Nobleford Council briefs from April 23

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Sunny South News

Southern Alberta Newspapers

Delegations

Don McDowell, Vice Chair – Green Acres Foundation Board of Directors

Don McDowell provided Council with an annual update on the Green Acres Foundation.

The Green Acres Foundation had a busy year with much accomplished. To read about the Green Acres Foundation’s accomplishments, check out their 2023 Report to the Community, located on their website! https://www.greenacres.ab.ca/ (make sure you scroll to the bottom to select “2023 Report to the Community”.

Amy Allred, Economic Development Manager – Town of Taber

Amy Allred presented Council with information regarding the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. Council discussed the impacts it may have on Nobleford and decided to arrange a Community Luncheon for local businesses to gauge interest in the program.

Unfinished Business

2024 Operating and Capital Budget

Council adopted the 2024 Operating and Capital Budget as presented. In the coming weeks, the 2024 Budget Release will be made available for viewing on the Town’s website. The Budget Release is an easy-to-read document explaining to property owners how the budget works and where funds will be spent throughout the year.

Proposed Bylaw #700 (Utility Bylaw)

Council deferred the proposed bylaw to the May 13, 2024 Council Meeting.

Council is currently seeking resident feedback on the proposed bylaw. The proposed bylaw intends to provide stronger provisions regarding utility services within the Town of Nobleford. Various sections focus on Water, Wastewater, and Garbage. The proposed bylaw also includes possible water restrictions for implementation should the Town of Nobleford need to conserve water. If you have any questions about the proposed bylaw or would like to provide Council with your input, please call the office at (403) 824-3555 or email cao@nobleford.ca

To view the proposed bylaw, please click the link below:

http://nobleford.ca/p/local-notices/224b8aa0-22b7-498d-b99a-1105886028ef

New Business

Proposed Bylaw #702 (Property Tax Bylaw)

Council passed the 2024 Property Tax Bylaw. This bylaw establishes the rate at which properties in Nobleford will be taxed for the 2024 year. The residential mill (tax) rate received a very slight decrease as a result of increased property assessment and a decrease in the Alberta School Foundation Fund mill rate. Property Tax notices will be mailed out later this month. Within your notice you will receive a pamphlet explaining how property taxation works, important dates, and how to appeal your assessment if you believe it was incorrectly assessed.

Proposed Bylaw #703 (Business License Bylaw)

Council passed a new Business License Bylaw. The only change introduced in the new bylaw is the definition of direct seller and hawker/peddler, and the addition of a separate fee category for non-resident direct sellers and hawker/peddlers. Regular businesses in Nobleford are not affected by any of the changes in the new bylaw.

Reports

Chief Administrative Officer Report

The CAO report updated Council on a recent contractor meeting regarding road patching, staff education, grant funding applications, the proposed Community Peace Officer services agreement, and the cost of the 2023 audit.

Public Works Report

The Public Works report updated Council on the operation of the Bulk Water Fill Station, staff education, raw water reservoir levels and current usage, a sewer camera quote, scheduled street sweeping, and upcoming projects.

Fire Chief Report

The Fire Chief report updated Council on the recent sale of an unused vehicle, the awarding of a training and equipment replacement grant from Alberta Health Services, the awarding of a Fire Training Services Training Grant, the status of Fire Fighter training, an update on the Fire Training Grounds, response call volume, and membership levels.

Councillor Reports 

Deputy Mayor de Leeuw and  Councillor Oudshoorn reported on a recent Lethbridge Regional Waste Management Services Commission meeting and updated Council on the Commission’s current initiatives.

The next Regular Council Meeting dates are as follows: May 28, June 11 and June 25.