By Carson Ellis
Stettler council held its first February meeting on Feb. 7.
Council addressed several topics including Capital Budget items and requests for decisions on subdivisions and rezoning.
Discussions surrounding the Capital Budget were in regards to a new truck-mounted sander that was slated for purchase in 2023.
The replacement sander was budgeted for $15,000 although the winning tender ended up well under that at $9,342.
Assistant chief administrative officer (CAO) Steve Gerlitz recommended council approve the purchase, which was carried.
An addition to the 2023 Capital Budget, a new 48-niche columbarium was added as an expense at a cost of $37,000 and is expected to arrive within six months.
The purchase was added to the budget due to a growing community. The previous columbariums were purchased in 2020 and 2021.
Planning
Wellings of Stettler had requested a decision on their revised application for their project on the west side of Stettler.
The revised application was to accommodate roadway and phasing plans to the Wellings project to addressing previously noted concerns.
Administration recommended the changes for approval, which was accepted by council
“This will bring good things for the community,” said Coun. Gord Lawlor, on the potential of the Wellings of Stettler development.
The second request for decision regarding planning was for the subdivision application by Kneeland and Sons Construction.
Kneeland and Sons applied to subdivide a large lot on the east side of 49 St. into five smaller lots to allow the construction of both a triplex and a duplex.
The development would be similar to the existing one on the opposite side of the street.
The application was approved.
Capital Budget
The 2022 Capital Budget was briefly reviewed by council.
Assistant CAO Steve Gerlitz gave a brief summary of the breakdown of the budget and the overall activity including incomes, expenditures, and carry-overs.
In addition to the 2022 budget, council accepted the report from the CAO as well as bank reconciliations.
Councillors also reviewed the various meetings and community functions they attended which included the memorial service for former Stettler RCMP Staff Sgt. Bruce Holliday and the Donalda Fire Department’s membership drive.
Bylaw
The first reading of a Land Use Bylaw for near the seed cleaning plant, was given by council.
The changes will be presented for public review with council in March before future readings.
Property owners and prospective purchasers requested the amendment to change the area in question from industrial to direct controlled land.
This would allow residential lots in the area to be considered ‘farm use’ and would give the town the ability to regulate and enforce bylaws for those who plan to or may already be keeping farm animals on their properties.
Correspondence was reviewed, including plans for the Red Deer Hospital expansion and ongoing struggles for both provincial Ambulance and rural doctor shortages.
Council ended the public aspect of the evening’s meeting before moving into a closed session session.