Agenda highlights
Policing update
One of the interesting highlights of the RCMP’s report is that we can expect RCMP members to be testing body cameras in Parkland County, Grand Prairie, and St. Paul. If these tests are successful, “the introduction of body-worn cameras and digital evidence management service will become a new national standard”. We can also expect 911 texting capabilities and video communication by Spring 2024.
The statistic that “calls for service under the category of [the] Mental Health Act” has increased by 62% since 2018. Also sobering is the statistic showing there was a 236% increase in calls related to domestic violence between Q2 2021 and Q2 2022, with an overall 15% increase since 2018.
RR225 Bridge Repairs (+$1.3M)
Council approved $818,900 for regular maintenance/repairs of bridges in 2023, which is insufficient to repair the RR225 bridge - this motion is to fund repairs so the bridge can be reopened which is required prior to nearby improvements to Hogan Road/Range Road 255 to ensure residents are not “landlocked”.
“Following [a] scheduled inspection… a partial closure of the bridge was initiated.… [T]he condition allowed for a portion of the bridge to remain open under conditions of closure of the southbound lanes, reduce allowable loading on the bridge, and perform monthly inspections to monitor the site… On October 11, 2022, a bridge inspector… witnessed a water truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 23,400 kg (23.4 tonnes) pass over the bridge, which is well beyond the bridge load restriction of 3 tonnes; thus emphasizing a risk associated with maintaining the bridge in operation where a restriction cannot be actively enforced. The intent of the partial closure was to provide some level of service to maintain access and connectivity, while a response plan could be developed, and work initiated to repair the bridge. The posted loading restriction was critical to allow the bridge to remain in service and the known influence of the condition not being adhered to results in the City being potentially liable for damage or injury related to the bridge condition, and puts public safety at risk. The resulting action was a full closure of the bridge, until a replacement of the bridge is completed.”
Millenium Park(+$337,000?)
As part of budget deliberations, Council approved funding for next steps to develop Millennium Park. This motion, brought forward by an individual member of Council, seeks to cancel this funding and direct staff to facilitate a Council Workshop to determine a new vision/plan for the park before bringing another project charter forward as part of the 2024 budget process. As there is no funding to re-do the consultation process or designs/cost estimates that were completed over the last few years, Admin recommends that - should we wish to start over - “that up to $337,000 be funded to complete a Council Workshop and create a new concept plan for Millennium Park, including any necessary technical studies and public engagement”. (The concept plan & charter that was complete prior to funding being approved for 2023 is available in our agenda package.)
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 register to speak if they have information to present to council. Full agenda packages can be found on the stalbert.ca website.
