Sylvan Lake Town Council met for its regular meeting where they discussed snow removal, signage and utility billing.
Utility billing
The Town of Sylvan Lake is moving towards monthly utility bills. Monthly billing is expected to begin in February, 2018.
As opposed to the bi-monthly format, the monthly format will require more man hours as well as have incidental costs, such as paper and postage, associated with monthly bills. As such Council approved the hiring of a part-time utility clerk.
Council also spoke about moving towards e-billing for residential customers.
“It is the way we are moving and I think in a while we will see it as the only option,” said Coun. Jas Payne.
Billing through e-mail is an option currently, though some customers say they do not want it. To encourage residents to sign up for e-billing, administration will be planning a campaign to move some people over to the option.
Wayfinding signage
Council approved a contract to Steel Art Signs to complete and install way finding signage in Sylvan Lake.
Steel Art Signs was one of seven proposal administration received through the Request for Proposal process which began on Oct. 11 and closed on Nov. 8.
Previously Council heard it would cost $717,500 to implement new signage, not including signage for gateway, welcome or park signs.
Administration looked at way to limit the cost, which included change to the signage designs and using existing poles for the signs.
According to the Draft Budget that was released on Nov. 28, Council has budgeted $160,000 - including a 10 per cent contingency - to complete the new vehicular way finding signage for Sylvan Lake.
Snow Removal
During the last winter season, winter 2017-17, Municipal Enforcement investigated 37 cases of “non-compliant sidewalks” at 108 community sidewalk location. This resulted in warning notices and violation summons.
In 13 cases, Municipal Enforcement contracted maintenance services to remove snow and ice from “severely neglected sidewalks.”
According to a report made to Town Council at the Nov. 27 meeting, 10 properties who were invoiced for the cost of the contracted services have not paid the invoice. These invoices have remained unpaid more than eight months after the property owners were invoiced.
The total amount owed to the Town from the outstanding fees is $740.25.
Town Council approved to have the unpaid balances added to the tax rolls of the property owners who “neglected to remove snow and ice for sidewalks adjacent to their properties” and did not repay the Town upon demand.
Council will be holding a public hearing for the water and sewer bylaw on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. Council will also be holding an open house at the NexSource Centre on Dec. 12 for the budget draft.
The next regular meeting of Town Council will be on Dec. 11 following the public hearing.
megan.roth@sylvanlakenews.com
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