New Deputy Mayor, Support for non-profits, and another step towards faster internet

Sturgeon County Council Recap | February 23, 2021

Here are the highlights from the February 23, 2021, Sturgeon County Council Meeting:

• Council heard a presentation from Robin Piquette, requesting an appeal of penalties imposed for not obtaining a building permit for construction of an accessory building. Council directed Administration to bring the matter back for decision at a future Council Meeting.
• Councillor Dan Derouin was sworn in as Deputy Mayor for the period March 1, 2021, to October 26, 2021. The Deputy Mayor fulfills the role of Mayor should the Mayor be unavailable. Council also appointed Councillor Kristin Toms as a voting member and Councillor Patrick D. Tighe as an alternate voting member of the Governance and Council Services Committee.
• After considering information shared during a presentation from Van Vuong and Emma Zhou on February 9, 2021, and information from Administration, Council denied the requests to cancel property tax penalties, weed control costs and penalties, and utility costs.
• Council approved a new Minor Claims for Damages Policy that will allow the County to self-insure for low-risk damage claims under $1,500. Through adoption and implementation of the policy, the County is expected to reduce loss ratios and insurance premiums. Council also approved an addition of $20,000 to the 2021 Finance operating budget to cover minor claims under the new policy.
• Council approved an application for the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre’s Municipal Energy Manager (MEM) Program as an opportunity for the County to manage its energy use, become more energy efficient, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through hiring of a Municipal Energy Manager. This role would be funded 80% through grant funding through the MEM program, with the balance from the General Operating Reserve. The program is for one year, with an option for a second year, which would be decided through the 2022 budget process.
• Council provided a one-time grant to 28 different local non-profit organizations. Altogether, an extra $89,400 will be allocated to support the work of Sturgeon County’s 17 community associations, nine seniors’ associations, and two arenas. The one-time grant will be in addition to the funds received as part of the 2021 Community Organization Operating and Capital Grant funding program.
• Council directed Administration to proceed with the procurement phase of the Sturgeon County Broadband Strategy. The strategy seeks to improve internet access throughout the County to better serve the needs of residents and businesses and encourage economic growth. More information is available at sturgeoncounty.ca/internet

Next Council Meeting

The next Sturgeon County Council meeting will be held March 9, 2021, at 9:00 a.m.

Future agendas and past meeting minutes can be found online.