By Carson Ellis
Town of Stettler Council started it’s March 7 meeting promptly at 6:30 p.m. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Greg Switenky requested the subject of the Stettler Waste Management Authority Land Transfer be added to the agenda.
Coun. Cheryl Barros moved to approve, which was accepted. The minutes of the previous meeting were then moved by Coun. Wayne Smith to be accepted, which was carried unanimously.
Alberta Provincial Budget 2023-24 municipalities impact.
CAO Switenky addressed the 2023 provincial budget that had been tabled in February, summarizing what the new budget meant for municipalities.
The budget saw an overall increase of $45.2 million from the previous budget, with $485 million through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI). The MSI has been doubled to $104,000, up from $54,288 previously.
2023 will be the last year of the MSI formula which was introduced in 2007. In 2024 the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) will be brought in to replace MSI. The new system will tie municipal funding to provincial revenue changes. This is to help provide a sustainable funding system for the province. Municipalities stand to see an increase of approximately 12.6 per cent.
The new budget has also set an additional $3 million in grants for local library boards. Local library boards could see an approximately 5 per cent increase in funding available. Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) will also see an increase of $5 million. Food banks have also been allocated another $10 million. The new budget also sees in increase in funding for policing grants.
Another increase in the provincial budget is in the area of fire services; funding has been increased for fire services training grants. The grants can now access an increased funding of $500,000.
Coun. Kurt Baker moved to have the summary accepted, and the motion was carried.
Public hearing
At 7 p.m. a public hearing for Bylaw 2159-23, Land Use Bylaw was held. Mayor Nolls declared the hearing open. He welcomed Director of Planning and Development L. Graham, and Planning and Development clerk A. Stormoen to the hearing.
Nolls inquired if there were verbal presentations, for which S. Hurley spoke in favour of the bylaw. Nolls then inquired if councillors had any questions, none were made. The hearing was then deemed closed.
Bylaw 2159-23 was then given second and third reading by council. Second reading was moved by Baker to be accepted, and third reading was moved to be accepted by Coun. Gord Lawlor. Both were approved by council.
The bylaw regards changing the classification of an area of land around 4410-47avenue from Industrial to DC4 Urban (Direct Control Urban Reserve.) This will allow land owners in the area to apply to have their property allow for small farm usage.
SWMA land purchase
CAO Switenky announced the Stettler Waste Management Authority has reached a deal to acquire neighbouring land for use in future expansion.
Legal council has advised that the land be held in trust by the managing partner of the authority, since the SWMA is not a society or incorporated itself.
Coun. Travis Randell motioned to have the town approve the County of Stettler proceed with the purchase of NW34-40-19-W4M. The County of Stettler would also act as trustee representing the SWMA to sign and hold the title. The motion was carried.
An in-camera meeting was then held, with members of council as well as the Director of Planning and Development, the director of operations, and the planning and development clerk, as well as Switenky, and assistant CAO Steve Gerlitz. The meeting was held at 7:13, and was motioned by coun. Smith.
Council exited the confidential session and adjourned around 8:15 p.m. with no further motions made.