Adoption of Agenda:
Mayor Decoux added # 9 under Topics for Discussion, Strategic Planning.
Councilor Saindon added a personnel issue In Camera.
CAO requested that Item #6 and #8 under Topics for discussion go In Camera, and that Item #7 be deferred to July 12th.
Motion to accept agenda with additions passed unanimously
Delegations:
1. Scott Warris, Treasurer-Crowsnest Pass Boy’s and Girl club. Provided and update on upcoming activities, fund raising and fiscal situation. Informed council that they are selling raffle tickets around town. That they will be doing a duck race at the centre access on July 16, running the concession at the Sinister seven event, and that the Blairmore Lions are giving them the proceeds from their up coming golf tournament. He also stated that they have raised one third of the $40,000 they anticipated but are very hope full they will reach their goals with the previously mentioned fundraisers.
2. June Vastenhout-Neighbourhood Concerns with random camping during the Rum Runner days weekend near Lyons creek. After an explanation of the issue by the residents, Mayor Decoux felt they should be addressing their concerns to the CAO and the bylaw officer.
Note: At this point Mayor Decoux informed the residents that there is not a lot of time to deal with the over all issues caused by the success of the Rum Runner Days/Thunder in the Valley weekend and the masses of people it brings for that event. However, he assured the residents that this is the last year that it will be ran in the fashion it as previously been run.
Topics for Discussion:
1. Property Tax Installment Bylaw-Language cleanup regarding the bylaw allowing residents to pay there taxes in installments.
2. Rum Runner Days/Thunder in the Valley, Administration provided an update on all the services being in place for that weekend. Mayor Decoux made the point that this weekend is costing the municipality well in excess of a $100,000. Councilor Gail also raise a concern about groups using the camping opposite the ISS as a fund raiser felt that money should be coming back to the community, allowing it to recoup its costs.
3. Orpheum Theatre Bylaw-Update on allowing this building to get an historical designation.
4. Alta Link follow up-Council had requested Alta Link’s environmental report on the proposed line upgrades in the Pass, mostly irrelevant at this point due to the line not moving above Blairmore.
5. Advertising Policy-Basically allows each department to advertise anywhere they see fit as long as the dollars are approved in its budget. Strange policy it specifies that one particular form of media will receive advertising in more than one local vendor but then instructs administration to go get the best deal they can.(?)
6. Agenda Format Changes moved to In Camera
7. Review of the Procedural Bylaws and the G+P committee deferred to July 12
8. Community Standards Bylaw enforcement moved to In Camera
9. Strategic Planning-Mayor Decoux made it clear to council that there is a lot of work to be done this summer, many meetings long hard days of preparing council’s strategic plan with a first draft ready for Sept 1. He requested that a couple of members of council get together and co-ordinate everybody’s schedule by next council meeting, Councilor Saje with the assistance of Councilor Saindon agreed to do this.
Note: Two things that took place during the meeting really surprised me, after the Cuff report recommended that we combine our committee of the whole and several other committees’ into the G+P meeting format. The previous council was clearly told by our administrator at that time that we could not pass motions at those meeting, but we could vote on weather to forward recommendations to council. This went on for at least the last year and a half of the previous council, after the election new council and new CAO carried on the same practice. Last night while dealing with Topics for Discussion the Interim CAO informed council that this practice was wrong that council can not conduct any votes at the G+P meeting, really surprising that the last two CAO’s did not know that.
The second issue that absolutely shocked me was just prior to going In Camera; the Mayor decided that he needed to share a few words with administration, with the public and media still sitting there. He started with nobody on council has legislative experience on procedures of council; he also went on about how administration needed to provide council with clear, precise complete information. That anything less than that would not be tolerated, that if council was put in the position of making decisions without all the information being 100% available and accurate that he and Council would be making recommendations to the CAO regarding those administrators.
Do I have a problem with what was said above, or even the tone that it was said in? No. Management in every organization when justified needs a good kick in the ass, the problem with what happened above is it should have been done behind closed doors. No employee should be given shit by their Boss in front of the public let alone the media.
In Camera: Motion to go In Camera passed unanimously.
Showing posts with label Advertising Policy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Advertising Policy. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Municipal Reserves the sequel.
It is with great interest today that I read Councilor Gallants blog regarding the issue of Municipal Reserves. It makes me very excited to see that one councilor is obviously not going to lose focus on this very important issue, my only hope is that the policy for this issue is dealt with a little faster than the advertising policy. It is now been almost six months since that issue was raised at council and the policy is still not in place. I would hope something as important as the “municipal reserve policy” would not be tangled up so long that it would not be in place for the next budget.
Councilor Gallant comments to the use of reserves as a slush fund by previous councils I guess that resonates well with an audience over a couple of latte’s but the truth is a little bit different than that. I did not always agree with some of the previous council’s decisions on infrastructure, but over the last nine years, the $1.9 million that was taken out of reserves was used in combination with various government grants to get us $30 million in Infrastructure projects completed.
But never the less I always was one Councilor (not the only one) to emphasize the importance of building reserves, that’s why last year the majority of Council agreed that it was time to start rebuilding the reserves, which led to a budget that required a $450,000 contribution to the reserve fund. I am happy to hear that thanks to the prudent financial decisions of the majority of that previous council that there appears to be a $350,000 surplus for 2010. Some may not see that as much of an achievement but looking back over the last 10 years most Irwin led councils ran in the red.
Anyway, the issue of reserves how do you know what is enough. Well first thing I do is compare ourselves to other municipalities they can’t all be wrong, where do you find that information Municipal Affairs, their most recent figures to the end of 2008.
Reviewing 108 towns in the province with a population of 441,647, those towns had reserves between them of $474,622,492 or in simple terms $1075 per person, how does the Pass compare to that? $231 per person.
Should plans be in place for reserves? Absolutely (I caught the comment about lack of planning) but anybody who predicted eight years ago that there was going to be a recession in 2007 for a couple of years and that the federal/provincial governments were going to come forth with a stimulus program for municipalities, I want that individual picking numbers for me for Wednesday night.
Also, keep in mind every year previous councils were provided by administration both long term Infrastructure and equipment replacement programs. Did we always get sound advice, well its not that long ago administration was leading down the path of building a new town shop in Coleman that started out as a $300,000 venture, three years later it was up to $1.3 million if the majority of council had not saw fit to put a stop to that you would have no reserves today. The only point of that statement is to state that long-term plans are only as good as the information being provided to you.
Should taxes be raised to build reserves? Previous council managed to place $450,000 into reserves, and create a $350,000 surplus by increasing taxes 3.2% (Including ASFF and Seniors Housing) this year taxes including those outside requisitions went up 2% not a whole lot of difference 1.2% to be exact which in dollar terms is roughly a difference of only $80,000. However, the only money that was placed into reserves was the $100,000 for the lodge, versus the $450,000 put aside last year.
Let us also not lose sight of the requirement to borrow $530,000 to purchase new equipment this year.
Now let us talk about the issue of needs for reserves how much money should be put aside? I agree with Councilor Gallant the municipality does need to determine what the needs are for the long term. To this end, and yes I know it is only preliminary at this point but Myron Thompson the Director of Public Works reviewed with council a few meetings back the long term Infrastructure plan and the equipment replacement program. He stated that the municipality would need to put aside $430,000 per year for infrastructure and $410,000 for equipment replacement Add that to the $100,000 a year for the lodge gives you a total of $940,000 per year.
How will that amount be raised? If that number is even remotely close that equates to a tax increase of 14% next year (remember that would not include ASFF or Seniors Housing). At this point, nobody as even spoke about putting aside dollars for new recreation facilities. Wow, there better be many inefficiencies out there.
One more thought on the issue of policy, I keep hearing the need for policy because councils and administrations change every few years. I recognize also the importance of policy but let us not lose sight of the cold hard facts on policy. As this council spends a lot of time and energy on creating policy, first, it is only as good as the people enforcing it and second it can be changed by the political whims of future council just as quickly as it can be created.
Councilor Gallant comments to the use of reserves as a slush fund by previous councils I guess that resonates well with an audience over a couple of latte’s but the truth is a little bit different than that. I did not always agree with some of the previous council’s decisions on infrastructure, but over the last nine years, the $1.9 million that was taken out of reserves was used in combination with various government grants to get us $30 million in Infrastructure projects completed.
But never the less I always was one Councilor (not the only one) to emphasize the importance of building reserves, that’s why last year the majority of Council agreed that it was time to start rebuilding the reserves, which led to a budget that required a $450,000 contribution to the reserve fund. I am happy to hear that thanks to the prudent financial decisions of the majority of that previous council that there appears to be a $350,000 surplus for 2010. Some may not see that as much of an achievement but looking back over the last 10 years most Irwin led councils ran in the red.
Anyway, the issue of reserves how do you know what is enough. Well first thing I do is compare ourselves to other municipalities they can’t all be wrong, where do you find that information Municipal Affairs, their most recent figures to the end of 2008.
Reviewing 108 towns in the province with a population of 441,647, those towns had reserves between them of $474,622,492 or in simple terms $1075 per person, how does the Pass compare to that? $231 per person.
Should plans be in place for reserves? Absolutely (I caught the comment about lack of planning) but anybody who predicted eight years ago that there was going to be a recession in 2007 for a couple of years and that the federal/provincial governments were going to come forth with a stimulus program for municipalities, I want that individual picking numbers for me for Wednesday night.
Also, keep in mind every year previous councils were provided by administration both long term Infrastructure and equipment replacement programs. Did we always get sound advice, well its not that long ago administration was leading down the path of building a new town shop in Coleman that started out as a $300,000 venture, three years later it was up to $1.3 million if the majority of council had not saw fit to put a stop to that you would have no reserves today. The only point of that statement is to state that long-term plans are only as good as the information being provided to you.
Should taxes be raised to build reserves? Previous council managed to place $450,000 into reserves, and create a $350,000 surplus by increasing taxes 3.2% (Including ASFF and Seniors Housing) this year taxes including those outside requisitions went up 2% not a whole lot of difference 1.2% to be exact which in dollar terms is roughly a difference of only $80,000. However, the only money that was placed into reserves was the $100,000 for the lodge, versus the $450,000 put aside last year.
Let us also not lose sight of the requirement to borrow $530,000 to purchase new equipment this year.
Now let us talk about the issue of needs for reserves how much money should be put aside? I agree with Councilor Gallant the municipality does need to determine what the needs are for the long term. To this end, and yes I know it is only preliminary at this point but Myron Thompson the Director of Public Works reviewed with council a few meetings back the long term Infrastructure plan and the equipment replacement program. He stated that the municipality would need to put aside $430,000 per year for infrastructure and $410,000 for equipment replacement Add that to the $100,000 a year for the lodge gives you a total of $940,000 per year.
How will that amount be raised? If that number is even remotely close that equates to a tax increase of 14% next year (remember that would not include ASFF or Seniors Housing). At this point, nobody as even spoke about putting aside dollars for new recreation facilities. Wow, there better be many inefficiencies out there.
One more thought on the issue of policy, I keep hearing the need for policy because councils and administrations change every few years. I recognize also the importance of policy but let us not lose sight of the cold hard facts on policy. As this council spends a lot of time and energy on creating policy, first, it is only as good as the people enforcing it and second it can be changed by the political whims of future council just as quickly as it can be created.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
G + P Meeting Jan 11,2011
G + P Meeting Jan 11,2011
All members of council were present:
Adoption of agenda:
Councilor Saindon added item #6 to Topics for Discussion, The Crowsnest Community Support Society
Councilor Saje added item #7 to Topics for Discussion, The Crowsnest Pass Emergency Plan.
Mayor Decoux added an issue of Personnel/Legal to the In Camera session
Motion to accept the agenda as amended was passed unanimously
Delegations: None
Topics for Discussion:
1. Municipal credit card policy: After debate a Motion was made to accept the policy as presented, the motion failed with Gallant, Mitchell and Saindon in favour. Then a motion was made to refer it to the Policy Committee (January 20) and bring back to the next G+P (Jan 25), discussion followed with administration pointing out, that it would not give them sufficient time Council responded by voting unanimously to withdraw that motion. Then a motion was made to refer it to the Policy Committee to bring back to the G+P meeting of Feb 8th. This motion passed by a vote of 5-2 with Mitchell and Saindon opposed.
2. Municipal Snow Clearing/Ice Control Policy: Councilor Mitchell attempted immediately prior to debate to make a Motion to send this to the Policy Committee, Mayor Decoux asked him to withdraw to allow discussion which council voted unanimously to do. After a short debate, Councilor Mitchell again made a Motion to send it to the Policy Committee which passed unanimously.
3. Notices of Motion: Administration raised a concern about Notices of Motion being made with insufficient detail, the issue and date were being supplied to administration but no detail, makes it very hard for council to be provided with information on the issue. Motion was made to send to the Policy committee which passed by a vote of 6-1 with Councilor Saindon opposed.
4. Letter from MLA Dave Rodney asking for the community to support the Alberta get Outdoors Weekend initiative, the CAO wanted direction on how these types of requests should be handled, Motion was made to send these requests straight to council which passed unanimously.
5. Advertising Policy: After much debate about whether flyers could be used, or inserts, with Councilor Mitchell wishing to know if they filled the requirements of the MGA. A motion was made to accept the policy which was defeated by a vote of 4-3 with Gallant, Londsbury and Mitchell in favour. Then a Motion was made to send it to the Policy Committee which passed by a vote of 6-1 with Councilor Mitchell opposed.
6. Crowsnest Community Support Society wishes to haul some refuse out to the landfill, being a non profit group they requested that tipping fees be waived. Administration requested that they be allowed to do some research on this issue and bring back to council. Motion was made to allow this which passed unanimously.
7. Crowsnest Pass Emergency Plan, due to the power going off last Sunday and bringing up memories of the previous major power outage. Councilor Saje raised the concern about the communities Emergency Plan and the awareness of such plan, the CAO informed council that he has had discussion with the provincial rep who will be attending the council meeting on Feb 1st.
Motion was then made to go In Camera which passed unanimously.
All members of council were present:
Adoption of agenda:
Councilor Saindon added item #6 to Topics for Discussion, The Crowsnest Community Support Society
Councilor Saje added item #7 to Topics for Discussion, The Crowsnest Pass Emergency Plan.
Mayor Decoux added an issue of Personnel/Legal to the In Camera session
Motion to accept the agenda as amended was passed unanimously
Delegations: None
Topics for Discussion:
1. Municipal credit card policy: After debate a Motion was made to accept the policy as presented, the motion failed with Gallant, Mitchell and Saindon in favour. Then a motion was made to refer it to the Policy Committee (January 20) and bring back to the next G+P (Jan 25), discussion followed with administration pointing out, that it would not give them sufficient time Council responded by voting unanimously to withdraw that motion. Then a motion was made to refer it to the Policy Committee to bring back to the G+P meeting of Feb 8th. This motion passed by a vote of 5-2 with Mitchell and Saindon opposed.
2. Municipal Snow Clearing/Ice Control Policy: Councilor Mitchell attempted immediately prior to debate to make a Motion to send this to the Policy Committee, Mayor Decoux asked him to withdraw to allow discussion which council voted unanimously to do. After a short debate, Councilor Mitchell again made a Motion to send it to the Policy Committee which passed unanimously.
3. Notices of Motion: Administration raised a concern about Notices of Motion being made with insufficient detail, the issue and date were being supplied to administration but no detail, makes it very hard for council to be provided with information on the issue. Motion was made to send to the Policy committee which passed by a vote of 6-1 with Councilor Saindon opposed.
4. Letter from MLA Dave Rodney asking for the community to support the Alberta get Outdoors Weekend initiative, the CAO wanted direction on how these types of requests should be handled, Motion was made to send these requests straight to council which passed unanimously.
5. Advertising Policy: After much debate about whether flyers could be used, or inserts, with Councilor Mitchell wishing to know if they filled the requirements of the MGA. A motion was made to accept the policy which was defeated by a vote of 4-3 with Gallant, Londsbury and Mitchell in favour. Then a Motion was made to send it to the Policy Committee which passed by a vote of 6-1 with Councilor Mitchell opposed.
6. Crowsnest Community Support Society wishes to haul some refuse out to the landfill, being a non profit group they requested that tipping fees be waived. Administration requested that they be allowed to do some research on this issue and bring back to council. Motion was made to allow this which passed unanimously.
7. Crowsnest Pass Emergency Plan, due to the power going off last Sunday and bringing up memories of the previous major power outage. Councilor Saje raised the concern about the communities Emergency Plan and the awareness of such plan, the CAO informed council that he has had discussion with the provincial rep who will be attending the council meeting on Feb 1st.
Motion was then made to go In Camera which passed unanimously.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Council Meeting of January 4, 2011
Public Hearing: Bylaw 814, 2010
Regarding the land use bylaw for lots that required a 5’ and 10’ setback on each side of a residence where there is no back lane
No one spoke in favor or opposition
Adoption of Agenda
Councilor Mitchell added an item 3 to other business Office Protocol
Mayor Decoux added an item 4 to other business Thunder in the Valley Policing
Motion to accept Agenda as amended passed unanimously
Adoption of Previous Minutes
1. Regular Council Meeting of December 21 Motion to accept passed unanimously
2. Special Budget Meeting of December 14 Motion to accept passed unanimously
Delegation: None
Administration and Agency Reports: None
Business Arising From the Minutes
1. Advertising Policy-Motion made to accept Option #1 failed (3-4) with Mayor Decoux, Councilors Mitchell, and Londsbury in favor.
2. Consideration for a time extension, Council had previously asked for all resolutions of council for the previous two terms to be reviewed and see which ones were not enforced. Administration requested an extension to have more time to complete this project. Motion to extend until March 15 passed unanimously
Correspondence: Lloyd Bentz regarding Bow Crow Forest Trails Grant
Motion was made to send a letter of thanks passed unanimously
Committee Reports:
1. G + P minutes of December 14 Motion to accept passed unanimously
2. FCSS Minutes of Dec 1 Motion to accept passed unanimously
Bylaws: 814, 2010
Second reading Motion passed unanimously
Third reading Motion passed unanimously
Notices of Motion: None
Other Business
1. Request for a Letter of Support-Bellcrest Community Association Motion passed Unanimously
2. Policy Committee, after a lengthy presentation by the Mayor regarding the definition of and the need for policy. A motion was made to set up a Committee comprised of three permanent members (Mayor, CAO, and Director of legislative services) and ad hoc members from areas that are relevant to the issues at hand. Motion passed Unanimously
3. Office Protocol, Councilor Mitchell raised a concern about members of the public wandering the office, taking up the time of municipal employees. After a puzzled look from everybody else in the room, the CAO committed to look into this issue.
4. Thunder in the Valley Policing, Mayor Decoux requested that the CAO bring back a report to the council regarding the policing at Thunder in the Valley, and inform Council who owns and operates Thunder in the Valley.
Public Input: None
In Camera: Personnel Issue
Regarding the land use bylaw for lots that required a 5’ and 10’ setback on each side of a residence where there is no back lane
No one spoke in favor or opposition
Adoption of Agenda
Councilor Mitchell added an item 3 to other business Office Protocol
Mayor Decoux added an item 4 to other business Thunder in the Valley Policing
Motion to accept Agenda as amended passed unanimously
Adoption of Previous Minutes
1. Regular Council Meeting of December 21 Motion to accept passed unanimously
2. Special Budget Meeting of December 14 Motion to accept passed unanimously
Delegation: None
Administration and Agency Reports: None
Business Arising From the Minutes
1. Advertising Policy-Motion made to accept Option #1 failed (3-4) with Mayor Decoux, Councilors Mitchell, and Londsbury in favor.
2. Consideration for a time extension, Council had previously asked for all resolutions of council for the previous two terms to be reviewed and see which ones were not enforced. Administration requested an extension to have more time to complete this project. Motion to extend until March 15 passed unanimously
Correspondence: Lloyd Bentz regarding Bow Crow Forest Trails Grant
Motion was made to send a letter of thanks passed unanimously
Committee Reports:
1. G + P minutes of December 14 Motion to accept passed unanimously
2. FCSS Minutes of Dec 1 Motion to accept passed unanimously
Bylaws: 814, 2010
Second reading Motion passed unanimously
Third reading Motion passed unanimously
Notices of Motion: None
Other Business
1. Request for a Letter of Support-Bellcrest Community Association Motion passed Unanimously
2. Policy Committee, after a lengthy presentation by the Mayor regarding the definition of and the need for policy. A motion was made to set up a Committee comprised of three permanent members (Mayor, CAO, and Director of legislative services) and ad hoc members from areas that are relevant to the issues at hand. Motion passed Unanimously
3. Office Protocol, Councilor Mitchell raised a concern about members of the public wandering the office, taking up the time of municipal employees. After a puzzled look from everybody else in the room, the CAO committed to look into this issue.
4. Thunder in the Valley Policing, Mayor Decoux requested that the CAO bring back a report to the council regarding the policing at Thunder in the Valley, and inform Council who owns and operates Thunder in the Valley.
Public Input: None
In Camera: Personnel Issue
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Crowsnest Pass Council Highlights for December 21.
Crowsnest Council meeting Dec 21, 2010
Call to Order 7pm
Public Hearing None
Adoption of Agenda
Councilor Mitchell moved item #3 under other business to In Camera plus added one other personnel item to In camera
Councilor Gallant added to other business item #9 Affordable Housing Committee
Motion to accept the agenda as presented passed unanimously.
Adoption of previous minutes
1. Motion to accept Dec 7, 2010 Council with Larry Mitchell being added to attendance at the AAMDC convention in March (Missed in previous minutes) passed unanimously.
2. Minutes of Special Budget Meeting Dec 13, 2010 were not dealt with.
Delegations None
Administration and Agency Reports.
Sergeant Scott Howard from the RCMP presented his quarterly report, which includes detachment activity for the months of June, July, and August.
Business arising from the minutes
1. Draft advertising Policy
After much debate, it was decided to table this policy until January, but to commence advertising in both papers as of January 1st. Motion passed unanimously.
Correspondence
1. From Hector Goudreau-Regarding property legislation.
Motion that a letter be written thanking the minister for the information, also requesting that any further information coming from this legislation is shared with the municipality. Passed unanimously
Committee Reports
1. FCSS Minutes for October 27, 2010 passed unanimously
Bylaws None
Notices of Motion
Mayor Decoux informed council that he will be bringing forward a Motion in January to create a permanent Policy Committee that will be made up of himself, the CAO and the legislative Secretary. In addition members of the public or municipal departments will be included as deemed necessary.
Other Business
1. Adoption of 2011 Interim Budget
Motion was made to adopt one of three options presented by administration council attempted to move option 2 which would have accepted the budget as presented by administration with the issues of new hiring and water meters put on hold until council received further information. This option was defeated then a second motion came forth to carry on with 2010’s budget as an interim until council as the opportunity to pass a new budget. The second motion passed unanimously.
2. Contract Extension with Enmax, this will not be ready until the end of April will be brought back to council at that point
3. Subdivision Development authority Board appointment. Surprisingly this was moved to In camera, usually and according to the MGA only issues regarding Land, Legal, or Labour, go In Camera.
4. Subdivision Development Appeal Board Appointment. Motion was made to appoint Rupert Hewison to the board, passed unanimously.
5. Appointment to the Municipal Heritage Board. Under the terms of reference of this board a member of council sits on the board to represent the SDA board, a motion was made to appoint Councilor Mitchell to this board, which passed unanimously
6.Request to lease Municipal Lands for Parking. This was regarding Mohawk Excavating application to lease the MDM lands for another year to park their equipment on. Councilor Gallant excused himself due to a conflict of interest. Councilor Gail made a motion to have administration attempt to find a site in the Frank Industrial park that could be fenced, lighten, and power supplied for commercial equipment to park on. This motion was defeated by a tie vote.
A motion was then made to deny the applicants request, this was passed unanimously.
7. Business Appreciation Certificate, Motion was made to accept Councilor Gallants recommendation passed unanimously.
8. Oldman Watershed Council support request. Motion was made to support this group to the tune of $1724 per year (30 cents per capita) passed unanimously. Second motion made to send Councilor Saje to the AGM of this particular group. Motion passed unanimously
Pending Coferences. Motion was made to send Mayor Decoux, Councilors Mitchell, Gail, and the CAO to the AAMDC in Edmonton March 21-23. In addition Mayor Decoux and Councilor Saje to the FCM in Halifax June 2-6. Motion was passed with Councilor Saindon opposed.
9. Affordable Housing Committee. Councilor Gallant requested that all information regarding this committee be brought forth to council at the G+P meeting on Jan 11,2011.
Council Member reports
Comments revolved around the following issues: Municipal Heritage board not meeting since April. York Creek Lodge expansions and renovations, in addition the municipality will be required to provide land for the future expansion.
Public Input None
In Camera- One personnel issue, and the SDA board appointment
Business Out of Camera
Motion by Councilor Mitchell to reject the recommendations of the SDA board for appointments due to it being made prior to the closing deadline for board applicants.
Motion passed unanimously.
Call to Order 7pm
Public Hearing None
Adoption of Agenda
Councilor Mitchell moved item #3 under other business to In Camera plus added one other personnel item to In camera
Councilor Gallant added to other business item #9 Affordable Housing Committee
Motion to accept the agenda as presented passed unanimously.
Adoption of previous minutes
1. Motion to accept Dec 7, 2010 Council with Larry Mitchell being added to attendance at the AAMDC convention in March (Missed in previous minutes) passed unanimously.
2. Minutes of Special Budget Meeting Dec 13, 2010 were not dealt with.
Delegations None
Administration and Agency Reports.
Sergeant Scott Howard from the RCMP presented his quarterly report, which includes detachment activity for the months of June, July, and August.
Business arising from the minutes
1. Draft advertising Policy
After much debate, it was decided to table this policy until January, but to commence advertising in both papers as of January 1st. Motion passed unanimously.
Correspondence
1. From Hector Goudreau-Regarding property legislation.
Motion that a letter be written thanking the minister for the information, also requesting that any further information coming from this legislation is shared with the municipality. Passed unanimously
Committee Reports
1. FCSS Minutes for October 27, 2010 passed unanimously
Bylaws None
Notices of Motion
Mayor Decoux informed council that he will be bringing forward a Motion in January to create a permanent Policy Committee that will be made up of himself, the CAO and the legislative Secretary. In addition members of the public or municipal departments will be included as deemed necessary.
Other Business
1. Adoption of 2011 Interim Budget
Motion was made to adopt one of three options presented by administration council attempted to move option 2 which would have accepted the budget as presented by administration with the issues of new hiring and water meters put on hold until council received further information. This option was defeated then a second motion came forth to carry on with 2010’s budget as an interim until council as the opportunity to pass a new budget. The second motion passed unanimously.
2. Contract Extension with Enmax, this will not be ready until the end of April will be brought back to council at that point
3. Subdivision Development authority Board appointment. Surprisingly this was moved to In camera, usually and according to the MGA only issues regarding Land, Legal, or Labour, go In Camera.
4. Subdivision Development Appeal Board Appointment. Motion was made to appoint Rupert Hewison to the board, passed unanimously.
5. Appointment to the Municipal Heritage Board. Under the terms of reference of this board a member of council sits on the board to represent the SDA board, a motion was made to appoint Councilor Mitchell to this board, which passed unanimously
6.Request to lease Municipal Lands for Parking. This was regarding Mohawk Excavating application to lease the MDM lands for another year to park their equipment on. Councilor Gallant excused himself due to a conflict of interest. Councilor Gail made a motion to have administration attempt to find a site in the Frank Industrial park that could be fenced, lighten, and power supplied for commercial equipment to park on. This motion was defeated by a tie vote.
A motion was then made to deny the applicants request, this was passed unanimously.
7. Business Appreciation Certificate, Motion was made to accept Councilor Gallants recommendation passed unanimously.
8. Oldman Watershed Council support request. Motion was made to support this group to the tune of $1724 per year (30 cents per capita) passed unanimously. Second motion made to send Councilor Saje to the AGM of this particular group. Motion passed unanimously
Pending Coferences. Motion was made to send Mayor Decoux, Councilors Mitchell, Gail, and the CAO to the AAMDC in Edmonton March 21-23. In addition Mayor Decoux and Councilor Saje to the FCM in Halifax June 2-6. Motion was passed with Councilor Saindon opposed.
9. Affordable Housing Committee. Councilor Gallant requested that all information regarding this committee be brought forth to council at the G+P meeting on Jan 11,2011.
Council Member reports
Comments revolved around the following issues: Municipal Heritage board not meeting since April. York Creek Lodge expansions and renovations, in addition the municipality will be required to provide land for the future expansion.
Public Input None
In Camera- One personnel issue, and the SDA board appointment
Business Out of Camera
Motion by Councilor Mitchell to reject the recommendations of the SDA board for appointments due to it being made prior to the closing deadline for board applicants.
Motion passed unanimously.
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