Council Approves Fire Truck Funding with Dissent, Finalizes Election Rules
Lacombe City Council approved an additional $110,000 to purchase a new aerial ladder truck for the Fire Department, drawing the meeting's only opposing vote.
The extra funds, taken from the General Capital Reserve, push the total cost of the new truck to $2.76 million. The increase is due to rising costs for materials and currency exchange fluctuations since the initial $2.65 million was budgeted. This purchase replaces an aging 2004 model, ensuring the city maintains adequate fire protection and firefighter safety. The new truck is expected in 33 months.
The motion passed 7-1, with Councillor Gullekson casting the lone vote against the additional funding. While specific arguments from Councillor Gullekson were not detailed in the minutes, the non-unanimous vote indicates differing views on drawing from the capital reserve for this unexpected budget increase.
Citizen Input
During the open forum, resident Tanya Unger raised concerns about the Fish & Fetch off-leash dog park. Unger requested the City install a fence to block off an adjacent slough and ditch, citing potential health risks to dogs using the park.
Other Key Decisions
* Election Preparations Solidified: Council gave first reading to Bylaw 526, the new Municipal Election Bylaw, and unanimously approved key resolutions for the 2025 municipal election. This includes expanding to five advance voting days, offering at-home voting for residents with disabilities, setting up three institutional voting stations, and allowing special ballots. Diane Piché was appointed as the Returning Officer.
* Council Meeting Rules Updated: Bylaw 370.5, amending Council's procedure bylaw, received second and third readings. This update allows for electronic participation in public hearings, strengthens conflict of interest disclosure requirements, and aligns with new provincial legislation.
* Historical Society Gets Support: The Lacombe and District Historical Society received $12,116 in additional funding to support its student intern program. This builds on an existing $82,500 operating grant, aiming to expand cultural programming and potentially launch a City-Historical Society intern pilot.
* Secondary Suites Review Ordered: Council directed administration to research and compare regulations for secondary suites on R1 lots, specifically focusing on allowable sizes. This follows a previous notice of motion from Councillor Ross.
What's Next
A public hearing for Bylaws 405.5, 380.1, and 400.73 is set for Monday, May 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Nominations for the 2025 Municipal Election open January 1, 2025, and close September 22, 2025. October 1, 2025, is the deadline for special ballot applications and at-home voting registration for persons with disabilities. The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for May 26, 2025. Councillor Konnik's notice of motion to amend the Land Use Bylaw to allow soft-sided structures in residential districts will be considered at a future meeting.