High River public meetings in 2022
53 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council
Council will review the 2023 Interim Operating Budget and updates to the Town's Strategic Priorities Chart. The agenda also includes funding requests for community projects and tree removal at specific locations.
- Adoption of the $25,149,593 2023 Interim Operating Budget
- $12,500 funding for the Utility Box Wrap Project
- $10,000 funding for the Ecole Senator Riley Outdoor Classroom Project
- $20,000 for the removal of five poplar trees at 936 9 Street SW and 120 Macleod Trail SW
- Establishment of a Working Group for the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex Aquatics Expansion
Special Council
The Special Council meeting is scheduled for November 28, 2022. The session includes a closed meeting to discuss a labour item pursuant to the Municipal Government Act and FOIP legislation.
- Closed meeting regarding a labour item
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive an annual update on the Snow and Ice Control Policy for the winter season. Members will also hold a discussion regarding the Rimrock Biodigester.
- Annual update to Snow and Ice Control Policy (POL-28-106-2021/2022)
- Rimrock Biodigester discussion
- Change Order 2022-10-21 regarding winter maintenance service requirements and pricing
Regular Council
The Council is reviewing a budget amendment for traffic calming on High Country Drive and High View Gate NW. They are also considering the adoption of an Asset Management Strategy Framework and Action Plan.
- Traffic Calming Pilot budget amendment of $15,000 for High Country Drive and High View Gate NW
- Adoption of the Asset Management Strategy Framework and Action Plan
- Amended Articles of Association for the High River Regional Airport Board
- Establishment of a Task Force for the Climate Change and Active Transportation Action Plan
- Allocation of $25,860.78 from reserves for Foothills Community Counselling's 2023 budget
Committee of the Whole
The Calgary Metropolitan Region Board (CMRB) presented an update on regional growth management, including the implementation of new Growth and Servicing Plans. The presentation covered regional vision, water stewardship, and upcoming initiatives like the Regional Transportation and Transit Master Plan.
- Presentation by CMRB Chair and Chief Officer regarding regional growth management
- Discussion on Environmental Impairment / Pollution Insurance Coverage options
- Debrief of Fall events presented by the Manager of Parks and Recreation
- Review of updated Growth Plan effective August 15, 2022
Regular Council
Council will review updates to the Town's Strategic Priorities Chart and Work Program. The meeting also includes proposals to establish a Task Force for the Climate Change and Active Transportation Action Plan.
- Adoption of updated Top Five Strategic Priorities including Town Plan and Aquatic Facility Expansion
- Establishment of a Task Force for the Climate Change and Active Transportation Action Plan
- Allocation of $25,860.78 from reserves for Foothills Community Counselling 2023 budget
- Contract award for Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex concession to High River Concessions
- Project Management Professional Services agreement award to WSP for Aquatics Expansion
Regular Council
The Council will consider a five-year Shared Services Agreement with Foothills County. The meeting also includes a delegation regarding Sheppard Family Park and reviews of recent meeting minutes.
- Shared Services Agreement with Foothills County (5-year term)
- Sheppard Family Park delegation
- Adoption of October 11, 2022, meeting minutes
Organizational Meeting
Council is meeting to adopt appointments for various internal and external boards and committees for the 2022-2023 term. The meeting also includes establishing the Deputy Mayor rotation schedule and the upcoming meeting calendar.
- Council appointments to external boards including Calgary Metropolitan Region Board and High River Regional Airport Ltd. Board
- Council appointments to internal boards including High River Emergency Advisory Committee
- Citizen reappointments to the Subdivision & Appeal Board and Marigold Library Board
- Adoption of the Deputy Mayor and Acting Deputy Mayor rotation schedule
- Establishment of the 2022-2023 Regular Council and Committee of the Whole meeting schedules
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will consider a recommendation to end the Town's environmental impairment and pollution insurance coverage. Administration suggests using the $20,000 annual premium savings to build a reserve fund for self-insurance due to a low risk rating.
- Proposal to terminate Environmental Impairment / Pollution Insurance Coverage
- Recommendation to set aside $20,000 annually into reserves for self-insurance
- Debrief of Fall events including the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival and River City Burnout and Car Show
Regular Council
Council is reviewing a work program and consultant RFP for the Aquatic Facility Expansion Project. The agenda also includes discussions on concession operations at the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex and a memorandum of understanding with the Highwood Curling Club.
- Bylaw 4610/2022 to amend rates for Indoor Recreation Facilities and Municipal Services
- Reissue of RFP for Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex concession operations
- Memorandum of Understanding with Highwood Curling Club for the 2022/2023 season
- $10,000 award to el papalote for the Day of the Dead Festival High River 2022
- Aquatic Facility Expansion Project work program and consultant RFP
Special Council
This special meeting is scheduled to be held in a closed session. The discussion will focus on a single land item pursuant to the Municipal Government Act and FOIP legislation.
- Closed meeting regarding a land item
Special Council
High River Council has called a special meeting to discuss a land item in a closed session. The meeting is being held pursuant to the Municipal Government Act and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
- Closed meeting regarding a land item
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review a variance request for vehicle access width at 602 6 St SW and receive a briefing on Stage 3 of the Town Plan engagement. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding a curling slab update.
- Variance request for vehicle access width expansion at 602 6 St SW
- Town Plan Stage 3 Engagement Briefing
- Curling Slab Update discussion
- Formal acknowledgement of the cancelled September 12, 2022 meeting
Regular Council
The Council will consider authorizing new library levy rates for 2023 and 2024 and executing a federal active transportation funding agreement. The meeting also includes a delegation from the NRCB and a request to waive signage fees for the High River Bike Park Society.
- Marigold Library System Schedule C Requisition for 2023 and 2024 levy rates
- Federal Active Transportation Funding Agreement authorization
- NRCB Delegation presentation
- High River Bike Park Society request to waive $130 signage Development Permit fee
- Adoption of September 12, 2022, meeting minutes
Special Council
The Special Council meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2022. The agenda consists of a closed meeting session to discuss a labour item pursuant to the Municipal Government Act and FOIP legislation.
- Closed meeting regarding a labour item
Regular Council
Council will hear multiple public comments and a delegation regarding the Rimrock Feeders project. The agenda also includes budget approvals for a community pump track and proposed changes to Bylaw Services.
- Public comments and delegation regarding Rimrock Feeders/Biodigester Facility
- Proposed $33,200 budget for pump track amenities and construction overages
- Bylaw 4608/2022 and 4609/2022 regarding Environmental Reserve designations
- Proposal to transition Bylaw Compliance Officer to Community Peace Officer Level 1
- Dark Sky Initiative stakeholder discussions
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole reviewed a housing needs assessment report presented by Westwinds Communities and Resilience Planning consultants. Members also requested a status update on the Southern Alberta Flood Relocation Program residential property sales project.
- Westwinds Housing Needs Assessment report presentation
- Southern Alberta Flood Relocation Program (SAFRP) residential property sales update
Regular Council
The Council will discuss changing the scope of the Wastewater Treatment Facility project from a pilot study to a full upgrade. They will also consider awarding a concession contract for the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex.
- Wastewater Treatment Facility: proposed $125,000 additional funding and $295,640 change order for MPE Engineering Ltd.
- Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex: proposed concession contract award to The Weiner Takes All
- Correspondence: TC Energy project update regarding Saddlebrook Solar + Storage Project
- Correspondence: Public emails regarding the Aquatics Expansion
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive a presentation from Westwinds Communities and Resilience Planning on the High River Housing Needs Assessment, a study completed with the Town and Habitat for Humanity. The report projects a need for 1,716 additional housing units by 2031, including affordable and market rental units and ownership units. Council is asked to receive the report and direct administration to develop housing strategies and priorities.
- Housing Needs Assessment projects 1,716 additional units needed by 2031: 300 affordable rental, 301 market rental, 1,115 market ownership, plus 91 continuing care units
- Report identifies 53% of renter households (approx. 764) earning under $48,978 struggle to afford housing
- 34% of owner households (approx. 1,496) earning below $55,944 would struggle to buy today
- Need for 1,346 additional 0-1 bedroom units by 2031; current stock has only 6% one-bedroom units
- Purpose-built rental units have stayed essentially unchanged since 2008; only 1% built after 2000
Regular Council
Council will decide whether to borrow up to $15 million for an aquatic facility expansion and direct staff to prepare a work program and budget. They will also consider first, second, and third reading of an Environmental Reserve Bylaw, and direct staff to search for land for future recreation sites. The agenda includes routine items like minutes and correspondence.
- Borrowing up to $15,000,000 for aquatic facility expansion including leisure pool, waterslide, hot tubs
- First, second, and third reading of Bylaw 4607/2022 (Environmental Reserve)
- Direct administration to search for parcels of land minimum 20 acres for recreation
- Amend Strategic Priorities Chart to reflect aquatic facility expansion work program
Special Council
This is a special council meeting with a single substantive item: a closed session to discuss a labour matter, held under provincial municipal and privacy legislation. The rest of the agenda is procedural (call to order, adoption of agenda, adjournment). No decisions are listed on the open agenda.
- Closed meeting under Section 197(2) of the Municipal Government Act and FOIP Act sections 17, 18(1)(b), 18(1)(d)
- Labour item to be discussed in camera
Regular Council
High River Council is deciding on several capital projects, including awarding a contract for Phase 1 of the Wayfinding Signage Program, approving a budget for urgent water main repairs at Macleod Trail and Centre Street, and authorizing a traffic calming pilot. They will also consider a two-year extension for the Hampton Hills Phase 5 subdivision and hear delegations from residents and Environomical Living.
- Award contract to Onsite Sign Group for $456,899 (excluding GST) for Wayfinding Signage Phase 1, with a $120,000 budget increase
- Authorize up to $600,000 for design, consulting, and repair of water main at Macleod Trail and Centre Street
- Approve $35,000 budget for temporary traffic calming measures at High Country Drive and High View Gate NW
- Support two-year extension for Hampton Hills Phase 5 subdivision endorsement package submission
- Delegations from Poplar Behind 114 - 3 Ave SW and Environomical Living
Regular Council
High River Council will consider several significant items: awarding $202,000 for Centre Street design, approving $15,000 and $12,970 in community grants, changing the wastewater treatment plant project from pilot to full upgrade with an additional $125,000, and approving purchase agreements for Wallaceville, Beachwood, and Rio Vista lands for $1 each. The agenda also includes routine correspondence and a closed meeting for land and labour items.
- Award $202,000 to MPE Engineering for Centre Street Rebuild design (7th Avenue to roundabout)
- Approve $15,000 to Balloon Events Committee for 2022 Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival
- Approve $12,970 to High River Performing Arts Foundation for 2022 Summer Series
- Change wastewater treatment plant scope to full upgrade, add $125,000, and authorize $295,640 change order to MPE
- Approve purchase agreements for Wallaceville, Beachwood, and Rio Vista lands for $1 each
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review the RCMP Annual Performance Plan for 2022-2023, which sets priorities for police visibility, traffic speeding, and property fraud. Council will also receive an update on the cost of replacing the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex and a river monitoring update. The meeting is primarily informational, with no decisions listed on the agenda.
- RCMP Annual Performance Plan: priorities include police visibility, traffic speeding, and property fraud
- Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex replacement cost update
- River monitoring update
- Adoption of May 24, 2022 minutes
Regular Council
High River Council will consider final adoption of the 2022 property tax bylaw, which sets tax rates for the year. They will also vote on establishing a Protective Services Advisory Committee, replacing the existing Policing Committee. The agenda includes a delegation from the High River Performing Arts Foundation and two resolutions supporting Alberta Municipalities' advocacy on stormwater licensing and grant alignment.
- Bylaw 4606/2022: Property Tax Bylaw for 2022 (first, second, and third readings)
- Establish Protective Services Advisory Committee; rescind Bylaw 4276/2010 (Policing Committee)
- Delegation: High River Performing Arts Foundation
- Support resolution: Exempt stormwater reuse from licensing requirements
- Support resolution: Align provincial grant funding with regulations
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive an update on the town's transition to in-house bylaw services, including statistics and program development. They will also discuss a coal policy, a request for pedestrian lights on High Country Drive, and formally acknowledge the cancellation of the May 9 meeting.
- Bylaw Services Update: 317 files opened Jan 1-Apr 22, 2022, including 157 complaints and 160 officer-generated files
- Coal Policy Discussion
- High Country Drive Request for Pedestrian Lights
- Formal acknowledgment of cancelled May 9, 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting
Regular Council
Council will consider authorizing $141,800 for Centre Street rehabilitation from the flood gate to 2nd Avenue S, including change orders to AIC Construction Ltd. and MPE Engineering Ltd. They will also decide on awarding a $98,876 design contract for the Hamptons Bypass Connector Road to CIMA+. A delegation on the High River Pump Track and adoption of a Flexible Work Policy are also on the agenda.
- Centre Street Rehabilitation - Flood Gate to 2nd Ave S: $141,800 funding from Municipal Sustainability Initiative
- Contract award to CIMA+ for Hamptons Bypass Connector Road design services: $98,876
- Adoption of Flexible Work Policy HR-POL-100-01
- High River Pump Track delegation
- Seniors' Week Declaration for June 6-12, 2022
CLOSED Special Council
This is a closed special council meeting with a single agenda item under 'Labour Item.' The council is closing the meeting to the public under provincial legislation, so no public discussion or decisions are expected. The agenda contains only procedural items (call to order, adoption of agenda, closed meeting, adjournment) and no substantive public business.
- Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP provisions
- Single agenda item: Labour Item
Regular Council
High River Council will review the unaudited 2021 operating budget and audited financial statements, decide on budget amendments for project management, and award a parks maintenance contract. They will also hear delegations from Community Futures Highwood and the IRERI-Mexican, Latino Cross-Cultural Society.
- Approve $85,000 for STEP program from 2021 surplus
- Transfer $309,000 to Tax Stabilization Reserve, $200,000 to Water Utility Reserve, $75,000 to Wastewater Utility Reserve, $223,000 to General Municipal Reserve for RCMP retroactive payment
- Approve $66,000 budget amendment and 0.7 FTE for project management support
- Award parks maintenance contract to Farmboy Landscaping for $243,358.68 over 3 years
- Receive 2021 audited financial statements
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss the draft Terms of Reference for the Protective Services Advisory Committee, which advises Council on safety and security matters. The agenda also includes adoption of minutes from the April 11 meeting. No other substantive items are listed.
- Discussion of Protective Services Advisory Committee draft Terms of Reference
- Adoption of April 11, 2022 Committee of the Whole minutes
CLOSED Special Council
This is a special council meeting that will immediately close to the public under provincial privacy and municipal government legislation to discuss a single labour item. No decisions or details are available because the entire substantive portion of the agenda is closed. The meeting is otherwise procedural, with only call to order, agenda adoption, and adjournment listed.
- Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act s.197(2) and FOIP Act ss.17, 19
- Closed discussion of a labour item under FOIP Regulation ss.18(1)(b) and 18(1)(d)
Regular Council
High River Council will consider awarding a $109,800 contract for RCMP Detachment renovations, approve a new water and wastewater services agreement with Foothills County, and adopt an updated Strategic Priorities Chart. The agenda also includes delegations from the High River Scouts and Pump Track, a mayoral proclamation for National Volunteer Week, and correspondence items.
- RCMP Building Renovation Contract Award to Russpet Construction Ltd. for $109,800 (exclusive of GST)
- Foothills County Water and Wastewater Services Agreement approval
- Strategic Priorities Chart update adoption
- Mayoral Proclamation for National Volunteer Week 2022
- Delegations from High River Scouts and High River Pump Track
CLOSED Special Council
This is a special closed council meeting with a single agenda item: an intergovernmental matter. The council is closing the meeting to the public under provincial legislation. No decisions or discussion details are available because the item is confidential.
- Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP provisions
- Single agenda item: Intergovernmental Item
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss a 10-year capital plan for the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex, which outlines major maintenance projects and seeks Council direction on service levels and rate recovery. They will also receive a background presentation on economic development and formally acknowledge the cancellation of the March 25, 2022 meeting.
- 10-year capital plan for Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex includes $1.37M roofing, $1.5M building envelope, $2.5M large arena slab replacement
- Economic development background presentation and discussion
- Formal acknowledgment of cancelled March 25, 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting
- Adoption of March 14, 2022 minutes
Regular Council
High River Council will decide on allocating $60,000 in FCSS community grants to nine organizations, approve the permanent placement of a replica grain elevator in Rotary Park with $5,000 from the Public Art Fund, and authorize grant applications for active transportation and climate resilience. They will also appoint a Deputy Director of Emergency Management and receive a verbal update on flood relocation properties.
- Approve $60,000 in FCSS grants to BGC Foothills Club, Christ the Redeemer School Division, Foothills Regional Victim Services, Foothills Country Hospice, Foothills School Division, Inclusion Foothills, Junior Achievement, Rowan House Branches Program, and Wild Rose Community Connections
- Direct placement of replica grain elevator in Rotary Park (506 1st Street SW) with $5,000 from Public Art Fund
- Authorize $50,000 Active Transportation Planning Grant application to Infrastructure Canada
- Authorize two $80,000 grant applications to Municipal Climate Change Action Centre for climate adaptation and water resource planning
- Appoint Steve Debienne as Deputy Director of Emergency Management
Annual Meeting with Foothills School Division
This is a special council meeting with the Foothills School Division to discuss several topics, including community growth, emergency response planning, a joint use agreement, budget consultation, and a school playground. The agenda is largely discussion-oriented, with no formal decisions or votes listed.
- Discussion on Council's 'Vision on Community Growth' for High River
- Coordinating emergency response planning and communications with municipal partners
- Status of proposed 'Joint Use Agreement' with Town of High River
- Budget and 'Ideas that Make Cents' public consultation
- Spitzee School playground
Regular Council
High River Council will consider several business items, including writing off $58,813.54 in uncollected taxes and accounts, awarding a $106,380.52 contract for the Beachwood Naturalization Phase 2, and approving community grants totaling $46,000. They will also vote on rescinding 12 obsolete policies and adopting new flag and volunteer award policies.
- Write off $546.80 mobile home property taxes, $3,416.15 accounts receivable, $54,850.59 grant-in-lieu of property taxes
- Award Beachwood Naturalization Phase 2 contract to East Butte Contracting Ltd. for $106,380.52 (excl. GST, incl. 15% contingency)
- Approve $46,000 in 2022 United Way/High River Partnership Community Grants to seven local organizations
- Rescind 12 obsolete policies including Corporate Support, Communications, and Workforce Housing Principles
- Adopt new Flag Policy and Volunteer of the Year Policy
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is deciding whether to allow a subdivision at 498224 112 St E in Annexation Area A, which would create two parcels and sell the residential portion to a non-family buyer. Administration recommends either maintaining the current requirement for an Area Structure Plan (ASP) before such subdivisions, or approving this one with a caveat restricting sale and development until an ASP is created. The discussion is about balancing landowner requests with the need for comprehensive planning in the annexed area.
- Subdivision proposal for 498224 112 St E to create two parcels and change non-family ownership of the residential portion
- Two response options: maintain ASP requirement or approve subdivision with registered caveat until ASP is created
- 2020 Annexation Agreement requires an Area Structure Plan before redesignation, subdivision, and development
- Administration notes risk of ad-hoc planning and precedent for other landowners if subdivision is approved
- Council also adopts minutes from February 28, 2022 meeting
Special Council CLOSED
This is a special council meeting held in closed session to discuss labour and land items, citing provincial legislation. No decisions or details are available as the meeting is closed to the public.
- Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP provisions
- Labour item discussion
- Two land item discussions
Regular Council
High River Council will consider rescinding its COVID-19 employee vaccination policy, award a $1.27 million contract for the Leisure Ice and Curling Slab Replacement, and decide on a request from the Lions Club to add water and sewer services at George Lane Park Campground. The agenda also includes several community facility license agreements and a contract for rewriting the Town Plan.
- Rescind COVID-19 Employee Vaccination Policy (CAO-POL-104-00)
- Award Leisure Ice and Curling Slab Replacement contract to Prologic Construction Limited for $1,272,534
- Not support Lions Club request for water and sewer at 5 George Lane Park Campground sites
- Approve Community Facility License Agreement with Lions Club for George Lane Park (5-year term to 2026, option to 2031)
- Approve Town Plan Project contract award to McElhanney Ltd.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive the 2021 Fire Department year-end report for information and discuss the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Centre expansion, including how the current option was reached. The meeting also includes adoption of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.
- 2021 Fire Department Year End Report: 918 calls, $28.4 million saved, 443 inspections
- Bob Snodgrass Recreation Centre expansion: $14.4 million estimated cost, $121/yr parcel tax
- Aquatic facility expansion discussion: reduced scope from 43,000 to 13,000 sq ft
- Adoption of February 14, 2022 Committee of the Whole minutes
Special Council - 28 Feb 2022 CLOSED
This is a special council meeting held entirely in closed session under provincial municipal and privacy legislation. The agenda contains only procedural items and two closed-session topics: a labour item and a land item. No public decisions or discussion are listed.
- Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act Section 197(2)
- Closed session citing FOIP Act Sections 23, 24, 25
- Labour item considered in closed session
- Land item considered in closed session
Regular Council
High River Council is deciding on the 2022 operating budget of $33,532,790 and capital budget of $34,427,455, along with related bylaws for rates, borrowing, and supplementary assessments. The meeting also includes contract awards, grant applications, and lease agreements. Several items are routine approvals of minutes and correspondence.
- 2022 Operating Budget $33,532,790 and Capital Budget $34,427,455
- Bylaw 4601/2022 setting 2022 rates, including 2% utility increase
- Bylaw 4604/2022 authorizing short-term borrowing up to $20,400,000
- Main Lift Station piping contract award of $343,875 to Blackie Site Works
- Farm lease for 20 acres south of High River, starting at $65/acre
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss two main items: whether to allow a freestanding solar panel structure at 504A 21 Street SE that violates the Land Use Bylaw, and a summary of reports on the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex to guide future direction on recreation facilities. The meeting also includes adoption of minutes from January 24, 2022.
- Solar panel structure at 504A 21 Street SE built without approval; options include enforcement or allowing with mitigation plan
- Discussion on potential Land Use Bylaw amendment for more flexible solar panel requirements in industrial areas
- Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex: summary of reports from 2016-2022, including facility assessments and feasibility studies
- Recreation facility options: expand existing aquatic facility, build new, or decommission portions
- Discussion on reducing taxpayer subsidization of recreation operations
Special Council Budget Meeting
This special council meeting focuses on the 2022 budget, including a tax rate scenario presentation, approval of community group funding, capital projects, and new initiatives. Council will also consider public comments, including an email opposing a proposed 2.5% salary increase. The meeting is primarily a decision-making session for the annual budget.
- Tax Rate Scenario Presentation
- 2022 Community Group Funding Package totaling $804,100
- 2022 Proposed 10 Year Capital Plan and Reserves Tracker
- 2022 Six New Initiatives Package
- Public email opposing proposed 2.5% salary increase
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss establishing a Town Plan Task Force to guide the rewrite of the Town Plan, a strategic priority. They will also receive a summary on broadband. The meeting includes adoption of previous minutes and a question-and-answer period.
- Adoption of Terms of Reference for a Town Plan Task Force
- Direction to advertise for public members for the task force
- Rescission of Bylaw 4572/2020 (Town Plan Steering Committee)
- Broadband summary presentation
Regular Council
High River Council will consider awarding a multiyear winter maintenance contract to Summit Property Group for snow clearing across several town sites, and will review a thoroughfare naming proposal for the Highlands neighbourhood. The agenda also includes a delegation from local high schools about hosting provincial golf championships, and several correspondence items.
- Winter maintenance contract award to Summit Property Group: $11,903/month for 2022, $12,808 for 2024-2025
- Highlands Thoroughfare Naming Proposal acceptance
- Delegation: Provincial High School Golf Championships (Oilfields High School & Highwood High School)
- Letter of support request for streamlining foreign physician assessments (City of Cold Lake)
- Request for reduction of private booking cost at Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex for Wellness Matters event
Special Council - 24 Jan 2022 CLOSED
This is a special council meeting held in a closed session to discuss a legal item, citing provincial legislation. The agenda contains only procedural items and no public business.
- Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP Act
- Legal item discussion
Special Council Budget Meeting
This is a special council meeting to discuss the proposed 2022 operating budget, including funding for community groups, new initiatives, and a 10-year capital plan. The budget is presented as balanced with no or little tax increase, but with a proposed 2% increase in utility rates. Council will also consider funding for new initiatives such as a curb realignment, NW pedestrian bridge, and sewer camera.
- 2022 Proposed Operating Budget
- 2022 Community Group Funding (STARS, Highwood Memorial Ctr, HR HandiBus, HR Library, HR Light & Parades, Museum)
- 6 New Initiatives: 2022 Curb Realignment, Foothills Community Counselling, NW Pedestrian Bridge, Sewer Camera, Sludge Measurement, Wet Well
- 2022 Proposed 10 Year Capital Plan
Special Council Budget Meeting
High River's Special Council meeting is dedicated to discussing the 2022 budget. The proposed budget aims to be balanced with no or little tax increase, but includes a proposed 2% increase in utility rates. Council will consider the budget package and may direct changes based on infrastructure needs and strategic priorities.
- Proposed 2% utility rate increase
- Potential tax increase tied to new RCMP contract
- Asset management program update and replacement cost estimate of $573 million
- Council strategic priorities include Riverside Dr & High View Pk sales strategy and Town Plan terms of reference
- Capital projects in progress: slab replacement, Beachwood cleanup, flood mitigation
Regular Council
Council will consider giving all readings to Bylaw 4591/2021, which updates the Town's Emergency Management Bylaw to reflect recent legislative changes to the Emergency Management Act and the Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation. The bylaw would repeal the current Bylaw 4411/2014. The agenda also includes adoption of previous meeting minutes and a strategic priorities chart, plus several items of correspondence for information.
- Bylaw 4591/2021 - Emergency Management Bylaw: first, second, and unanimous consent for third reading, repealing Bylaw 4411/2014
- Adoption of December 13, 2021 Regular Council and Closed Special Council meeting minutes
- Strategic Priorities Chart for November 19, 2021
- Public comments on agenda items via Request to Speak form
- Correspondence: thank-you letters, Christmas card, letters re: Sunset Drive-In charity, Marigold Library, Rowan House Society
Special Council - 10 Jan 2022 CLOSED
This is a special council meeting held in closed session. Council is closing the meeting to the public under provincial legislation to discuss a land item and a labour item. No decisions are visible on the public agenda.
- Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP Act
- Land item
- Labour item
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss three items: the draft Phase 2 naturalization plan for the Beachwood neighbourhood (a flood-recovery project), a proposal to pilot a CSA Group implementation guide for water management standards, and correspondence from Foothills County on intermunicipal relations. No final decisions are expected; these are discussion items.
- Beachwood Naturalization Phase 2: draft plan includes topsoil/seeding, emergency access, gravel parking off 12th Avenue, and Happy Trail connection
- CSA Group pilot: Town asked to be one of four municipalities to develop a free implementation guide for water-related standards
- Intermunicipal relations: discussion of letters from Foothills County dated Nov-Dec 2021
- Funding for Beachwood Phase 2 via Alberta Community Resilience Program (30% cost share), grant expires June 30, 2022