I know it as been a while since I last posted anything. The only excuse I have? we have been busy. Between reviewing information, going through orientations, looking for a new CAO it as been very busy. Now I will address issues that people have contacted me about.
New CAO:
Last week we hired Mr Sheldon Steinke as our new CAO, several things impressed me he possesses a tremendous amount of experience (Former CAO of Coaldale and the County of Lethbridge, plus a wealth of experience in the Canadian Military). I felt that it was especially important with the challenges we will be facing to have a seasoned veteran in place.
http://www.crowsnestpass.com/media-center/news-blog/post/new-cao
Policies and Bylaws:
In the new year council will be reviewing all of the bylaws and policies that the municipality as in place. What amazed me when I received the complete package of bylaws and policies was contrary to what we have been told over the last three years there were many policies and bylaws in place prior to 2011.
CPO program:
Remember not that long ago we were told that this program would pay for itself? well after reviewing budget numbers for 2013 for this area, it showed the following; Income of $110,080 and Expenditures of $357,923 which provides a cost recovery of less than 31%. It remains a long way from being self sufficient.
Ski Hill:
I was asked the question if I "support putting a little money into the ski hill". First of all I sat on the ski hill board for six years. I feel that recreation is important and having a ski hill that is affordable for families, easily accessible and sits right in the middle of one of our communities is one of the many things that makes our community special. So yes I support putting a little money in to the ski hill, actually we have for a long time since I first sat on council in 2004 and for many years prior to that. I believe the community as put in access of $200,000 every year to subsidize the ski hill ($228,703 for 2013). Last week I went up to the ski lodge and checked out the open house for the Chair lift. One of the board members told me they will be bringing there plan to council in the next few months I look forward to seeing that.
On the down side unfortunately our ski hill manager Dave Morrison who as ran the hill for the last 10 years is leaving us this Friday. Best of luck to Dave he did a hell of a job with the resources he had available and I wish him the best of luck in his future.
Riversdale:
Received the following today, sounds like good news for the Pass.
http://www.alaskapublic.org/2013/12/16/riversdale-puts-chickaloon-coal-prospect-on-hold/
11 comments:
"council will be reviewing all of the bylaws and policies that the municipality as in place"
Good. Will this be an open process with opportunity for public input?
I have looked through some of those bylaws. The wording leaves it to the whim of Administration officials whether to enforce them or not. IMHO, if CNP is not going to enforce a bylaw uniformly and fairly, it should be repealed.
Does the "complete package of bylaws and policies" include more than is on the website?
So now that council knows how much the CPOs are costing us, what will council do to remedy the situation?
We will be starting the budget process in January, where from my point of view everything is on the table. The taxpayers dollars must always be spent as wisely as possible.
What I still struggle with is that there were actually people that believed the statement that the program would pay for itself.
Dean Ward
11:15 yes the complete package of bylaws and policies includes more than is on the web site. Much more once I figure out how to up load it from a memory stick to my blog I will try to post them.
Dean Ward
Thanks for the update Dean I know all the members of this council will be working hard to get us back on track. There is no sense looking back to analyze the rhetoric that came out of the previous council. Only time to move forward. Just a few thoughts I hope the new CAO isnt too "militant" and can work with the public works and council. Also being a former volunteer and member of the Ski Hill it is unfortunate to see Dave leaving. This is not a good sign especially the timing if it. I have been thinking since this group was elected that the ski hill will be seriously looked at. Especially with a budget coming up and a shortfall of revenue. Perhaps Dave has seen the writing on the wall.
Wouldn't Mr. Steinke be a consultant?
Judging from snow removal,(or lack there of) I don't think this council will be making all the changes they led people to believe. This is understandable though, because it is one thing to talk at a ratepayer's meeting and another to follow through when given the chance as a councillor. I understand this council voted on wheather or not to go ahead with the entrance signs and the outcome was for. I don't want to start rumours, so Dean, please let us know if that was the case.
Are we able to assume that by given the numbers acssociated with the Peace Officers, that is an expense we will no longer have to deal with? Also awaiting the reply to Anon 9:39.
$4325$4325 What will the new number be?
9:39 Mr Steinke is not a consultant he was hired as a full time CAO for a duration of one year.
As far as the peace officer program or any other municipal program; we will be going into budget discussions in January (normally would be sooner but our Financial Officer as been off sick for the last 4-5 weeks)
Dean Ward
2:54 The new number will be a reflection of the budget process which we will be facing in January.
Dean Ward
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