NEIGHBOURING APPLICATIONS TO CREATE RESIDENTIAL PARCELS APPROVED IN DIVISION 3
Two neighbouring applications to create 4-acre parcels in the west of the Bearspaw Area Structure plan (near Cochrane) were approved. Administration recommended approval.
While concept schemes are recommended for the area, Administration felt that they would have limited benefit for these parcels. Those in opposition felt that a concept scheme should be required else it was nothing less than piecemeal planning. They also cited issues with stormwater, water and access.
On the first application, Reeve Kissel felt the stormwater could be dealt with at subdivision, however, she also believed a lot and road plan would provide some benefit with regards to access. Her motion passed 4-3 with Councillors Don Kochan, Sunny Samra and me in opposition. In my opinion, a concept scheme carries statutory weight and would have provided additional assurance with regards to secondary access and stormwater management.
The second application passed 5-2 with Samra and me opposed. From my perspective, the area needs consistency and the opportunity to have a concept scheme for the entire community, with other landowners contributing, made more sense.
SWIMMING POOL IN ELBOW VALLEY APPROVED – FURTHER DISCUSSION TO COME
Because Elbow Valley is governed under a Direct Control Bylaw (DC13), applications for swimming pools must come to Council for approval. The application was approved unanimously. Administration recommended approval.
Councillor Greg Boehlke believed that approving items like swimming pools should not be a Council decision, rather they should be permitted uses under the DC bylaw. His motion to direct Administration to explore changing the bylaw to add swimming pools passed 6-1 with all but local Councillor Kevin Hanson in support.
APPLICATION FOR 5-ACRE PARCEL REFUSED IN DIVISION 5
An application to create a 5-acre parcel residential parcel in Division 5 was refused. Administration recommended refusal.
The parcel, located west of Airdrie, is in an area of the County that is not covered by an area structure plan. Further fragmentation of the parcel is not supported, and the residential nature of the property was incongruent with the existing agricultural nature of the community. Six letters of opposition were received citing concerns over the non-agricultural nature of the parcel and the already strained water table.
Local councillor Boehlke believed the application would not have any impact on the existing community and moved to approve the application. His motion failed 5-2 with support only coming from Councillor Al Schule.
COUNTY ISSUES LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR FUNDING FOR PLAYGROUND AT COCHRANE SPRAY LAKES FACILITY
Rocky View County is co-owner of the Spray Lakes Sawmills Centre with the Town of Cochrane. As such, the facility was seeking a letter of support from the County to request grant funding to replace the turf, surface boards and other equipment for the fieldhouse. The estimated total cost of replacement is $580,000 - 50% of which is covered in the Centre’s capital budget and the other 50% from the grant. Council unanimously supported drafting the letter.
IN-CAMERA SESSIONS REGARDING COUNCILLOR REIMBURSEMENT
Council went in-camera to discuss to four items referenced as “Reimbursement requests”. Two of the items were generic in title, however the third and fourth items included Reeve Kissel’s name.
Kissel recused herself from the two items that pertained specifically to her. When Council returned from deliberations, the motion to reimburse her for $1,670 was supported 5-1, with all but Boehlke in support. Her second request for reimbursement of $1,711 was approved unanimously.
With respect to the other two requests, Hanson, Kissel and I recused ourselves. When Council returned from deliberation, they rose without reporting – meaning no decision was made.
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