Taxpayers in the M.D. of Peace will soon have the option to pay their property taxes on an installment plan instead of paying the full amount at one time.
At its regular meeting Aug. 13, council passed a tax installment payment plan (TIPP) bylaw, states council highlights from Peace.
It will allow landowners to pay their taxes on monthly installments.
Council also approved a draft TIPP agreement, application form and terms and conditions that will govern how the program is administered.
When the plan is ready to start, administration will notify residents by direct mail, newspaper and social media.
Strong Creek fire suppression
Council approved a motion to install a fire suppression T at Strong Creek Park at a cost of $1,000.
The new fire suppression T on the existing water shack pipeline that serves the park and campground will provide a designated point for firefighters to access water quickly and efficiently during emergencies.
Fire guardians added
Council appointed Dianna Butz and Sandra Satchell as additional fire guardians for Peace.
The Forest and Prairie Protection Act requires that all fire permits must be approved by a fire guardian.
Business directory
Council passed a motion to add a business directory to the M.D. of Peace website to support and promote businesses and organizations within the municipal boundaries.
Administration encourages businesses and organizations to submit their information for the directory.
Regional energy committee
Council reviewed and approved the terms of reference for the regional energy committee, which was formed to promote energy development in the region, with a focus on nuclear development.
Council agreed to the committee’s request that all member municipalities contribute $2,000 to support membership and meeting costs.
The committee includes representation from the M.D. of Peace, the Town of Grimshaw, the County of Northern Lights, the Town of Peace River and Northern Sunrise County.
Meeting with municipal affairs minister
Council discussed topics that will be addressed with Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver at the Rural Municipalities of Alberta fall convention Nov. 4-7 in Edmonton.
Topics include the Inter-municipal Collaboration Framework and the Shaftsbury fire costs.
Alberta Municipalities convention
Council authorized Reeve Robert Willing to attend the Alberta Municipalities convention Sept. 25-27 in Red Deer.
IDP with Peace River
Council reviewed correspondence from the Town of Peace River about potential gravel pit development along Shaftsbury Trail and directed administration to share the M.D. of Peace bylaw 9/2020 land-use bylaw amendment with Peace River.
Personnel policy
Council approved amendments to some of the M.D.’s personnel policies on the topics of vacation time and leave of absence.
Council also passed a new post-incident and random drug and alcohol testing policy for employees in safety-sensitive positions such as equipment operations.