ST. PAUL - A new playground zone will soon be put into effect along a two-block stretch on 53rd Ave., in front of the new skatepark, along with set hours being in place for use of the park.
Town of St. Paul Director of Protective Services Trevor Kotowich spoke on the issue during the July 27 council meeting.
"There are dozens of people attending the site at any time," said Kotowich, adding that crosswalks will also be installed in the area.
A one-month grace period will be in place to educate motorists about the new playground zone, which will be in effect 365 days a year. Kotowich said he would like to see a "robust" campaign to notify the public of the change.
Another issue that Kotowich would like to educate people on is the use of helmets. He noted that "helmets are law" for young people on bikes and more education is required.
A motion to approve administration's recommendation to have playground zone signs installed on 53rd Ave. between 50th and 48th streets was carried.
While Bylaw #1202, the Noise Control Bylaw, states that noise can occur between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., council approved alternate set hours for the skatepark.
"The rules and regulations at the previous skatepark for hours of operation were 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.," said CAO Kim Heyman, who recommended the same hours be put in place for the new skatepark.
Recreation
While reviewing the director reports during Monday's council meeting, discussion around organized sports occurred.
Coun. Gary Ward noted the are a few minor ball teams practicing in St. Paul, and a bantam ball game did take place on the Jaycee ball diamond on July 26.
"Hockey is going to be up in the air," he said, when speaking about minor hockey.
The local association is waiting for direction from Hockey Alberta.
The Jr. B hockey club has requested ice time, and is planning for the season.
Staying on the topic of recreation, Coun. Norm Noel expressed concern over garbage at the golf course. Heyman explained that according to rules around COVID-19, garbage cans weren't allowed to be placed at each hole. She said she would look into if that has changed.
Councillors Brad Eamon and Ward also requested a hand sanitizer station for the golf course, which Heyman said she would also look into.
Taxes
Just over half of St. Paul taxpayers have paid their 2019 property taxes, according to a report by the CAO. She is hopeful there will be a "flurry" of people coming in to pay before the end of September.
The municipality extended the period for when penalties are incurred on this year's property taxes, due to COVID-19. The aim was to help those who had been out of work. The town expanded its line of credit just in case taxes were slow coming in.
As of July 27, the town hadn't dipped into the line of credit yet, but it was getting close, said Heyman. She confirmed that 56 per cent of property taxes had been paid.
The purpose of the deferral was to help people who needed it, said Mayor Maureen Miller.
Residents will begin to incur penalties if taxes aren't paid in full by Sept. 30. Normally, that date is set for the end of June or early July.
Aerial fire truck
Due to the St. Paul Fire Department recently missing out on an opportunity to purchase a used aerial fire truck from another municipality, council agreed that leniency needs to be given to allow Kotowich to proceed with purchasing a truck prior to bringing it forward at a council meeting, if another opportunity arises.
There are already funds set aside in the town's reserves for this type of purchase, heard council on Monday night. While council does have to approve moving those funds from reserves, that decision can be ratified at a later meeting.
Miller said she would support leniency in the process, since the funds have been set aside for the purpose of purchasing a truck.
