Taber town council briefs from the Feb. 13 meeting

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Taber Times

By Trevor Busch

Taber Times

editor@tabertimes.com

The following are selected briefs of the Feb. 13 meeting of Taber town council. 

Jan. 23 Regular Meeting Closed Session

The following resolutions were passed at the conclusion of the in camera (closed) session of council.

Land Purchase and Park Development: Following discussion, council voted unanimously to direct administration to initiate negotiations with Parallel Church for the purchase of land at the corner of 51 Street and 47 Avenue, and establishes the key parameters (scope, budget, schedule) of the land improvements to construct a park at the location (FOIPP Sec. 16.1).

Land Sale Offer: Following discussion, council voted unanimously to direct administration to proceed with the sale of a 1.34 acre lot at 5700 66 Avenue, and accepts the offer to purchase for $195,000 (FOIPP Sec. 16.1).

Council also held special meetings in closed session on Jan. 26 and Jan. 30 for “discussion with council” under FOIPP Act Sec. 24.1(b). No resolutions were made following either meeting.

Proposed Bylaw 2-2023 to Amend Land Use Bylaw 13-2020

The following resolutions were passed at the conclusion of the in camera (closed) session of council.

Council voted unanimously to pass third and final reading of Bylaw 2-2023. 

The bylaw amends the Land Use District for various properties in Sage Brush Court from Residential Street-Oriented Multiple Dwelling District (R-3) to Residential Single and Two Dwelling District (R-2). The bylaw amendment is intended to help reduce the approval time for single detached dwellings and allows an applicant to develop properties in a way that benefits their business and helps the Town’s economic base grow.

Destruction of Municipal Documents – Aquafun Centre

Council voted unanimously to approve the destruction of documents identified as per the retention period in years identified in  Schedule A of Bylaw No. 10-99 Retention of Municipal Documents. 

Proposed Changes Taber Municipal Police Commission Policy Manual

Council voted unanimously to approve the proposed changes to the Taber Municipal Police Commission Policy Manual as presented. The policy manual was reviewed by council on Jan. 9.

The changes now require that if any commission member is charged with a criminal offence, they must report that charge to the commision chair. If the chair is charged with a criminal offence, they must report it to the vice-chair.

Volunteer Recognition

Council voted unanimously to endorse administration carrying on with the recognition donation program as a method of recognizing town volunteers.

Increased Accessibility Options – Taber Community Centre Auditorium

In 2022, council passed a motion to investigate increased accessibility options for the Taber Community Centre Auditorium as well as grant funding; and includes a sign with how to contact the caretaker for assistance when events are taking place.

Administration contacted the Director of Taber Special Needs and confirmed that the main concerns were the poor signage that created difficulties for individuals to find the ramp and lift. In certain circumstances, staff assistance in the use of the lift would be beneficial. The following actions have been completed: 1. The auditorium meets provincial accessibility code requirements. There is both a wheelchair lift and ramp. 2. New signage has been purchased and installed; the signage contains contact information for Building Operations staff. 3. The lift has been tested and operates correctly. 

Recognition of Service: Alberta Emergency Service Medal Presentation

Council voted unanimously to recognize and congratulate Lieutenant Michael Boulay and firefighter Johan Peters on receiving the 12-year Emergency Service Medal from the Province of Alberta. Council thanked Lieutenant Michael Boulay and firefighter Johan Peters for their dedicated and long-standing service to the citizens of the Town of Taber.