Six (6) members of the Public entered Council Chambers at 11:09 a.m. to view the Public Hearing.
Reeve Glen Ockerman declared the Public Hearing open at 11:10 a.m.
Amanda Antwi-Nsiah, Planning and Development Officer informed Council that the Public Hearing for Bylaw 2023-19 was advertised December 5th and 12th, 2023, in accordance with section 606 of the MGA.
Ms. Antwi-Nsiah, informed Council that the public hearing scheduled for 11:00 a.m. was for the purpose of amending the Land Use Bylaw 2021-13: Rezone 4.79 Acres in SE 25-58-10-W4 from Agriculture District to a Direct Control District, in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Government Act, Chapter M-26, Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000, as amended.
Reeve Ockerman stated that Council would hear anyone and everyone wishing to speak for or against the bylaw and that we would start with the reading of written submissions, followed by those wishing to speak against the bylaw and then those speaking in favor of the bylaw.
Administration informed Council that there were no written submissions received in opposition or in favor of the proposed Bylaw 2023-19.
Reeve Glen Ockerman asked if anyone present wished to speak against the Bylaw.
Tina Hendersen, adjacent landowner, came forward to speak. She wished to direct her question to the Director of Planning and Development, Gary Buchanon. She would like to know what measures will be taken if the Bylaw is passed and the property will be rezoned as a direct control district. Mr. Buchanon stated that he will be contacting Ms. Hendersen directly to fully answer all her questions regarding the Direct Control District expectations within the County.
Reeve Glen Ockerman called for anyone else present that wished to speak in opposition to the Bylaw to come forward. No one came forward to speak.
Reeve Glen Ockerman called for anyone present to come forward if they wished to speak in favor of the rezoning Bylaw.
Donna Hatherly, neighboring resident, came forward to speak in favor of the Bylaw. She stated that the hours of operation have improved, however there have been some off hours operations and offloading on the road. She proceeded to hand out pictures to Council of what, in her opinion, is considered a safety concern with the way the vehicles are parked alongside the road. Ms. Hatherly mentioned that possibly a fence installed around the property could be considered.
Reeve Ockerman called again if anyone present wished to speak in favor of the rezoning bylaw.
Charles Lafrance, the property owner, came forward. He stated that he has been working with the Director of Planning and Development, Gary Buchanan to find solutions for the adjacent landowner's concerns. And further that, he is looking forward to continuing to work with the County to have this property rezoned as a direct control district properly.
Reeve Ockerman called if anyone else present wished to speak in favor of the Bylaw.
Scott Noel, business owner on the property, came forward to speak. Mr. Noel stated, that he too has been working on the concerns of the adjacent residents. His business is in the process of installing walls and fences on the property to build a containment yard to establish a better-defined drop-off and pickup area for customers. He asked that the group keep in mind that it is out of his control if contractors are not adhering to the rules of when/where to drop off vehicles, as their schedules don't always coincide with his business's operating hours. He is attempting to get a better handle on this, but it is difficult to communicate this to the contractors.
Reeve Glen Ockerman asked if anyone else present wished to speak in favor of the proposed Rezoning Bylaw 2023-19. No one came forward.
Reeve Glen Ockerman called again if anyone present wished to speak to this bylaw before declaring the Public Hearing closed at 11:29 a.m.
All public members left the meeting and Council Chambers at 11:30 a.m.