Regular Council Meeting Highlights: March 26, 2012

Community and Economic Development

Enhanced Energy

Council received as information a presentation regarding a Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) project from representatives of Enhanced Energy.

Enhanced Energy is an Alberta-based company that is building a 240 kilometer carbon capture pipeline from Fort Saskatchewan to Clive to carry carbon dioxide (CO₂), which will be used as feedstock for an enhanced oil recovery project. The project will create up to 2,000 jobs in the Central Alberta region during the construction phase.

Central Alberta Economic Partnership Ltd (CAEP)

Council received as information a presentation by a representative of the Central Alberta Economic Partnership Ltd (CAEP), who also asked Council to reconsider the City of Lacombe’s membership in the organization.

Public Transit Initiative

Council directed Administration to continue its investigation into the joint transit proposal to establish revenue sources, potential partnerships and expected ridership levels.

The City of Lacombe and the Town of Blackfalds have developed strategic planning initiatives to investigate the viability of a public transit service between Lacombe, Blackfalds and Red Deer.

Streets and Roads

Half Ton Truck Replacement

Council passed a resolution to award the 2012 half-ton pickup truck replacement Request for Proposal (RFP) to Weidner Motors for four pickups in the amount of $82,872.00.

 Infrastructure Services is replacing three (3) ½ ton pickup trucks through the City’s fleet replacement plan and purchasing one (1) new ½ ton pickup for the Utilities Department.

Administrative Services

Fees and Charges Brochure

Council passed a resolution to adopt the 2012 Service Fees and Rates Brochure as presented, with minor formatting changes.

Council and Legislative

Council Support at Local Events

Council passed a resolution to support the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre Foundation by purchasing a table at the Big Band Spring Swing Fling event at a cost of $440.00 with funds being derived from Council General Promotions (01 2-11-22100 756).

Council also directed Administration to develop a policy regarding Council support for local fundraising events.

Leave of Absence Request

Council passed a resolution approving Mayor Steve Christie’s request for a leave of absence from March 26, 2012 to April 23, 2012. Council also endorsed paying the acting deputy mayors at the compensation level approved for the mayor.

 Mayor Christie was asked to run for election in the Lacombe – Ponoka riding by Premier Alison Redford subsequent to the resignation of MLA Ray Prins on Tuesday March 20th. His appointment as the Progressive Conservative candidate for Lacombe – Ponoka was confirmed on Wednesday March 21st following the necessary approvals from Government Caucus and the PC Association.

The City of Lacombe will conduct business as usual during this period, with all initiatives and programs moving forward as scheduled. If and when the need for a by-election arises, an announcement will be made.

Reports

Council reports were received as information.

Council moved In Camera to discuss a labour matter.

Council went back into Open Meeting.

Personnel

Council passed a resolution to endorse a comprehensive staff compensation review and to consider the resulting recommendations during 2013 budget deliberations.

As well, Council endorsed the proposed staff vacation entitlement schedule effective July 1, 2012.

*The next scheduled Council Committee Meeting will be on April 2, 2012 at 5 p.m.

*The next scheduled Regular Council Meeting will be on April 10, 2012 at 5 p.m.