Council Highlights for February 23rd, 2017

MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BONNYVILLE NO. 87

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS February 22, 2017

Keeping you informed of the services, business and development that affect YOU!

 

Recycling Bin Use Increases – The use of Municipal District of Bonnyville recycling bins increased overall during 2016 when compared to the previous year, in some cases nearly tripling the total kilograms. In 2016 the M.D. collected 108,890 kg of cardboard, 27,320 kg of plastic, 35,310 kg of paper, 22,827 litres of used oil, 10,794 litres of paint, 12,502 kg of electronics, 69,930 kg of tires and 15,070 kg of twine. The Recycling Program reduces the M.D.’s waste hauling costs and saves space in the landfills.

 

Noise Bylaw Updated – M.D. Council gave Final Reading to Noise Bylaw No. 1657, which updated Bylaw No. 994 passed in 1988. The new Bylaw now addresses issues that are occurring because of increased growth in residential and industrial rural subdivisions. The severity of different offenses, and the deterrent against violations, is now reflected in the fine amounts.

 

Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority Upgrades Equipment – Council approved the purchase of a $52,213.97 Breathing Air Compressor for Goodridge Fire Hall, a $7,5000 Thermal Imaging Camera for the contracted Cold Lake Station and $95,000 for the purchase of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus for the Iron River, Goodridge and Glendon Fire Halls.

 

CLRRPP Gears Up For Successful Second Year – The Crane Lake Riparian Restoration and Preservation Program is taking its successes into a second year of operation. Phases two out of six have been completed. The program will be planting 1,000 seedlings on six sites at Crane Lake in 2017. A new sign for the Crane Lake Community was selected through a popular vote and will be erected in the spring. In the future, Environmental Coordinator Katlyn Macdonald will be looking at instituting the program on other lakes in the M.D.

 

Public Safety News – Patrol Officers are dealing with increased traffic volumes on the La Corey North Resource Road during peak traffic periods, as well as increased industry traffic in other areas of the M.D. Officers continue to monitor tanker truck traffic and conduct random Commercial Vehicle and Transportation of Dangerous Goods Inspections. Dog complaints – those running at large, chasing livestock and barking excessively – are continuously being dealt with. The School Resource Officer Program provided numerous school visits, including 31 drop-ins, 30 sessions such as Internet Safety, Healthy Relationships, and Bullying & Harassment. Eight program sessions were delivered including Right Choices, and CSI.

 

Planning and Development Update – Council gave Final Reading to Bylaw No. 1656 to renew seven, three-year leases, on municipal-owned land. Council approved a one-year lease agreement, at the rate of $15 per acre/year, for 90 acres not required for operations around the Ardmore Lagoon.

 

Agriculture & Waste Services News – The Shelterbelt Program sold out this year, with the M.D. ordering 7,750 trees in 24 different species. The increase in demand is likely due to nurseries expanding their selections, with fruit trees drawing the interest of residents. One hundred and fifty farms and acreage owners placed an order this year. The Lakeland Agriculture Research Association (LARA) is hosting two workshops on March 2; Beavers In Our Landscape at 10 a.m. at the Goodridge Hall and Verified Beef Project & Training at the Ashmont Agriplex at 4 p.m. The total 2016 expenditures for the Veterinary Services Incorporated (VSI) Program came in at $82,756, slightly less than the projected budget of $88,500. The 2017 requisition is $87,000, which includes a $10,300 administration fee to run the program. There are 414 farmers registered in the program.

 

Finance and Administration Update – Council approved the removal of $15,685.61 in outstanding receivables from the municipality’s financial record as they have been deemed uncollectable. Council agreed to transfer $7,592.55, the cost of cleaning up an unsightly property, to the tax roll of the property.

 

q#9 Transportation and Utilities News – The repair work on the Franchere Bridge has started and will take about two weeks to complete. The Winter Gravel Haul into the Public Works yard is on schedule, with 185,000 tonnes (and climbing) piled up. The warmer weather in February caused some springs to start flowing and ice build-up needed to be removed to protect the road structures.

 

For more information, contact Diane Jenkinson, Marketing and Communications Manager at 780-826-3171. Our website is a useful way to get the information you need. Visit: www.md.bonnyville.ab.ca Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @MDBville.