ST. PAUL - The Town of St. Paul has set a date and time for a telephone town hall meeting to give residents an opportunity to speak directly with RCMP about crime-related issues in the community.
The event will take place on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.
"We're hoping for a good turnout," said CAO Kim Heyman, when speaking about the event at the Sept. 28 town council meeting. She noted that it is important for residents to register ahead of time to ensure the system can handle all the participants. If a person cannot register online, they can call the town office at 780-645-1765.
Department reports
During the monthly department reports, Coun. CAO Ron Boisvert asked if the Wastwater Treatment Plant upgrades were on schedule. Heyman noted that the project was running on schedule and on budget.
While the project may not be done by the March deadline that had originally been set, it will be close, said Heyman. The plant should be up and running by the summer of 2021.
Boisvert also asked about the CAP Arena, and if there would be enough users to justify having both arenas this season. Coun. Gary Ward responded, saying only a couple of teams aren't playing this season, and one of those spots has already been filled.
"That's all we've had back out," said Ward.
He also noted that Alberta Hockey has said teams can travel and play league games, although, the organization is still waiting on Alberta Health approval to do so.
Keeping on the topic of Parks and Recreation, Coun. Brad Eamon asked administration how busy the town's campsite was over the summer months. Heyman said numbers were better than expected, and there were many people camping at the Iron Horse campground because they were accessing the Iron Horse Trail.
"It did better than we thought it would," said Heyman.
Mobile food vendors
Amendments to the Business License Bylaw received first reading at last Monday night's council meeting. Changes to the bylaw will address mobile food vendors, and the permissible public spaces they can operate.
The definition of “food vendor,” according to the bylaw is any mobile vendor offering prepared food or meals and beverages for sale. This does not include vendors selling produce, or fresh or frozen meats and fish.
The bylaw will state that food vendors must have a valid Town business license to operate within the municipality.
"At the time Food trucks purchase their annual business licence, they will need to also obtain a letter from the Town of St. Paul, authorizing them to operate their food truck on public land within the town, so long as they locate in a legal parking spot," reads an amendment to the bylaw.
It also states: "Food and mobile vendors shall not operate within 50 meters of any business where the same or similar goods, services or merchandise are sold."
Expropriation
Council has taken the next step in the expropriation of land located on the southwest side of the municipality.
A second motion is required to be passed by council in order to proceed with the expropriation now that the deadline for objections has passed, and without any feedback being received, Heyman told council.
The expropriation will allow the Town of St. Paul to control the flow of water that has caused spring flooding issues along the portion of land that borders the County of St. Paul.
The Town had been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement with the landowner, and the process of expropriation of land started after mediation and a fair offer to purchase failed to resolve the issue.
Tax abatement program
Cornerstone Co-op has requested Tax Abatement for their Gas Bar Modernization Project. The request is as per the town's 2020 Tax Incentive Program Bylaw.
"Because the Co-op's property is located in Zone 3 as set out in Bylaw #1225, the tax incentive rate that would apply is 25 per cent of the municipal property taxes attributable to the Gas Bar Modernization," said Heyman.
The tax abatement credit for the Co-op will be $6,399.39. A motion to approve the request was carried.
Citizens on Patrol
A request from Citizens on Patrol for use of the multipurpose room at the St. Paul Rec. Centre was approved by council on Sept. 28. It was also noted that the organization is seeking more members.
Tax collection
As of the Sept. 28 meeting, the town still had 16 per cent of its property taxes to collect. The deadline for payment of taxes this year, without any penalties being incurred, was Sept. 30.
"We never meeting 100 per cent," noted Heyman, adding, it had been very busy in the office with people coming to pay their taxes.
Christmas Party
The Town of St. Paul has cancelled its annual Christmas party, which typically takes place as a joint party with the St. Paul Fire Department. The decision was made due to measures that are still in place around large gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
