Mac Olsen
Express Staff
During their meeting on May 9, council for the M.D. of Smoky River No. 130 approved a one mil increase in property taxes for 2018.
The mill rate increase is only for farms and non-residential properties.
Property tax notices will be sent out in the mail and they must be paid in full by July 31.
Council also approved the municipality’s 2018 budget, which will be $15,935,476.
Public participation policy
Council approved a public participation policy, as required under the Municipal Government Act.
Council also gave first ready to the public notification bylaw and a public hearing will be held during their meeting on June 13.
Council also approved the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw, which is also required under the MGA.
Falher Friendship Corner Association grant
Council approved a one-time grant of $10,000 to the Falher Friendship Corner Association towards the construction of a new home.
Delegations
Diane Chiasson made a presentation on behalf of the Conseil de Developpement Economique de l’Alberta regarding a grant for climate change staff position funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
The FCM would provide approximately $150,000 for the hiring of a person for a two-year position. The municipalities that participate would have to make contributions as well.
The deadline to apply is the end of June and Chiasson wants to start working on the application now.
Council approved a motion to participate in the funding for the position.
Several members of the Big River Ski Club – Vice-President Jay Dreyer and board member Dana Tokarz – made a presentation to council as well.
Dreyer highlighted several issues that the club would like the M.D.’s approval for at the Little Smoky Ski Hill:
. Clearing brush along some of the runs prior to creating snow, to maximize snowmaking opportunities.
. Resolve spacing issues in the chalet, as there isn’t enough seating in there now, suggesting table changes and cubby hole installations.
. An increase in the sales commissions for the season pass.
Reeve Robert Brochu asked that the club send a letter to the M.D. about these and any other matters that are concerned with.