Before we get into the notes I just wanted to make a point of clarification as I would like to avoid miscommunication and information being taken out of context.
The notes below are my interpretation of what I hear at the meetings for the time I am present and they include matters which I think the public will want to be aware of.
These notes are not fully inclusive of all items on the agenda and are not verbatim notes. If you have questions or want clarification about anything I have noted I would definitely recommend reading the official agenda first provided below as well as reading the official meeting minutes when they are available.
My intent for these posts is to keep the community informed regarding what is happening in town as I know it can be difficult to attend meetings and read through all of the agenda’s and minutes.
Mar 16th, 2021
Click here for the agenda
Council 2021 Budget Meeting
Staff Reports
-2021 2nd Draft Budget Presentation
-Request from Colbeck Park Committee for $2500 – verbal discussion
-Cyber Insurance Quote for $3200 – verbal discussion
-Public Works Budget- Council discussed ways to cut costs including line painting, sweeping, sealing, catchbasin etc.. The Public Works Superintendent recommended not reducing any of the proposed budgets for maintenance and if needed eliminate some construction projects. $20,000 was added for dust suppression in the budget.
-Connect Link project-sidewalk in front of the school- $10,000 was removed from this project as the council decided not to go ahead with permanent lights but asked town staff to look into a speed enforcement sign instead.
-Dog Tags-Canine Control- in 2020 the town paid $3800 but it varies every year based on complaints. Not a revenue-generating source just trying to offset costs of the canine control. The budget was approved for continuing canine control, Further discussion regarding costs of dog tags at the future council meeting.
-Bylaw enforcement Budget- Reduced by $15,000 as council directed staff to look into outsourcing this expense and potentially working with another local municipality to share a contractor. The amount reduced as the anticipated commencement date with a contractor would be in May or beyond.
-Council was able to approximately reduce the budget by about $30,000 and it looks like residents are looking at an approximate increase of 1%. Council asked the staff if they could come up with an informational package showing what taxes cover for residents, as well as future plans, projects and reserves.
End of my notes.
Disclaimer- These are my personal notes from the meeting. The purpose of these notes is to give an update on what is happening around the Town of Grand Valley. If you would like to view the official agenda and minutes you can find that here.
Leave a Reply