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Summer meetings, runoff among topics at Council meeting

On May 8, Eckville Town Council held a regular meeting of Council.

Summer Council Meetings

The Town of Eckville Administration presented Council with two options regarding summer meeting times. As is regular, Council usually cancels two summer meetings in order to accommodate Council and staff vacations throughout the Summer season.

The first option presented stated that meetings would be held on Monday, July 17 and Monday, August 21. The second option stated that meetings would be held on Monday, July 24 and Monday, August 28.

Council briefly discussed which was most convenient for all Council members and decided that the second option would fit everyone’s needs appropriately. CAO Jack Ramsden and Mayor Helen Posti both pointed out that Council can call meetings at any time in case something unexpected were to occur.

Councillor Sandra Hallgren made the motion that Council meetings will be held on July 24 and August 28. The motion passed unanimously.

Spring Runoff

Council discussed an issue with water runoff draining onto a private residence on 54th Avenue and 49th Street.

The water has been pooling and flooding due to a lack of run-off infrastructure on 54th Avenue. CAO Jack Ramsden suggested that a larger curb could dam the water away from the residence.

At current time, the situation is “touch and go” according to CAO Ramsden, and will require further research by Town Staff. Council instructed Town administration to further research the issue to find an appropriate solution.

Councillor Scott Kinley suggested that Town staff keep an eye out for situations and areas throughout town like this in order to prevent them in the future.

Fire Bylaw

At the last meeting of Council, Mayor Posti requested that Council take the time each meeting of Council to go over the current bylaws in place in order to ensure that they are appropriate under the new Municipal Government Act. This week, Council went over the existing burning/fire bylaw in Eckville.

Mayor Posti suggested that this one is problematic, as some residents in Town are burning yard waste, garbage and other inappropriate items within Town. Councillor Scott Kinley suggested that the bylaw needs to clearly state that any burning within Town should be for recreational purposes. Posti added that no burning barrels should be allowed within the Town limits.

Councillor Dwayne Meyers pointed out that it would be difficult to state everything that you are not allowed to burn in town, therefore the bylaw should be flexible enough by clearly stating recreational and that these fires may not be a public nuisance.

Town Administration will make the proposed changes to the bylaw and bring them back to the next scheduled meeting of Council. Fire Chief and Councillor Stuart Carde suggested that the Town newsletter and sign should point out some fire safety in order to remind people heading into the summer camping months.

Marijuana legislation

Councillor Sandra Hallgren and Mayor Helen Posti reported to Council on a recent seminar they attended regarding the upcoming federal legislation on marijuana - which goes into effect July 1, 2018.

Mayor Helen Posti remarked that the seminar was very informative and that bylaws will need to be amended in order to coincide with federal legislation. Council briefly discussed possible issues regarding the new laws including enforcement, implementation and how it could affect public spaces throughout Town.

Council will continue to monitor the upcoming federal legislation in order to ensure they are prepared.