Between the new Health Order restrictions and the fire at the Citadel Mews, last week was exceptionally busy. I’ll comment more in a separate post, but as a spoiler: City staff continue to impress, no matter what is thrown at them. It was a challenging week and they performed with exceptional professionalism and dedication. As residents, we’re in good hands.
10-Year Growth Plan
On Monday morning, Council will meet for a workshop “to review and remove the Capital Plan Growth Charters that are no longer required, with special consideration to lower ranked charter”. The charters we’re reviewing include everything from neighbourhood park development, to Neil Ross Rd. and LeClair Way extensions, to the new Community Amenities (pool, ice, etc.) site. Members of the public can watch this workshop live online.
CLSC agenda highlights
I expect our Community Living Standing Committee to be a quick one, but there are a few important items:
Young Artist Legacy Award recipient recommendations ($1,174)
The Arts Advisory Committee reviewed all applicants to this program and is recommending that we award three youth with funding through this program that supports youth arts development.
Community Event Grant Program recommendations ($10,000)
The Community Services Advisory Committee reviewed all applicants to this program and is recommending that we award $5,000 to the Rock’n August 25th Anniversary Celebration Parade and $5,000 for the St. Albert Pride event.
Community Capital Grant Program recommendations ($99,419)
The Community Services Advisory Committee reviewed all applicants to this program and is recommending that we award:
$41,250 for renovations/improvements to the Kinsmen Banquet Centre and RV Park.
$2,661 for the replacement of a play structure at Muriel Martin School.
$2,661 for the replacement of a play structure at Wild Rose School.
$27,847 for upgrades to Riel Field.
They are also recommending that we revisit our 2020 decision to award $65,000 to Dynamix and to increase funding by $25,000. The project this funding was used for is complete and they “have submitted their final accounting related to their Community Capital Grant to Administration. According to the project financial statement provided, the organization had to prioritize and decrease the project budget.” Administration commented the following about this recommendation:
“The motion of the CSAC does not align to Policy C-CS-06 Community Capital Grant Program for the following reasons:
• The Dynamyx Gymnastics Club did not apply for Community Capital grant funding in 2021 and did not request Council reconsider the funding previously approved for their facility project.
• The debate regarding funding for this capital project has already taken place by both Council and the Community Living Standing Committee with the recommendation resulting in a Community Capital grant approval of $65,000.
• Organizations are eligible to apply for Community Capital Grant funding once every two years. Dynamyx is not eligible to apply and receive funding from this grant program until 2022.
• Organizations are ineligible to receive retroactive funding for projects.
CGISC agenda highlights
10 Year Municipal RMR Plan & Budget
This budget is in place to maintain municipal infrastructure so we can continue to provide current service levels. In 2022, for example, we are planning on a $23.4 million budget being split between Roads & Other Engineered Structures ($10.5M), Mobile & Other Equipment (6.4M), Civic Facilities (5.6M), Parks & Trails (0.4M), Master Plans, Studies & Other (0.3M), and Land & Land Improvements (0.2M). The more non-standard expenses include the decommissioning of the old Fire Station 1 ($852,500) and mandatory upgrading of our 911 system (1.2M). 2022 projects are being funded through reserves and grants.
10 Year Utility RMR Plan & Budget
This budget is in place to maintain utility infrastructure (water, wastewater, etc.) so we can continue to provide current service levels. One of the larger projects that is planned is the Sturgeon Pump Station and Reservoir Replacement in 2022-2023. This pump station and reservoir was built in 1957, with additional reservoirs added in 1966, 1972, and 1983 - Needless to say, if we want to guarantee that a big part of St. Albert continues to have reliable access to running water, it’s time for a replacement. Of note, the Oakmont pump station & reservoir was build in 1996 and the Lacombe Park one was rebuilt in 2005. We are also expecting to create a Utility Master Plan that will align with our recently-approved MDP. Utility projects are funded through reserves.
This is a brief and incomplete overview of our meetings, with my personal comments sprinkled in - In no way are my opinions representative of the official direction of council or the City of St. Albert. Please let me know of any typos or errors. Members of the public can also register to speak if they have information to present to council. Full agenda packages can be found on the stalbert.ca website.