Council passed the first reading on two different proposals for rezoning during the March 25 regular meeting.
The first came from the First Baptist Church of Ponoka that would like to close the alley running between three lots at 5607, 5609 and 5611 52 Street and 5109 57 Avenue.
“The church is requesting the laneway be closed,” said Betty Jurykoski, planning and development officer for the Town of Ponoka.
She said the church has maintained the alleyway since 1963 and owns the three properties adjacent to the laneway. In exchange, the church is willing to pay the survey work and all costs associated with the closure, added Jurykoski.
Council approved first reading of the request, with a public hearing set for April 22 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.
Second public hearing
Council approved a second public hearing for Denver and Christie Polson for their property on 4007 39 Street.
The proposal is to change the property to low-density narrow lot residential district from low-density residential district. The Polson’s want to subdivide their property into four new lots, explained Jurykoski.
Coun. Teri Underhill asked about the proposed lots as she knows some lots on that street are larger. “Is it comparable to other lots in the area?”
Jurykoski said there are some homes nearby that are similar sizes.
“These lots would be consistent…If everybody developed to the north, they would be the same size,” she explained.
Property owners have also paid for servicing stubs on some lots with potential development of future lots, she added. A public hearing is set for April 22 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.
Coun. Loanna Gulka recused herself from the meeting as she lives nearby.
Recreation Committee
Council was given an update on the status of the Recreation Committee, which is intended to act in an advisory role to the town.
Wes Amendt, director of community services, said he has already received interest. Within four hours of sending an email to community members he had four responses.
“The only one I haven’t received interest from is the youth,” he explained.
Details of the committee show representation from the Town and County of Ponoka councillors and members at large. Also a youth and senior member at large and Amendt will comprise the committee.
The group will review a 2008 Facility Needs Assessment, a 2011 Economic Development Recreation Survey and a 2013 Recreation and Culture Needs Assessment. Also the Avi Friedman report, which was commissioned by the town some years ago will be looked at.
Meetings will be held the first Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m.