Council Meeting Highlights - October 16, 2024

Meeting Date: October 16, 2024.

In attendance: Councillor Langmaid, Councillor Montgomery, Councillor Peterson, Councillor Wegener, and Deputy Mayor Wiley.

Council adopted the minutes from the October 2, 2024 – Regular Council Meeting.

Business

9.1 Alberta Municipalities Energy Program – 2027 Natural Gas Agreement (NatGas+)

· The Town is continuously looking at ways to reduce expenses and ensure responsible spending. Entering into lower and predictable rates for natural gas delivers on Financial Sustainability. The Town's current natural gas contract ends on December 31, 2026. This agreement is forward looking for gas purchases January 1 - December 31, 2027. For 2027, this agreement would provide the Town with the benefit of a larger buying power of natural gas – price would yet to be determined – with an administration fee of $0.05/GJ

9.2 Wheatland Housing Management Body (WHMB) – Response Letter

· The Town received a letter from the Wheatland Housing Management Body requesting approval from all member municipalities to create a Capital Reserve Fund. Council approved a letter of response.

9.3 Animal Control Shelter Capacity

· While the Town’s current animal shelter (pound) would be an ideal central location for an animal rescue organization, the current footprint is not large enough to support both an animal rescue organization and for suitable kenneling options for the Municipal Enforcement department.

9.4 Citizen Satisfaction Survey Results

The Citizen Satisfaction Survey provides useful insights into our community. This report is a valuable tool for program planning and evaluation, budgeting, and marketing the community. The Survey was conducted by Framework Analytics Inc. and ran from August 7 to September 6, 2024.

The results were presented to Council, highlights include:

· Residents like the small-town nature of Strathmore.

· Residents want more amenities; least happy residents worry about cost of living and town growth.

· Housing and Infrastructure are significant challenges facing Strathmore.

· Residents are not unhappy with the value they receive for their fees.

Watch the full meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5quKnUo6Zo