Cypress County Council briefs from June 18

Posted on July 25, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The following are select briefs from the Cypress County Council meeting that took place on June 18.

Bylaw 2024/16 Speed Limits – 12303 HWY 41 – All Three Readings

Administration brought Bylaw 2024/16, Speed Limits, to Council with the recommendation that Council provide 1st, 2nd, and 3rd readings of the bylaw as presented, The bylaw, Administration explained, was first brought up at the June 4, 2024 Council meeting when Council directed Administration to bring back the Speed Limit Bylaw to include a speed limit reduction within Funk Subdivision and those amendments include the additions that all those roads that lead off of a Township Road, Range Road, or Named Road and Service more than one subdivided parcel (otherwise known as a multi-parcel subdivision), the speed limit will be 50 km per hour and all the portion that lies east of Highway 41 for a distance of 400 metres will be 30 km per hour.

Councilor Shane Hok made a motion to give Bylaw 2024/16 first reading and the motion was carried. Councilor Michelle McKenzie made a motion to give Bylaw 2024/16 second reading and the motion was carried. Councilor Lloyd Want made a motion to have third reading for Bylaw 2024/16 and the motion was carried. Councilor Keith Ritz then made a motion to give Bylaw 2024/16 third reading and the motion was carried.

May 2024 Operating Update Highlights

Revenue

Administration provided Council with the May 2024 Operating financial update, explaining that the statement provides a glimpse of both revenues and expenditures for the first four months of the year. The update, Administration, included the fact that Fire has a positive variance over 2023 of $52,700 and is anticipated to exceed $250,000 by the end of 2024, which will be an excess of $125,000 over budget.

Ag Services equipment rental of $16,349 is four times higher than this same time last year, Administration stated, and the revenue for 2024 is budgeted at $30,000.

Administration reported that all other department revenues appear to be in line with the budget by the end of 2024.

Expenditures

Administration reported that Municipal Services is below budget largely due to the vacant positions of Health and Safety Coordinator and Director of Municipal Services during the first two quarters of the year and it is anticipated that Municipal Services will be about $55,000 under budget by year’s end.

Family and Community Support expenses, Administration said, are below 2023 due to contributions to private organizations that will occur in the later part of the second quarter of 2024, and all other department expenses appear to be in line with the seasonality of activity and appear to be on budget to the end of the year.

Administration also provided key highlights from the Accounts Payable Listing, including.

A.G. Gore Inc – $37,351 – crushed gravel.

Canoe Procurement Group – $86,197 – fuel, parts, and stationery.

City of Medicine Hat – $73,097 – Utility payments for May 2024.

Cypress County Library Board – $155,000 – funding for capital and operating.

MJB Enterprises Ltd. – $66,150 – progress payment # 4 Dunmore Junction Grading (CP-J206).

MPE Engineering LTD. – $103,910 – includes $48,613 for Suffield Water Supply, $7343 for SCADA system maintenance, $8,292 for Seven Persons Forcemain, $39,662 for engineering work for public works.

WSP Canada Inc. – $65,914 – includes $33,699 for site study and preliminary design Dunmore Highway (CP-J186), $8,428 for Bridge files BF73017 (CP-J265) and BF1578 (CP-J269), and $23,786 for RR 73 for construction phase (CP-J202). 

Ultimately, Councilor Lloyd moved that Council accept the report for information and the motion was carried.

Memorial Bench Request

Administration brought a Request for Decision regarding a Memorial Bench Request before Council, recommending that Council approve the installation of a memorial bench in Dunmore, with the cost of the bench to be covered by the ratepayer and the installation to be carried out by Cypress County Public Works.

Administration explained to Council that Cypress County ratepayer Marlette Simpson has requested the installation of a bench in Dunmore in memory of her late husband and Cypress County resident Garth Simpson. Mr. Simpson, Administration stated, was also an active member of the Irvine Lions Club, and Mrs. Simpson has expressed a willingness to cover all costs associated with the bench, while Cypress County would be responsible for the ordering and installation.

Ultimately, Councilor Dustin Vossler made a motion to approve the request and the motion was carried.

PrairieCan Grant Request – AG Conference Funding

Administration brought a Request for Decision before Council regarding the Community Economic Development and

Diversification grant from PrairieCan, recommending that That Council direct administration to apply for the Community Economic Development and Diversification grant from PrairieCan.

Administration also explained that the grant could help fund expenses associated with The Cypress County Ag Connections Conference that will take place on November 20, 2024. The conference, Administration stated, is eligible to seek funding from the Community Economic Development and Diversification grant from PrairieCan and PrairieCan is the economic development department for the Government of Canada.

Councilor Shane Hok made the motion that Council direct administration to apply for the Community Economic Development and Diversification grant from PrairieCan and the motion was carried.

Ag Connections Conference Budget Approval

Administration brought a Request for Decision to Council regarding the 2024 Ag Connections Conference Budget, recommending that Council approve the $95,500 budget for the 2024 Ag Connections Conference funded from sponsorship, registration fees and grants.

The Ag Connections Conference, Administration explained, is an annual event dedicated to supporting the growth, development, and sustainability of agriculture in southeastern Alberta that was launched in 2023, and is a significant platform for primary producers, industry stakeholders, and experts to exchange knowledge, share innovative solutions, and address critical issues facing the agricultural sector. Administration stated that the 2024 conference aims to expand its reach and impact, with a goal of hosting over 500 participants, featuring keynote speakers, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and exhibitor booths, and in partnership with Palliser Economic Partnership and local municipalities, the conference continues to foster connections and empower the agricultural community, the conference is funded through sponsorship, registration fees, and grants, with an anticipated breakeven.

Councillor Dustin Vossler made the motion that Council approve the $95,500 budget for the 2024 Ag Connections Conference funded from sponsorship, registration fees and grants and the motion was carried.