Lacombe County councillors heard updates on some of the municipality’s ongoing projects. The report was made at the Jan. 8 regular meeting.

Councillors examined an item listed in their “consent agenda,” a section of the regular agenda that usually holds routine reports or other items that are intended as updates.

One item on the list, referred to as “House in (Hamlet of) Mirror,” was discussed briefly by councillors. The report noted, “Follow up regarding the residence supported by moving beams after two years and the associated potential safety implications.”

As councillors asked questions about the stage of construction the house is at, staff pointed out the project hasn’t reached a key deadline yet. However, Lacombe County has sent a letter to the contractor in question. Readers should note that development permits that authorize construction typically have expiry dates; projects that run past an expiry date may have to re-apply for another permit.

Councillors also mused that basement windows on the house in question could be boarded up to increase safety.

Another item briefly discussed by councillors was “Lacombe Golf and Country Club 100th Anniversary Recognition Signage;” the staff report added, “Provide a sign to the Lacombe Golf and Country Club in recognition of their 100th anniversary, at a cost not to exceed $1,500.”

An item dating back to the Dec. 11 regular council meeting, “Request for Accretion Related Road Closures,” appeared to be related to a plan to combine several parcels into a new title. The staff report noted, “Approve the closure and consolidation of several parcels of county-owned land adjacent to Gull Lake. Close the various road plans in the area and circulate the proposal to interested parties for comment. Present the report on the comments and cancellation request at a future council meeting.”

Councillors also discussed an item listed under the “Previous meetings” section, “Lakeview Estates Water System Fluoride.” Staff updated this item thusly: “Submit an application to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas to approve the use of the point-of-use in-home reverse osmosis units and cancel the current registration to the director of EPA.”

Staff noted that they’ve spoken to the provincial government about this project and now need to meet with residents for discussion. However, finding a date for a meeting has been challenging as both Alberta Environment and AHS officials also have to attend. It was noted councillors could attend this meeting if they wished.

Also included in the previous meetings section was “Minimum municipal tax levy rate.” The staff update noted, “Include a minimum municipal tax levy rate of $50 in the 2027 operating budget.” More municipalities seem inclined to pass minimum municipal tax rate bylaws which mandate a minimum property tax bill that applies to all property owners regardless of a property’s assessment. The rationale behind such bylaws is that some properties, because of their low assessment, don’t pay enough property tax to cover the public services such as water, sewer and garbage pick-up they receive.

Councillors accepted the item update report as information.