Updated Utility Rate bylaw for Nobleford

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Sunny South News

By Nikki Jamieson
Sunny South News

The following are selected briefs from the regular Feb. 13 meeting of Nobleford Town Council.

Proposed Bylaw #692 (2023 Utility Rate Bylaw)

Council discussed the 2023 Utility Rate Bylaw, or Bylaw 692. The bylaw would amend the existing Bylaw 577 – regarding the Regulating of the Use of Water Works, Wastewater Works, and Garbage Collection Systems and to Establish Rates for these Public Services in the Town – and replace the existing Schedules A, B and C with new schedules on the water, sewer and garbage rates.

CAO Joseph Hutter said the bylaw was previously discussed at a Committee-of-the-Whole meeting, and one thing that had been brought up since then was raising sewer rates. He looked at the rates of surrounding municipalities, and proposed a “modest” increase to sewer rates.

Coun. Bill Oudshoorn said he would like to leave the sewer rates as is, as the increase being proposed was so small it didn’t seem “worth the increase”.

Coun. Melissa Jensen noted that while the increase is small, over time it would add up. Coun. Marinus de Leeuw noted that “we need to start somewhere”, as they would need the money down the road for sewer upgrades.

Recorded votes were requested for first and second reading, which both passed 3-2, with Coun. Bill Oudshoorn and Mayor Joan Boeder voting against. A motion to proceed to third reading passed unanimously, and third and final reading was passed.

Policy 04-03 Green Spaces and Park Maintenance Review

Council looked at amendments to Policy 04-03, or the Green Spaces and Park Maintenance Review policy.

The policy was originally adopted in 2005, and was previously reviewed and adopted again in March and June of 2022.

Council unanimously passed a motion to adopt the policy.

Town Logo Discussion

Council discussed potential new logo options for the Town of Nobleford. Council selected one of three logo drafts that were provided by a local graphic designer.

Variations of the logo are available online for residents to provide feedback on, at nobleford.ca. Council hopes to make a decision on the final logo design at their next meeting on Feb. 28.