MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BONNYVILLE NO. 87
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS August 11, 2021
Keeping you informed of the services, business, and development that affect YOU!
#1 Committee and Board List Reduced – Council agreed to reduce the Committee and Board list at the August 11 meeting. Effective October 28, 2021, following the annual Organizational Meeting, the list will be pared down by 13 committees, including two regarding ID 349 and one for the Bonnyville Regional Airport. The M.D. annexed ID 349 earlier this year and took over the operations of the airport in late 2020. The business of the other committees that were removed will now be dealt with during a monthly Committee Meeting as a Whole, where Council will discuss items in greater detail including policies, recreation, road bans, and more.
#2 No Shotguns for M.D. Peace Officers – Council has decided against seeking the enhanced authority that would have allowed M.D. Peace Officers to carry shotguns. The original proposal, which as presented in July, would have seen officers carrying shotguns to dispatch injured animals after a vehicle strike. Administration advised the number of RCMP officers and Fish and Wildlife Officers in the area (55) would be able to deal with the 30-50 calls received each year.
#3 New Fire Trucks for the BRFA — Council approved the purchase of two new pumper trucks – one rural and one industrial – for the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority. The original cost of the new fire apparatus had been estimated at $1,164,650 last year. However, due to cost increases, the new price tag is $1,326,317, which will be funded from the M.D. Equipment Replacement Reserve fund.
#4 Crane Lake Trails Update – Three existing trails located on Municipal Reserves (MR) at Crane Lake will be brought up to Natural Trail standards, as per the M.D. Trail Development Standards Policy (3B.013). These trails will allow pedestrian access to the lake. Council agreed to rescind the original motion that directed staff to establish a new trail on a different MR. During site investigation, staff found the proposed area to be steep, which would have required the installation of a staircase, as well as the removal of trees and rocks.
#5 Infrastructure Services Update – Council approved the purchase of two self-propelled rubber tire packers at a cost of $295,560 from Finning. While the purchase was budgeted for 2021, the estimated price of the packers increased from $135,000 each to $147,780. The additional $25,560 will be funded from the Equipment Replacement Reserve, with $270,000 coming from the 2021 Capital Budget.
#6 Funding Support – Council approved a $13,810 contribution to Community Futures (CF) Lakeland for an M.D. Business Beautification Program. Businesses will be able to apply for a zero-interest loan of $8,000 from CF to make upgrades to their businesses, inside or out, and will receive an additional $2,000 grant furnished by the M.D. The three-year program will allow for five loans per year. The M.D. is also picking up the administrative costs for the program, for a total cost of $3,810.
Three councillors agreed to attend the Muni-Corr golf tournament at a cost of $95 per person.