Kylie Rude

The regular council meeting agenda included several significant items. Key discussions involved garbage service, with Administration seeking direction on contracting out the service, potentially with Prairie Waste Solutions, and associated rate structures. Council also addressed utility balance disputes for a specific property, noting that previous compromise offers were not accepted and the arrears were transferred to the tax roll. Furthermore, the Council was set to consider readings for the Annual Borrowing Bylaw (2026-001) to finance operating expenditures and the Fees and Charges Bylaw (2026-002), which proposes a flat monthly rate for snow removal services. Other new business included participation in the Regional Fire Services Funding mediation process and allocating funds for the removal of elm trees along 52 Street due to infrastructure damage. The summary of a recent Public Auction held on January 21, 2026, where two out of four properties sold, was also reviewed.

The meeting included discussions on various topics, such as equipment repairs and purchases, Christmas concert and lights, Christmas spirit contest, financial updates, and development questions. The council also discussed the Tax Installment Payment Plan Bylaw 2025-013, library board financials, review of financial reporting policy, review of snow clearing policy, and the Canada Summer Jobs Grant. Other topics included capital and operating budget, land use bylaw, utility bylaw, community standards bylaw, traffic bylaw, public participation policy, CCV maintenance policy, sewer line maintenance, strategic plan, tax incentives, economic development, removing concrete from tree dump, address signage bylaw, priorities for grants, tree dump policy, and Treaty 6 recognition.

The meeting included discussions and proposed actions regarding several key areas. These included a funding request from the Andrew Rural Academy Foundation, review and signing of the Council/CAO Covenant policy, and provision of benefits information for the CAO and employees. Further discussions covered a borrowing bylaw for sewer line replacement, water line repairs, and road repairs, as well as daycare proposals and the potential sale of a building to the Andrew Rural Academy. Lastly, the council considered attending the Two Hills Tourism Conference and Tradeshow to promote the Village.

The council discussed and considered an Operating Expenditures Borrowing Bylaw, the appointment of Assessment Review Board members, and the scheduling of the July 23 Council meeting. The council reviewed the possibility of borrowing funds to meet operating requirements until tax revenue is collected and appointed officials to the Assessment Review Board for 2025. They also considered whether to cancel or reschedule the July 23 Council meeting due to the CAO's absence.

The Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) between the Village of Andrew and Lamont County aims to coordinate future development concepts and land use policies for areas of mutual interest. It focuses on orderly and efficient growth of the Village of Andrew, capitalizing on economic advantages for the Lamont County Region. The plan addresses future land use, transportation systems, intermunicipal programs, environmental matters, and conflict resolution. It supports agricultural operations, planned residential developments, and commercial/industrial development while protecting environmentally sensitive features and promoting effective communication and cooperation between the municipalities.