High River public meetings in 2023

Regular Council

High River Council will consider a $2.1 million budget for the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex arena slab replacement and a contract award to Bry Sand Ice Arena Ltd. The meeting also includes discussions on a new electronic permitting system and a $4,000 grant for a school mural project.

• $2,100,000 budget for Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex Large Arena Slab Replacement
• $1,084,293.00 contract award to Bry Sand Ice Arena Ltd. for arena slab replacement
• $4,000 award to Spitzee School for Indigenous Mural project
• Implementation of electronic permitting and payment systems in 2024/25
• Proposal to create Tree Art delegation

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing an update from the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board regarding regional growth management. Members are also discussing the development of a community makerspace and an action plan to expand the Town's special events program.

• Calgary Metropolitan Region Board presentation on growth management and regional infrastructure
• Makerspace discussion regarding potential facility location and equipment needs
• Events Program Action Plan to increase community events through 2026
• Review of Year 1 event revenue, including $7,549.27 from the Wild Rose Carnival
• Closed meeting regarding a labour item

Public Hearing

The Town is considering Bylaw 4618/2023 to close an unopened road allowance abutting Little Bow Park. If approved, the Town would gain ownership of the land, which may then be sold to adjacent landowners at fair market value.

• Public Hearing for Bylaw 4618/2023 regarding the closure of 7 Ave. SE
• Proposed sale of 0.050 ha to the owner of 625 3 St. SE
• Proposed sale of 0.027 ha to the owner of 705 3 St. SE
• Closure of 0.177 ha of unopened road allowance (Plan 171 0054)

Regular Council

High River Council is considering conditional support for a regional water pipeline to the Town of Nanton. The meeting also includes discussions on developer security for the Montrose Phase 3 subdivision and updates from various community delegations.

• Conditional support for Town of Nanton's regional potable water initiative
• Decision on accepting bonds as security for Montrose Phase 3 Subdivision
• STARS update delegation
• River City Classics Car Club delegation regarding Show and Shine
• Proclamation of Family Violence Prevention Month

Organizational Meeting

Council will adopt the meeting schedule for Regular Council, Committee of the Whole, and Strategic Priority sessions. The meeting also includes decisions on Deputy Mayor rotations and various board and committee appointments.

• Adoption of 2023-2024 Council and Committee meeting schedules
• Approval of Deputy Mayor and Acting Deputy Mayor rotation schedule
• Citizen reappointments to the Community Vitality Advisory Committee
• Council appointments to internal boards including Emergency and Protective Services
• Council appointments to external boards including Calgary Metropolitan Region Board

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hold a discussion regarding the Town Plan. No other business items are listed on the agenda.

• Town Plan Discussion

Committee of the Whole

Administration is seeking direction on maintenance standards for Emerson Lake Park, specifically regarding the use of permanent irrigation. The discussion follows resident concerns about landscaping and tree health due to discontinued irrigation and drought conditions.

• Request for speed reduction and noise bylaw review
• Emerson Lake Trees and Landscaping briefing (BN-23-27)
• Discussion on $85,000.00 estimated cost for a new irrigation system
• High Country Drive & High View Gate Intersection Upgrade feedback survey
• Closed meeting regarding a land item

Regular Council

High River Council will consider Bylaw 4616/2023 to align municipal election rules with provincial legislation. The meeting also includes discussions on regional wastewater service delivery and correspondence regarding the aquatic facility expansion.

• Bylaw 4616/2023: Municipal Election Bylaw amendments regarding elector identification
• 2023/2024 Alberta Community Partnership Grant application for Regional Wastewater Study
• Correspondence regarding Rimrock / Tidewater Biodigester
• Correspondence regarding Aquatic Expansion locker and change area layout
• Correspondence regarding High Country Drive NW intersection

Community Vitality Advisory Committee

The provided document contains only portal login information and no meeting agenda. There are no items listed for discussion or decision by the Community Vitality Advisory Committee.

Committee of the Whole

Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta is requesting municipal support to access CMHC funding for a planned duplex on 6th Street SW. The organization is presenting several sponsorship options to cover costs related to land due diligence, utility services, and property taxes.

• Habitat for Humanity duplex project with an estimated total budget of $783,206
• Request for $10,490 for land due diligence, including demolition and grading
• Request for $42,000 for land development and utility services
• Request for $9,975 for annual property taxes and carrying costs until 2025 occupancy
• Discussion regarding High Country Drive & High View Gate intersection upgrade survey update

Regular Council

The High River Council is reviewing several policy updates, including signing authority and snow and ice control. The agenda also includes discussions on regional wastewater service delivery and rezoning land on 112 St. E.

• First reading of Bylaw 4618/2023 to close an unopened portion of 7 Ave. SE
• Adoption of the Signing Authority Policy HR-POL-100-03
• Adoption of the updated Snow and Ice Control Policy POL-28-106-00
• Grant application for the Regional Wastewater Service Delivery Study
• Rezoning of 112 St. E properties to Urban Reserve District (URD)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review feedback on an infill variance for a single detached dwelling at 922 7 St SW. The meeting also covers discussions regarding town sponsorship, sports field maintenance, and an area structure plan for 112 St. E.

• Infill variance presentation for 922 7 St SW (Frontage Build-Out)
• Town Sponsorship Policy discussion
• Ball Diamond and Sports field Classification and Maintenance
• Area Structure Plan for 112 St. E Properties
• Makerspace and High Country Drive NW discussions

Regular Council

The Council is reviewing an amendment to the Good Neighbour Bylaw to address community issues like graphic pamphlets. They are also considering major contract awards for flood debris cleanup and fleet replacement.

• Amending Bylaw 4619/2023 regarding the Good Neighbour Bylaw
• Contract award for single axle plow truck and watering skid to James Farmer Alamo Group for $399,662.65
• Funding of $23,000 for Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex Curling Lounge renovations
• Contract award for Flood Impacted Debris Clean-Up project to Wire Construction for $655,047.85
• Montrose Phase 3 Securities delegation

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a delegation from High River Pride regarding a proposed rainbow crosswalk. The meeting also includes updates on the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex arena slab and snow and ice control.

• Delegation from High River Pride regarding a rainbow crosswalk initiative
• Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex Large Arena Slab Project scope confirmation
• Snow and Ice Control 2022 to 2023 Season Update
• Highwood Curling Club Update
• CMRB Update regarding Calgary Economic Development and Regional Economic Development Strategy

Regular Council

The High River Council will consider awarding a sidewalk and pathway replacement contract to East Butte Contracting. They will also review an updated Master Health and Safety Policy and hear delegations from the Gift of Music Society and Mountainview Park Homeowners Association.

• Contract award for 2023 Sidewalk and Pathway Replacement Program to East Butte Contracting for $156,934
• Adoption of updated Master Health and Safety Policy HR-POL-107-02
• Delegation from Gift of Music Society
• Delegation from Mountainview Park Homeowners Association
• Correspondence regarding the proposed Rimrock / Tidewater Biodigester

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review an update on the town's Flexible Work Policy and discuss portable irrigation for sports fields. The agenda also includes a subdivision application and discussions regarding Emerson Lake landscaping and outdoor music events.

• Flexible Work Policy update (BN-23-19)
• Ball Diamond and Sports Field Portable Irrigation (CDR-23-19)
• Subdivision Application for Block 5, Plan 708LK
• Emerson Lake landscaping and tree discussion
• High River Brewing Co. outdoor music events discussion

Regular Council

The High River Council is reviewing updates to its strategic priorities and work program. The meeting includes discussions on the aquatic facility expansion project and recommendations for community vitality funding.

• Aquatic Facility Expansion: Endorsement to proceed to Milestone 2 (Detailed Design)
• $4,000 funding for the Mural for Mel Project
• $5,000 funding for the River City Classic's Brian Chipchase Sr Show and Shine
• Adoption of updated Top Five Strategic Priorities
• Marigold Library System update delegation

Special Committee of the Whole

The Special Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the schematic design and costing for an aquatic project. No final decisions or specific dollar amounts were provided in the agenda.

• Aquatic Schematic Design and Costing Review Discussion

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing options to address poor sports field conditions caused by drought. They are also considering a $631,800 proposal to install an elevator at the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex.

• Discussion of $35,000 portable irrigation system vs. $135,000-$160,000 permanent system
• $631,800 estimated cost for Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex elevator installation
• Proposed $7,500 annual maintenance cost for the BSRC elevator
• Potential $300,000 in additional accessibility upgrades for the BSRC lounge area
• Discussion of $7,500 to $8,000 in legal fees for Town removal from airport co-ownership

Regular Council

The High River Council is meeting to adopt the 2022 audited financial statements and discuss several capital projects. Key discussions include a large-scale roof replacement at the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex and a request from the High River Flyers regarding sponsorship policies.

• Adoption of 2022 Audited Financial Statements from BDO Canada LLP
• Proposed $1,556,362.50 contract award to Canterbury Roofing for BSRC roof replacement
• Proposed $77,875 purchase of Highwood Curling Club assets for the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex
• Proposed $180,000 budget for Hamptons Landfill Pathway Upgrades
• Denial of High River Flyers request to change sponsorship policy for alcohol advertising

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the High River Regional Airport and fees for the Otter Summer Swim Club. Members will also discuss the condition of local ball diamonds.

• High River Regional Airport discussion
• Otter Summer Swim Club fee discussion
• Ball diamond condition discussion

Regular Council

Council will consider a new Board & Committee Bylaw and adopt workplace and conduct policies. The meeting also includes discussions on flood modelling, intersection upgrades, and various capital budget amendments.

• Bylaw 4615/2023 - Board & Committee Bylaw (First, Second, and Third Reading)
• Adoption of Respectful and Violence Free Workplace Policy HR-POL-100-02
• Adoption of Employee Code of Conduct Policy HR-POL-100-03
• Flood Modelling Project capital budget amendment ($185,500 estimated cost)
• High Country Drive NW and High View Gate NW intersection upgrades ($90,000)

Committee of the Whole

The provided document contains only portal login information and does not include a meeting agenda. No items are listed for discussion or decision.

Regular Council

The High River Council will review the 2023 Property Tax Bylaw to set annual tax rates. The meeting also includes discussions on community group support policies and several capital budget amendments for local road and park projects.

• First and second readings of Bylaw 4613/2023 (2023 Property Tax Bylaw)
• Contract award for Hamptons Hills Bypass Connector totaling $3,184,270.15
• Approval of $30,000 for high-risk tree removal and replacement
• New Community Group Support Policy (POL-10-101-00)
• Request for $55,000 to complete Brian Perry Youth Park redevelopment

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review the RCMP Annual Performance Plan and a proposal from the High River Kinsmen and Foothills Kinettes to develop the old Rio Vista Golf course into a park. Administration is also seeking approval to revitalize the town mascot, Riley, for promotional use.

• Delegation regarding park enhancement at the former Rio Vista lands
• RCMP Annual Performance Plan presentation
• Proposal to revitalize Riley the town mascot
• Tree Removal and Replacement Program update
• Variance application for additional parking at Ranchland Mall

Regular Council

The Council will review a request for a one-year extension for a subdivision endorsement package at 68 8 Ave SE. The meeting also includes a delegation from MCG Careers Inc and a discussion regarding concerns raised by local physicians about the stressed healthcare system.

• One-year extension request for subdivision endorsement at 68 8 Ave SE
• Delegation by MCG Careers Inc
• Discussion of physician concerns regarding emergency room wait times and maternity clinic staffing
• Status update on the Waste Water Treatment Facility Upgrade
• Request for a letter of support for the Highwood Centre

Regular Council

The Council will consider the first, second, and third readings of Bylaw 4612/2023 to establish new fees and fines. They will also discuss a request for $9,092.94 in additional funds to close out the Pump Track construction project.

• Bylaw 4612/2023: 2023 Rate Bylaw (First, Second, and Third Reading)
• Pump Track Construction: Request for $9,092.94 to cover unforeseen construction costs
• Sponsorship Request: $5,000 for High River District Health Care Foundation Dinner and Auction
• Health Care Heroes: Request for a formal proclamation
• Rimrock Feedlot: Correspondence regarding a proposed biodigester and dust storms

Regular Council

The High River Council is reviewing several business items, including the allocation of $60,000 in community grants and a four-year agreement renewal for the Visitor Information Centre. The meeting also includes a delegation from the Foothills Shuffleboard Club and discussions regarding a mayoral proclamation.

• $60,000 allocation for FCSS Community Grants
• Four-year MOU renewal with Museum of the Highwood for the Visitor Information Centre
• Mayoral Proclamation for National Volunteer Week 2023
• Foothills Shuffleboard Club delegation
• Proclamation request for Lights on Afterschool Alberta

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss mitigation efforts for noise complaints regarding live concerts at High River Brewery. They will also review closeout items for the Highwood Curling Club slab replacement project.

• High River Brewery live concert noise complaint and mitigation discussion
• Highwood Curling Club slab replacement project closeout items
• Options for High River Green Spaces and Parks Enhancement delegation
• Closed meeting regarding legal items

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider a request from the NWST Charitable Foundation for 10 to 80 acres of land to establish a working nursery. Administration is seeking direction on whether to proceed with the project to promote Ag Tourism.

• NWST Charitable Foundation land request for a working nursery
• East High River Flood Damage Potential Risk Assessment Final Report
• High Country Drive NW and Highland Green NW Intersection discussion
• Infill Variances Policy 22-109-00 presentation
• Front Setback variance for 432 Macleod Trail SW

Regular Council

Council will review the Fire and Protective Services Annual Report and adopt an updated Top Five Strategic Priorities list. The agenda also includes discussions on insurance amendments for community facilities and a new smartphone use policy.

• Adoption of updated Top Five Strategic Priorities including Aquatic Facility Expansion and Public Works Shop site acquisition
• Extension request for Highwood Ranch Ph. 1 subdivision application until March 27, 2024
• Amendment to insurance responsibilities for Sheppard Family Park Society and Highwood Memorial Centre Society
• Adoption of a new Smartphone Use Policy (POL-04-108-00)
• Confirmation of 2023 Community Bursary Scholarships for Highwood High School and Notre Dame Collegiate graduates

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing safety options for the High Country Drive NW and Highland Green NW intersection. The meeting also includes a broadband delegation from Tango and a discussion regarding the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex cancellation policy.

• Tango broadband advocacy delegation
• High Country Drive NW and Highland Green NW intersection safety review
• Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex user agreement cancellation policy
• CVAC delegation regarding SAFRP remaining funds
• Wayfinding signage at CIBC Corner

Regular Council

The Council will consider a new Cemetery Bylaw and review terms for Joint Planning Area 4. They will also discuss allocating $50,000 in United Way partnership grants to various local community organizations.

• Bylaw 4614/2023 - Cemetery Bylaw
• Adoption of Terms of Reference for Joint Planning Area 4
• $50,000 allocation for 2022 United Way/High River Partnership Community Grants
• Waiving of Little Bow Campground fees for Foothills Shuffleboard Association
• $4,000 Community Vitality Fund award for Rowan House Society and High River Chamber of Commerce

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review a wildfire hazard assessment identifying high-risk zones in the community. Council will also consider a $4,547 financial relief request from the Foothills Shuffleboard Association. Additionally, the meeting includes a discussion regarding a potential biodigester.

• Wildfire Hazard Assessment report identifying high risk in Beachwood/Mercer and Wallaceville areas
• Foothills Shuffleboard Association request for $4,547 in financial relief for the 2023 season
• Request to waive $125 per night Little Bow Camp site fees for two upcoming tournaments
• Discussion regarding a biodigester
• Review of a $15,000 grant for wildfire hazard assessment

Regular Council

The Council is reviewing several bylaws regarding supplementary assessments and operating line of credit. They are also considering a contract award for the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex expansion and a reappointment to the Library Board.

• Bylaw 4610/2023 regarding 2023 Supplementary Assessment
• Bylaw 4611/2023 regarding 2023 Operating Expenditures Line of Credit
• Contract award to Gibbs Gage Architects for $954,720 for BSRC Aquatics Expansion
• Reappointment of Lynne Thornton to the High River Library Board
• Donation request from the Farm Safety Centre

Annual Meeting with Foothills School Division

High River Council is holding a special meeting with the Foothills School Division. The agenda includes updates on strategic priorities, emergency response planning, and the status of the Joint Use Agreement.

• Strategic Priorities Update
• Emergency Response Planning and Communications
• Status of Joint Use Agreement
• Community Partnership Celebrations

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole discussed a cost estimate for a roundabout at High Country Drive and reviewed the Leisure and Curling Slab Project closeout. Members also discussed the High River Regional Airport Board and the Alberta Community Policing Grant.

• High Country Drive Roundabout cost estimate of $353,000.00
• Leisure and Curling Slab Project closeout presentation
• Alberta Community Policing Grant discussion
• Shaw Business delegation presentation
• Discussion regarding residential solar panel programs

Regular Council

High River Council will review the 2023 operating budget of $32.525 million and a capital budget of $23.393 million. The meeting includes discussions on a proposed 2.2% tax revenue increase and a 0.5% increase to utility fees.

• Adoption of $32.525 million 2023 Operating Budget
• Adoption of $23.393 million 2023 Capital Budget
• Proposed 2.2% tax revenue increase
• Proposed 0.5% increase to Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Utility fees
• Use of $320,000 from the Tax Stabilization Fund to reduce tax increases

Budget

Council is reviewing the 2023 Budget Package, which includes a proposed $320,000 increase to net municipal taxes. The discussion covers operating expenses, utility rate adjustments, and a $26.3 million capital budget.

• Proposed $320,000 increase to net municipal taxes (approx. $68 per property)
• Proposed utility rate increase not to exceed 1%
• $1.8 million for Public Works Building land acquisition
• $1.75 million total for 2nd St NE to 20th Ave NE Connector Road
• $1.0 million total for BSRC Roofing

Budget

The Council is reviewing the 2023 operating budget, which includes projected revenues and expenses for municipal services. The discussion covers various departments including police, fire, transportation, and water services.

• 2023 Operating Budget revenue projected at $32,160,800
• 2023 Operating Budget expenses projected at $36,917,810
• Residential taxes projected at $11,610,000
• RCMP police services budget of $2,787,100
• Fire services budget of $3,371,290

Regular Council

The High River Council is reviewing a $220,000 contract for human capital management software and a $10,000 request for tree maintenance. The meeting also includes discussions on airport board reappointments and various correspondence.

• Awarding Ceridian Canada Ltd. a $220,000 contract for Human Capital Management software
• Approving $10,000 for the removal of one poplar tree and pruning of another at 120 Macleod Trail SW
• Reappointment of Toby Kliem to the High River Regional Airport Board until December 31, 2024
• Review of the Strategic Priorities Chart for municipal operations

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the completion of the Leisure and Curling Slab Project and discussing a provincial grant for police feasibility studies. Additionally, Shaw Business will present regarding residential and business broadband capacity.

• Leisure and Curling Slab Project completed approximately $1.2 million under the original expected budget
• Discussion of Alberta Community Policing Grant providing up to $30,000 for police force feasibility studies
• Shaw Business delegation regarding residential and business broadband capacity
• Protective Services 2023 focus discussion
• Formal acknowledgment of the cancelled December 12, 2022, meeting

Budget

The Town of High River is reviewing the 2023 Budget Package, which is presented as an MGA balanced budget. The discussion covers revenue projections, expense adjustments, and the use of reserves to manage costs.

• 2023 total expenses set at $36.9 million
• Proposed tax revenue increase of $0 excluding new construction
• Planned $640,000 draw from the Tax Stabilization Reserve to cover expenses
• Projected $1.4 million in investment income
• Expected $110,000 in tax revenue from new construction

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will receive an update on the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software procurement process. The meeting also includes a delegation regarding a biodigester.

• ERP software procurement update
• Biodigester delegation
• Review of December 12, 2022, meeting minutes

Regular Council

The High River Council will consider a new policy to allow staff to waive development service fees for charities and non-profits. The meeting also includes a delegation regarding a new lease agreement for the Sunset Drive In.

• Proposed Policy POL-22-108-00: Fee Waiver for Development Services Fees for Charities/Non-Profits
• Delegation: New Lease Agreement for Sunset Drive In
• Marigold Library Board reappointment for Ms. Lynne Thornton and Mr. Jim Graham
• Rimrock Feedlot standing item update
• Closed meeting regarding a labour item