ST. PAUL - The County of St. Paul has chosen to transfer some unexpected revenue into deferred revenue to be used for projects in 2022, rather than using the funds for additional projects this year.
Alberta will receive funding under the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) in 2021, explained CAO Sheila Kitz during the Aug. 10 council meeting. The funds include an additional one-time payment announced by Canada in March of 2021 in recognition of the critical role communities have played in a safe restart to the economy, "and to help reduce the risk of infrastructure projects being delayed or cancelled."
The additional money is meant to help municipalities address local infrastructure needs, but use of the funds must follow all rules and conditions of the GTF program.
The County of St. Paul has received confirmation from Alberta Municipal Affairs in a letter dated July 5, that the municipality will receive a GTF allocation of $757,330. This includes $370,050 extra as a result of the one time funding top-up.
"As this is more than what was budgeted for, administration is looking for council’s direction on whether we defer the extra revenue to 2022, or utilize it within our 2021 budget," said Kitz.
A motion to approve transferring the funds to deferred revenue was carried.
Alberta is receiving a total of $499 million in funding under the GTF in 2021, which includes the $244 million one-time payment announced in March.
The GTF program is being renamed as the Canada Community-Building Fund.
Speed request on Twp 582
A couple of County residents have requested the municipality considering reducing the speed limit along Twp Rd 582 from 80km/hour to either 70km/hour or 60km-hour.
"The resident states that traffic travels at excessive speeds on this road and has discussed the issue with Coun. Fodness and Bylaw Enforcement Officer Tammy Goddu," according to Kitz.
If council agreed to reducing the speed limit on the section of road, an amendment to the Road Use Bylaw would be required.
"Administration has prepared the amendment, which is included for council’s consideration," said the CAO.
The road in question is currently under construction, and engineers have designed the road for a 100km/hour speed, although the County has no plans to increase the speed on the road from 80km/hour.
"We have a real concern that if the speed limit isn’t lowered or policed that someone is going to be seriously injured or killed on this road if nothing is going to be done," reads a letter addressed to council, signed by Vic and Rita Gill.
"Public Works currently has the road marked at 30 km/hr as the base is complete and it is waiting for gravel base course, but is currently open to the public. The public is travelling at much higher speeds than marked," heard council.
Administration plans to work with local RCMP once the road is paved and lines have been painted to help enforce the speed limit on the road.
A motion to deny the request to reduce the speed limit was carried, but council agreed to direct administration to work with RCMP to help enforce the 80km/hour speed limit on the road.
Municipal election update
During her monthly CAO report, Kitz offered council an update on the municipal election, scheduled for October.
Nomination period commenced Jan.1, and as of the Aug. 10 meeting, one nomination form had been received. Anyone interested in filing nomination papers is asked to make an appointment with Phyllis Corbiere, Deputy Returning Officer.
Roxanne Bergheim has been appointed as returning officer for the County of St. Paul and work is being done to fill election worker positions.
Parks at capacity
County-run campgrounds remain at capacity for the rest of the summer, except for Westcove.
"Day use areas have been very busy – this comes with some challenges – we are redirecting some staff to Floatingstone to assist with the increased workload due to increased day use," said Kitz in her report.
A dozen new sites have been developed at Floating Stone this season and are in the process of being graveled and packed. The sites are not being used this summer.
New playground equipment will also be installed at Lac Bellevue after the camping season wraps up.
Cabrini Cup
The County of St. Paul will be supporting the Cabrini Park Challenge Cup and antique tractor and car show with a donation of $1,000. The municipality has supported the event in the past with similar funding donations.
The event was scheduled for Aug. 21, in Mallaig.
