Fees for business licences in the Town of Stettler could increase this year.
At its regular meeting Jan. 5, town council considered an increase after receiving a report from administration.
“Compared with other municipalities, we are on the low side,” said Mayor Dick Richards.
“It’s not a decision that has to be made tonight, but it is good to have some discussion.”
Part of the fee supports Stettler Regional Board of Trade and Community Development.
“If you support the board of trade with the business licence fees, it gives businesses good value for their dollar,” said Keith Ryder, executive director of the board of trade, when offered to comment by Mayor Richards.
Unchanged in nine years, according to town manager Rob Stoutenberg, business licences have cost $125 per year for local residents and $325 for non-residents.
With 369 resident commercial businesses and 89 home occupations and 45 non-resident business for a total of 503 licences as of Dec. 4, the town projects a revenue of $71,875 for 2010.
New bridge by Stettler Mall
Council approved a staff recommendation to contract PW Site Works Inc., the only company that submitted a bid, to supply and install a new 65-foot-long pedestrian bridge over Willow Creek, east of Stettler Mall at a cost of $69,924.
The project is to be funded mainly through the pathways grant of $32,500 from the Alberta Community Facilities Enhancement Program (CFEP) and the general reserve of $32,500.
Because the sum of the two funds will not be enough to cover the costs, funding remaining from another grant will be used to make up for the shortfall.
Board appointments
Council appointed former board of trade president Kelly Hicks as a member at large of Stettler and District Family and Community Support Services and Malcolm Fischer to the town’s subdivision and development appeal board, until October 10.
Row houses now condos
Council authorized a certificate for a condominium to the owners of an 11-unit residential row houses at 4807 – 62 Street to convert the residential complex to condominiums.
By approving the request, the town also requires the owners to enter into an agreement to cover all matters to provide landscaping the property, develop a parking lot, curb and gutter, lot grading and other services.