Courtesy: Town of Peace River
Here are some items your elected officials discussed:
➡️ Public hearing for Bylaw No. 2158, Land Use Bylaw No. 1891 Amendment – Redistricting of Shaftesbury Settlement Lot 38. The hearing continued from the last meeting, with one member of the public presenting in opposition to the redistricting proposal. A second reading of the bylaw will come to a future Council meeting for consideration.
➡️ APEX presentation. Representatives from APEX provided an update about how the pilot project was going in their eyes, saying there was some resistance at first but once officers started educating people about Town bylaws and loitering, there have been fewer issues.
➡️ RCMP presentation. Staff Sergeant Lacey Blair provided an update on Peace River RCMP data from April to June 2024. Blair noted that mental health calls were up, as they are across the country, as well as 911 hangups – which the RCMP must still follow up on and find the person who made the call to ensure they don’t need assistance. Blair also said the RCMP is planning ahead in case the APEX project does not continue, understanding that having a security presence downtown is important.
➡️ Utility Rate Bylaw. Director of Corporate Services Sam Mugford provided proposed rates for utility services (water, wastewater, and solid waste) for 2025. Mugford explained that Administration’s goal is for utility funds to be self-liquidating. Council passed first reading to target full cost recovery for water and sewer utilities, meaning from 2025-2029, water rates would go up 9.7% per year and sewer rates would go up 10.1% per year. These rates are based on a recommendation made by InterGroup, who were retained by the Town to conduct an analysis of the Town’s utility rate model. Note that only first reading has been passed. More information regarding this change will be provided in the coming weeks and Council will have an opportunity to continue to discuss it during second and third readings in future meetings.
➡️ New Town Hall Preliminary Fund Request. Council authorized the Town to make a preliminary draw of $250,000 from the General Capital Reserve to begin planning and renovations on the new Town Hall building.
➡️ ATCO Electric and ATCO Gas Franchise Fees. Council opted to retain the prevailing franchise fees of 12.5% for ATCO Electric and 32% for ATCO Gas for 2025.
➡️ Non-Union Salary Adjustment. Council passed cost-of-living increases to the non-union wage grid of 2.25% for 2025 and 2.6% for 2026.
➡️ Non-Standard Crosswalk Painting Policy. Council approved the policy as presented, which governs rules around determining how the Town accommodates crosswalk painting requests.
