Woodlands County/Yellowhead County ICF – The Municipal Government Act requires municipalities that have a common boundary to create an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreement (ICF). Council passed three readings of the ICF with Woodlands County, which is a rural neighbour to the north. In essence, this ICF maintains an agreement towards existing services (chiefly mutual fire).
Edson Golf Club Contribution Request – At a previous governance and priorities meeting, representatives of the Edson Golf Club, Jacob Banack, Vice-President, and Keith Linford, Treasurer gave a presentation on the history, membership and use, and general status of the club. Notably, the club is planning to build a clubhouse and has asked council for a 20% ($90,000) contribution to a projected build cost of $450,000. Council moved to deliberate the possibility of a financial contribution during the 2021 budget dialogue.
Evansburg Legion Hall Ownership Request – Council moved to advise the Evansburg Legion that Yellowhead County is not interested in assuming ownership of the Evansburg Legion Hall facility at this time. However, council has reviewed this topic at its governance and priorities meeting and concluded that a community-wide facility review may be required in the near future to develop a long range plan for a community facility (or facilities) that would meet the needs of many user groups and the community at large for the long term.
West of Edson Gravel Contract – The Tender for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 West of Edson Gravel Supply contract (multiple year) was closed on February 6. The tender requires the supply of 19,000 tonnes of 25 mm gravel for each year in the 2020, 2021, and 2022 summer gravel and maintenance programs. One tender was received. Council awarded the 2020, 2021 and 2022 West of Edson Gravel Supply contract to McLeod Valley Sand and Gravel Ltd. in the amount of $869,250.
Wolf Lake & Elk River Supply and Place Contract – The Tender for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Wolf Lake & Elk River Supply and Place contract (multiple year) was closed on February 6. The tender requires the supply of 36,000 tonnes of 25 mm gravel for each year in the 2020, 2021, and 2022 summer gravel programs and 4,000 tonnes of 25 mm gravel each year for maintenance use. Two tenders were received. Council awarded the contract to contract to Jones Trucking and Backhoe Services Ltd. in the amount of $2,573,200.00.
Blackburn Gravel Contract – The Tender for the 2020, 2021, and 2022 Blackburn Gravel Supply contract (multiple year) was closed on February 6. The tender requires the supply of 18,850 tonnes of 25 mm gravel for each year in the 2020, 2021, and 2022 summer gravel programs and maintenance use, respectively. Two tenders were received. Council awarded the contract to A. Gering Ranching Ltd. in the amount of $706,875.00.
Long Lake Road Extension and Other Work Contract – Council awarded the tender for the paving of 7.22 km of the Long Lake Road Extension from North of Long Lake to the Tom Hill Tower Road and paving of the Wildwood Seniors Centre Parking Lot to Central City Asphalt Ltd in the amount of $4,722,459.00. This option will facilitate completion in 2020.
Hamlet of Robb Area Structure Plan – Council gave first reading to Bylaw 07.20 adopting the Hamlet of Robb Area Structure Plan dated February 2020. A public hearing will be held on March 24. The ASP provides a framework for future re-zoning, subdivision and development of lands located within the Hamlet of Robb. It also establishes the types of land uses proposed for the area, address servicing, environmental issues, recreation, housing etc.
Renewal of Assessment Exemption Status – Yellowhead County currently has eleven non-profit organizations that have previously been granted an exemption for a portion, or all of, their assessment under Section 362(n) of the Municipal Government Act. These non-profit organization are effectively exempt from the property tax levy on the applicable portion of their assessment. Council granted a property assessment exemption for a three year period to these eleven non-profit groups: Hinton Fish & Game Association, Niton Memorial Historical Society, Pembina Golf Course, Rangeton Recreation Society, Rosevear Pioneer Community Association, Rosevear Social Athletic Association, Surprise Lake Society, West Central Airshed Society, Wildwood & District Agricultural Society, and the Wildwood District Rod & Gun Club.
Broadband on County Cell Towers – Yellowhead County is committed to increasing the cellular and broadband coverage for residents throughout the county. The county has built numerous communications towers to that end, and has begun working with cell and broadband providers to improve service throughout the county. Currently, the county is working with TELUS to provide coverage, however, the county feels that the pricing model set out by TELUS is unfair. County council moved that administration return to TELUS to request a fair pricing model. Council has also asked administration to engage with the MLAs and MPs of the region to bring light to the difficulties municipalities have in improving cellular and broadband coverage.
Joint YCE Rec Facility Location Choice – The joint Town of Edson and Yellowhead County Recreation Complex Steering Committee has deliberated the best location for the proposed recreation complex. The key criteria for the project are: Staying within the $70 million budget; minimizing the disruption of existing programming; driving new recreational opportunities; and avoiding community disturbance during the construction process. Three sites were considered: Griffiths Park, Repsol Place, and most recently, Hillendale. Yellowhead County council, upon contractor, administration, and steering committee recommendation, voted in favor of the Hillendale site selection.