Well the positive side of me says this is a good thing, Wasn't this was one of the first priorities in the much heralded Strategic Plan, after all the money we have spent on consultants and all the turn over and growth we have had in the administration ranks its good to see the first position that should have been filled finally being advertised .
The cynical side of me says lets look at the time lines:
Position advertised in March
Interviews by end of April
EDO in place sometime in June
Election in October
http://www.crowsnestpass.com/component/docman/doc_download/1954-economic-development-officer
Showing posts with label Economic Development Officer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Economic Development Officer. Show all posts
Monday, March 11, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
The Shell Game-Municipal Finances 101
Back during the deliberations on the municipal budget for 2011. It was determined that the
need existed for more administrators in the municipal office so money was
placed in the budget to fill those position. The organizational chart comes out
with a Manager of Corporate Services in place. By April of 2012 the position is
filled, by July the position is vacant so following a logic path one would
assume that this being such a priority to have this position in place, that
very quickly it would be filled. Well it was not now the shell game begins, in
our case it’s called making the numbers work. This position was probably
somewhere in the $70,000 a year range so the fact that it was only filled for
three months now means that $55,000 of those dollars are available to help make
the year end look good.
Monday night I go to the Municipal open house and part two
of the shell game is played, despite the fact that this job was created by this
council over a year ago and had such a high priority that it was only filled
for three months. They now show the job has being eliminated which get this
reflects as a $70,000 savings for the 2013 budget.
Then they show two CUPE positions being eliminated for an
additional savings of $100,000 a year, a warehouse position and the additional
HR clerk position they created not that long ago, why create positions to turn
around and eliminate them?
The next shell game is beinging for this year they are
showing $70,000 in wages and $10,000 in other costs for a Economic Development
Officer to be put in place from May 1 to the end of the year. It is now Feb 12
does anybody believe that you are going to be able to find an Economic
Development office by May 1? It is probably very unrealistic but again it will be
money that can be shuffled from one shell to another for 2013.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Have you had enough BS in 2012? The year of taking it with a grain of salt
Do you remember the Mayor’s Town hall meeting of June 23 the
now infamous “Beef on a bun with lots of salt meeting” we had lights, we had
cameras, we had action (RCMP earned their keep that night).
We had hoopla, like a carefully choreographed dance recital each
councilor had a turn to stand up and recite from his particular part of the script.
Remember Councilor Gallant clarifying the “silly” rumors one that pops to mind quickly
was the gopher hunters. Remember Councilor Saindon justifying all the use of
consultants to replace all our absence administrators. Let your memory wander
back to all those senior managers fleeing our community to get married, or for
the greener pastures of California
and Fernie.
Then we had the main character in this theatrical production
take over for the second half, we heard about the importance of putting
together an Economic Development committee, about how the frozen situation at
River Run is beginning to thaw, how he is going after our rich neighbors to the
north to solve our financial woes. Then we reached the climax of this play the
Crowsnest Centre site, the beautiful picture of what a hotel “could” look like.
The building gone before first snowfall, the developer starting the hotel by
spring I was so excited by the time I left, I treated the wife to a coffee at Timmy’s.
The BS was really served up in 2012 let us review a few of
the yarns that have been spun in the last year:
1. As previously, mentioned the old hospital gone before
first snowfall?
2. The hotel starting in Spring? Not without #1 happening
very fast, I have heard just two more weeks and the deal will be in place at
least a half dozen times?
3. The Quebec manufacturer
I hope they are collecting air miles for all their trips out west?
4. MD of Ranchlands surprisingly it was never mentioned in
previous discussions that it would take a minimum of 18 months to deal with
this issue starting in spring?
5. Heavy Industry looking at the Pass in the first quarter
of 2013, 700 jobs wow?
6. River Run, that’s going to be tied up in the legal
process for years?
7. $1.5 million set aside for recreational purposes we now
find out that it is waiting for the same recreational feasibility study that
was discussed two years ago.
8. Then we have the Economic Development committee that was
so important just a few months back, and yes I remember the Mayor stating at a
council meeting that the Development Officer will be in place by Christmas. Now
I read that this is being pushed back to at the earliest “May” this council
will have four months left? What if the next council chooses to go in a
different direction?
I understand has a politician you have to sell hope, but
when you create expectations especially with timelines you better be prepared
to meet them.
Looking forward to 2013 let us hope all of the things listed
above become real, and please stop trying to satisfy our appetite with so much
salt.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Branding/Economic Development (Doing things backwards)
From different people I have spoke to, the branding session that 98.9% of the population didn't know about was done very well.
Couple of concerns first of all there was a process done less than four years ago paid for by community futures and the province which involved municipal council, administration, local businesses, the Chamber of commerce, various hospitality groups, I even remember one of the present councilors being there. That was dealing with the issue of branding, focusing on the theme of "Mountain Freedom".
Now maybe that was not implemented as well as it should have been, maybe there was some expertise missing. Now it's been determined by council and administration that we need to spend up to ($80,000) on a new brand.
On September 18 Mayor Decoux states at the G+P meeting that the municipality will have an Economic Development officer in place by Christmas. That's good as one person said to me that should have been the first person they hired, where I have difficulty and think we are doing things backwards. Would it not have made sense to go out and hire the individual (Probably at a cost of $150-$200,000 per year) prior to determining that we needed a new brand, prior to determining what the new brand is going to be.
After all aren't we going to be expecting this person to sell this "brand" seems to me like a pretty key individual not to have involved in this process.
Couple of concerns first of all there was a process done less than four years ago paid for by community futures and the province which involved municipal council, administration, local businesses, the Chamber of commerce, various hospitality groups, I even remember one of the present councilors being there. That was dealing with the issue of branding, focusing on the theme of "Mountain Freedom".
Now maybe that was not implemented as well as it should have been, maybe there was some expertise missing. Now it's been determined by council and administration that we need to spend up to ($80,000) on a new brand.
On September 18 Mayor Decoux states at the G+P meeting that the municipality will have an Economic Development officer in place by Christmas. That's good as one person said to me that should have been the first person they hired, where I have difficulty and think we are doing things backwards. Would it not have made sense to go out and hire the individual (Probably at a cost of $150-$200,000 per year) prior to determining that we needed a new brand, prior to determining what the new brand is going to be.
After all aren't we going to be expecting this person to sell this "brand" seems to me like a pretty key individual not to have involved in this process.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Town Hall Meeting……..We Might, We Might N….
Thursday night June 23, 2012 at the Elks Hall, Free Beef on a Bun big crowd.
Throngs of people wait in anticipation of the big announcements!!!! The Mayor garnishes a few boos has the meeting is set to begin, with a quick motion of waving his arms and a bit of a chuckle he say’s “bring it on”.
He gives a little speech laying out the agenda for the night. CAO Myron Thompson begins refreshing everybody’s memory with an update on the four pillars.
Then like a carefully choreographed dance recital each of the councilors gets up to address rumors, issues etc.
Councilor Gallant talks about municipal hiring states they have only increased the workforce by four people.
Councilor Saindon explains why we have spent so much on consultants. Apparently, we have had vacant administration positions for a total of 31 months combined since this council took over, why? Administrators getting married, moving back to California , Fernie who knows.
Then we hear from the public on such issues as the following, excuse me if I miss anything:
Security for Rum Runner Days Weekend
Resident paying for sewer that did not have it
Money spent on consultants
Accessibility for the handicapped
Bullying in the schools
Mayor’s letter condemning the public that disagrees with him
Collecting of back taxes
Requests for information not be acknowledged
Spring/Fall Cleanups
Blairmore/Coleman shops consolidation
Rebranding of the community
Non-Residential taxation
Bellcrest Seniors Hall
Communications on Bylaws etc
In the first half of the meeting there was three things that stood out to me, first of all watching the Mayor with his pompous attitude, this is the way it is if you don’t like it too bad attitude, too many wise cracks at the wrong times. Second in some cases people got really angry (leading to RCMP escort them out of the building) I wonder how much of that was related to the first point that stood out to me. Thirdly Councilor Londsbury’s comments I have a completely different appreciation for the man, he came across has very sincere, obviously with very much passion for this community. I may disagree with him on every issue but it became very clear to me that his heart is very much in the right place.
Then Part II, after a short break and about 25% of the crowd leaving (It did get to be too long of a meeting)
The Mayor came back with the good news section, well I really hope this council can achieve these things but it makes me nervous when I hear our leader say repeatedly “take what I’m saying with a grain of salt”
These were the announcements, the Mayor is going to strike up a committee of around eight (8) people to look at the issue of Economic Development this committee will make recommendations to Council; there will also be an economic development officer in place by Christmas.
Next, the Mayor has stated that some of the River Run properties have been purchased from mortgage companies and he states that the River is “beginning to thaw” that there might be something happening there. Then he says “take what I’m saying with a grain of salt”
Next, he talks about the MD of Ranchland a municipality just to the north of us that has only eighty residents but lots of money and lots of tax base. The municipality is going to approach them and the province about moving some of that tax base into the Crowsnest Pass
Then we reached the climax of the evening the Crowsnest Centre Site, with much glee the municipality has entered into discussions with a prospective developer that is looking at bringing a seventy five-room hotel (Best Western) to that site. However, it does not end there a smaller convention type area, a truck stop, a fast food restaurant, a big name sit down type restaurant, a dog run park area, and a secure area for RV’s etc. Then came the all familiar “take what I’m saying with a grain of salt”.
Then came a question about the demolition of the building the Mayor stated that this company is so keen they are prepared to negotiate the cost of taking care of that into the purchase price. Then he when on to say by the time the first snow flies I expect to see that building gone, with the building process beginning next spring. Then he stated “take what I’m saying with a grain of salt”.
With the interest of the crowd now at it’s peak he asked Myron to present some rendering of what the area could look like, then a picture of a beautiful three floor hotel was put up on the screen, with the comment made that we hope to see something like this but we may not. Again the Mayor made the statement several times “take what I’m saying with a grain of salt”
Lastly came the final goodie of the Night the Mayor is attempting to build dialogue with Teck.
My comments on Part II;
Economic Development Officer- obviously we need help in this area I hope several things, that they have a clear plan to pay for this without placing more burden on the taxpayers. That they hire somebody on a contractual basis that either performs or is gone (not a life time position) and lastly they have a method of showing clear results.
River Run-I hope something happens here, the issues only begin with back taxes, infrastructure, piles of dirt, big holes in the ground and many Investors who properly don’t have a whole lot to show for their investments.
MD of Ranchland-Every thing they said about Ranchland is true lots of money, lots of tax base, and very few people. I would assume that administration has provided council with all of the information from 2007-2010 when the previous council attempted to go down this same path, and councilors from previous councils told me that they also approached this issue. I hope that they look at what the City of Cold Lake when through in their “many” years of attempting to tap into the revenue of wealthy surrounding municipalities.
The Crowsnest Centre, the enlightened people that have spent the better part of shouting out for the last twenty years that if you are going to attract any kind of commercial development to this community that is the spot. Must be very thrilled and I am, imagine how much common sense it makes to take 6+ acres of flat property, that is fully serviced and right next to a major highway that has 12,000 vehicles a day traveling past and using it has the centre of commercial activity in the Crowsnest Pass. What a brain wave.
I am assuming that there was no tender for less than $600,000 to get rid of the building, but never the less I cannot wait for those first snowflakes to fall.
In conclusion, I hope all of the “Announcements” happen, but it is not going to be easy or fast.
Note: The Mayor and the CAO stated a number of times during the meeting that if anybody wants information to contact administration and it will get answered. I will be doing this and everybody else that has concerns should take advantage of this offer.
Note: The Mayor and the CAO stated a number of times during the meeting that if anybody wants information to contact administration and it will get answered. I will be doing this and everybody else that has concerns should take advantage of this offer.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Torch is passed to the "Dream Team"
Mayor’s Final Task Force Report June 20 2011.
Well last night I attended the presentation of the Mayor’s Final Task Report, the task force and council was all there with by my estimation 150-200 local residents.
The Mayor gleefully informed us at the beginning that his council was now known as the “Dream Team”. I love dreams the only down side is when you are just really getting to enjoy one, you wake up and realize it was just a dream and now you have to deal with reality.
The Mayor put a lot of emphasis on the Task Forces member’s great wealth of expertise (no argument) and their many connections to the Crowsnest Pass. I think some how trying to distant the initial public reaction to the fact that there was no “locals” named to the team, but any way the report is here now and needs to be addressed.
Did I hear anything really new? No. I have always taken the position that there are many good ideas here in the Crowsnest Pass, the issue then, now and in to the future. Is embracing the ideas, implementing them and eventually the most important part of the equation paying for them.
Therefore, what did I hear from the report:
1. One unified community,
2. One Crowsnest Pass Fire and Rescue Department with one chief and multiple substations, one library system with multiple branches.
3. Hiring an Economic Development Officer
4. Clarity on the timing and route for the Highway 3 realignment
5. Establish a Community Economic Development Advisory Committee
6. “Crowsnest: Mountain Freedom” branding and put in place gateway signage
7. Establish a grant and funding process to support specific economic development projects
8. Full time Tourism Coordinator Position
9. Implementation of a Tourism levy as part of the hotel rate structure as well as a 1 cent/litre gas tax to fund tourism/community marketing.
10. Review and re-develop Rum Runner Days/Thunder in the Valley, establish a community committee to run this weekend, and develop a financial model that is transparent regarding sources and uses of funds and results in profits to the Municipality, local businesses and the event.
11. Seek investment or partner to add chair lift to the Pass Powderkeg Ski hill.
12. Work with historical partners to expand the Crowsnest Museum
13. Demolish and remediate the former Crowsnest Centre site and issue an RFP to developers for proposals to redevelop the site.
14. Investigate opportunities to re-appropriate the Bridgegate River Run property.
15. Work on a Centre for excellence in Field Studies
16. Develop strategy to attract new development.
17. Develop and maintain relationships with major employers.
18. Build community pride to increase support for local business
19. Explore feasibility of a regional Truck stop/Bulk Fuel/Tire Sales along Highway 3
20. Enhanced services and activities for retirees and seniors
21. Enhance amenities for families, community recreation centre
I have not listed all the recommendations, a lot of them are similar these are the ones that jumped out at me. The tricky part as I stated previously is going to be the implementation and paying for these great ideas. To that end the Mayor informed us that Council will be coming back to the public in early fall with a strategic plan.
How do we the public measure the success of this report? A couple of ways, 29 recommendations, 15 of them have a timeline of this year attached to them. Budget 2012 will be here before you know it.
Note: Just received a call mentioning to me that at this time we all need to keep in mind that these are the recommendations of the Task Force, Council does not have to accept them all, or any for that matter. Right now this is one of those famous political trial balloons so for my readers if you wish to influence where this report or any of its suggestions go. You need to speak to your members of council.
Randy thanks for the call, your right.
Well last night I attended the presentation of the Mayor’s Final Task Report, the task force and council was all there with by my estimation 150-200 local residents.
The Mayor gleefully informed us at the beginning that his council was now known as the “Dream Team”. I love dreams the only down side is when you are just really getting to enjoy one, you wake up and realize it was just a dream and now you have to deal with reality.
The Mayor put a lot of emphasis on the Task Forces member’s great wealth of expertise (no argument) and their many connections to the Crowsnest Pass. I think some how trying to distant the initial public reaction to the fact that there was no “locals” named to the team, but any way the report is here now and needs to be addressed.
Did I hear anything really new? No. I have always taken the position that there are many good ideas here in the Crowsnest Pass, the issue then, now and in to the future. Is embracing the ideas, implementing them and eventually the most important part of the equation paying for them.
Therefore, what did I hear from the report:
1. One unified community,
2. One Crowsnest Pass Fire and Rescue Department with one chief and multiple substations, one library system with multiple branches.
3. Hiring an Economic Development Officer
4. Clarity on the timing and route for the Highway 3 realignment
5. Establish a Community Economic Development Advisory Committee
6. “Crowsnest: Mountain Freedom” branding and put in place gateway signage
7. Establish a grant and funding process to support specific economic development projects
8. Full time Tourism Coordinator Position
9. Implementation of a Tourism levy as part of the hotel rate structure as well as a 1 cent/litre gas tax to fund tourism/community marketing.
10. Review and re-develop Rum Runner Days/Thunder in the Valley, establish a community committee to run this weekend, and develop a financial model that is transparent regarding sources and uses of funds and results in profits to the Municipality, local businesses and the event.
11. Seek investment or partner to add chair lift to the Pass Powderkeg Ski hill.
12. Work with historical partners to expand the Crowsnest Museum
13. Demolish and remediate the former Crowsnest Centre site and issue an RFP to developers for proposals to redevelop the site.
14. Investigate opportunities to re-appropriate the Bridgegate River Run property.
15. Work on a Centre for excellence in Field Studies
16. Develop strategy to attract new development.
17. Develop and maintain relationships with major employers.
18. Build community pride to increase support for local business
19. Explore feasibility of a regional Truck stop/Bulk Fuel/Tire Sales along Highway 3
20. Enhanced services and activities for retirees and seniors
21. Enhance amenities for families, community recreation centre
I have not listed all the recommendations, a lot of them are similar these are the ones that jumped out at me. The tricky part as I stated previously is going to be the implementation and paying for these great ideas. To that end the Mayor informed us that Council will be coming back to the public in early fall with a strategic plan.
How do we the public measure the success of this report? A couple of ways, 29 recommendations, 15 of them have a timeline of this year attached to them. Budget 2012 will be here before you know it.
Note: Just received a call mentioning to me that at this time we all need to keep in mind that these are the recommendations of the Task Force, Council does not have to accept them all, or any for that matter. Right now this is one of those famous political trial balloons so for my readers if you wish to influence where this report or any of its suggestions go. You need to speak to your members of council.
Randy thanks for the call, your right.
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