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Regular Council Meeting
For the Moment of Reflection, Mayor Dean spoke about Earth Day and the ongoing community cleanup efforts, highlighting the availability of bins and supplies. Deputy Mayor Sandboe recognized the pride, professionalism and proficiency of the Chestermere Fire Department. Fire Chief Zebedee also provided an update on the three recent fires in the city, confirming they were not linked and that investigations were underway. He also acknowledged the recent graduation of five new firefighters.
Flagpole Repair and Replacement Budget:
Council approved the transfer of the flagpole repair and replacement project from the Operating Budget to the Capital Budget. This decision addresses the replacement of two unsalvageable flagpoles that fell from City Hall in late summer 2024. The project will involve installing two 30-foot aluminum flagpoles with secure cement bases and tilt mounting brackets in a safer ground-mounted location.
Financial Audit:
Chestermere City Council received a presentation of the 2024 audited financial statements from Gregory Harriman & Associates. The annual audit reviews the city's financial standing as of December 31, 2024. Council approved the 2024 audited financial statements and authorized the Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Elected Official to sign the financial documents.
Closed Session Motions:
Following the closed session, Council directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to develop an execution, financial, and operational recommendation for Transit Pilot Proposal, to be presented at the Regular Meeting of Council on May 13, 2025. Council also directed the CAO to prepare a Public Presentation regarding the Transit Pilot Proposal for the same meeting. Additionally, Council accepted the Management Letter update, the Golf Course Update, and the Transit update, all for information.
Secondary Suites Land Use Bylaw Update:
Council received an update on feedback from the community on secondary suites. Administration presented a "What We Heard" report highlighting community perspectives. Council directed Administration to return to the June 17, 2025, Governance and Priorities Committee meeting with a report addressing implications related to parking, established vs. growing neighbourhoods, resource capacity, enforcement, provincial and federal alignment, potential grant funding for residents, and socioeconomic impacts of secondary suites. Council accepted the update for information.
Rescinding CAO Delegation Order Bylaw:
Council approved the rescission of Bylaw #007-24, the Chief Administrative Officer Delegation Order, effective immediately. Rescinding Bylaw #007-24 aims to provide greater clarity in roles between Council and the CAO, allowing the CAO to exercise their authority as granted by the Municipal Government Act and existing city bylaws.
Tabled Motion on Library Off-Site Levy:
Council addressed a tabled motion (250325-11) from the March 25, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council. The motion proposed rescinding a previous directive (240109-11) that instructed Administration to prepare and include a Library Off-Site Levy in the 2025 Off-Site Levy amending Bylaw. Council voted to lift the motion from the table. Following discussion, Council voted against rescinding the motion at this stage, thus keeping the Library Off-Site Levy in the proposed bylaw for further consideration at the second reading, following the public hearing scheduled for April 29,2025.
Traffic Safety on Eastbound Chestermere Blvd and Merganser Drive West:
Council received a report regarding traffic safety concerns on Merganser Drive West resulting from a temporary detour of eastbound Chestermere Boulevard traffic, which began on October 28, 2024. The detour led to a significant increase in traffic on the residential street, compounded by ongoing development and parked construction vehicles, creating safety issues for residents and school children. Immediate enforcement by Community Peace Officers was implemented, and parking signage was reviewed. The developer was contacted to improve street parking access. Administration has since to establish a process for reviewing and notifying the public about all road closures and detours to mitigate potential conflicts. Council accepted the report for information.