High River public meetings in 2021

Regular Council

High River Council will consider approving the 2022 Interim Operating Budget of $25,124,200, along with several contract awards including external audit services, tree replacement, and Beachwood naturalization. The meeting also includes a delegation from Foothills Tourism and various correspondence items. Most agenda items are routine approvals and updates.

• 2022 Interim Operating Budget of $25,124,200
• External Audit Services contract to BDO Canada LLP for $127,250 (2021-2023)
• Tree Replacement contract to 5 Star Trees Ltd. for $230,990 for 1,500 trees
• Beachwood Naturalization Phase 1 contract to East Butte Contracting Ltd. for $167,255.31
• Fire Department ladder truck purchase up to $1,450,000 (sole source to Pierce Manufacturing)

Committee of the Whole

The High River Committee of the Whole is meeting to formally acknowledge the cancellation of its November 22, 2021 meeting and to discuss the Recreation Board. The agenda is otherwise limited to routine procedural items such as adopting the agenda and minutes, with a question-and-answer period for council.

• Formal acknowledgment of cancelled November 22, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting
• Discussion of Recreation Board

Special Council - 13 Dec 2021 CLOSED

This is a special council meeting held in a closed session to discuss a land item. The meeting is closed under provincial legislation, so no public discussion or decisions are detailed in the agenda.

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP provisions
• Land item discussion

Regular Council

Council will review the 2021 third quarter financial report and consider a capital budget amendment to purchase two Protective Services vehicles for up to $130,000, following the non-renewal of the Municipal Enforcement Service Agreement with Foothills County. The meeting also includes routine adoption of previous minutes and a strategic priorities chart, plus several items for information, such as letters about the Alberta Provincial Police Service Transition Study and a coal policy update.

• Capital budget amendment for two Protective Services vehicles, not to exceed $130,000
• 2021 Third Quarter Financial Report: revenue $26.9M (80.6%), expenses $24.6M (74%), net surplus $4.5M
• Projected $27.4M in capital budget carryovers to 2022, including $19.5M in renewal projects
• Public comments accepted via Request to Speak form by Sunday before meeting
• Correspondence includes letters on Alberta Provincial Police Service Transition Study and rink concerns

Special Council - 22 Nov 2021 CLOSED

This is a special council meeting with a closed session. The council will adopt the agenda and then close the meeting to the public to discuss a land item, citing provincial privacy and municipal government legislation. The meeting is expected to adjourn after the closed session.

• Closed meeting for a land item under MGA and FOIP provisions

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider a variance application for a single-detached dwelling with a carriage house at 5 2 St NE, under the Infill Variances Policy. They will also discuss replacing the curling and leisure ice slabs, and receive direction on boards and committees. The agenda includes acknowledging the cancelled October 12 meeting and adopting previous minutes.

• Variance application for front setback (proposed 11.08 m vs required 2.0-6.0 m), accessory building setback (4.78 m), and frontage build-out (49.8% vs min 65%) at 5 2 St NE
• Curling and Leisure Ice Slab Replacement (CDR-21-58)
• Council Direction Discussion for Boards and Committees - Recreation Board and Policing Committee
• Acknowledge cancellation of October 12, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting

CLOSED Special Council

This is a special closed council meeting. The only substantive item is a land matter discussed behind closed doors under provincial privacy and municipal rules. The agenda contains no public decisions or discussion items.

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act s.197(2) and FOIP Act ss.16, 25
• Closed meeting under FOIP Regulation ss.18(1)(b) and 18(1)(d)
• Land item discussed in closed session

Regular Council

Council is deciding on citizen reappointments to various boards and committees, and whether to award a contract for water plant transmission line condition assessments. The agenda also includes routine consent items and correspondence.

• Approve citizen reappointments to Community Vitality, Assessment Review Board, Airport Board, Library Board, and Subdivision & Appeal Board
• Award $193,666 contract to Pure Technologies Ltd. for water transmission line condition assessment
• Amend 2021 operating budget for condition assessments from $100,000 to $250,000
• Adopt minutes from October 12 and October 25 meetings
• Receive correspondence including election congratulations and quarterly policing report

Organizational Meeting

At this annual Organizational Meeting, High River Council will adopt the Regular Council and Committee of the Whole meeting schedule for November 8, 2021 to October 24, 2022, approve a Deputy Mayor rotation schedule, and appoint councillors to external and internal boards and committees for the coming year. All items are routine administrative decisions with no financial implications beyond staff time.

• Adopt meeting schedule: Committee of the Whole at 12:30 p.m., Regular Council at 3:00 p.m., at 309B Macleod Trail SW
• Deputy Mayor rotation: Nychyk (Nov 2021-Feb 2022), Kinghorn (Mar-Jun 2022), Jones (Jul-Oct 2022), Walsh (Nov 2022-Feb 2023)
• Appointments to external boards include Calgary Metropolitan Region Board, Foothills Regional Emergency Services Commission, High River Library Board, and High River Regional Airport Ltd. Board
• Internal appointments: Community Vitality Advisory Board (Jenny Jones), High River Emergency Advisory Committee (Kinghorn, Nychyk)
• No councillor appointed to High River Policing Committee at this time

Community Vitality Advisory Committee

The Community Vitality Advisory Committee will receive a presentation from IRERI about the 2021 Day of the Dead Virtual Celebration and review its $2,500 funding request. The committee will also receive the October Community Vitality Fund financial report and thank outgoing members. The agenda includes adopting minutes from the August meeting, where $20,000 for a school playground and $2,000 for a reconciliation project were approved.

• Review $2,500 funding request from IRERI for 2021 Day of the Dead Virtual Celebration
• Receive Community Vitality Fund financial report for October 2021
• Adopt minutes from August 18, 2021 meeting
• Farewell to committee members whose terms have ended

Regular Council

This is a regular council meeting with mostly routine items: adopting previous minutes, receiving correspondence, and a verbal discussion on distributing funds from filming use of Beachwood lands. No major decisions are on the agenda; the main business item is a discussion, not a vote.

• Verbal discussion on distribution of funds from filming use of Beachwood lands
• Adoption of September 27, 2021 regular and special council meeting minutes
• Receipt of thank-you card from Robert and Myrna Paulhus
• Receipt of Museum of Highwood anniversary correspondence

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the annual update on the Town's Snow and Ice Control Policy, including operational changes and costs from the 2020/2021 winter season. They will discuss whether current service levels are satisfactory and may direct administration to continue or adjust the policy. The agenda also includes acknowledging two cancelled meetings and a verbal discussion on distributing funds from filming on Beachwood Lands.

• Snow and Ice Control Policy annual update: 2020/2021 costs $40,082.60 for materials, $220,357.38 for third-party contractors
• Forecast $10,000-$50,000 over 2021 budget for snow removal due to downtown/Center Street costs
• Operational changes: curb-to-curb plowing discontinued, beet juice brine used, Priority 1 & 2 routes combined
• Verbal discussion on distribution of funds from filming use of Beachwood Lands
• Formal acknowledgment of cancelled Committee meetings on Aug 9 and Sep 13, 2021

Regular Council

High River Council will consider several items, including a new parental leave bylaw for elected officials, a contract for wastewater treatment facility design services, and a road upgrade. The meeting also includes routine consent agenda items and correspondence for information.

• First, second, and third reading of Bylaw 4603/2021 on parental leave for elected officials
• Contract award to MPE Engineering and Urban Systems for wastewater treatment design, Phase 1 at $63,965, optional phases up to $24,183 and $26,851 annually
• Direct administration to apply recycled millings to 2 Ave SE and 20th St NE connector road, not to exceed $30,000, with $18,900 awarded to Shawne Excavating
• Appointment of Cody Zebedee as Director of Emergency Management, rescinding prior appointments
• Letter to Premier Jason Kenney criticizing Disaster Recovery Program changes

Special Council - 27 Sep 2021 CLOSED

This is a special council meeting held in a closed session under provincial legislation. The agenda includes only procedural items and three closed-session topics: two land items and one labour item. No public decisions or discussions are scheduled.

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP Act
• Land Item (closed)
• Land Item (closed)
• Labour Item (closed)

Regular Council

High River Council is meeting to decide on several items, including a $20,000 grant for the Spitzee School Playground Committee, amendments to the Election Sign Bylaw, adoption of two new policies, and a budget amendment for a skid steer trade-in program. They will also consider donations, a refund request, and a resolution supporting improved ambulance service. The agenda includes consent items and public comments.

• Award $20,000 to Spitzee School Playground Committee for playground initiative
• First, second, and third reading of Bylaw 4602/2021 amending Election Sign Bylaw (adds site at 2nd Avenue and 20th Street NE, changes sign placement/removal rules)
• Adopt Blanket Variances to Existing Lots Policy (POL-22-110-00)
• Adopt Infill Variance Application (Council Consultation) Policy (POL-22-109-00)
• Approve $9,500 budget amendment for Skid Steer Municipal Trade-In Program (2021), $4,500 annually thereafter

CLOSED Special Council

This is a closed special council meeting with a single substantive item: a land matter discussed behind closed doors under provincial privacy and municipal government legislation. The agenda contains no public details about the land item, and the meeting is otherwise procedural (call to order, adoption of agenda, adjournment).

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act Section 197(2) and FOIP Act Sections 16 and 25
• Land item discussed in closed session

Special Council - 20 Aug 2021 CLOSED

This is a special council meeting held in closed session under provincial legislation. The only substantive item is a labour matter, discussed privately. No decisions are visible on the public agenda.

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP provisions
• Labour item discussed in camera

Community Vitality Advisory Committee

The Community Vitality Advisory Committee will receive presentations and review two funding requests: $20,000 for new Spitzee School playground equipment and $2,000 for a September 12 reconciliation art installation and ceremony. The committee will also review the August 2021 Community Vitality Fund financial report. No decisions are recorded in the agenda; the committee will make recommendations to Council.

• Funding request: $20,000 for Spitzee School playground equipment replacement
• Funding request: $2,000 for Reconciliation Project (art installation and September 12 ceremony)
• Presentation from Spitzee School Playground Committee
• Presentation from Reconciliation Sharing Circle
• Community Vitality Fund financial report for August 2021

Regular Council

Council will consider several items including a proposal to name the North Park (formerly Mini Putt) at 1204 10 St SE as 'Perry Youth Park' in recognition of a $200,000 donation from Richard Brian Perry. They will also vote on a $30,000 budget amendment for utility meter reading hardware/software, adopt a new Trails, Parks and Open Space Master Plan, and consider two new policies related to variances. Additionally, they will decide on funding requests, including $16,900 for the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival and a fee waiver for the High River Healthcare Foundation's Big Screen Harvest Party.

• Bylaw 4600/2021: amend Laneway Closure Bylaw 4573/2020 to correct legal description
• North Park naming proposal: 'Perry Youth Park' at 1204 10 St SE
• Operating budget amendment: $30,000 for utility mobile radio meter reads hardware/software
• Adoption of Trails, Parks and Open Space Master Plan
• Funding request: $16,900+gst for Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival traffic management

Special Council - 09 Aug 2021 CLOSED

This is a special council meeting that will immediately close to the public under provincial legislation to discuss a labour item. No decisions or discussions are listed on the open agenda, and the only substantive item is the closed-session labour matter.

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP Act
• Labour item discussed in closed session

CLOSED Special Council

This is a special council meeting held in closed session under provincial legislation to discuss a legal item. The agenda contains only procedural items and a closed meeting, with no public decisions or discussions listed.

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP provisions
• Legal item discussed in camera

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the final draft of the Trails, Parks and Open Space Master Plan, along with its accompanying management plans, Community Playbook, and Action Plan. Council will provide comments and suggestions before the plan is brought forward for adoption. The agenda also includes adoption of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Review of Trails, Parks and Open Space Master Plan (CDR-21-55)
• Includes Ecological Open Spaces, Wildlife, and Ispitzee Floodway Management Plans
• Action Plan proposes six major projects over ten years with cost estimates
• Community Playbook for resident-led park projects
• Adoption of June 28, 2021 Committee of the Whole minutes

Regular Council

High River Council will decide on a budget amendment and contract award for goldfish removal from Highwood Storm Pond, and award a contract for safety codes permit inspections. They will also hear delegations on a tax waiver and a Highway 2 detour for filming, and consider letters of support for local arts groups.

• Budget amendment of $60,000 for goldfish removal from Highwood Storm Pond, with $39,118 service order to Advisian
• Contract award to Davis Inspection Services Ltd. for Safety Codes Permit Inspection Services, starting August 1, 2021
• Delegation: Request for Waiver of Taxes
• Delegation: Highway 2 Detour for Filming on July 19, 2021
• Letters of support for High River Performing Arts and Creative Art Reconciliation Installation

Special Council - 12 Jul 2021 CLOSED

This is a special council meeting held entirely in closed session under provincial municipal and FOIP rules. The agenda contains only procedural items (call to order, adoption of agenda, adjournment) and three closed-session topics: land, legal, and labour. No public decisions or discussions are listed.

• Closed session under Municipal Government Act s.197(2) and multiple FOIP Act sections
• Closed item: Land
• Closed item: Legal
• Closed item: Labour

Special Council - 28 Jun 2021 - CLOSED

This is a special council meeting held in a closed session, meaning the public is excluded. The agenda includes only procedural items and two land items and three labour items to be discussed privately. No decisions or details are available from the agenda itself.

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP provisions
• Land Item (two items)
• Labour Item (three items)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss how to handle planning and development in Annexation Area A, the 182.38 acres annexed from Foothills County effective January 1, 2021. Administration presents four options, from requiring landowners to prepare an Area Structure Plan (ASP) to processing proposals without one. The discussion follows two redesignation applications that were rejected for lacking proper planning.

• Discussion on timing of returning to Council Chambers
• Annexation Area A: requirements for an Area Structure Plan (CDR-21-53)
• Two redesignation applications for 6.53 ha and 6.66 ha from Urban Reserve to Service Employment District
• Options include landowner-prepared ASP, Town Plan amendment, or processing without ASP

Regular Council

High River Council will decide on several business items, including awarding a contract for a new niche columbarium, approving change orders for the 4th Ave SE main replacement project, and appointing a new Returning Officer for the 2021 municipal election. The agenda also includes a delegation from the High River Youth Park Task Force and a resident's request for a property tax write-off of utility transfer fees. Most other items are routine approvals or correspondence for information.

• Award $47,658.83 (excluding GST) to Sunset Memorial & Stone for new niche columbarium
• Approve $114,070.00 change order for temporary shoring and $23,100.00 for seismic monitoring on 4th Ave SE main replacement
• Appoint Jody Hipkin as Returning Officer for 2021 election, rescinding prior appointment
• Consider resident request for property tax write-off of utility transfer fees
• High River Youth Park Task Force delegation update

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hear a delegation from the High River Bike Park Society about the proposed pump track at 1819 High Country Dr. NW, including a request for town funding or grant support. The agenda also includes adoption of the May 25, 2021 minutes. No decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion and information item.

• Delegation from High River Bike Park Society requesting funding for pump track project
• Project has raised $111,957 to date, including $75,000 from Cargill
• Tentative build date of July 2021, pending funds and building permit conditions
• Engineering comments attached addressing landscaping and drainage requirements

Regular Council

High River Council will hear delegations on the film/TV industry and newly annexed land zoning, then decide on adopting a Parks, Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan, requirements for an Area Structure Plan for Annexation Area A, a subdivision extension for Hampton Hills Phase 4, and several administrative items including appointing a new Assessment Review Board Clerk and election procedures.

• Adoption of Parks, Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan (RFD-21-35)
• Annexation Area A: Requirements for an Area Structure Plan (CDR-21-52)
• Two-year extension for Hampton Hills Phase 4 subdivision registration (Lansdowne Equity Ventures Ltd.)
• Appoint Jody Hipkin as Assessment Review Board Clerk, rescinding Kara Rusk's appointment
• Authorize special ballots and institutional votes for 2021 municipal election

Special Council - 14 Jun 2021 - CLOSED

This is a special council meeting held via Zoom that is entirely closed to the public under provincial legislation. Council is discussing three confidential items: a labour matter, an intergovernmental relations matter, and a land matter. No decisions or details are available because the meeting is closed.

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP provisions
• Labour item discussed in camera
• Intergovernmental relations item discussed in camera
• Land item discussed in camera

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is discussing two business items: a potential policy allowing alcohol consumption in public parks, and a decision on disposing of the fire department's office trailer. Administration recommends donating the trailer, purchased for $15,000 in 2017, to the Town of Okotoks for its fire training grounds, which would give High River fire staff free use of the site. Council will provide direction on whether to donate or auction the trailer.

• Potential consumption of alcohol in public parks in High River
• Donation of fire department office trailer to Town of Okotoks training site
• Trailer purchased for $15,000.00 in 2017
• Alternative option: auction trailer, estimated $10,000-$20,000
• Okotoks to pay moving costs if donated

Regular Council

Council will consider final readings of the updated Land Use Bylaw (4594/2021) and the 2021 Property Tax Bylaw (4599/2021), along with several contract awards for construction projects. The agenda also includes routine approvals, reports, and correspondence for information.

• Bylaw 4594/2021 - Land Use Bylaw amendments, second and third readings
• Bylaw 4599/2021 - 2021 Property Tax Bylaw, all readings
• Contract award to East Butte Contracting for $183,385 for pedestrian improvements and cemetery ribbons
• Contract award to Russpet Construction Ltd. for $204,100 for BSRC Curling & Leisure Slab demolition
• Contract award to Bow Mark Paving Ltd. for $499,903.69 for 24th Street Top Lift

Special Council - 25 May 2021 - Closed Meeting

This is a special council meeting held entirely in closed session under Alberta's Municipal Government Act and FOIP provisions. Council is discussing three confidential items: a land item, a legal item, and a labour item. No public decisions or details are available because the meeting is closed.

• Closed meeting under Section 197(2) of the Municipal Government Act
• Land item discussed in camera
• Legal item discussed in camera
• Labour item discussed in camera

Special Council - 10 May 2021 - Closed Meeting

This is a special council meeting held via Zoom, with the sole substantive item being a closed session. Council is closing the meeting to the public under the Municipal Government Act and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to discuss a legal item. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no public decisions or discussions listed.

• Closed meeting under Section 197(2) of the Municipal Government Act
• Closed session citing FOIP Act Sections 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b)(i), 24(1)(c), 24(1)(d), 24(1)(f), 24(1)(g)
• Legal item discussed in closed session

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss two items: donating surplus flag poles from the fire hall to the Turner Valley Legion, and whether to approve resurfacing the north/west asphalt at the fire hall for about $50,000 using existing budget. The committee will also consider extending the paving work north on 5A Street to 10 Avenue SE for an additional $10,000–$15,000. No final decisions are made at this meeting; it is for discussion and direction.

• Proposed donation of surplus fire hall flag poles to Turner Valley Legion
• Fire hall north/west asphalt resurfacing: mill 50mm and replace 50mm, estimated $50,000
• Optional extension of paving on 5A Street to 10 Avenue SE, estimated $10,000–$15,000
• Existing capital budget for fire hall project has $1,624,494.59 remaining
• Potential $10,000 savings by doing asphalt work while contractor is on site

Regular Council

High River Council will consider adopting an updated Strategic Priorities Chart, which would move the Town Plan into the Top Five priorities. Council will also vote on awarding $38,000 in community grants and approving a new lease agreement with Rivertown Rail Inc. for municipal lands.

• Award $15,000 to Balloon Events Committee for the 2021 Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival
• Award $11,000 to High River Performing Arts Foundation for the 2021 Summer Picnic Series
• Award $12,000 to Freshly Pressed for a mural project at 112-B 4th Avenue SW
• Renew lease with Rivertown Rail Inc for 408 - 1 Street SW for café/restaurant/catering, 5 years with 3 five-year options
• Adopt updated Strategic Priorities Chart and move Town Plan into Top Five priorities

Special Council

This special council meeting is devoted to a single delegation from Atrum Coal Ltd., which will present information about its proposed Grassy Mountain coal project. Council will hear the presentation and may ask questions, but no decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Delegation from Atrum Coal Ltd. regarding the Grassy Mountain project
• Discussion of the project's potential impacts and community engagement
• No formal resolutions or votes scheduled

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will receive information on a new Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance Manual for the town's flood protection dike system, which will guide future inspections. The committee will also formally acknowledge the cancellation of two previous meetings. No decisions are expected on the manual, which is presented for information.

• New Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance Manual for flood dike system
• Manual includes inspection checklists and procedures for pre-flood, flood, and emergency operations
• Staff will implement manual in 2021, with annual inspections before high water season
• Cancellation of March 22 and April 12, 2021 Committee of the Whole meetings acknowledged

Regular Council

High River Council is holding a public hearing and voting on Amending Bylaw 4598/2021, which revises the off-site levies bylaw after an appeal. They will also receive the 2020 audited financial statements, approve a $70,000 columbarium, and set a pool referendum question for October 18, 2021.

• Public hearing and three readings for Amending Bylaw 4598/2021 (off-site levies)
• Receive 2020 audited financial statements and direct posting online
• Approve $70,000 capital budget amendment for new niche columbarium
• Approve updated lease with Rogers Communications for cell tower at $10,000/year for 5 years
• Set pool referendum question: borrow $15,000,000 to expand pool

Special Council - 26 Apr 2021 - Closed Meeting

This is a special council meeting that is entirely closed to the public, held under provincial legislation. The only substantive item is a closed discussion of land items. No decisions or details are available from the agenda.

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP provisions
• Land items discussed in closed session

Community Vitality Advisory Committee

The Community Vitality Advisory Committee will receive presentations and review funding applications from three groups: the High River Balloon Events Committee ($15,000 for the 2021 Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival), the High River Performing Arts Foundation ($17,851 for the 2021 Summer Series), and Freshly Pressed ($16,700 for a mural project at 112 4th Avenue SW). The committee will also review the April 2021 financial report for the Community Vitality Fund. The agenda includes routine items like adopting the agenda and minutes from the January 27, 2021 meeting.

• Funding request: $15,000 for 2021 Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival (Sept 22-26, 2021)
• Funding request: $17,851 for High River Performing Arts Foundation 2021 Summer Series
• Funding request: $16,700 for Freshly Pressed mural project at 112 4th Avenue SW
• Community Vitality Fund financial report for April 2021
• Presentations from all three applicant groups

Regular Council

Council will hold a public hearing on Bylaw 4594/2021, a comprehensive update to the Land Use Bylaw based on a two-year monitoring program, covering short-term rentals, cannabis and liquor stores, landscaping, signage, and bicycle storage. Council will also consider several other items, including a budget amendment for the curling and leisure slab replacement, reserve transfers, a donation of fire equipment, and lease negotiations for the Charles Clark Medical Centre.

• Public hearing for Bylaw 4594/2021 amending Land Use Bylaw 4510/2017
• Budget amendment adding $629,651 from Community Reinvestment Fund for curling and leisure slab replacement, total $2.3 million
• Approve amended transfers to reserves of $8,057,694.05 and from reserves of $665,235.57
• Donate surplus Self Contained Breathing Apparatus to Alberta Fire Aid Society
• Direct Administration to negotiate leases and purchase of space at Charles Clark Medical Centre

Special Council - 12 Apr 2021 - Closed Meeting

This is a special council meeting held in closed session under Alberta's Municipal Government Act and FOIP provisions. The only substantive item is a labour matter discussed behind closed doors; no public decisions or details are on the agenda.

• Closed meeting under MGA Section 197(2) and FOIP Sections 17, 19, 23, 24
• Labour item (3.1) discussed in camera

Special Council

This is a special council meeting with a single substantive item: a closed-door discussion of strategic priorities. The meeting is otherwise procedural, covering call to order, agenda adoption, and adjournment.

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP provisions
• Strategic Priorities Discussion

Regular Council

Council will decide on allocations for 2021 United Way/High River Partnership Community Grants totaling $47,500 to five local organizations, and approve an amended 2021 Capital Budget of $38,632,265, which includes updated capital carryforwards. They will also consider a bylaw amendment to correct a legal description error in the Laneway Closure Bylaw, and discuss a grant application for asset management planning.

• Approve $47,500 in community grants: $8,000 to Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills, $7,500 to Inclusion Foothills, $12,000 to High River Food for Thought, $8,000 to Wild Rose Community Connections, $12,000 to No Student Goes Hungry Program
• Amend 2021 Capital Budget to $38,632,265, increasing carryforwards by $9,931,104 to $31,453,765
• Give three readings to Bylaw 4595/2021 to correct legal description in Laneway Closure Bylaw 4573/2020
• Commit $68,800 from operational budget for FCM Asset Management Grant application
• Receive 2020 Town's Investment Report and 2021 Miscellaneous Pedestrian Improvements briefing

Special Council - 22 Mar 2021 - Closed Meeting

This is a special council meeting held via Zoom that is entirely closed to the public. Council is closing the meeting under provincial legislation to discuss legal items. The agenda contains no public business items.

• Closed meeting pursuant to Municipal Government Act and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act provisions
• Discussion of legal items

Special Council

High River Council is considering giving second and third reading to Bylaw 4596/2021, which amends the Municipal Election Bylaw to align with provincial legislative changes and to address COVID-19 concerns. The amendments include allowing curbside voting for incapacitated electors, updating voter identification rules, and making various procedural changes. The bylaw also updates definitions and references, such as replacing 'Town Manager' with 'Chief Administrative Officer'.

• Amends election bylaw to allow curbside voting at elector's residence for those with physical incapacity or mobility limitations
• Updates voter identification requirements to align with Section 53(3)(b) of the Local Authorities Election Act
• Removes fixed voting hours for advance voting days to accommodate multiple days
• Requires tabulators to be disconnected from electronic networks except after polls close
• Budgeted $30,000 for the 2021 municipal election, with potential higher costs due to COVID-19

Special Council - 08 Mar 2021 - Closed Meeting

This is a special council meeting held in closed session under provincial legislation. The agenda includes only procedural items and two closed-session topics: legal agreements and a labour item. No public decisions or discussions are listed.

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP Act
• Legal Agreements
• Labour Item

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is discussing a major review and rewrite of High River's Town Plan (Municipal Development Plan), last updated in 2009. Administration recommends establishing a steering committee to participate throughout the project and hiring a consultant team to co-lead. The committee will also consider closing a portion of an unopened road allowance, review community budget survey reports, and an affordable housing needs assessment.

• Town Plan review: major update proposed, 18-24 month timeline, consultant hiring
• Request to close portion of unopened 7 Ave. SE road allowance
• Community Budget Survey Reports
• Affordable Housing Needs Assessment

Regular Council

High River Council will give first reading to Bylaw 4594/2021, which proposes amendments to the Land Use Bylaw, and schedule a public hearing. Council will also receive the unaudited 2020 operating budget report and decide on transferring $4 million to the Tax Stabilization Reserve and $350,000 to the General Municipal Reserve for an RCMP retroactive payment. Additionally, Council will consider awarding a tender for the Centre Street Bridge railing and bearings project, which received bids exceeding the approved budget.

• First reading of Bylaw 4594/2021 amending Land Use Bylaw 4510/2017; public hearing scheduled for April 12, 2021
• Transfer $4,000,000 from 2020 net surplus to Tax Stabilization Reserve
• Transfer $350,000 from 2020 net surplus to General Municipal Reserve for RCMP retroactive payment
• Centre Street Bridge railing and bearings tender: three bids exceeded $810,000 budget; Council to negotiate with lowest bidder
• Council correspondence on coal policy reinstatement from multiple municipalities

Town of High River and Foothills County Intermunicipal Committee

The Town of High River and Foothills County Intermunicipal Committee will discuss and potentially amend its Terms of Reference, review impacts of the River Rock Feedlot on northwest neighbourhoods, and receive updates on joint planning areas and flood mitigation. The agenda includes several informational items and a letter from the Minister on flood mitigation.

• Review of Intermunicipal Committee Terms of Reference, including proposed changes to membership, voting, and meeting frequency
• Discussion of impacts of River Rock Feedlot on NW neighbourhoods
• Update on Joint Planning Area and CMRB Growth and Servicing Plan
• Update on Highway 2A East Side Area Structure Plan
• Lower Highwood Flood Mitigation Program – letter from Minister

Special Council

Council will consider giving first reading to Bylaw 4596/2021, which amends the Town's Municipal Election Bylaw to align with provincial legislative changes and address COVID-19 concerns. The amendments include curbside voting for incapacitated electors, updated voter identification rules, and administrative clarifications. If approved, the bylaw will be advertised before second reading.

• First reading of Bylaw 4596/2021 amending Municipal Election Bylaw 4514/2017
• Curbside voting for electors with physical incapacity or mobility limitations
• Updated voter identification requirements per Section 53(3)(b) of the Local Authorities Election Act
• Appointment of a Substitute Returning Officer by Council resolution
• Advertising of bylaw in High River Times on March 5 and 12, 2021

Special Council - 23 Feb 2021 - Closed Meeting

This is a special council meeting held via Zoom, with the sole substantive item being a closed session. Council is closing the meeting to the public under the Municipal Government Act and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to discuss legal items. The agenda contains no public discussion or decision items, only procedural items (call to order, adoption of agenda, closed meeting, adjournment).

• Closed meeting under Section 197(2) of the Municipal Government Act
• Closed session citing FOIP Act sections 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b)(i), 24(1)(c), 24(1)(d), 24(1)(f), 24(1)(g), and 27(1)
• Agenda item: Legal Items

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing proposed amendments to the Intermunicipal Committee Terms of Reference with Foothills County. Changes include reducing meetings from four to two per year, renaming the committee to Intermunicipal Partnership, and altering membership and voting structure. The committee will provide feedback before the draft is shared with the County.

• Proposed reduction of regular Intermunicipal Committee meetings from four to two per year
• Proposed name change from Intermunicipal Committee to Intermunicipal Partnership
• Proposed removal of Mayor and Reeve as ex-officio members, reducing appointed members to three per council
• Proposed addition of Co-Chairs and Alternate Co-Chairs
• Proposed updates referencing the Calgary Metropolitan Region Growth Plan

Regular Council

High River Council will consider several business items, including approving allocations for 2021 FCSS Community Grants totaling $60,000, setting the insured value of the Floodgate at $2,100,000, and waiving a $225 fee for a bike park extension. The agenda also includes delegations from Westwinds Communities on affordable housing and the Rotary Club, plus updates on the MOST grant and municipal election agreements.

• Approve $60,000 in FCSS Community Grants to eight organizations, including $17,700 to Foothills School Division and $10,000 to Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills
• Set insured value of Floodgate at $2,100,000, lower than the $3,060,000 valuation
• Waive $225 extension fee for Development Permit 8004.19 (pump track) for 6 months
• Approve MOST Grant allocations for COVID-19 financial impacts
• Authorize election agreement with Foothills School Division and Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools for 2021 municipal election

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the draft Parks, Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan, which includes 77 recommendations and six proposed projects, and will provide comments to Administration before the plan is finalized for Council consideration. The agenda also includes adoption of the previous meeting's minutes and a question-and-answer period.

• Draft Parks, Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan (75% complete) with 77 recommendations
• Six proposed projects: Network with Nature Portfolio, Forest School of the Highwood, Rail Trail, Interpretive Loops, River Link Park, Parkway Storyline
• Includes Ecological Open Space, Wildlife, and Ispitzee Floodway Management Plans
• Consultant: 818 Studio Ltd. of Calgary
• Adoption of Committee of the Whole minutes from January 11, 2021

Regular Council

High River Council will consider second and third readings of two bylaws: one establishing off-site levies for development and another amending the animal bylaw to allow pigeon ownership. Council will also hear a delegation from Daydreams ELCC Ltd. and consider a $6,000 grant recommendation to the High River Gift of Music Society.

• Bylaw 4586/2020 - Off-Site Levies Bylaw (second and third reading)
• Bylaw 4585/2020 - Amending Animal Bylaw to allow pigeons (second and third reading)
• Community Vitality Fund: $6,000 to High River Gift of Music Society for 2021 Luminous Voices Drive-In Concert
• Delegation from Daydreams ELCC Ltd. & Daydreams and Sunbeams Early Learning Centre OSC
• Red Tape Reduction Submission (MSP Grant Requirement)

Special Council - 01 Feb 2021 - Closed Meeting

This is a special council meeting held in closed session under provincial law. The only substantive item is a strategic advocacy discussion, with no public decisions or details available. The agenda is otherwise procedural, covering call to order, agenda adoption, and adjournment.

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP Act sections
• Strategic advocacy discussion

Special Council

This special council meeting is a joint session with the Foothills School Division to discuss school site planning in High River. Topics include the COVID-19 update, nutrition programs, election partnering, insurance rates, and the council's vision for community growth. The agenda also covers the process for dedicating municipal reserve land for future school sites and the status of a joint use agreement with school boards.

• Discussion of school site planning, including four dedicated sites: two in South High River (each ~10 acres) and two in Spitzee Crossing (each 15 acres)
• Review of Municipal Reserve dedication policies, including 10% of gross developable area and an additional 5% for densities over 30 units per hectare
• Update on the proposed Joint Use and Planning Agreement with school boards, required by December 5, 2022, currently in final draft
• COVID-19 update from Foothills School Division
• Discussion of insurance rates update

Community Vitality Advisory Committee

The Community Vitality Advisory Committee will meet to receive a presentation from the High River Gift of Music Society and review its $6,000 funding request for the Luminous Voices Drive-In Concert. The committee will also elect a Chair and Vice Chair, and receive a financial report on the Community Vitality Fund. The agenda includes adoption of previous minutes and routine procedural items.

• Funding request of $6,000 for Luminous Voices Drive-In Concert
• Presentation by High River Gift of Music Society
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Community Vitality Fund financial report for January 2021

Regular Council

The High River Town Council is holding a public hearing on Bylaw 4585/2020, which amends the Animal Bylaw 4567/2019. The council will also consider a borrowing bylaw for 2021, discuss an aquatic facility expansion, and vote on a letter of support policy.

• Public hearing for Bylaw 4585/2020 amending Animal Bylaw 4567/2019
• First, second, and third reading of Bylaw 4589/2021 for a 2021 operating line of credit
• Direct administration to initiate a referendum on aquatic facility expansion, with capital cost not exceeding $15,000,000
• Adopt Letter of Support Policy (LEGSERV-POL-104)
• Request stop work order for coal exploration on former Class 2 lands

Special Council - 25 Jan 2021 (Closed Meeting)

This is a special council meeting held entirely in closed session. Council is closing the meeting to the public under the Municipal Government Act and multiple Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act exceptions to discuss a single legal item. No public decisions or discussions are on the agenda.

• Closed meeting under Section 197(2) of the Municipal Government Act
• Legal item discussed under FOIP Sections 23, 24, and 27

Special Council - 18 Jan 2021 (Closed Meeting)

This is a special council meeting held in closed session. The only substantive item is a strategic advocacy discussion, conducted under provincial municipal and privacy legislation. No public decisions or discussions are on the agenda; the meeting is procedural and closed to the public.

• Closed meeting under Municipal Government Act and FOIP Act sections
• Strategic advocacy discussion

Regular Council

This agenda for the Town of High River's Regular Council meeting on January 11, 2021, contains only procedural boilerplate and no listed agenda items. The provided text is a portal interface with no decisions or discussions specified.

Special Council - 11 Jan 2021 - Closed Meeting

This is a special council meeting held via Zoom that is entirely closed to the public. The only substantive item is a closed session to discuss labour matters, citing several sections of Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Regulation. No decisions or discussions are listed on the open agenda.

• Closed meeting to discuss labour items under FOIP Act sections 17, 19, 23, 24 and FOIP Regulation sections 18(1)(b) and 18(1)(d)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss and possibly recommend a new Letter of Support Policy to Council. The policy would set criteria for when the Mayor can sign letters of support without financial implications, and require Council approval for letters with financial obligations. The committee will also discuss the Calgary Metropolitan Region Growth Plan for Joint Planning Area #3.

• Proposed Letter of Support Policy (LEGSERV-POL-104) to streamline approval process
• Policy would allow Mayor to sign letters of support without financial implications if criteria met
• Letters with financial obligations must be reviewed by Community Economic Development and approved by Council
• Discussion on Joint Planning Area #3 - Calgary Metropolitan Region Growth Plan