Irricana council approved a $7,000 cash injection to the local library.
The money, requested by Library Chair Trudy Whitfield, will be used to pay rent and help with other operating costs such as utilities.
Irricanaís library is located in the recreation centre, which is managed by the local agricultural society, and is required to pay rent. According to Whitfield, 90 per cent of Albertaís Marigold libraries do not have this expense.
The money will be taken from general revenue. Councillors Andrew Carr and Josh Taylor, along with Mayor Lisa Constantini supported the move.
CAO Report
CAO Alvin Melton advised council a campground manager has been hired and asked for volunteers to help lay the seasonal floor in the recreation centre.
He also advised council that staff had met with strategic planning contractors from the Calgary Regional Partnership (CRP) who are planning the next 50 years of transportation in the region.
Council reports
Councillor Larry Martin attended the annual Canadian Badlands Conference in Drumheller on March 28 and 29.
The keynote speaker spoke about promoting tourism as an experience, not just a service. Attendees also learned about start up and expansion capital available for tourism businesses.
Councillor Frank Dusome reported on the CRPís servicing and executive committees.
The five key areas of the Calgary Metropolitan Plan now include the environment, economic vitality, growth, infrastructure and regional governance.
Water Commission
Aqua 7 Water Commissionís financial restructuring is now in place. Irricana council is willing to release its share of the operating deficit payments, which it has been withholding. However, council said it wonít pay the interest penalty pending more information.
Utility Arrears Policy
Council approved a policy that will subject unpaid utility accounts to a nine per cent penalty. After five months of non-payment, water service will be disconnected. Registered landowners are responsible for their utilities even if their property is rented. At the discretion of administration, unpaid bills can be rolled over to taxes.
Pitch In
Pitch In day is May 12. Participants will be given a coupon worth $15 towards dumping a load of refuse at the County landfill site. Volunteers will be needed for the general town clean up, and groups will be given a small cash payment for helping. A hot dog barbecue lunch, hosted by council, will follow the cleanup.
System Committee
Irricana council agreed to be part of a CRP GIS System committee that will eventually map every inch of the area including utility systems, roads and property.
