ST. PAUL - The Community Grant Funding policy was once again discussed, as Town council discussed three different requests during its regular meeting on June. 14.
The first fell within policy but was not approved by council. A request from a small business for a donation of golf passes to do a Father's Day contest was received by the Town.
Administration noted that the Community Grant policy leaves room for interpretation, and is somewhat unclear when it comes to private business. CAO Kim Heyman said the policy should be more defined.
Coun. Nathan Taylor said he believes the intent of the policy and grants is specifically for not-for-profit groups.
"I don't think this is something we should support," said Taylor.
Mayor Maureen Miller agreed, saying this wasn't the intent of the program. A motion to approve the request was defeated by council.
A second request involved a bit less conversation, although one topic that was noted was that events support by the grant program should benefit the community. The St. Paul Cruisers Club, which is a new group in St. Paul, is planning a car show for Canada Day, in St. Paul and requested $1,000 from the grant program.
Miller said she felt the club should do something to give back to the community, through the event. Heyman noted that discussions had already taken place with the club, on the topic.
A motion to approve the $1,000 grant was approved.
A third request came from the STEP Economic Development Alliance, and requested the Town contribute $700 toward a program that funds professional development for young and new entrepreneurs. The Innovation Masterclass aims to build entrepreneurial skills in rural Alberta. Other local businesses and organizations have also supported the initiative. The County of St. Paul is contributing to the fund too, heard council.
While the request did not follow the community grant policy, Miller said she supported the request and felt there was no other avenue for it to come forward to council.
Coun. Norm Noel questioned why council did not approve one request that did follow policy, and then considered approving a request that did not follow policy. He said the move could set a precedence.
Council approved the third request.
Encroachments
Following the approve of Land Use Bylaw 2021-04, the Planning and Development Department along with Municipal Enforcement, are starting to conduct inspections, as time permits, to take inventory of possible encroachments and unauthorized developments, such as sheds, fencing, trees and shrubs, on Town owned lands, "upon a complaint," according to the June 14 agenda.
The departments are also working with the Parks and Recreation Department to review encroachments and unauthorized developments on the St. Paul Golf Course.
"Letters will be sent to affected owners giving them time to comply."
Memorial benches
Residents now have the opportunity to have a memory bench installed at the St. Paul Golf Course in honour of a past loved one.
Benches are already allowed along the walking trail and Iron Horse Trail, and will now be allowed at the golf course, following a decision made by council last Monday night.
The person or family who wants to have a bench installed pay for the bench itself, and the plaque, heard council. Then, Public Works installs the bench and covers the cost of cement.
"I think it's a good idea," said Coun. Ron Boisvert.
19toZero
Town council agreed to take part in an outreach initiative aimed at sharing information and helping people make informed decisions.
"19toZero is a coalition of academics and healthcare practitioners that provide accurate and timely public health information surrounding COVID-19 and vaccines to the public to better allow community members to make informed choices surrounding their health," reads a letter from Dr. Jia Hu, an Alberta physician, and former Medical Officer of Health for Alberta Health Services.
Hu is leading the outreach initiative 19toZero. The group arranges town hall events over Zoom to present COVID and vaccine information, and also offer a question and answer period to provide an opportunity for community members to voice any questions or concerns they may have. The group has hosted over 50 town hall presentations so far.
"We were hoping to set up a town hall presentation for the St. Paul/Wainwright/Vermilion region sometime in July and were wondering if you think this would be of interest to your community," reads the letter.
"Also, please note that 19toZero is an independent, non-profit coalition that is not tied to the government or Alberta Health Services - we are not trying to force people to get vaccinated, we are simply providing Albertans with the opportunity to ask questions and inform themselves with accurate medical information so they can make their own decisions," wrote Hu,
Miller said she found the information presented by 19toZero to be informative and suggested the town take part in the upcoming town hall. A motion to participate was carried.
Community garden request
Town council has directed administration to work with the Community Garden Society to find a way to keep gardening tools and other equipment more secure, and less prone to theft.
Council received a request from the Community Garden Society requesting use of a Sea-Can in the Public Works yard. Director of Public Works Steven Jeffery was in attendance at Monday's council meeting and said the Sea-Can is being used as storage. He noted that parking any equipment outside is also a risk for the Town of St. Paul.
In the letter from the Community Garden Society, it was noted that while the group has a wooden shed, there have been a number of break-ins to it, over the years.
Taylor recommended administration work with the society to see if there is an alternative solution to the problem. A motion to table the request for more information was carried.
