ST. PAUL - Following a conversation with the Citizen's Waste Advisory Committee, Director of Public Works Steve Jeffery once again brought forward his recommendation to proceed with a grass clipping program for seniors and people with mobility issues, during the April 26 council meeting. The item was discussed at a meeting earlier in the month.
A few changes are required to the program, due to the new roll-out garbage bins being delivered throughout town.
Jeffery said he stood by the notion that yard waste does not belong in the new roll-out bins. Instead, he recommended Town of St. Paul staff pick up grass clippings from those who qualify for the program once a week, and that residents put their grass clippings into 100 per cent compostable bags, to be disposed of at the transfer station.
Residents will have to purchase the bags themselves. The grass clippings will be picked up from the front of homes, so that municipal staff can easily read addresses.
Coun. Nathan Taylor agreed to approve the pilot project, and noted that a formal policy could be put together at a later date, after staff members see how the season goes.
The St. Paul Community Garden Society did offer to pick up the grass clippings, at a cost, with funds going to the society. But, Taylor says a decision was made to stick to keeping the program in-house this year.
Swimming pool rentals still busy
During the directors' reports which were presented to council on Monday night, it was noted that the St. Paul Aquatic Centre is still very busy with private pool rentals.
The pool has been sold out each weekend, says Director of Parks and Recreation Harvey Smyl, who was in attendance at the April 26 meeting.
"It's been busy. Every weekend's been sold out."
He explained that families who live in the same household are allowed to book the pool for a hourly fee. Half an hour is kept between bookings to allow for cleaning to take place.
Lemonade Day
Lemonade Day is coming to St. Paul. Community Futures St. Paul-Smoky Lake Region is planning to host a Lemonade Day on June 19 across the area. The program is aimed at teaching youth about entrepreneurship.
Community Futures had wanted to take part last year, but held off due to the pandemic.
"This year we are prepared for doing this in a COVID environment and have expanded our safety protocols," reads a letter from Community Futures.
Registration is now open and youth can take part by signing up on the Lemonade Day website. A mentor workshop is also scheduled to take place on May 25 for kids who are in kindergarten to Grade 4, and on May 26 for older kids. A taste-testing will also take place ahead of June 19, where the lemonade will be judged for taste.
For more information visit https://lemonadeday.org/northern-alberta
