Donna Thomson

The council discussed various operational updates including the purchase of a fire truck, the status of ATV regulations within town limits, and committee reports covering library programming and business updates. Financial decisions included approving bill payments for November and December and authorizing staff Christmas bonuses. Planning board recommendations regarding rezoning requests and property subdivision were addressed and denied based on development standards. The council also approved a donation to Lennon House, discussed potential surveillance camera systems, reviewed a draft livestock bylaw, and formally read and approved the new Official Plan and Development Bylaw.

The council meeting covered various administrative and community matters, including the resignation of a council member and the decision to forgo a by-election. Discussion topics included the annual fire department report, status updates on infrastructure and streetlight projects, and police and library reports. The new Recreation Director provided an update on community event planning. Additionally, the council approved payments for outstanding bills, discussed the CAO's report on budget preparation and surplus financials, and reviewed planning board recommendations regarding property renovations and rezoning. Finally, the council formally adopted the Town of Alberton Development Bylaw 2025 and finalized changes to various council committees.

The meeting provided an overview of the proposed draft budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Discussions covered fire department budget allocations, municipal revenue sources including taxes and funding grants, and planned expenditures across various categories such as government services, police protection, and parks and recreation. Specific budgetary adjustments were proposed, including reallocating funds for street cameras to the capital budget, relocating park equipment, and increasing the senior activity budget. The council also reviewed telephone and maintenance cost increases for the general and sewer budgets, and evaluated the 1-year and 5-year capital improvement plans.

The meeting involved the approval of the agenda and the adoption of minutes from the September 8th meeting. Key discussions included police report concerns regarding late-night parking near a playground and the progress of installing surveillance cameras on Elder Street, leading to a commitment to obtain pricing for different camera types. Committee reports covered library operations, fire department statistics, and a change in ownership for the local Chinese restaurant. Significant new business included the renewal of the CIBC loan with improved rates for Sewer loan #00159, and the decision not to install solar panels at the fire hall due to a long recovery period for the investment. The council advanced three Development Bylaw Amendments (2025-3, 2025-4, and 2025-5) concerning rezoning properties on Lorne Street, Weeks Drive (two PIDs), and proceeded with the second reading and adoption of Bylaw 2025-6 for Parcel 25-A on Station Street. Further actions included allocating a significant portion of Gas Tax money towards sewer infrastructure for a housing development and authorizing the acquisition of quotes for a pickup truck for the Fire Department. The council also approved the severance and consolidation of Parcel 25-A into a new lot (Lot 25-1).

The Official Plan for the Town of Alberton outlines the long-term direction for the town's physical growth, land use, and development. It aims to enhance the quality of life for residents by fostering a healthy and vibrant community, a strong and diverse economy, an attractive downtown, and a sustainable environment, while maintaining traditional character. Key objectives span physical and social development, environmental protection and climate change adaptation, and economic vitality, guiding decisions on residential, mixed-use, industrial, community, and agricultural land uses, alongside strategies for heritage preservation, transportation, municipal infrastructure, and protection services, ensuring the needs of current and future generations are met.