The public hearing on the City of Airdrie’s new City Plan will be reopened after staff received questions from residents and developers about the process used to present the plan. Airdrie City council approved a request from staff to reopen the public hearing at their regular meeting on Aug. 5.
The extensive document is a long-range strategic plan that sets the direction for new development throughout the city, including the future development of annexed lands.
Sharon Pollyck, manager of Legislative Services, said staff asked City council to reopen the public hearing to ensure the process was as transparent and fair as possible to all involved.
“There were a couple of pieces of correspondence that had come in and didn’t make it to the (initial) public hearing, and then we had a request from another individual that we look into the process,” she explained.
“Really at the end of the day, we want to ensure that it’s clean, and that everyone who wanted to speak had the opportunity to speak. That’s why we made the recommendation to council that they reopen the public hearing.”
The public hearing for the City Plan will be reopened at the City council meeting on Sept. 2.
Bush buggy funding
At their regular meeting on Aug. 5, Deputy Chief Ken Hubbard from the Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) asked Airdrie City council to approve a further $28,000 in funding for the department’s new bush buggy.
A bush buggy is a specialized piece of fire fighting equipment that is sent out to respond to grass fires.
Council had previously approved $102,200 for the purchase of the unit, however, Hubbard said quotes received from suppliers came in higher than anticipated, resulting in an additional $28,000 needed to complete the project.
Hubbard explained the extra funding is required to ensure the department can purchase a single-axle vehicle.
The single-axle vehicle is more stable and has a longer anticipated lifespan than a duel-axle vehicle.
Council unanimously approved the $28,000 in additional funding with the money coming from the Fleet Asset Management Reserve. The bush buggy will be ready for service before the end of 2014.
