Librarian Sarah McCormack spoke to council as a delegation on behalf of the Banff Public Library, requesting council endorse the library board’s selection for representative to the Marigold Library System. Council voted to appoint Councillor Stavros Karlos as Banff’s representative, and Ben Berci as the alternate.
Council gave three readings to the 2015 tax rate bylaw, which establishes the property taxation rates for the year. Tax bills will be mailed May 29 and are due June 30.
Council approved an amendment to the fire department bylaw that brings fees charged for highway responses more in line with provincial standards.
Council voted to have administration compile a report on options for regulating temporary development permit applications on private lands in all commercial districts for special events, and include a definition for special events. The vote was made following a debate on a proposed farmer’s market at the heritage railway station. A motion to issue a temporary permit for a farmers market for July and August, with the condition all vendors require a business licence, failed to pass 3-3. Council felt better regulation was needed to address requests like this, so they asked for the report on regulating temporary development permits on private lands in commercial districts. Council also directed administration to survey the business community about the impacts of the upcoming Bear Street farmers market and return with a report of the results.