Carmen Frank

The agenda included the addition of the Alliance Public Library Financial Reviewer appointment. Key discussions and decisions involved supporting STARS with a fixed per capita donation, directing communication to Flagstaff County regarding a meeting of neighbouring Councils, and appointments to the Flagstaff Regional Subdivision and Development Appeal Board and the Intermunicipal Assessment Review Board for three-year terms. Council approved the Council Remuneration Policy #2025-06 and conducted first and second readings for the Fees & Charges Bylaw 2026-01 and the Utility Bylaw 2026-02, subsequently passing both for third and final reading via unanimous consent. Other actions included approving Employee Rate of Pay Policy 2025-03, directing the CAO to respond to a resident's insurance claim letter, approving a 1.9% cost of living increase effective January 1, 2026, conducting the annual CAO performance review, appointing a Financial Reviewer for the Library, and approving the 2026 Flagstaff Regional Solid Waste Management budget.

The key discussions during the regular council meeting included a presentation from the Flagstaff Family & Community Services Director regarding available programs. New business covered taking no action on the Fress Fire Bylaw Amendment, preparing a new honorarium structure policy (#2025-06), approving the interim operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year, and reviewing the Public Participation Policy with a suggestion to open more easily accessible communication streams. Finally, the Council decided to conduct the annual CAO performance review and present it at the subsequent meeting.

The Council meeting addressed several new business items. Key discussions included supporting the Alliance and District Museum Society's grant application for roof restoration with a commitment of $7,054.69 in financial support if the grant is successful. The Council determined that the cost of the GIS Mobile Data Collector App was not financially viable. Support was granted to the Spooky Committee by waiving the multiplex rental fee and providing a total donation of $300.00 over three years. The Council approved proposing an increase to the ATCO Franchise Fee from 8% to 9.5%, effective January 1, 2026, pending public advertisement. Wages for election workers for the upcoming Municipal election were set according to Elections Alberta schedules. Furthermore, the administration was directed to add a tree trimming project for 2026 and seek local quotes. Support was extended to the Forestburg Diplomat Mine Museum with a $200.00 donation. A services agreement was authorized for water infrastructure compensation at 102 Main Street East, involving an annual payment of $3,600.00 for utility maintenance. Finally, the 2026 budget and requisition from Flagstaff Family and Community Services ($1,992.00) were approved.

During the new business section, the Council addressed several items. Key discussions included the direction for the CAO to sign a new 60-month lease agreement for an INNOV8 printer with a specified monthly cost. The Council also accepted several policies: the Campground Policy P2025-01, the Employee Vacation Entitlement Policy P2025-02, and the Charitable Donations Policy P2025-04. Furthermore, the Council determined it beneficial to offer full-time employees a Health Spending Account through Olympia Benefits Inc., detailing the setup and annual fees. Finally, the Council appointed the CAO to serve as the AGLC license manager and contact person for the Village of Alliance account.

The Council meeting addressed several new business items, including the approval of a grant request for the Alliance Public Library, with conditions regarding future submission deadlines. Approvals were granted for a new computer workstation for the CAO and the renewal of the Catalis software license for a three-year term starting January 1, 2026. The Council expressed intent to continue purchasing services from Flagstaff County Services. Furthermore, the Council supported the BRAED board's decision to increase the per capita rate and minimum rate for 2026. Budgets and requisitions for FRESS 2026 and the Parkland Regional Library 2026 were approved. Direction was given to create a tender for the sale of a 1972 Champion Grader with a minimum bid of $4,000.00. The Council also approved the Code of Conduct of Residents policy 2025-05 and agreed to reimburse a public works assistant for cell phone use related to GIS system infrastructure coordinates.