Council Meeting Highlights

Council had a busy month evaluating and discussing next year’s budget, which I will report on next week. The Nov. 29, 2011 Council meeting does have some interesting reports. Background reports and minutes.

Webcast

To get the full flavour of how decisions are made tune into the webcast. The webcast is timed and titled so that you can refer immediately to your topic of interest.

Advisory Committees & Boards

Thanks to all of you who took the time to apply for Strathcona County Advisory Committees and Boards. Twenty committees now have a tremendous pool of talent to draw from to continue to build our municipality. Two of those committees gave presentations: Economic Development & Tourism Committee, the Energy Exploration Report and the Accessibility Committee.

Economic Development & Tourism Committee

Vice Chair John Devin updated Council with the first year of accomplishments. This is a group of proactive professionals who have stepped forward to assist the County as it attempts to better attract new businesses and strengthen existing businesses. Next year’s initiatives include a business ambassador program. 

Accessibility Committee

Chair Tracy Zala and Bob Atcheson presented an overview of this new committee’s achievements. Members experienced in issues faced by persons with disabilities advise administration on identifying and resolving program and facility issues. This past year the group visited and evaluated ten municipal buildings. Recommendations ranged from minor to major with several changes made immediately under the existing maintenance budgets.

Energy Exploration Report

Chair Bernie Yakimyshyn reported on the committee’s activities of updating information and protocols on the County website and public brochures. Members will be at the Fort Saskatchewan Trade Fair 2012 to continue to provide information to landowners

Sherwood Park Primary Care Network

General Manager Dave Ludwig and Dr Jim Adams reported on the incredible progress made in four years by our own doctors in addressing wait times, improving resident health and saving health care dollars. Primary Care Network link.

Multi Tenant Residential Waste Management Strategy

Council was updated on the implementation of the green routine in condos, apartments and other multi-family residential properties. As a follow through to the Waste Management Bylaw of 2008, all private collectors will conform to this bylaw in order to maximize waste diversion. This means that if you live in a condo or apartment style complex – you will be obligated to divert organics and recycling from the landfill by December 2012. Property managers and condo boards will be receiving letters of information in the first half of next year.  More information.

AUC Review & Stay

Council authorized a further $70,000 from reserves to be used in the application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to review and vary its decision on the approving of power lines to be built above ground, and for a stay of that decision pending resolution of the application. Taxpayers dollars used to date in fighting this legal battle are about 540,000 dollars. 

Now is the time to pause and reflect. It is my hope members of the legislature will join us in looking at options to bury the lines in a cost effective manner.

Sidewalk Snow Clearing Bylaw

Thank you to the four presenters and 18 people who wrote e mails and letters. Council will be debating the merits of passing a bylaw on Dec. 13, 2011. If you have not voted on my CouncillorCarr.com website – please do so – and continue to send your comments to council 

Proposed Bylaw

E-News Bulletin

I send out an E-News Bulletins about four times a month to residents. It is an opportunity for me to inform you of events and matters of interest to your family and neighbours in a timely manner. These electronic news flashes also help me to get your input and touch base with you. You are welcome to sign up at carr@strathcona.ab.ca