The Town of Bonnyville has decided to explore the option of creating a multi-family assessment subclass.
The idea was sparked during council's 2018 assessment presentation two weeks ago, but wouldn't be implemented until 2020.
"The rationale behind creating a residential subclass for multi-family properties is based on fluctuations of these assessments year after year as the economy fluctuates," explained Renee Stoyles, director of finance.
The deadline to pass a bylaw for the current tax year was Feb. 28, so administration will have to prepare one for council to address during their 2020 budget talks.
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Speed limit reduction request coming from the town
Council will be submitting a request to the province to ask that the speed limit be reduced along 50 Ave.
After voting in favour of building a trail between the Centennial Centre and the 37 St. 7-Eleven on Feb. 12, the town suggested asking Alberta Transportation to reduce the speed limit from 70-kilometres per hour to 50, in order to accommodate a crosswalk being put in.
Coun. Chad Colbourne, who sits on the town's Community Policing Committee, noted the decision was to make 37 St., which leads to École des Beaux-Lacs, a little safer for school-goers.
"The reason being traffic coming into town, especially right at that point, should be slowing down. That way it allows people to recognize that they have a brand new crosswalk put in," he explained.
Coun. Ray Prevost noted it could be sometime before they hear if the request is approved or not.
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Bylaw for Bonnyville Bingo Association passes first reading
Bonnyville council passed first reading of a bylaw guaranteeing a loan for the Bonnyville Bingo Association after they made the request during the town's last meeting on March 26.
Before coming back before council for second and third reading, the decision must be advertised to give residents an opportunity to speak for or against the idea.
Colbourne, who's the liaison between the bingo association and the C2 board, said bingo isn't set on the building they originally approached council about.
"They're trying to figure out the best way to get going. With the extensive renovations happening with the building they're looking at right now, the building that came forward to them would bring such a renovation. They're looking at both sides right now," he explained.
Town tables playground discussion
After receiving a request from Duclos School to assist in paying for a sensory playground, council tabled the discussion until they had more information.
According to a letter from the school principal, Jody Centazzo, Duclos has $43,000 left to pay off their plaground. Their ask was for the town to assist with the balance.
CAO Mark Power noted the municipality has assisted with constructing playgrounds in the past.
"Years ago, we used to make a kind of contribution or donation of material and labour to put these things up with our public works (department) and stuff like that," he said.
Council received a smiliar request from Dr. Bernard Brosseau School in order to help with their own all-inclusive playground.
Town supporting Kleinmann Cup
Council will be supporting the eighth annual Kleinmann Cup through the purchase of a major hole sponsorship.
"All the money that's raised as a result of this tournament stays in the community, and it goes to a local charity," Prevost said, adding the town has supported the event for a number of years.
Since it's inception, the Kleinmann Cup has raised roughly $25,000 for local non-profit groups.
"A lot of the local organizations make an application to the Kleinmann family for those funds, and they make the final decision on where the money is going," explained Prevost.
Barbecue planned for May long weekend
The town will allocate up to $10,000 toward a barbecue and Treaty 6 flag raising ceremony on Friday, May 17 to kick-off the Canadian Indian Relay Racing Association (CIRRA) event scheduled that weekend.
"We will be inviting all surrounding communities. We'll be inviting the schools to come and participate in the raising of the Treaty 6 flag as well as welcome our participants for the CIRRA (event) that will be taking over our rodeo grounds for the course of the weekend," detailed Colbourne.
Weather permitting, the barbecue will be held outside of the town office from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Coun. Brian McEvoy said, "I think it's going to be a great opportunity for the community and broader community, the indigenous communities around us, to take some time to get to know each other in a very friendly setting."
