In-kind support for provincials

By Kathy Bly
For the Sunny South News

Picture Butte town council will provide in-kind support to the Picture Butte High School (PBHS), as it prepares to host the ASAA 2A Girls Basketball Provincials March 16-19, 2016. The school sent a letter to the town requesting a donation of items or funds to help with the event.
Mayor Wendy Jones said she feels strongly it is not the role of the town to donate taxpayers’ money. It should be up to residents to determine if they want to support local events, programs or non-profit organizations. Council agreed to provide in-kind support but not financial assistance to the event.
New fire department policies approved
Emergency services in the Town of Picture Butte are now operating under a new set of policies and procedures. Town council ratified the policies and procedures for the Picture Butte and District Emergency Services following a vote by members of the service.
Larry Davidson, chief administrative officer (CAO), said the document was presented by the fire chief and deputy fire chief to the members who voted on it. The count came back 16 out of 22 in favour, with one member away and not able to vote. “At the end of the day, I want to thank Keith and Larry for stepping in,” said Coun. Joe Watson of the work done by administration to get the new policies and procedures finalized. “We’ve gone back and forth on these policies.”
Fire services bylaw approved
A bylaw to cover fire protection, fire prevention, fire pits and fireworks was given final approval by Picture Butte town council. The updated bylaw includes increased fees and clarified regulations including the requirement for a permit to set off fireworks in Picture Butte. Bylaw Enforcement Officer Tyson Lommerts said the bylaw was very much in need of updating.
A number of fees associated with the Town of Picture Butte have now increased.
Town council approved a new fee schedule policy at a recent council meeting, which will see an increase to fees charged for a number of administrative services involving development.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Larry Davidson said a number of development fees were outdated and did not reflect the actual cost to the town.
The development fees were previously approved as part of the town’s new land-use bylaw.
The new fee schedule will include rental fee increases for the Community/Seniors Centre and Davidson suggested these fees should be adjusted even further over the next few years.
“It’s still not cost recovery.”
Family swim passes were increased from $150 to $175 for the 2016 swim season and residents will also see a two per cent increase in their town utilities across the board.
For the average resident that increase will mean their monthly bill will increase to $83 from the current $78.
Council also approved bylaw 843-15, the updated utility bylaw for the Town of Picture Butte.