MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BONNYVILLE NO. 87
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS March 14, 2023
Keeping you informed of the services, business, and development that affect YOU!
Detailed information on each topic below can be found at bit.ly/MDBvilleAgendas.
#1 New Road Ban Bylaw – Council gave Second and Third Reading to Bylaw No. 1840, the Weight Restriction and Road Ban Bylaw. This bylaw includes several changes for road bans in the M.D., including removing the need for a Road Ban Committee, allowing for Administration to determine road use and timing, removal of the exemption of agricultural activities (for example using trucks and trailers to move farming implements). However, farming implements, as defined as implements of husbandry (this includes tractors, combines, etc.) will continue to be able to use M.D. roads without a Road Use Agreement. The full bylaw will be available on the M.D.’s website by March 21 at bit.ly/MDBvilleBylaws.
#2 Planning and Development Decision — Council denied an application for a variance to the M.D.’s Municipal Road Approach Policy. The applicant wanted to keep a second road approach that was to be decommissioned in 2021. According to the policy, any property less than 80 acres can only have one approach.
#3 Planning and Development Updates – Council gave Second and Third Reading to Roadway Licensing Bylaw Nos. 1835, 1836, 1837, 1838, and 1839. The licenses for Bylaw Nos. 1835, 1836, and 1837 were renewals of existing agreements, while Bylaw Nos. 1838 and 1839 were new applications. The agreements allow for access to lease lands, an existing communications tower, and cattle grazing.
#4 Transportation Updates – Council approved amendments to Policy No. 4A.001 Road Construction and Development Policy, granting Administration limited authority to approve road construction projects within a certain scope and parameters.
Council rescinded Policy 4A.002 Road Bans Policy, as it was rendered obsolete by the passing of Bylaw No. 1840 earlier in the meeting.
Council approved an amendment to Policy 4A.009 Snow and Ice Control Policy, making sidewalk clearing the responsibility of the property owner. The M.D. will continue to clear snow from hamlet sidewalks for the rest of the 2022/2023 snow season, with responsibility shifting to property owners in Fall 2023.
Council approved amendments to 4A.018 Dust Control Program Policy. The amendments include removing the need for Council approval in providing dust control services.
Council approved amendments to 4B.016 Installation and Energizing of Street Lights Policy which included shifting approval for the installation, maintenance, and energizing of streetlights to the CAO.
Council approved the purchase of four Freightliner heavy trucks, with dump box, sanding box, snowplow, snow wing, and light bar for each truck at a cost of $1,391,316 to be funded from the 2023 Capital Budget.
Council accepted a report on the state of bridge infrastructure in the M.D. as information.
#5 Briefly – Council had a delegation from Lakeland Connect regarding the services they offer.
Council gave Second and Third Reading to Bylaw No. 1812 – the Consolidated Public Safety Bylaw. This bylaw establishes rules, regulations, and fines for the safety and security for the public in the M.D.
Council approved amendments to Policy No. 5C.001 Fire Suppression and Cost Recovery Policy. The amendments include residents having to show proof of insurance for property affected by fire and that the M.D. would not charge more than the maximum amount for fire services as covered by the insurance policy.
Council approved the purchase of three, ¾-ton, 4x4, crew cab trucks for the Environmental and Protective Services Department. These trucks came in under budget at $191,286 and will be funded from the 2023 Capital Budget. Council also approved an unbudgeted expenditure of $42,964.95 to be funded from the Equipment Replacement Reserve for a two-ton truck with steel box for the Agricultural and Waste Services departments. The truck came in over budget, with the balance of the $117,694.95 price tag being funded from the 2023 Capital Budget.
Council agreed to sponsor the Bonnyville Health Foundation’s annual gala for $10,000 and to purchase an additional table at the event at the cost of $1,000 to be funded from the 2023 Operating Budget.
Council approved amendments to the Financial Assistance for Victims of Fire Policy (Policy No. 1.006). The amendments include that the one-time $2,500 payment will not be made if the property is in tax arrears.
Council approved the reserve bid for a parcel of land, which is the subject of the March 27, 2023 Public Auction of Lands on the Tax Arrears List.
Recordings of the Council meetings can be found on the M.D.’s YouTube Channel. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date.