At the regular July 11th meeting of Lacombe County Council, heavy equipment purchasing, drought management and a respectful workplace were some of the topics discussed.
Here is an update from that meeting. **
2025 OPERATIONS HEAVY EQUIPMENT CAPITAL PURCHASES
The annual fleet evaluation and capital purchase process has identified a need to replace seven pieces of County equipment. By resolution of Council, the County Manager was authorized to tender and award for the purchase of the seven pieces of equipment at an estimated cost of $4,215,000 and to dispose of the existing units at an estimated trade-in or private sale value of $865,000. The difference between the purchase of the numbers and the sale of the old units, in the amount of $3,350,000 will be funded from the Fleet and Equipment Reserve.
RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE POLICY REVISION
Council approved updates to Policy AD(24) Respectful Workplace. The Respectful Workplace policy is the directing document of Lacombe County’s harassment and violence prevention plans.
DROUGHT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE
Council was provided with a Summer 2024 update by the Drought Management Committee which included information about the current drought situation in Alberta and implementation of the Drought Management Plan.
LACOMBE COUNTY SUCCESS GROWS HERE! FILMS
Council viewed 10 videos that have been recently created to promote Lacombe County to various audiences for multiple purposes. The videos will be used on social media platforms and can be used at different trade shows and events to showcase Lacombe County. Production of the videos was funded through the Rural Economic Development Microgrant. 2023
TAX SALE (PUBLIC AUCTION) FOLLOW-UP
On November 24, 2023, the County held its annual tax sale via public auction. This auction, held in accordance with section 418 of the Municipal Government Act, involved three property titles with outstanding (for more than two years) property taxes. The subject properties are located in Mirror and vary in location, services, and zoning. No bids were received at the auction for any of the properties. In accordance with section 424 of the Municipal Government Act, the County has the authority to have these properties transferred into the name of the County if no one purchases the properties through the tax sale process. By resolution of Council, Lacombe County will acquire title to the following properties: Lots 14-17 Block 4, Plan 7159AI; Lots 16-18 and 20, Block 13, Plan 7159AI; Lot 13, Block 13, Plan 7159AI and offer them for sale in accordance with Municipal Government Act.
LACOMBE COUNTY/EAGLE BUILDERS PARKING LOT – OPENING
The new proposed date for the official opening of the new parking lot adjacent to the Eagle Builder’s main office in the Aspelund Industrial Park is September 12, 2024 or September 26, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
COMMUNITY AGGREGATE PAYMENT LEVY REGULATION REVIEW
The current CAP Levy Regulation expires on December 31, 2024. As such, Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) is engaging with the Alberta Sand and Gravel Association (ASGA) to discuss possible changes to the CAP Levy Regulation. As part of this negotiation process, RMA is inviting member municipalities to share their experiences with the current CAP Levy Regulation and any possible regulatory changes that may be required. This input will help guide RMA’s approach to the negotiation process. A letter to Rural Municipalities of Alberta expressing Lacombe County’s 1) experiences with the Community Aggregate Payment (CAP) Levy Regulation and 2) position with respect to changes to the CAP Levy Regulation, was endorsed by Council.
BYLAW NO. 1418/24 PILOT PROJECT (GOLF CARTS)
The Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors signed a Ministerial order on June 14, 2024, creating the Pilot Project (Golf Carts) regulation under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. As such, the Pilot Project (Golf Carts) Regulation authorizes a participating municipality to pass a bylaw permitting registered users the opportunity to operate a golf cart on public roadways lawfully. Council moved first, second, and third readings of Bylaw No. 1418/24, a bylaw of Lacombe County authorizing the operation, regulation, and control of vehicles on highways and municipal lands in Lacombe County. Council also moved first, second, and third readings of Bylaw No. 1419/23, a bylaw of Lacombe County authorizing the establishment of fees for various services, supplies, information, applications, and appeals provided to the public. The County Manager was directed to develop a Golf Cart Program allowing the use of registered golf carts on designated routes within Lacombe County Residential Lake Districts.
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF RADON SCIENTISTS AND TECHNOLOGISTS
Pam Warketin, Executive Director, Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARTS) provided Council with a presentation regarding the Take Action on Radon initiative as well as general information about recent radon test results in Lacombe County.
The next regular council meeting will be on August 22nd.
**with information provided by Lacombe County