ELK POINT - Elk Point Town Council recently learned that a bylaw dating back to June 2022, dealing with the extension of a lane closure originally approved in 2006, must be amended or replaced.
A request to use the lane between Lots 8 and 10, Block 2, Plan 5389CL as part of Cal’s Home Hardware’s lumber storage yard was approved in May, 2006, provided utility access gates and drainage was installed.
Sixteen years later, an extension of the closure was requested, with a public hearing scheduled and written notice sent to neighbouring landowners and with no objection from the adjacent landowner, the bylaw was given first reading and sent to Alberta Transportation for review and approval.
That review brought forth a request for utility circulation letters from companies surrounding the area of the proposed closure, with those from Apex Utilities, ATCO Electric, Telus Communications and Persona Communications, submitted in June, 2024 and were subsequently signed by the Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors. The Town was then given the go-ahead to proceed with second and third readings of the bylaw, which was passed on July 8, 2024.
On Nov. 1, the Town received a document registration request (DRR) notice from Land Titles requesting a new or amending bylaw and submission of a new sketch “showing only the portion of lane to be closed and a new description… accompanied by accurate metes and bounds description or a plan of survey.”
The request expired on Nov. 25, and resubmission will require a new DRR and restarting of the entire road closure process, with letters to be sent to the utilities, and possibly a need for a public hearing, a process that CAO Ken Gwozdz told council “could take a year” before it is concluded.
First reading was given to the new bylaw, as the lengthy process begins.
Policies reviewed
Four policies, this time covering volunteering, performance improvement and progressive discipline, service and retirement recognition, and diversity and inclusion, haven now been approved as required every five years.
County invited to join board
Following a request by Mayor Parrish Tung, town council agreed to invite the County of St. Paul to appoint a representative to the Indigenous Liaison Advisory Board, along with the town. This is seen as a way to build healthy and strong relationships between municipalities and the Indigenous Peoples.
FSLW funding
A request was received from the St. Paul Education Board of Trustees for a $10,000 contribution to the Family School Liaison Worker (FSLW) program.
From 2011 to 2015, the Town did make this contribution, which was reduced to $5,000 in 2026 and $2,000 in 2017. No contributions were made in 2018 and 2019, and from 2020 to 2023, $5,000 was given each year to support the Elk Point Outreach School. Following discussion, council moved to defer their decision to the 2025 budget meeting in April.
Firefighter wages
An email from the Fire Department indicated that the actual 2024 firefighters wage cost was $76,719, with the Town’s share being $17,720 and the County’s share $58,990. However, the Department has proposed a calculation based on the three year average firefighters’ hours, with the Town’s 25 per cent share coming to $13,107.50.
This exceeds the 2024 approved budget of $9,880 by $3,327, an overage of about 33 per cent, and will require an adjustment of the 2025 budget to cover the higher wage cost. Council agreed to the $13,107.50 and will adjust the 2025 budget for fireman wages for town calls to $13,110.
Bridge grant possibility
The Jan. 13 agenda included a late addition from the Elk Point Economic Development Committee regarding the possibility of obtaining an infrastructure grant that could be put toward replacement of the bridge from the Iron Horse Trail and the walking trail with the golf course and recreation park. Council considered sending a letter of support, but after discussing the possible financial implications, decided to defer a decision on that letter to the Jan. 27 council meeting.
