March was a busy building month in Armstrong.
There were seven building permits issued – five residential and two commercial – worth $465,500.
“Permits have gone up, which is good,” said Coun. Paul Britton. “We’ve finally put some money in the bank.”
The seven permits are down one from March 2016, but the year to date total of 13 permits is now the same as last year. Total permits value for 2017, so far, is nearly $1.9 million.
Planner appointment rescinded
The departure of the city’s planner has council rescinding her appointment as approving officer.
Hazel Christy of Christy & Associates entered into a five-year contract to provide planning services starting in June 2013. She gave notice as per the contract terms in March and her last day was April 6.
Council had appointed Christy as the city’s subdivision approving officer. If she was not available, the duty would fall to chief administrative officer Melinda Stickney.
“It is common practice for a local government to appoint a deputy approving officer whose role is to be in place for final sign-off of applications for registration at land titles,” said Stickney.
Once a successful planner proponent has been identified and a contract signed, staff will seek a new appointment for approving officer.
Legal fund
Council voted unanimously to help out the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ depleted legal defence fund.
The fund is used specifically for costs incurred directly by FCM.
“After years of activity, the fund has been fully depleted,” wrote FCM president Clark Somerville. “Now we need municipalities like the City of Armstrong to help restore the long-term health of the fund.”
Armstrong will pay $116.28 this year, and will include the cost as a line item to the annual FCM membership invoice.