Wetaskiwin public meetings in 2022

Regular Council

The Council is reviewing a rezoning proposal for a Hope Mission emergency shelter and transitional housing facility at 5800 37A Avenue. Other business includes approving water and wastewater bylaws, fee changes, and holiday operating hours for the landfill and recycling centre.

• Rezoning of 5800 37A Avenue for Hope Mission emergency shelter and transitional housing
• Third reading of Bylaw 2020-22: Water and Wastewater Bylaw
• First, second, and third readings of Bylaw 2026-22: Fees and Charges Bylaw
• Contract extension with Accurate Assessment for Assessment Services through December 2024
• Proposed holiday closures for the Recycling Centre and Landfill

Special Council Meeting

The Wetaskiwin City Council will meet in a closed session to discuss matters protected under Section 27 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Following this session, the meeting is scheduled to return to a public format.

• In camera session under Section 27 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Regular Council

The City Council will consider the 2023 operating budget of $39,195,510 and a capital budget of $4,244,440. Other items include decisions on fire service response levels and an electric vehicle charging station project.

• 2023 operating budget of $39,195,510
• 2023 capital budget of $4,244,440
• $10,000 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Project Charter
• Proposed changes to Fire Services Medical Fire Response levels
• RCMP Q2 2022 statistics presentation

Regular Council

The Council is reviewing several bylaws and policy updates, including a new public participation policy. Discussions include forming a working group to address gaps in supports for the unhoused population and adjusting utility franchise agreement rates.

• Approval of Public Participation Policy CO-008
• Direction to initiate process to change FORTIS utility franchise rate to 17% for 2023
• Creation of a working group to examine supports for the unhoused population
• Request to include 'Run the Runway' Grant in Aid Application in 2023 budget deliberations
• Appointment of Metrix Group LLP for audit services (2022-2024)

Budget Deliberations Day 3

The City Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget, including various reserve account policies and departmental allocations. The discussion covers operating and capital reserves, as well as projected revenues and expenses for non-functional and council departments.

• Review of 2023 Draft Budget Package
• Reserve Account policies including Contingency, Stabilization, and Snow Removal reserves
• Capital Reserve policies for Airport, Fire Department, and Infrastructure Tax
• Proposed 2023 Council department expenses of $487,900
• Proposed 2023 Non-Functional department expenses of $22,452,600

Budget Deliberations Day 3 Part 2

The meeting is a continuation of the third day of budget deliberations. The agenda contains no specific items of business beyond the continuation of new business and adjournment.

Budget Deliberations Day 2

The City Council is conducting deliberations regarding the municipal budget. The provided documents outline reserve account policies and projected multi-year budget figures for non-functional departments and council operations.

• Review of Reserve Account policies including Contingency, Stabilization, and Snow Removal reserves
• Discussion of Capital Reserves for Airport, Cemetery Care, and Fire Department
• Review of 2022-2026 budget projections for Non-Functional departments
• Review of 2022-2026 budget projections for Council operations
• Policy regarding Public Art funding via 0.5% of reconstruction projects over $1,000,000

Budget Deliberations Day 1

Wetaskiwin City Council is conducting its first day of deliberations for the 2023 budget. The session includes a review of reserve account policies and multi-year budget projections for various departments.

• Review of Reserve Accounts policy including Contingency, Stabilization, and Snow Removal reserves
• Discussion of Capital Reserves for Airport, Cemetery Care, and Fire Department
• Review of 2023 budget projections for Council department expenses
• Review of 2023 budget projections for City Manager, Legislative Services, and Economic Development

Regular Council - 24 Oct 2022 *REPUBLISHED*

The City Council is reviewing a new Public Participation Policy and discussing potential changes to ATCO and Fortis utility franchise agreements for 2023. The meeting also includes several information-only presentations regarding grants, finance reports, and community delegations.

• Approval of Public Participation Policy CO-008
• Proposed changes to ATCO and Fortis utility franchise agreements
• Quarterly Finance Report Operating Summary (Jan 1 – Sept 30, 2022)
• Grant in Aid Application presentations
• Delegation from Wetaskiwin Lions RV Campground

Organizational Meeting

City Council is meeting to establish the 2022-2023 meeting schedule and appoint members to various boards and committees. The agenda also includes the annual review of council bylaws, policies, and the deputy mayor rotation.

• Approval of the 2022-2023 Regular Council meeting schedule
• Appointments to the Wetaskiwin Library Board and FCSS Board
• Appointment of Council members to various committees and boards
• Establishment of the Deputy Mayor rotation schedule
• Annual review of Council bylaws, including the Code of Conduct and Procedural Bylaw

Special Council Meeting

The Wetaskiwin City Council will hold an in-camera session to discuss matters protected under Sections 24 and 29 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This session is intended for receiving advice from officials and discussing information not available to the public.

• In-camera session regarding Section 24 (advice from officials)
• In-camera session regarding Section 29 (information not available to the public)

Regular Council

Council will review a preliminary 2023 budget update that includes a potential 9.5% property tax increase. They will also consider funding reassignments for the Manluk Centre and a temporary reduction in its service levels due to lifeguard shortages.

• Proposed 2023 budget update with an estimated $1 million increase
• Approval of $94,000 from the Manluk Facility Reserve for maintenance
• Allocation of $8,600 from the operating reserve for the MAMP grant
• Proposed temporary Sunday closures at the Manluk Centre
• Request for an update on lifeguard recruitment by end of Q1 2023

Regular Council

Wetaskiwin City Council will review an overview of the 2021/2022 Winter Emergency Shelter operations. The meeting includes discussions on a new combined emergency shelter and transitional housing proposal, as well as motions regarding a social media policy and a natural learning park.

• Hope Mission proposal for a combined emergency shelter and transitional housing facility
• 2021/2022 Winter Emergency Shelter overview report
• Direction to negotiate with a proponent to manage City Archives
• Motion to investigate an area for a natural learning park
• Motion to create a social media policy for Council members

Regular Council

Council received a report regarding the Clean Energy Improvement Program, which would allow property owners to finance energy-efficient projects through property taxes. The meeting also included discussions on urban forest sustainability, naming policies, and a proposed water and wastewater bylaw.

• Clean Energy Improvement Program staff report for information
• Urban Forest Sustainability Policy update for approval
• Bylaw 2020-22 Water and Wastewater Bylaw first reading
• Naming Policy CO-052 for approval
• Council Remuneration and Expense Policy CO-002 amendments

Regular Council

Wetaskiwin City Council will meet to approve the 2021 consolidated financial statements and direct a property tax sale for October 27, 2022. The agenda also includes a decision on a development permit for 4601 61 Street and a review of mid-year development statistics.

• Approval of 2021 Consolidated Financial Statements audited by Grant Thornton LLP
• Property tax sale scheduled for October 27, 2022, at 10:00 am
• Development Permit 22D033 for 4601 61 Street
• Approval of Council Remuneration and Expense Policy CO-002
• Mid-year development statistics showing $3,079,703 in permit construction value

Special Council Meeting

Wetaskiwin City Council held a special meeting on July 26, 2022 at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The agenda lists a closed in-camera session under sections 16 (disclosure harmful to business interests of a third party) and 24 (advice from officials) of Alberta's freedom-of-information law. No new or unfinished business items are listed, and the agenda contains no other substantive decisions. The meeting is largely procedural, with the only notable item being the private session.

• In-camera session citing Section 16 (harmful to third-party business interests) and Section 24 (advice from officials)
• No new or unfinished business items listed on the agenda
• Special Council Meeting held at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers

Regular Council

Wetaskiwin City Council meets July 11, 2022 to hold a public hearing and second/third readings on Bylaw 2019-22, which would add seasonal commercial patio regulations to the Land Use Bylaw. Council will also consider a $290,103.79 payment to JEDI for 2018-2021 from the Contingency Reserve, updates to sponsorship and cash-in-lieu parking policies, and scheduling a public hearing on disposing of a 1.3-acre city-owned parcel. Several items are listed for information only, and an in-camera session is scheduled under FOIP sections 16 and 25.

• Public hearing and 2nd/3rd reading of Bylaw 2019-22 to amend Land Use Bylaw 1804-13 for seasonal commercial patio regulations
• Proposed $290,103.79 payment to JEDI for 2018-2021, funded from the Contingency Reserve
• Request to schedule an August 22, 2022 public hearing for disposal of a 1.3-acre portion of Plan 8721715, Block 9, Lot 27MR
• Proposed rescission of CO-021 Private Advertisement Policy and approval of CO-011 Sponsorship and Advertising Policy
• Proposed approval of Policy CO-005 Authority of the Mayor; in-camera session under FOIP sections 16 and 25

Regular Council

Wetaskiwin City Council meets June 27, 2022 to receive several staff information reports and decide on new business items. Council is asked to fund overruns on past capital projects from reserves, cancel property taxes on several community organization properties, and approve policies on health and safety and complaint handling. A bylaw amending the Business License Bylaw for mobile vendors is up for first reading.

• Fund 2019 Airport Lighting overages of $36,242.00 from contingency reserve
• Fund 2021 Traffic Signal Replacement overages of $26,004.00 and Public Works Shop overages of $68,209.00 from Municipal Sustainability Initiative
• Fund $377,689.60 in Municipally Controlled Corporation expenses from wastewater reserve and $212,127.05 in 2021 Water Treatment Plant Emergency expenses from water reserve
• Cancel municipal property taxes on the Moose Hall (Roll 210210) and Masonic Hall (Rolls 180900, 180910); cancel total tax levy for the Lion's Campground (Roll 360020) and Knight of Columbus (Roll 390070)
• First reading of Bylaw 2018-22 to amend Business License Bylaw 1507-01 for mobile vendors

Regular Council

Wetaskiwin City Council meets June 13, 2022 to consider first reading of a bylaw amending the Land Use Bylaw to allow seasonal commercial patios, and to decide whether to shift oversight of the Community Safety and Wellbeing Committee to the RCMP K Division for one year. Council will also hear delegations from the Wetaskiwin Genealogical Society and RCMP Chief Superintendent Peter Tewfik, and consider a draft Sponsorship and Advertising Policy and a Proclamation Policy. Several items, including an in-camera session and a notice of motion on council budget and expenses, are also on the agenda.

• Bylaw 2019-22 to amend Land Use Bylaw 1804-13 for seasonal commercial patio regulations; first reading proposed, public hearing set for July 11, 2022
• Motion to direct Administration to transition oversight of the Community Safety and Wellbeing Committee to the RCMP K Division for one year ending June 13, 2023
• Draft Sponsorship and Advertising Policy for Council discussion
• Proclamation Policy CO-020 proposed for approval
• Notice of Motion directing administration to update the remuneration policy for the August 22, 2022 Regular Council meeting

Regular Council

Wetaskiwin City Council meets May 9, 2022 to consider a new scoreboard funded from reserves, changes to fire department medical and collision response protocols, removal of the Diversity and Inclusion taskforce, and readings of the Council Procedural Bylaw. Council will also receive an RCMP Q4 2021 crime report and recognize John Maude as Citizen of the Month for April 2022.

• Approve $34,480.00 to replace and install a new scoreboard on Norm Brown field, funded from the stabilization reserve
• Direct Administration to revise policy CO-023-Asset Management on donated assets by end of Q4 2023
• Reduce Fire Department medical first response to 'Request Only' calls and motor vehicle collision response to entrapment or high velocity impacts only
• Remove the 'Diversity and Inclusion' taskforce from Bylaw 2005-21 and seek a community partner by July 11, 2022
• Give first, second, and third readings to Council Procedural Bylaw 2017-22

Special Council Meeting

Wetaskiwin City Council held a special meeting on May 2, 2022, with an in camera session under Sections 16 and 17 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, covering third-party business interests and personal privacy. In public session, Council considered a motion to approve the emergency shelter continuing to operate at 5800 - 37A Avenue until the end of June 2022, as requested by the Government of Alberta. Administration also provided an update on funding for trailer leases so the Mustard Seed can stay at its existing location until the end of June 2022, and on preliminary discussions with the Hope Mission. The agenda does not record the outcome of the votes.

• Motion to approve the emergency shelter continuing at 5800 - 37A Avenue until the end of June 2022, as requested by the Government of Alberta
• In camera session under FOIP Sections 16 and 17 (third-party business interests and personal privacy)
• Update on funding for trailer leases allowing the Mustard Seed to operate at its existing location until the end of June 2022
• Update on preliminary discussions with the Hope Mission on a future shelter proposal
• Background: on March 14, 2022, Council carried a motion (121/22) to direct administration to enter discussions with Hope Mission; a related subdivision motion (120/22) was tabled

Regular Council

Wetaskiwin City Council meets April 25, 2022 to decide on a City Owned Building Lease Policy, how to proceed with the City Archives, and several notices of motion. Council will also receive two delegations and a consent agenda as information. The agenda includes an in-camera session under sections 16, 17 and 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

• City Owned Building Lease Policy up for approval, following a March 28 direction to use total operational costs with a 60% subsidy for non-profits and 20% for for-profits
• Archives Analysis funding request: approve up to $50,000 from the 2022 Archives Operating budget to analyze Options 2 and 3, or direct administration to engage local agencies to manage the Archives function and report back by Q3 2022
• Notice of Motion to submit two resolutions to the Alberta Municipalities 2022 Convention: 'Vulnerable Sector Check for Municipal Election Nomination Packages' and 'Removal of Requirement for Municipal Elected Officials to Have Home Addresses Publicized'
• Notice of Motion to give Project Forest maps of the trail system and disc golf course at Peace Hills Park for planning the Reconciliation Forest Project
• Notice of Motion to update the Council Procedural Bylaw to include Committee of the Whole within the Regular Council meeting agenda

Regular Council

Wetaskiwin City Council meets April 11, 2022 to consider approving $220,000 for the Tennis Court Rehabilitation Project, funded from MSI and the Canada Community Revitalization Fund. Council will also vote on its 10-year Strategic Plan 2022-2032 and two notices of motion directing Administration to amend bylaws on land acknowledgements and commercial patio permits by June 13, 2022. Other items include recognizing James and Kaila Commet as Citizens of the Month for March 2022 and accepting a delegation from the Central Alberta Rescue Diving Society.

• $220,000 for Option 1 of the Tennis Court Rehabilitation project (CC 21-50004), funded from MSI and the Canada Community Revitalization Fund
• Approval of Council's 10-year Strategic Plan 2022-2032
• Notice of motion to amend the Council Procedural Bylaw to add a land acknowledgement at every Council meeting by June 13, 2022
• Notice of motion to amend the Land Use Bylaw to allow commercial patio permits by June 13, 2022
• Recognition of James and Kaila Commet as Citizens of the Month for March 2022

Committee of the Whole

Wetaskiwin's Committee of the Whole meets April 11, 2022 to receive three information updates: public engagement plans for the Municipal Development Plan, direction on the 2023 budget process, and a report responding to concerns raised at the January 24, 2022 public hearing on a Municipally Controlled Corporation. No decisions or bylaws are on the agenda; the items are for information and further direction. The misinformation report states some financial questions remain under investigation and will be reported when records are cleaned up.

• Municipal Development Plan public engagement update: City contracted B&A Planning; engagement runs late March to May 2022, with the MDP expected before Council in early fall 2022
• 2023 Budget Process and Schedule: administration seeks Council direction; budget to be linked to the Council Strategic Plan, with timelines to be finalized
• Misinformation to be Corrected report responds to January 24, 2022 public hearing concerns on the Municipally Controlled Corporation (MCC)
• Report says questions about Environmental Services Account transfers and a possible $7 million over four years remain under investigation
• Report references a 2018 clerical error where wastewater rates in Amending Bylaw 1896-18 were never applied to customer invoices

Budget Deliberations Day 4

Wetaskiwin City Council is holding Day 4 of 2022 budget deliberations, covering capital funding for Facilities Assessment items and finalizing the 2022 Operating Budget. Council previously directed administration to cut a projected 7.34% tax requirement increase to 3.0%; administration is presenting fee increases, spending cuts, and service-level reductions that would bring the increase to 2.14% if all options are accepted. Council is also asked to confirm funding sources for immediate facility repairs, including ice plants, the Civic Centre, Multi-Plex, and By-The-Lake Park.

• Facilities Assessment immediate action items revised to $3,184,300 from $4,153,000, with $2,738,200 from MSI and $425,100 from the Infrastructure Tax Reserve
• Ice plant replacement revised to $1,100,000, a $567,500 reduction from original estimates of $942,500 and $725,000
• Proposed motions to add $405,000 Multi-Plex and $180,200 By-The-Lake Park projects to the 2022 Capital Budget, funded from MSI
• Proposed fee increases: mortgage company fee $30 per property, swimming lessons up to $55, ice rental rates up 10%, animal licensing fees up 25%
• 2022 Operating Budget tax requirement options range from 7.34% down to 2.14%, including $149,270 in revenue increases and $103,795 in expenditure cuts

Regular Council

Wetaskiwin City Council meets March 28, 2022 to consider a City Owned Building Lease Policy with three possible approaches, and to give readings to two bylaws. Council will also receive RCMP community policing survey results and a proclamation for Economic Development Week. The agenda includes approval of prior budget deliberation and regular meeting minutes.

• Bylaw 2014-22 to amend the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Bylaw 1900-18, with first, second, and third readings proposed
• Bylaw 2015-22 to revise Bylaw 1997-21 (Land Use Bylaw Amendment), with first, second, and third readings proposed
• City Owned Building Lease Policy: options include appraised market value method, total operational costs method, or ad-hoc method, with subsidization rate shown as X%
• RCMP delegation on Community Policing and Priorities Survey Results and Discussion
• Proclamation of Economic Development Week May 9-13, 2022

Regular Council

Wetaskiwin City Council meets March 14, 2022 to hold a public hearing and second and third readings on Bylaw 2013-22, which would close an unused lane within Plan 7521197 north of Lot 43 for sale. Council will also consider rescinding Policy CO-029 on curb and sidewalk inspection, directing permit statistics comparators, reallocating unexpended capital funds to the 55 Avenue project, and appointing directors to Peace Hills Utilities Inc. Two notices of motion concern a future shelter site on 37A avenue and exploring the Rural Transit Solution Fund.

• Public hearing and second/third readings of Bylaw 2013-22 to close an unused lane within Plan 7521197 north of Lot 43, Plan 7521197, for sale
• Motion to rescind Policy CO-029 - Curb and Sidewalk Inspection Maintenance Policy
• Motion to close capital projects CP 00829, 00830, 00831, 00832, 00836, 00860, 00861, 00862, 00863, 00864, 00865 and 00866 and reallocate unexpended funds to the 55 Avenue capital project
• Motion to appoint Councillors Dean Billingsley, Karen Aberle, and Wayne Neilson to the Peace Hills Utilities Inc. board, with Kevin Lonsdale as alternate
• Notice of Motion to subdivide a 2-acre parcel on City-owned land on 37A avenue for a future shelter site, and Notice of Motion to explore the Rural Transit Solution Fund for transit service and bus stops

Budget Deliberations Day 3

Wetaskiwin City Council is scheduled to meet on March 19 for the third day of its 2022 budget deliberations. The posted agenda lists only routine procedural steps: call to order, adoption of the agenda, new business, and adjournment. No specific budget items, dollar amounts, or decisions are described in the agenda text provided.

Budget Deliberations Day 2

Wetaskiwin City Council is scheduled to meet on March 2, 2022 in Council Chambers for the second day of budget deliberations. The published agenda lists only procedural steps: call to order, adoption of the agenda, new business, and adjournment. No specific budget items, dollar amounts, or decisions are described in the agenda text provided.

Committee of the Whole

Wetaskiwin's Committee of the Whole meets February 28, 2022 to receive two delegations and two information reports. ATCO and Moka Consulting will present options on housing and solar panels in partnership with Maskwacis Cree Nations, and Hope Mission's Bruce Reith will present. Council will also receive January 2022 and 2021 year-end development permit statistics, and an update on Peace Hills Utilities Inc. All items are recommended to be accepted as information; no decisions or spending are proposed.

• Delegation: ATCO and Moka Consulting on housing and solar panels with Maskwacis Cree Nations (presenters include Cole Crook, Charles Dobson, Nicole Minde, Monte Vickerson)
• Delegation: Hope Mission, presented by Bruce Reith
• Development permit statistics: January 2022 saw 2 development permits, 4 building permits, and 8 sign permits approved
• 2021 year-end: 85 development permits and 87 building permits approved, with total reported project value of $7,370,357.32
• Peace Hills Utilities Inc. update: Graham Capital anticipates financial close by end of April; no response yet from Province or Federal Government on meetings

Budget Deliberations Day 1

Wetaskiwin City Council is holding Day 1 of 2022 budget deliberations, including a proposed $5,214,700 capital budget funded by $4,575,600 in grants, $84,700 from reserves, and $554,400 in debenture borrowing for road reconstruction. Council is also receiving draft water/wastewater and operating budget overviews as information and hearing community organization presentations from the Library, Family and Community Social Services, and RCMP. Grant-in-aid applications totaling $133,600 are listed for consideration, and department-by-department operating budget presentations are scheduled.

• Proposed 2022 capital budget of $5,214,700: $4,575,600 grants, $84,700 reserves, $554,400 debenture for road reconstruction
• Grant in Aid applications: Wetaskiwin and District Museum Society $75,000; Reynolds Alberta Museum $20,000; Wetaskiwin Theatre Society $15,000; Edmonton International Raceway $10,000; Wetaskiwin Music Festival Association $5,000; PRISM Wetaskiwin $5,000; Wetaskiwin Air Services Ltd. $2,500; Quilting Divas $1,100; Wetaskiwin AG Society in kind (fire truck, water, parking standards, ad)
• Capital projects include Road Reconstruction ($1,500,000), Asphalt Overlays ($992,200), Civic Centre facility repairs ($1,053,600), and AFRRCS radios ($223,000)
• Draft 2022 water/wastewater utility and operating budgets received as information only
• Department operating budget presentations scheduled, including RCMP, Fire Services, Recreation, and Public Works

Regular Council

Wetaskiwin City Council meets on February 28, 2022 to hold a public hearing and decide on removing the Municipal Reserve designation from a 1.3-acre portion of Plan 8721715, Block 9, Lot 27MR, land appraised at $300,000.00. Council will also consider first reading of Bylaw 2013-22 for a road closure of a lane within Plan 7521197 north of Lot 43, and receive a report on benefit changes for firefighters. Several items are procedural, including approval of February 14, 2022 minutes and a consent agenda of committee reports.

• Public hearing on removing Municipal Reserve designation from 1.3-acre portion of Plan 8721715, Block 9, Lot 27MR (appraised at $300,000.00)
• First reading of Bylaw 2013-22 for road closure of a lane within Plan 7521197 north of Lot 43, with public hearing proposed for March 14, 2022
• Report on Notice of Motion - Benefit Changes for Firefighters received as information
• Consent agenda: Council Committee Reports and Attendance accepted as information
• Approval of February 14, 2022 Committee of the Whole and Regular Council minutes

Committee of the Whole

Wetaskiwin's Committee of the Whole meets February 14, 2022 to receive a presentation from the Winter Shelter Advisory Board on winter shelter operations. The board, which oversees the shelter and reports to Council monthly, will present statistics on people using the shelter and its collaborations with local agencies. Council is also scheduled to hold an in-camera session under Sections 24 and 25. No decisions beyond receiving the presentation as information are on the agenda.

• Presentation by the Winter Shelter Advisory Board, received as information (RFD-22-456)
• Shelter statistics reported: 136 unique individuals, 46 average daily check-ins, 15 sleeping rough
• Demographics reported: 98 males, 45 females, 125 Indigenous, 17 Caucasian, 1 Other
• In-camera session under Sections 24 and 25
• Presentation attached from The Mustard Seed, February 2022

Regular Council

Wetaskiwin City Council meets February 14, 2022 to decide on creating a municipally controlled corporation, Peace Hills Utilities Inc., and approving its business plan. Council will also consider disposing of a lane right-of-way and a 1.3-acre municipal reserve parcel, and rescinding seven policies. Several items are procedural, including approval of prior meeting minutes and a staff report accepted as information.

• Creation of Peace Hills Utilities Inc. (MCC) and approval of its business plan
• Disposition of lane within Plan 7521197 between Block 43, Plan 7521197 and Lot 2, Block 57, Plan 0622415
• Disposition of 1.3-acre portion of Plan 8721715, Block 9, Lot 27MR, with public hearing scheduled for February 28, 2022
• Contract for property assessment services with Accurate Assessment from March 1, 2022 through February 28, 2025
• Rescinding policies CO-007, CO-010, CO-017, CO-020, CO-024, CO-025, and MU-001

Special Council Meeting

Wetaskiwin City Council is holding a special meeting on February 3, 2022 to discuss the Municipally Controlled Corporation and the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The meeting is meant to let Council review public comments from a public hearing and ask questions before a decision expected at the February 14, 2022 regular council meeting. The only substantive agenda item is receiving an information report; no decision or vote is scheduled at this meeting.

• Information report RFD-22-451 on the Municipally Controlled Corporation and Wastewater Treatment Plant, presented by City Manager Sue Howard
• Discussion of public comments received at a prior public hearing on the project
• Review of options for the project and why Council directed Administration to continue with the P3 project in 2021
• Decision on the matter is expected at the February 14, 2022 Regular Council meeting
• Special meeting called by Mayor Tyler Gandam under Section 194(1)(a) of the Municipal Government Act

Committee of the Whole

Wetaskiwin's Committee of the Whole meets January 24, 2022 to hear nine Grant in Aid applications over $500, plus presentations from the Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce, Project Forest, and an RCMP Q3 2021 update. The Grant in Aid program, under policy CO-019, received nine applications by the January 12, 2022 deadline; applicants present for up to 10 minutes each. Council is receiving these as information ahead of budget deliberations, after which Administration will notify applicants of Council's decision. A separate report on Grant in Aid applications under $500 is also on the agenda.

• Nine Grant in Aid applications over $500 presented, including Wetaskiwin Theatre Society, Quilting Divas, Wetaskiwin and District Museum Society, Reynolds Alberta Museum, Wetaskiwin Music Festival Association, Edmonton International Raceway, Wetaskiwin Air Services Ltd., Wetaskiwin AG Society, and PRISM Wetaskiwin
• Wetaskiwin Theatre Society requests operational funding to offset pandemic revenue losses; its unaudited June 30, 2021 statements show a $5,248 deficit and total revenue of $93,468
• RCMP Q3 2021 Presentation received as information
• Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce January presentation received as information
• Project Forest delegation presentation accepted as information

Regular Council - 24 Jan 2022 *REPUBLISHED*

Wetaskiwin City Council meets January 24, 2022 for a regular meeting that includes a public hearing required under the Municipal Government Act for Resolution 453/21, notice of which has been published since December 14, 2021. Council will also receive a Whistleblowing Annual Report as information, recognize Leah Niemi as Citizen of the Month for January 2022, and consider approving Mayor Tyler Gandam and two councillors' attendance at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities annual conference in Regina, SK from June 2-5, 2022 with associated expenses. An in camera session is scheduled under Section 24 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from January 10 and January 17 meetings and a consent agenda of correspondence.

• Public hearing for Resolution 453/21, noticed since December 14, 2021 via newspapers, City website, social media, and January utility bills
• Whistleblowing Annual Report dated January 24, 2022 to be received as information
• Leah Niemi to be recognized as Citizen of the Month for January 2022
• Authorization for Mayor Tyler Gandam and two councillors to attend FCM conference in Regina, SK, June 2-5, 2022, with associated expenses
• In camera session under Section 24 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Special Council Meeting

Wetaskiwin City Council held a special meeting on January 17, 2022 to consider the future of the homeless encampment at 5800 37A Avenue and the city's role in the 24/7 winter emergency shelter. Administration recommended that Council direct Administration to work with the RCMP to close the encampment, citing safety incidents and ongoing servicing costs. The report also updated Council on the Mustard Seed shelter, which has operated 24/7 since December 20, 2021, and noted the trailer encampment lease expires March 31, 2022 with no direction past that date.

• Administration recommends Council direct Administration to work with RCMP to close the encampment at 5800 37A Avenue
• To-date costs reported: $2,100 in toilet servicing and $34,114 in private security; possible $3,000 to replace damaged toilets
• Council previously approved up to $12,000 per month for private security near the encampment until March 31, 2022 (Motion 359/21)
• Shelter funded by $150,000 from the Rural Development Network and $35,000 from Council; Mustard Seed operating 24/7 since December 20, 2021
• Trailer encampment lease expires March 31, 2022; Administration has no direction past that date

Committee of the Whole

Wetaskiwin's Committee of the Whole meets January 10, 2022 at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The only substantive item is a request from City Manager Sue Howard to hold an in camera (closed) session under Sections 21 and 24 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, covering intergovernmental relations and advice from officials. The agenda lists no other new or unfinished business before adjournment. The report states no financial, legal, program, or organizational implications at this time.

• In camera session requested under FOIP Sections 21 (intergovernmental relations) and 24 (advice from officials)
• Request for Decision RFD-21-429 presented by City Manager Sue Howard
• Report states no financial, legal, program, or organizational implications at this time
• No other new or unfinished business listed on the agenda

Regular Council

Wetaskiwin City Council meets January 10, 2022 to review the December 13, 2021 minutes, receive a Winter Shelter Advisory Board presentation, and consider several bylaws. Council will vote on the Emergency Management Bylaw 2010-22, a planning fee update to the 2022 Fees and Charges Bylaw, and an Operating Line of Credit Borrowing Bylaw. It will also consider an amended 2022 municipal budget consultation plan and appointments to the Library Board, Assessment Review Boards, and Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.

• Emergency Management Bylaw 2010-22 up for first, second, and third readings
• Bylaw 2011-21 to amend Schedule C, Planning and Engineering Fees of the 2022 Fees and Charges Bylaw
• Operating Line of Credit Borrowing Bylaw 2012-22 up for three readings
• Amended 2022 municipal budget consultation plan with virtual-only engagement, $4,500 for the Balancing Act virtual tool
• Appointments to Library Board, Assessment Review Boards, and Subdivision and Development Appeal Board