expected revenues from our bulk water.
[12:01] So we're doing uh really good on our
[12:03] bulk water and our bulk sewer. um that
[12:06] to cover that kind of little dip in and
[12:10] less water usage.
[12:13] Uh penalties uh penalties are sitting
[12:15] around 42% of the year. Uh they're
[12:18] trending lower than expected. Um
[12:22] and I think this is just mainly
[12:23] attributed to the fact that our
[12:24] pre-authorization
[12:26] uh tax amounts uh are sitting at a
[12:28] record high of 76%. So we're having less
[12:31] people um paying once at a time kind of
[12:34] or you know failing to pay and incurring
[12:36] those penalties and going on the monthly
[12:38] plan. So uh we will be looking at
[12:40] projecting uh a different uh penalty
[12:42] revenue for the years going forward. Uh
[12:45] license and permits
[12:48] uh it's sitting around 90,000 or about
[12:50] 65% of budget. Uh this revenue here is
[12:53] projected to be under budget for the
[12:55] year. Uh so the two factors there just
[12:57] slightly lower than anticipated.
[12:58] business license revenue for the year
[13:00] and then the bigger one is just the
[13:01] cancellation fees for the planning and
[13:03] development permits for the year.
[13:06] Other than that, um the only other one
[13:09] other revenue where uh we have a little
[13:11] bit of variance there is just other
[13:13] revenue. It's sitting at 190,000 or 74%
[13:16] of budget. Um we are projecting revenue
[13:19] here to come in higher than budget and
[13:21] this is just a result of a number of
[13:23] donations made uh that were not
[13:26] anticipated during budget. Um however
[13:28] this additional revenue will be offset
[13:29] by uh the expenditures that we incur
[13:32] from the donations.
[13:35] Um so overall uh revenue we're uh
[13:38] looking good. Uh on the expense side
[13:41] uh same kind of story here. Total
[13:43] operating expenses are about 11 million
[13:45] representing 52%. Uh so halfway through
[13:48] the year right right around the half
[13:50] mark. Uh no uh no real overall concerns.
[13:55] Um I did provide two breakdowns here. So
[13:57] salaries, wages, and benefits overall
[14:00] the total big picture. Um we're sitting
[14:03] at 51% of budget and we don't expect uh
[14:06] to exceed that budget. Uh the devil's in
[14:09] the details within certain departments
[14:11] where we do have certain uh overruns,
[14:13] but overall big picture, we should be
[14:15] able to offset some of the overruns uh
[14:17] where we have unridges in other places
[14:20] to kind of cover all the overall
[14:22] salaries and wages. uh budget
[14:26] uh contracted and general services. Um
[14:30] no anticipation of overages here. Again,
[14:33] uh the big caveat on this one is um
[14:36] snow. So we have used up our entire snow
[14:39] budget. We did budget for that. We
[14:41] anticipated that um should we have you
[14:43] know a massive snowfall again if the
[14:46] spring and winter stays the same. Yes,
[14:48] we are going to have a bit of a
[14:49] challenge on our overall contractors and
[14:52] general services. But for right now um
[14:54] we believe we can maintain uh budget
[14:58] materials supplies and utilities
[15:02] um currently represent uh 1.4 million
[15:05] representing about 45% of budget. Uh
[15:07] right now utilities, power and gas are
[15:09] trending lower and are expected to come
[15:11] in under budget. Uh the assumption here
[15:14] again is made for uh a mild summer
[15:17] season along with average fall
[15:19] temperatures. Um, if we see 30°ree
[15:22] September and 30°ree August, of course,
[15:24] air conditioning goes up, power might go
[15:26] up. That could affect that. Um, I'm not
[15:28] anticipating that. Um, the only other uh
[15:32] area here where we are definitely going
[15:34] to exceed budgeted limits. However, um,
[15:37] with this lower power and gas things, we
[15:40] should be able to offset that is just
[15:41] our fuel expenses. Uh so both fuel
[15:44] budgets at fire services and operations
[15:46] are expected to exceed amounts by about
[15:49] $10,000 and $50,000 respectively. Um and
[15:53] that's just due to uh overall increased
[15:55] fuel prices uh for the whole year and
[15:58] then we'll see what the the fall brings.
[16:02] Um
[16:04] so overall um on the big picture for
[16:07] expenses uh we are expecting to kind of
[16:09] come in right on the mark right now uh
[16:12] with a current projection with a small
[16:14] surplus of about $12,000.
[16:17] Um where were uh where where we had some
[16:20] concerns uh within the individual
[16:21] departments. Uh so council right now is
[16:24] sitting at 62% of the budget. Um looking
[16:27] at the uh meeting fees, uh council has
[16:30] now spent its entire meeting budget for
[16:32] the year. So we are going to have some
[16:34] cost overages there uh for the end of
[16:36] the year. Again, looking at other areas,
[16:39] we do have some other areas where um
[16:41] we'll be able to cover some of those
[16:43] overages. Um
[16:47] uh the other areas where we expect some
[16:48] a little bit of overages here, uh fire
[16:50] services, uh currently total is 1.4 4
[16:53] million or 55% of budget. Um, and while
[16:57] revenues right now are currently sitting
[16:59] at 60% of budget, uh, we did take uh, we did budget in this year for about
[17:04] a $200,000 in deployment revenue. And of
[17:08] course, then Mother Nature decided to
[17:11] uh, make it rain and squash all of our
[17:14] potential fires.
[17:17] Um so we probably won't be again you
[17:20] never know uh receiving that uh revenue.
[17:22] So in uh in that case here this revenue
[17:25] shortfall will have to be split between
[17:27] the town and the MD.
[17:33] Um other than that those were just the
[17:34] two areas of concern right now where we
[17:37] just expected some overages or we're not
[17:40] collecting the revenue. All other uh
[17:42] departments right now are currently
[17:44] sitting at that 50% mark. um kind of in
[17:47] line with prior years and we don't
[17:48] really have uh at this time uh any
[17:51] expectation of uh further budget
[17:53] overruns uh as of today.
[17:58] With that, I'll open it up to any
[17:59] questions for council.
[18:04] In the uh two sheets there too, you'll
[18:05] have your year to dates and the
[18:07] projections also as in the columns
[18:10] there.
[18:10] >> Well, I'll start it off with some
[18:12] questions. Um, so my questions are
[18:13] actually just regarding the forecast
[18:15] versus the approved budget. Um, and just
[18:19] some curiosity. So, water supply and
[18:21] distribution. I've got here
[18:24] approximately a $217,000
[18:28] increase expected for the forecasted for
[18:30] the 2026 year. I'm just wondering why
[18:32] such a swing based on the budget.
[18:34] Usually, water's fairly stable
[18:37] >> for Okay, so which revenue expenses
[18:40] >> uh expenses? water supply and
[18:41] distribution. I'm just looking at your
[18:43] forecasted year end column and your
[18:45] approved budget column because it just
[18:47] the forecast is
[18:48] >> Oh yeah. So u so on this run right here
[18:52] I have reserves transfers built right
[18:53] in. So that does cover that. So uh based
[18:56] on the current revenue project and our
[18:58] current expenses I'm expecting that
[19:00] we'll be able to transfer a little bit
[19:01] more into reserve. So it's not an
[19:02] overall bad thing. it just shows a
[19:05] higher
[19:06] >> expense because of the reserve
[19:07] >> in this in this format uh reserve
[19:10] transfers are included in the
[19:12] department.
[19:12] >> So in that same comparing those two
[19:14] columns my other questions would be
[19:16] there's a projected
[19:19] um community services it's looking like
[19:21] it's under approximately 246,000 off of
[19:24] the budget for year to date. utilities
[19:27] and power power and gas right now for uh
[19:30] the MRC are definitely working in our
[19:33] favor.
[19:34] >> Okay. Um same thing. So administration
[19:37] I've got 400,000 as a discrepancy.
[19:40] >> Um that's again where we're offsetting
[19:42] some of that. So administration we did
[19:44] add a new position and there's some
[19:46] other
[19:47] >> why it's lower that you have 2.9 million
[19:49] for forecasted and approved budget is
[19:51] 3.3.
[19:53] So that's what my curiosity is why it's
[19:57] If we're trying to because we've been
[19:58] trying to get budgets as aligned as
[19:59] possible. So if there's big swings like
[20:00] a power and gas that's expected. I was
[20:04] just curious why the discrepancy in
[20:05] administration.
[20:09] » Let me get back to you.
[20:10] >> Yep. That'd be great. Um and then as far
[20:14] as the overages for meeting fees. So for
[20:16] council for meeting fees is that what is
[20:18] that? Is that the hourly? Which
[20:19] category?
[20:19] >> Hourly because there is that's the only
[20:21] one left, right? We have the bi-weekly
[20:22] allowance and then you have the hourly.
[20:24] So when we did that originally I budget
[20:27] it's uh 40 we had that spreadsheet about
[20:29] 40 meetings a year.
[20:30] >> Okay.
[20:31] >> So we've basically I said for council
[20:33] you've probably hit that mark right now.
[20:35] >> Okay. So it's the meeting fees are the
[20:36] hourly meetings that we've under
[20:38] budgeted for.
[20:39] >> Okay.
[20:47] Anything further from the rest of
[20:48] council?
[20:51] Okay. Okay. So, yeah, if you can just
[20:52] get back to us on that uh on that
[20:55] discrepancy there, that would be great.
[20:57] I would entertain a motion from council
[20:59] then.
[21:05] Councelor Choba.
[21:07] >> Thank you.
[21:09] Um I'd like to move to
[21:14] accept the operation budget update as
[21:16] information.
[21:16] >> Motion on the floor. Any further
[21:18] discussion?
[21:19] Call to question. Those in favor and
[21:22] that one is carried. Thank you.
[21:27] councelor Hughes is
[21:30] >> just Okay, perfect.
[21:32] >> Okay, next up,
[21:36] Joe.
[21:41] » It's a quick turnaround on a bylaw.
[21:44] >> Mhm.
[21:47] » Under the circumstances.
[21:50] Uh good evening uh your worshiing
[21:52] council. Uh presenting tonight bylaw
[21:55] number 10-2026
[21:57] leisure economic assistance program
[21:59] bylaw. The purpose of this report is to
[22:01] present the revised and updated leisure
[22:03] economic assistance bylaw number 10-2026
[22:07] for council's consideration and to
[22:09] recommend that council give the bylaw
[22:10] reading um as the revisions from last
[22:14] week strengthen the overall governance
[22:16] framework for the town's leisure
[22:18] economic assistance program by improving
[22:20] administrative clarity, enhancing
[22:22] accountability, expanding eligibility
[22:24] provisions, and establishing consistent
[22:26] procedures for program administration.
[22:28] Again, for background, the existing
[22:30] leisure economic assistance policy was
[22:32] adopted in 2015 and has served the
[22:34] foundation for the town's recreation fee
[22:36] assistance program. Since that time,
[22:38] municipal practices, legislative
[22:40] requirements, and community expectations
[22:42] have evolved significantly.
[22:44] Administration undertook a comprehensive
[22:46] view and have created a bylaw to ensure
[22:47] it reflects current best practices,
[22:49] improve accessibility for residents
[22:51] experiencing financial hardship, and
[22:53] provides a moderate administrative
[22:54] framework for the delivery of recreation
[22:56] fee assistance.
[22:58] administration has completed a detailed
[23:00] review of the proposed bylaw
[23:01] incorporating council's feedback to
[23:03] improve clarity, consistency, and
[23:05] operational effectiveness and
[23:06] legislative alignment. Uh the bylaw also
[23:09] reflects current privacy requirements,
[23:11] establishes clear administrative
[23:13] responsibilities and strengthens dispute
[23:15] resolution process while ensuring
[23:17] stewardship of municipal resources.
[23:20] administration has completed a review um
[23:23] to ensure that it provides a clear,
[23:25] transparent and sustainable framework
[23:27] for administering the LEAP program. Uh
[23:29] the revisions improve the readability of
[23:31] the bylaw by expanding definitions uh
[23:33] and responsibilities. Uh there are three
[23:36] options administration that I
[23:38] administration has identified. The
[23:40] recommended option is to give the
[23:41] reading of the bylaw. Uh this option
[23:44] modernizes the fee assistance program as
[23:46] discussed. Uh section 7 provides three
[23:49] options for council's consideration and
[23:51] approval that community services can use
[23:53] moving forward as the program benefit
[23:55] guidelines. Implementation can occur
[23:57] using existing administrative resources
[23:59] and will support improved customer
[24:00] service and operational efficiency.
[24:02] Alternatively, the council may refer the
[24:04] bylaw back to administration for
[24:05] additional revisions. While this would
[24:07] provide an opportunity for further
[24:08] refinement should council identify
[24:10] additional changes, it would obviously
[24:12] delay implementation of the updated
[24:14] policy and require additional staff time
[24:16] and future council consideration.
[24:18] Council may also choose to defeat the
[24:20] proposed bylaw. This option would
[24:21] maintain the existing policy framework,
[24:23] however, would leave the town operating
[24:25] under an outdated policy that doesn't
[24:27] fully reflect current administrative
[24:29] practices.
[24:30] The proposed revisions in this proposed
[24:32] bylaw, taking it from policy to a bylaw,
[24:35] are not expected to create significant
[24:37] financial or staffing impacts beyond
[24:39] those already approved through the
[24:40] annual operating budget process. The
[24:43] LEAP program will continue to operate
[24:44] within council approved funding.
[24:46] Administration will manage approvals in
[24:47] accordance with available budget
[24:49] capacity. Operationally, the revised
[24:51] bylaw is expected to improve
[24:52] administrative efficiency by
[24:54] standardizing procedures, clarifying
[24:56] eligibility requirements, reducing any
[24:58] inconsistencies in decision-m, and
[25:01] improve overall program administration.
[25:06] As mentioned last week, this bylaw
[25:09] repeals and replaces policy D-025
[25:13] from 2015, establishing a much more
[25:16] modern governance framework for the LEAP
[25:17] program.
[25:19] The communication strategy following
[25:21] adoption of the bylaw administration
[25:23] will implement a communication strategy
[25:25] to ensure residents and stakeholders are
[25:26] aware of the revised program.
[25:29] Information will be published on the
[25:31] town's website. Application forms and
[25:33] supporting materials will be updated and
[25:34] community organizations, schools, social
[25:37] service agencies, and recreation user
[25:39] groups would be advised of the changes.
[25:41] Internal training will also be provided
[25:42] to community services staff to ensure
[25:44] the revised bylaw is implemented
[25:46] consistently and that applicants receive
[25:48] accurate and timely information
[25:50] regarding eligibility application
[25:52] requirements and available programs. And
[25:54] depending on which of the three options
[25:56] are chosen, there may be minimal impact
[25:58] to our residents and our users. Uh and
[26:01] it very well could be the status fairly
[26:03] much the status quo. Uh the proposed
[26:05] bylaw supports council's commitment to
[26:07] fostering a healthy, inclusive, resil
[26:09] resilient community by reducing
[26:12] financial barriers to participation in
[26:13] recreation and leisure opportunities.
[26:16] The bylaw promotes equitable access to
[26:18] municipal services while ensuring
[26:19] responsible stewardship of public
[26:21] resources through transparent
[26:23] eligibility requirements and accountable
[26:25] administrative processes. Recommendation
[26:27] to council's administration recommends
[26:29] that council uh give all three readings
[26:32] in unanimous consent. Uh the proposed
[26:35] revisions significantly strengthen the
[26:37] bylaw uh as discussed in this
[26:39] presentation and it better position the
[26:41] town to provide equitable and
[26:43] transparent recreation fee assistance
[26:45] while ensuring responsible stewardship
[26:47] of municipal resources.
[27:06] get to the right page here.
[27:17] » So, a couple administrative things from
[27:20] me. 4.10 10 refers to appendix B, but
[27:23] appendix B is blank in here. Is that
[27:25] because it's based on our choices? Okay.
[27:28] >> And then
[27:29] >> and appendix A reads that u
[27:32] >> it's labeled a schedule A
[27:33] >> for the purposes of the bylaw. So that
[27:35] this isn't something as any of the LICO
[27:37] amounts and in discussions with Darcy
[27:39] and FCSS and and kids sports, I think I
[27:42] mentioned to you out of chamber that the
[27:44] rates that they use for LICO are
[27:46] actually higher.
[27:48] >> It's this plus 50%.
[27:49] >> Yeah. Which is interesting because I was
[27:51] just I don't understand why they make
[27:52] the LICO rates with the discussion from
[27:54] last week that we had. Same thing I said
[27:56] if they set rural rates that are for
[27:58] towns their size. It's interesting that
[28:02] those aren't the ones that are used by
[28:04] peers etc. I just found it very odd.
[28:06] That's why my questioning was around
[28:07] that because obviously you hadn't done the research about that. So
[28:10] appendix B is going to have the details
[28:13] based on what we decide here. Just a
[28:15] note that um the body of the bylaw
[28:18] refers to appendix A, but it's labeled
[28:19] as schedule A. So
[28:22] >> B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B was sort of an option in relation to
[28:24] limiting benefits, I think, because
[28:25] we're suggesting to mayor and council
[28:27] that our current program stays the same
[28:29] out of the three options that are listed
[28:31] within section 7.
[28:33] >> Y
[28:34] >> um and and part of the discussion I had
[28:36] with with Darcy was relation to uh those
[28:38] communities that have a 75% off policy.
[28:42] It still creates a situation that family
[28:43] four needs to come up with a
[28:44] considerable amount of money if you're
[28:46] on a budget. So I believe we figured out
[28:48] a family of four or a family of five
[28:49] would need to come up with over $300 to
[28:52] pay that 25% portion of a family pass.
[28:55] So though it's an option here on the
[28:56] page, it's not my preference or
[28:58] recommendation to council. I think our
[29:00] current model, particularly based on
[29:02] usage, as discussed last week, is very
[29:04] reasonable and and fills a need within
[29:07] the community, but it's not something
[29:08] that's overtly been used and we have
[29:12] tremendous numbers. It's a small portion
[29:14] of the community that
[29:14] >> is that so is that option one, two, or
[29:16] three? Just
[29:19] >> 75%.
[29:20] >> Uh the option I'm suggesting is that the
[29:22] it 7.1.1
[29:24] >> it's the one 7.1.2 he's talking about
[29:26] the
[29:27] >> I'm discussing 7.1.2, which is the
[29:29] second option.
[29:30] >> Third option is what some communities
[29:32] use similar to St. Albert where it's an
[29:35] either or situation. It's one free
[29:37] six-month pass or again 75% off an
[29:40] annual pass.
[29:41] >> And so you're suggest So administration
[29:43] is suggesting
[29:44] >> administrator suggesting 7.1
[29:46] >> 1.1.
[29:49] >> So the multif family membership hassles
[29:51] and a $40 discount.
[29:54] >> Okay. So what so the first one
[29:56] >> is what we do now and then the other two
[29:58] options are for council's discussion and
[30:00] consideration now
[30:01] >> for consideration
[30:05] » what she's saying is you change it to
[30:07] schedule a notending
[30:15] you got to change it to schedule aendex
[30:18] >> okay gotcha
[30:25] So currently annual multif family passes
[30:27] plus a $40 program discount. So that is
[30:31] we provide it to if they qualify for the
[30:33] program anyone that qualifies and that's
[30:36] to all the pool MRC etc.
[30:39] >> And we have never administered the $40.
[30:41] It's never been used. It's always just
[30:43] >> the $40 program discount. So that's when
[30:45] it's outside. So that would be if you
[30:47] wanted to sign up for
[30:48] >> summer splash.
[30:48] >> Okay,
[30:49] >> it is but traditionally people would
[30:50] apply for greater funding through kids
[30:52] sport or jump start.
[30:54] >> Okay, so that's that one's just usually
[30:56] not used, but it is a tool there if
[30:58] someone chose to use it. So right now we
[31:01] can it's free essentially annual multif
[31:05] family passes for those that qualify in
[31:06] the program.
[31:07] >> It's sort of a try out fee. $40 would
[31:09] cover usually one day at camp, right? to
[31:11] see whether or not there's a fit for the
[31:12] children andor should they apply next
[31:14] year for maybe jump start and and apply
[31:16] for the whole
[31:18] >> Okay. And so that would be for the
[31:19] obviously not just the facility usage is
[31:21] that's for
[31:22] >> Okay. Okay. No, I just wanted to make
[31:23] sure I understood what that was that
[31:25] kind of stuff.
[31:26] >> Okay.
[31:28] Any questions from council on that or
[31:30] discussion on preferred options?
[31:33] >> Council Hughes.
[31:34] >> The only other one that had flagged for
[31:36] me here was our discussion last week
[31:37] just regarding um being in good
[31:39] standing. So, I was just looking at the
[31:41] 5.1.6.
[31:43] Um, and you're just basically saying as
[31:45] long as they're in good standing with
[31:46] the community service department of the
[31:47] town and the MD, including having no
[31:50] outstanding community services related
[31:52] obligations, um, that would affect their
[31:54] eligibility. So, nothing in terms of
[31:56] other town departments then?
[31:58] >> Not at this time. That's not the
[32:00] suggested administration. We keep
[32:01] focused to the services that we offer
[32:03] and in good standing with us as the
[32:05] offering department.
[32:07] >> Okay.
[32:09] Um,
[32:10] >> yeah, that was just one of our Oh,
[32:11] sorry. Go ahead.
[32:12] >> A lot of times these people applying are
[32:13] renters, so they wouldn't have
[32:15] outstanding taxes. A lot of them are in
[32:17] low-inccome housing.
[32:18] >> In low income. Okay.
[32:20] >> Okay. Yeah, that was just one thing that
[32:22] was kind of a topic of discussion. So, I
[32:24] just thought I would highlight it here
[32:25] and sort of say to council, everybody
[32:28] seems okay with that [laughter]
[32:30] one and moving through that. I was
[32:32] initially on the other like the oppos
[32:34] side that it should be all of that, but
[32:35] I understand if we're looking at
[32:36] barriers to entry for access to
[32:38] community services and recreation. I can
[32:40] see how it makes sense to go with
[32:42] administration's recommendation of oper
[32:44] of it in a silo of good standing with
[32:46] community services
[32:47] >> and and it is at the discretion of the
[32:48] director. So in that situation,
[32:50] councelor Hughes, if there was someone
[32:52] that it was brought to my attention that
[32:53] was another outstanding matter, for
[32:55] instance, uncut lawns or something that
[32:57] bylaw was, you know, dealing with that
[32:59] was an outstanding issue or a vehicle
[33:01] that wasn't being moved. Those would be
[33:03] pieces we could consider and maybe have
[33:05] a conversation with the applicant to
[33:06] say, "We have a concern of the
[33:07] department. It's creating a bit of a
[33:10] delay and try and figure out best
[33:12] possible solution." again u looking at
[33:16] our previous client base and people who
[33:18] were applying for the program I don't
[33:20] see that being the issue that was
[33:22] discussed in our first meeting with tax
[33:24] concerns or water concerns as discussed
[33:27] and again each application's done on a
[33:28] case-by case basis if there's any
[33:31] recommendations or mention from staff
[33:33] that provide new information that should
[33:34] be considered it would be done at that
[33:36] time and obviously if any leap
[33:39] assistance was not provided to that
[33:41] person it would be spelled out in a
[33:43] letter and then the appeal process would
[33:44] start.
[33:45] >> I did read that that you would respond
[33:46] to them with the reasons and I also
[33:48] think that that's great. So everything
[33:49] else in the bylaw I found to be fine. I
[33:51] just wanted to open that up for
[33:53] discussion and make sure everyone was
[33:54] comfortable. But I do appreciate that
[33:55] you guys will be taking it by a case by
[33:58] case basis and I feel confident in that.
[34:00] So
[34:01] >> Alex wanted to weigh in. So, just to add
[34:02] and support support um the community
[34:05] services, one of the things we talked
[34:06] about if if a family uh parents cannot
[34:09] afford their taxes per se or or they've
[34:11] got a grass cutting bylaw fine, is that
[34:13] fair to the children that might be five
[34:15] or six years old to want to go to the
[34:16] pool? So, that's why we left it with the
[34:18] community services department and not
[34:19] punishing the entire family for maybe
[34:22] they can't pay $1,500 in taxes um but
[34:25] they should still be able to get some of
[34:27] that mental health relief. So, that's
[34:28] where we left it at that as a support to
[34:30] what they just said. Okay. Thank you.
[34:37] Okay. Anything further from council,
[34:42] » council?
[34:43] >> No. If there's no other questions, I'll
[34:44] make a motion. But it recommends give
[34:46] second reading, but unless I'm mistaken,
[34:48] we haven't given first reading. So,
[34:50] that's what I'm going to do, right? Y
[34:52] >> needs to be first reading.
[34:53] >> I'll move that council gives bylaw
[34:55] number 10-2026
[34:57] first reading.
[34:58] >> Motion on the floor. Any further
[34:59] discussion? Call to question those in
[35:02] favor and that one is carried.
[35:09] Councelor Bows move that council gives
[35:12] bylaw number 10-2026
[35:15] second reading.
[35:16] >> Motion on the floor. Any further
[35:17] discussion? Call the question. Those in
[35:20] favor and that is carried. Councelor
[35:22] Choba.
[35:23] >> I move that council gives biler number
[35:25] 10-2026
[35:27] unanimous consent for third reading. Any
[35:30] further discussion? Call to question.
[35:32] Those in favor and that is carried. And
[35:35] councelor Williams.
[35:37] >> I move that council gives bylaw number
[35:39] 10-2026
[35:41] third reading.
[35:42] >> Motion on the floor. Any further
[35:43] discussion? Call to question. Those in
[35:45] favor. And that is carried.
[35:49] Okay. Thank you very much.
[35:56] » Okay. On to the CEO update. Alex, floor
[35:59] is yours.
[36:00] >> Thank you, Mayor and Council. Uh, so
[36:01] we'll start with planning development on
[36:03] the update today. Um, some of the
[36:05] activity taking place, the staff
[36:06] attended an intermunicipal uh,
[36:08] subdivision appeal or ESTAB hearing um,
[36:11] in support of a local applicant. Some of
[36:13] the summer events taking place. There's
[36:15] been lots of special events which uh,
[36:17] have been benefited the community and
[36:18] the permits are all approved. Again,
[36:20] we're still challenged with some of
[36:21] these events coming in with very short
[36:23] notice, but our planning and development
[36:25] partners has been department has been
[36:26] done a very good job of working through
[36:27] them quickly so that these events can
[36:29] take place. Uh they and the uh again
[36:32] continue to work closely with the other
[36:34] um activities that are taking place
[36:36] coming up
[36:38] under human resources. Um we have some
[36:40] training coming up uh and taking place
[36:42] respectful workplace for all of our
[36:44] staff and mental health for leaders and
[36:47] supervisors is on ongoing. Um it's a quick online takes about an hour
[36:51] for our staff. Um and we've made it
[36:54] through all of our from full-time
[36:56] directors down to the part-time staff.
[36:58] And our internal audit um under health
[37:00] and safety is beginning this year
[37:02] because of our high score last year and
[37:04] all the work that went in is just a
[37:05] report for the next couple years. So we
[37:07] don't have to do all the interviews and
[37:08] audits and things like that. Um which is
[37:09] a feather in the cap to the team. um for
[37:12] projects. So, the multi-purpose HVAC and
[37:15] washroom upgrades have gone out to RFQ
[37:18] or request for proposal.
[37:20] The new diving board has finally been
[37:22] ordered and we're hoping for a delivery
[37:24] in late July and then we'll work on
[37:26] getting it installed. So, that was a
[37:28] carryover project from last year. Um the
[37:30] water main replacement on 11th Avenue um
[37:33] has started. the letters have gone out
[37:35] and as mentioned last week the overlay
[37:37] and grind and fill program um the
[37:40] companies have been notified and they're
[37:41] getting ready to uh mobilize in town. Um
[37:45] community services under FCSS the parade
[37:48] of programs is on September 12th. Um the
[37:50] internal grant applications there was
[37:52] seven received they will be coming to
[37:54] council on August 11th. Uh the pool the
[37:56] school year end swims wrapped up with
[37:58] over eight eight swims with over 100
[38:00] patrons each. Um the MRC had Canada Day
[38:03] with over 500 attendees and um we keep
[38:06] um speaking about the,200 pancakes that
[38:09] were served by the fire department. So
[38:10] that was a a good news on their behalf.
[38:13] The legacy has uh we we installed a
[38:16] ghost kitchen. So if you're not sure
[38:17] what that means, basically anybody can
[38:19] come and just rent the kitchen. It
[38:20] doesn't have to be for an event. And
[38:21] we've had two people sign up for that.
[38:23] So it's another way that we're looking
[38:24] at creating some revenue over there.
[38:27] Um, we have a couple of baseball
[38:28] tournaments that just took place as well
[38:30] as provincials are coming up this
[38:32] weekend and we've had two hockey camps
[38:34] at the MRC and two more coming up uh
[38:37] next month.
[38:38] The fire department, so they've been
[38:40] busy um as even though it's been wet
[38:42] weather, they've still been busy there
[38:44] on the inspection side. There was four
[38:46] inspections, two investigations, and
[38:47] four complaints that were handled in
[38:48] June. the WOOI team coordinator, the
[38:51] admin program coordinator and did some
[38:53] wildfire assessments in a couple of MD
[38:56] properties. They're really pushing
[38:57] wildfire assessments through um Fire
[39:00] Smart Canada right now. There's an
[39:02] online app and our fires smart
[39:03] coordinator is able to handle that. Um
[39:06] their calls uh so far as of July 6 are
[39:09] 344. They're trending up slightly from
[39:11] last year, but nothing um nothing like
[39:14] years previous to that. And currently
[39:16] there's 118 members across the region. A
[39:19] couple of side notes that weren't in the
[39:20] report. Um, recently you may have saw
[39:22] that we put out a post on behalf of the
[39:24] RCMP um for some stolen property. We
[39:26] included pictures, which is something we
[39:28] haven't done in the past very much. So,
[39:30] um, in speaking with the RCMP detachment
[39:32] commander, that's they that's something
[39:33] they're starting to do a little bit more
[39:35] of when they have um good pictures of of
[39:38] potential suspects that they want us to
[39:40] share. So, we're working with them on
[39:41] that. our peace officer. Um he was away
[39:44] last week so I wasn't able to get a
[39:45] quick or an update but he did spend time
[39:47] adjusting his schedule for river boat
[39:49] days, helping out with the parade,
[39:50] fireworks, and patrolling the grounds.
[39:52] Um dealing with unsightly properties at
[39:54] this time of year with all the weather
[39:55] uh the moisture. So we we've got lots of
[39:57] grass um complaints coming in and as as
[40:02] normal right now the encampments
[40:05] operations. So we heard a bit of their
[40:06] street sweeping gravel roads. They
[40:08] weren't able to do the the uh calcium
[40:11] just yet because of the wet weather, but
[40:12] the wet weather also helps with keeping
[40:14] the dust down. So, it is still ongoing.
[40:16] Um recycle keeping that um get grass
[40:18] removal and garbage pickup as needed. Um
[40:20] pothole repairs. I did ask today there
[40:23] was a couple questions on Main Street.
[40:24] So, there is some overlay taking place
[40:26] by between Second and Third AB. So,
[40:28] that's kind of in front of RBC. Um
[40:30] there's going to be some more potholeing
[40:31] done by the the uh Legion. Um, so there
[40:34] is some on more ongoing work going there
[40:36] and line painting um will finish up once
[40:39] the new overlay takes place on the south
[40:41] end of Main Street.
[40:43] Um, and at the water plant, they're
[40:45] painting the new shop, getting that
[40:47] almost finished up and prep work on the
[40:49] line repairs, uh, sewer line repairs and
[40:51] water lines in town. Any questions?
[41:06] Just double checking on that. I asked a
[41:07] question last week about potholes. So I
[41:09] heard you say now that they're doing
[41:10] some work in front of the Legion. Is
[41:12] that
[41:13] >> So there's a um some of the ones the the
[41:16] now that the plants are up and running, there's a a section in
[41:18] front of the Legion um kind of by Carlos
[41:20] there that needs to be worked on. Okay.
[41:22] >> And then the section in front of RBC
[41:23] that's part of the overlay, there's
[41:24] going to be grind and fill done in that.
[41:26] So the little holes won't get filled
[41:28] until the grind and overlay takes place.
[41:29] Okay.
[41:30] >> And and then residential's ongoing, but
[41:31] those are the big ones that are standing
[41:32] out in the community right now on Main
[41:34] Street.
[41:34] >> Okay. So we can expect within the next
[41:36] several weeks that the majority should
[41:38] be filled, I would.
[41:39] >> Yeah. Ongoing. Um those ones are very
[41:41] major, so they'll probably get on them
[41:42] sooner rather than later. Okay.
[41:43] >> And then as the grind and fill takes
[41:45] place, they'll do the ones outside of
[41:46] that patching program.
[41:49] >> Any further questions from council
[41:51] councelor Hughes?
[41:52] >> Uh motion to accept the CAO update.
[41:55] >> Motion on the floor. Any further
[41:56] discussion? Call to question. Those in
[41:57] favor and that is carried.
[42:01] Okay, moving forward into
[42:07] where am I at? Management task list.
[42:10] >> So, thanks again. I just Sorry, I lost
[42:12] my place. Just pulling it up. So, there
[42:14] is a couple things on the management
[42:15] task list.
[42:18] uh the um advertisement for the the kind
[42:23] of the projects was completed and sent
[42:24] out on our social media pages. The um
[42:27] tri council health meeting has been um
[42:30] uh planned and the sale of the VIC for
[42:35] the 64 $642,500
[42:38] was signed last week. So that has been
[42:40] completed. It's just in the MD hands now
[42:41] to finalize the that and the land
[42:44] transfer and all of that. So everything
[42:45] on the current task list has been
[42:47] completed as of today or or just about
[42:49] finalized as of today.
[42:51] >> Councelor Hughes,
[42:52] >> is there a timeline on when things with
[42:55] the VIC will be sort of finalized?
[42:57] >> Yeah, it's uh it's basically in getting
[42:59] the land titles adjusted and getting the payment processed. Um I would
[43:03] suspect be done by the end of August.
[43:05] Okay.
[43:05] >> Uh land titles is a little bit behind,
[43:07] but it's really not. It's just the
[43:08] payment once we have the payment, but
[43:09] the paper the documents were signed by
[43:11] the mayor and myself last week. So our
[43:12] end is done now. is just accepting the
[43:14] payment and finishing the land title.
[43:16] >> Okay, thank you.
[43:17] >> Okay,
[43:23] councelor Choba
[43:24] >> like to move to accept the management
[43:26] task list as information motion on the
[43:28] floor. Any further discussion? Called
[43:30] questions in favor and that is carried.
[43:33] Um, anything for question period?
[43:37] >> Oh,
[43:39] trouble. [clears throat]
[43:41] Quick question, Alex. Um,
[43:46] at our tri council health meeting, we
[43:49] agreed that the town should send a
[43:52] letter to
[43:54] I'll give you um AHS medical affairs. um
[43:59] just supporting
[44:02] our local hospital um and chatting with
[44:05] them about the decision to move or or
[44:09] basically relocate a physician without
[44:11] proper consultation or replacement
[44:14] plans. So basically would admin like me
[44:18] to make a motion on that or is that
[44:20] something that you can take with?
[44:22] >> Yes.
[44:22] >> Okay. All right. I guess I will make a
[44:26] motion tasking admin to um write a
[44:30] letter of support
[44:33] supporting our local um hospital to AHS
[44:38] medical affairs um letting them know
[44:40] about our displeasure in how they've
[44:44] handled the physician relocation from
[44:46] Slave Lake without consultation and
[44:49] replacement planning.
[44:52] >> Okay, there's a motion on the floor. Um
[44:55] any further discussion? Call to
[44:57] question. Those in favor and that is
[45:00] carried and then councelor Chobbo if you
[45:01] can provide the relevant details to
[45:03] administration. Assume there's a bit
[45:06] more specifics that would need to be
[45:07] included in that. Anything further for
[45:10] question period
[45:12] as I see none we can move forward into
[45:15] the committee minutes.
[45:18] Okay. First three are me. So, uh,
[45:21] intermunicipal meeting was held this
[45:24] month. Um, there was discussion
[45:25] surrounding the MD boat launch and
[45:27] needed repairs and the potential for a
[45:29] joint grant application regarding the
[45:31] approximately $75,000 repair cost. We
[45:34] also had a presentation of the
[45:35] intermunicipal bylaw first draft for the
[45:37] MGA. A bylaw is required to govern the
[45:39] intermunicipal committee and it needs to
[45:41] be established to spell out quorum
[45:43] voting requirements and dispute
[45:44] resolution. So, just doing some of the
[45:46] cleanup on the legislative end. uh
[45:48] moving into Alberta North Central
[45:50] Alliance um was presented the ACP
[45:54] housing document that ANSA has been
[45:55] working on for a while. So it was an
[45:57] update on our regional housing study um
[45:59] gathering the data from all the member
[46:01] uh member communities uh regarding
[46:03] vacancies
[46:05] um housing needs. It's actually quite
[46:07] detailed. So, similar to the mental
[46:09] health um information that was gathered
[46:11] and presented just about everywhere in
[46:13] the region, the housing document is
[46:15] intended to have that same presentation
[46:17] as it's as it's finalized. Um so, a lot
[46:20] of the data has never been put into the
[46:21] same place at one time. So, it's very
[46:23] interesting um going through it because
[46:25] it went through all the nations that are
[46:27] members and all of our communities as
[46:29] well. Um and it's uh it's quite
[46:32] detailed. Um so, there we talked about
[46:34] next steps for review and approval on
[46:35] that. There was also discussions
[46:37] surrounding the proposals for using
[46:39] there's an approximately 74,000
[46:40] remaining for the uh related ACP grant.
[46:44] So discussions on how to further that
[46:45] housing document that's coming forward
[46:48] and and what that will look like as well
[46:50] as discussions regarding the economic
[46:51] development advisor courses as um doing
[46:53] that as a regional cohort. So uh be
[46:56] training that involves the certification
[46:58] course talking about how it's delivered,
[47:00] how it's going to be um presented and
[47:03] where. So discussions to make that uh as
[47:05] effective as possible because each uh
[47:07] municipality and nation sent multiple
[47:09] members to come to that to get their EDA
[47:11] training. And
[47:14] then housing
[47:16] the weight list went from 78 to 82. The
[47:19] increase is mostly in senior
[47:21] self-contained and Vanderwell which went
[47:23] from 19 to 24. So that would be from
[47:25] April to May. Um so we are seeing a
[47:29] consistent increase. I think I say this
[47:31] every time uh used weight list used to
[47:33] be 0 to5 about 3 four years ago and now
[47:36] we are seeing that 19 to 24. So we're
[47:39] taking a look at existing projects that
[47:41] we might be able to push forward. Um but
[47:44] that's uh there's significant need for
[47:45] seniors housing. Uh we also went along
[47:48] with our standard business reviewing
[47:50] policies and approval of the 2026
[47:52] business plan that was submitted to the
[47:53] province. Um we're working on improving
[47:56] scheduling. So taking a look at expected
[47:58] timeline for uh repair completion.
[48:00] Usually when tenants move out there
[48:02] sometimes there's repairs that need to
[48:04] be completed and lining that up with a
[48:06] tenant that's ready to go. So we're
[48:08] minimizing the downtime and the vacancy
[48:10] in in the social housing units. Um as
[48:12] well as we went on a tour of 11 units
[48:15] that were transferred from the province
[48:16] into the social housing portfolio. So,
[48:18] they are previously provincial owned and
[48:20] were transferred for a dollar um 11 of
[48:23] them, majority in the southeast into our
[48:25] portfolio, which is great. Um along with
[48:27] a um a grant that goes along with any
[48:30] repair to get them up to to current
[48:32] standards, although most of those units
[48:34] are in very good condition. Um and
[48:36] market appraisals were done ahead of
[48:38] time. So, the province is actually
[48:40] moving away from transferring units into
[48:42] housing authorities. So, uh, we're we're
[48:44] quite lucky to have those those
[48:46] properties transferred over. And that is
[48:49] my three. Tri Council Health. Sounds
[48:51] like you've had an entertaining time.
[48:54] Councelor Bows. So, uh, we had our one
[48:59] of our monthly meetings here just the
[49:00] other day and with it being summertime,
[49:03] of course, there's a lot of people away,
[49:05] so it wasn't very long meeting. Um, of
[49:08] course with summer holidays, this also
[49:10] correlates into longer wait times. if
[49:13] you're looking to get into the clinic.
[49:15] Um, however, we will have two new
[49:17] physicians that will be starting around
[49:19] the end of September or sorry, end of o
[49:22] August, beginning of September. And
[49:24] currently, there is a proposal for a new
[49:27] phone system. It has been submitted to
[49:30] senior management at AHS. So, we will be
[49:33] waiting to see what comes through on
[49:36] that.
[49:38] And that's it.
[49:41] Thank you. Um, library
[49:44] councelor Williams.
[49:46] >> Thank you. Um, so the library committee
[49:50] is pleased to share several positive
[49:52] updates. Um, beginning in September, the
[49:55] library will expand public service
[49:57] hours. Uh, we will be open until 8:00
[50:01] p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and open
[50:04] from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
[50:07] And that's uh beginning in September.
[50:09] Uh, so positive news. Uh the committee
[50:12] is excited to increase access to library
[50:14] services for families, students, and
[50:16] working residents. Um the library
[50:18] programs continue to see strong
[50:20] participation. During May and June, the
[50:23] library hosted 39 programs and
[50:25] activities with total attendance of 684
[50:29] participants.
[50:30] Uh some of the highlights included uh
[50:33] summer kickoff party with 85 attendees,
[50:36] museum day 79. Uh they had a Super Mario
[50:40] day with 65 attendees. Um also along
[50:43] with story times, English as a second
[50:45] language, conversation cafe, book club,
[50:48] writers group, and school visits. Uh an
[50:52] additional 200 craft kits were
[50:54] distributed to community members during
[50:56] that reporting time. as well. Uh the
[50:58] archives continue uh to preserve and
[51:01] promote Slave Lake's history through the
[51:03] community outreach, research assistance,
[51:05] and collection development. Recent
[51:08] activities include included hosting a
[51:11] local history event attended by 84
[51:14] participants, assisting with genealogy
[51:16] and historical research requests,
[51:19] processing donations of photographs,
[51:22] books, yearbooks, and historical
[51:24] materials, creating historical displays,
[51:27] and educational materials for the town's
[51:29] Canada Day celebrations, reviewing and
[51:32] organizing more than 900 pages of
[51:34] historical records. Uh, the library
[51:37] hosted the Alberta Foundation for the
[51:39] Arts traveling exhibit, Scouring Heaven
[51:41] and Earth, that will be showcased until
[51:43] July 22nd if you want to check it out.
[51:46] Uh, the library was also successful in
[51:48] securing a $2,800 in Northern Alberta
[51:51] Foundation grant funding to support
[51:53] future programming and services. Um, as
[51:56] we look ahead to the fall, the well
[51:59] closer to the fall and the new hours,
[52:01] the library committee is excited to
[52:03] welcome residents back for the expanded
[52:05] hours. the programs and continued
[52:07] opportunities to connect, learn, and
[52:09] explore. And thank our community for
[52:11] ongoing support of services.
[52:15] >> Thank you.
[52:17] Okay.
[52:19] Entertain a motion. Thank you, councelor
[52:21] Chova.
[52:23] >> Like to move to accept the committee
[52:24] updates as information.
[52:26] >> Motion on the floor. Any further
[52:27] discussion? Call to question. Those in
[52:29] favor? And that is carried. Uh next ups.
[52:32] Do we have anything for state in the
[52:33] lake from council?
[52:37] I see nothing currently. I would just
[52:39] like to note that council will be on a
[52:41] four-week regular meeting break um
[52:43] returning in August. I believe it's
[52:45] August 11th. So, happy summer to
[52:48] everyone. I think most of our committees
[52:49] are a little bit slowed down. Um so, and
[52:52] there's some holidays going on so uh
[52:54] looking forward to that. Councelor
[52:56] Hughes.
[52:57] >> Uh motion to go into close session.
[52:59] >> Any further discussion? Call to
[53:01] question. Those in favor? And that is
[53:03] carried.
[1:39:16] You will
[1:39:20] » a bird call me.
[1:39:23] >> All right.
[1:39:29] Welcome back, councelor Bows.
[1:39:32] >> Um, I would like to make a motion that
[1:39:35] council authorize administration to seek
[1:39:38] legal advice respecting the developers
[1:39:42] proposals prior to any negotiations or
[1:39:45] amendments to the existing development
[1:39:47] agreements. that administration will
[1:39:49] prepare a detailed confidential report
[1:39:52] including legal advice and
[1:39:54] recommendations and we'll bring it back
[1:39:56] to council for closed session in
[1:39:59] September of 2026.
[1:40:01] >> All right, we have a motion on the
[1:40:02] floor. Is there any further discussion?
[1:40:04] Call to question those in favor and that
[1:40:07] is carried. Councelor Choba
[1:40:10] make motion to adjurnn.
[1:40:11] >> Any further discussion? Call to question
[1:40:13] those in favor and that is carried.