Council Meeting of March 15,2011
Adoption of Agenda:
No additions
Motion to accept the Agenda was passed unanimously
Adoption of previous minutes.
1. Council meeting of March 1, 2011. Motion to accept the minutes was accepted unanimously.
Delegations: None
Administrative and Agency Reports:
CAO Clifford gave a verbal report that information on the Sawback Ridge development will be presented at the next Council Meeting
Director of Public Works Myron Thompson gave a verbal presentation on the issue of Spring Cleanup. Intention to start May 24th, Residents will be allowed to place out three items from a list of eligible items to be communicated prior. Residents will be expected to call the municipal office the two weeks prior to May 24th to book their pickup.
Councilors made the following comments:
Should the municipality look at picking large items up more than once a year.
Electronic recycling should also be done more than once a year
Fridges can be dropped of at Devlins any time of the year
Concern over the cost of this type of pickup being no cheaper than previous cleanups. Cleanup last year cost $442 per tonne, also Councilor Saindon stated that 80-90% of residents have the ability to take their own garbage to the landfill.
Business arising from the Minutes:
1.Outstanding Action Items from Motions of Council (2004-2010) Administration requested more time for this process, council granted until May 3
Correspondence: None
1. Hector Goudreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs-2011 MSI Funding municipality to receive approximately $1.9million from the province, $1.7 for capital and $200,000 for operational.
2. Hector Goudreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs-Clarification Letter sent to the wrong person a second time, Mayor Decoux asked administration to ensure this does not happen again.
3. Office of the Prime Minister-Receipt of Correspondence, Municipality had sent the Prime Ministers office a thank you letter, they sent the municipality a letter thanking them for thanking them.
Committee Reports:
1.Minutes of March 8, 2011 Goverance and Priorities Committee. Councilor Mitchell pointed out that the minutes stated that council members “will” attend the Mayors Prayer Breakfast it should have stated “may”. Motion to accept minutes as amended passed unanimously.
Bylaws:
1.Bylaw 819, Borrowing Bylaw-Grader & Hydraulic Excavator. At this point confusion set in, council started to question administration. Councilor Londsbury was surprised with the 5 year term he was under the impression that the items were to be paid off in this budget. Councilor Saje also stated that he knew the Municipality was doing short term financing but thought they would be paying it off in 3-4 months when the property tax dollars came in. Administration stated that it out been clearly shown in the budget that there would be a payment of $116,000 a year for the next five years. Mayor Decoux and several other councilors indicated that was there interpretation also. Motion to pass first reading passed unanimously.
2.Bylaw 822, Operating Line of Credit- authorizes the Municipality to borrow up to $1 million for an operating line. Motion to passed first reading passed unanimously
3.Bylaw 823, Discharge of Septage into Municipal Owned Septage Disposable Facility. Motion to passed first reading passed unanimously
Notices of Motion: None
Other Business:
1. Capital Equipment and Project Tendering update, this was a presentation by Myron Thompson relevant to the purchase of new equipment and the tendering process to demolish the Maplevue Hall. Motion to accept passed unanimously.
2. 10 Year Capital Infrastructure Plan, Continuation of Previous plans for Infrastructure, with the need for the Municipality to spend $42 milion over the next ten years. The major project being the upgrading of the Frank Sewer Plant, most of these costs will be covered by grants with the exception of approximately $430,000 a year which the municipality will have to provide, the Director of Public Works suggested that this amount should be placed in reserves each year for that purpose. Motion to accept passed unanimously.
3. Pinkest Town in the West. Motion to accept passed unanimously
4. Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Motion to accept passed unanimously
5. Reschedule the March 22 G+P meeting to March 29 if there is enough agenda items to deal with. Motion to accept passed unanimously
6. Volunteer Directory-Administration informed council that Director of Community Services will be bringing forth information on this to Council at a later date.
7.Community Enhancement-Mayor Decoux announced that he had been approached by Frank Loseth who as a group of volunteers that are ready and willing to help clean up the community, Mayor Decoux suggested that Mr Loseth be invited to a meeting of council to present his ideas.
Council Member reports: None
Public Input: Resident Joe Mahieux came to present to council his concerns about Bylaw 798 (Community Standards) specifically Part #3, Section 5. This bans the parking of Campers, Trailers etc on municipal boulevards. Asked that council take another look at this, which they agreed to and stated they would respond to him in a timely fashion.
Motion to go In Camera: Passed Unanimously
Showing posts with label Community Enhancement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Community Enhancement. Show all posts
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Council Meeting of March 3,2011
Council Meeting of March 3,2011
Adoption of Agenda:
Councilor Mitchell added under other business, Heritage Board Appointment and Pass Powderkeg
Councilor Sage added under Notices of Motion, Citizen Samaritan ship
Mayor Decoux added Land and Personnel under In Camera.
Motion to accept the amended Agenda was passed unanimously
Adoption of previous minutes.
1. Council meeting of February 15, 2011. Motion to accept the minutes was accepted unanimously.
Delegations:
Ms Aggie Mitchell presented on behalf of the Pinkest Town in the West which will be in the Pass August 12-13, requested of council to declare a day in support for the first week in June.
Motion was made to table this until the next GPC which passed unanimously.
More information available at www.pinkestlittletown.org/
Administrative and Agency Reports:
CAO Clifford gave a verbal report on the municipalities response to the road closure on Monday night. Felt that Staff, responders and the local business sector did a very good job handling the situation. Will analyze further and look for areas to improve.
Concerns raised by council included: Consistency of information between various responders, radio station, social networks, better coordination of truck parking including usage of the parking area in Frank.
Business arising from the Minutes: None
Correspondence: None
Committee Reports:
1. Subdivision and Development Board Minutes of January 26, 2011.
Motion to accept passed unanimously
Bylaws: None
Notices of Motion:
1. Councilor Saje-Provided a Notice of Motion on the 2011-2012 Fall-Winter-Spring Indoor Pool and Recreation Program. I will post this Notice of Motion shortly.
2. Councilor Saje-Provided a Notice of Motion regarding having administration look at and report back to council on setting up a program to recognize citizens that go above and beyond the call of duty. (Citizen Samaritan ship) Motion to accept was passed unanimously.
Other Business:
1. Sawback Ridge Subdivision Extension, Council requested this to be dealt with in Camera
2. Letter of support for the Pass Powderkeg Societies application for a CIP grant. Motion to accept passed unanimously.
3. Recommendation to place Loretta Thompson on the Crowsnest Heritage Board. Motion to accept passed unanimously.
Council Member reports:
Councilor Saje mentioned how lucky we are to have what we have in regards to democracy when you see what is happening in Libya.
Councilor Gail talked about how we need to do a better job on tourism, also spoke to having CPR do a better clean up on their property in the Pass.
Mayor Decoux responded that this will be dealt with more later in the year with a Community Enhancement Plan.
Councilor Londsbury announced that the York Creek Lodge has now filed its application for the renovation and expansion of the Lodge. He also informed council that all renovations at the Tecumesh Manor have been completed.
Councilor Mitchell informed council that there is a group of individuals working on bringing forth recommendations to change the signage bylaw.
Mayor Decoux shared some comments about the Economic Task Force:The group met for the first time the previous week, he stated that over half the group was or is Crowsnest Pass residents at some point in their life’s. He also stated that the group as already reviewed over a 1000 pages of previous studies and have asked for more. The Task force in addition will be talking to other groups, individuals, businesses etc. Lastly that the board is independent of council.
Public Input: None
Motion to go In Camera: Passed Unanimously
Adoption of Agenda:
Councilor Mitchell added under other business, Heritage Board Appointment and Pass Powderkeg
Councilor Sage added under Notices of Motion, Citizen Samaritan ship
Mayor Decoux added Land and Personnel under In Camera.
Motion to accept the amended Agenda was passed unanimously
Adoption of previous minutes.
1. Council meeting of February 15, 2011. Motion to accept the minutes was accepted unanimously.
Delegations:
Ms Aggie Mitchell presented on behalf of the Pinkest Town in the West which will be in the Pass August 12-13, requested of council to declare a day in support for the first week in June.
Motion was made to table this until the next GPC which passed unanimously.
More information available at www.pinkestlittletown.org/
Administrative and Agency Reports:
CAO Clifford gave a verbal report on the municipalities response to the road closure on Monday night. Felt that Staff, responders and the local business sector did a very good job handling the situation. Will analyze further and look for areas to improve.
Concerns raised by council included: Consistency of information between various responders, radio station, social networks, better coordination of truck parking including usage of the parking area in Frank.
Business arising from the Minutes: None
Correspondence: None
Committee Reports:
1. Subdivision and Development Board Minutes of January 26, 2011.
Motion to accept passed unanimously
Bylaws: None
Notices of Motion:
1. Councilor Saje-Provided a Notice of Motion on the 2011-2012 Fall-Winter-Spring Indoor Pool and Recreation Program. I will post this Notice of Motion shortly.
2. Councilor Saje-Provided a Notice of Motion regarding having administration look at and report back to council on setting up a program to recognize citizens that go above and beyond the call of duty. (Citizen Samaritan ship) Motion to accept was passed unanimously.
Other Business:
1. Sawback Ridge Subdivision Extension, Council requested this to be dealt with in Camera
2. Letter of support for the Pass Powderkeg Societies application for a CIP grant. Motion to accept passed unanimously.
3. Recommendation to place Loretta Thompson on the Crowsnest Heritage Board. Motion to accept passed unanimously.
Council Member reports:
Councilor Saje mentioned how lucky we are to have what we have in regards to democracy when you see what is happening in Libya.
Councilor Gail talked about how we need to do a better job on tourism, also spoke to having CPR do a better clean up on their property in the Pass.
Mayor Decoux responded that this will be dealt with more later in the year with a Community Enhancement Plan.
Councilor Londsbury announced that the York Creek Lodge has now filed its application for the renovation and expansion of the Lodge. He also informed council that all renovations at the Tecumesh Manor have been completed.
Councilor Mitchell informed council that there is a group of individuals working on bringing forth recommendations to change the signage bylaw.
Mayor Decoux shared some comments about the Economic Task Force:The group met for the first time the previous week, he stated that over half the group was or is Crowsnest Pass residents at some point in their life’s. He also stated that the group as already reviewed over a 1000 pages of previous studies and have asked for more. The Task force in addition will be talking to other groups, individuals, businesses etc. Lastly that the board is independent of council.
Public Input: None
Motion to go In Camera: Passed Unanimously
Thursday, June 10, 2010
A sad but relevant story
Last weekend I went and spent the weekend in Missoula Montana.
While there I was sitting in the Mall on a bench killing time while the wife was shopping, I started chatting with a fella sitting at the next table to me. In the course of the conversation I found out that he was from Sparwood, moved there from Calgary last year for a job at the mine running equipment, with his wife and two young kids.
Being the curious person that I am I asked him why did he pick Sparwood, why not the Pass.
To which he replied that he originally looked at Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford and the Pass, ruled out Fernie because he felt it was too expense, ruled out Elkford because his family felt it was out of the way, lacked choices in shopping etc.
So he got down to a choice between a house in the Pass and one in Sparwood, finally picked Sparwood because he felt the area was more attractive. I was a little surprised with this comment, so I asked how can you say that we have all of the attractions of the outdoors that Sparwood does.
To which he replied "I am not talking about the out doors I am talking within your community" he went on further to challenge me to take a ride around Sparwood and point out the number of homes where you have driveways full of decrepit vehicles, where you have buildings that look like they have been falling a part for the last sixty years.
Why do I raise this story now? well for one its relevant based on what the majority of this council believes in as far as cleaning up our community.
The main reason and its truly sad we need to bring families like this to the Pass, we need the income levels that the mines pay, we need those people to spend their dollars in the community supporting our local businesses and we need those kids in our school system.
A family lost because some of us do not want to clean up, and that is sad.
While there I was sitting in the Mall on a bench killing time while the wife was shopping, I started chatting with a fella sitting at the next table to me. In the course of the conversation I found out that he was from Sparwood, moved there from Calgary last year for a job at the mine running equipment, with his wife and two young kids.
Being the curious person that I am I asked him why did he pick Sparwood, why not the Pass.
To which he replied that he originally looked at Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford and the Pass, ruled out Fernie because he felt it was too expense, ruled out Elkford because his family felt it was out of the way, lacked choices in shopping etc.
So he got down to a choice between a house in the Pass and one in Sparwood, finally picked Sparwood because he felt the area was more attractive. I was a little surprised with this comment, so I asked how can you say that we have all of the attractions of the outdoors that Sparwood does.
To which he replied "I am not talking about the out doors I am talking within your community" he went on further to challenge me to take a ride around Sparwood and point out the number of homes where you have driveways full of decrepit vehicles, where you have buildings that look like they have been falling a part for the last sixty years.
Why do I raise this story now? well for one its relevant based on what the majority of this council believes in as far as cleaning up our community.
The main reason and its truly sad we need to bring families like this to the Pass, we need the income levels that the mines pay, we need those people to spend their dollars in the community supporting our local businesses and we need those kids in our school system.
A family lost because some of us do not want to clean up, and that is sad.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Ad Hoc Community (Now named the Crowsnest Advisory Committee or for short CAC)
Members of the Committee
From Council – These were picked at a council meeting when the Mayor requested volunteers, only three members of council stepped forward, kept the selection process fairly simple, if somebody else had stepped forth we would have held a vote.
John Irwin, John Salus, Dean Ward
From Community Futures- These were picked by the board its self only one member of council sits on this board, so council out side of that member had zero input into their selections.
Bill Kovach, John Slupsky, Shane Stewart
From Chamber of Commerce- I was told that they selected their members by a vote of the board of directors, from amongst the members that stepped forth. Again an internal process and from what I know no member of council is a Chamber Director so again zero input from council.
Richard Buckle, Lowry Toombs, Jenine Trotz
The accusation of the Board being dominated by the “old school” people that are unwilling to look at or accept change. Looking at this list in my humble opinion I only see one “old school”, will that individual dominate the other eight?
Public Involvement- yes council asked the board to again look at this issue, and we did most of the board felt it is very important to get the public involved in this process, quickly and effectively. Did the board agree to do this at the board level? No, at another equally important level? Yes
We requested that council approve a budget for up to a $1000 (which they did June 2) to start advertising for members of the public to participate on two sub committees. For two very important issues “Community Beautification initiative” and “Signage Bylaws”. This is a start for this process and will determine how effective CAC will be, hopefully the public will step forth.
At our meeting on June 1st we also approved the Terms of Reference for the committee which in part specified that sub committees will be made up jointly of members from the board and the public, but under no circumstances will the board be in a majority position on sub committees.
Within the terms of reference there is also a provision that the terms must be reviewed on an annual basis, and more often if a majority of the board feels they are not working.
We hope to be reviewing the names for the first sub committees at our next meeting and have the process started in July.
Were individuals promised a position on this board, not that I am aware of, were people encouraged to step forth and join the process? Absolutely, that opportunity will be provided shortly, and yes I am going out to encourage every person that as ever complained to me to step up and put their name in for these committees. Personally I see Community Beautification as one of the biggest issues we face. Do you have any idea how many times I hear criticism about some of the pig pens that are allowed to flourish in this community?
Anyway the CAC is not be perfect, but it as started and between all of us I feel we are going in the right direction and have the chance to do some really good things in the Crowsnest Pass.
From Council – These were picked at a council meeting when the Mayor requested volunteers, only three members of council stepped forward, kept the selection process fairly simple, if somebody else had stepped forth we would have held a vote.
John Irwin, John Salus, Dean Ward
From Community Futures- These were picked by the board its self only one member of council sits on this board, so council out side of that member had zero input into their selections.
Bill Kovach, John Slupsky, Shane Stewart
From Chamber of Commerce- I was told that they selected their members by a vote of the board of directors, from amongst the members that stepped forth. Again an internal process and from what I know no member of council is a Chamber Director so again zero input from council.
Richard Buckle, Lowry Toombs, Jenine Trotz
The accusation of the Board being dominated by the “old school” people that are unwilling to look at or accept change. Looking at this list in my humble opinion I only see one “old school”, will that individual dominate the other eight?
Public Involvement- yes council asked the board to again look at this issue, and we did most of the board felt it is very important to get the public involved in this process, quickly and effectively. Did the board agree to do this at the board level? No, at another equally important level? Yes
We requested that council approve a budget for up to a $1000 (which they did June 2) to start advertising for members of the public to participate on two sub committees. For two very important issues “Community Beautification initiative” and “Signage Bylaws”. This is a start for this process and will determine how effective CAC will be, hopefully the public will step forth.
At our meeting on June 1st we also approved the Terms of Reference for the committee which in part specified that sub committees will be made up jointly of members from the board and the public, but under no circumstances will the board be in a majority position on sub committees.
Within the terms of reference there is also a provision that the terms must be reviewed on an annual basis, and more often if a majority of the board feels they are not working.
We hope to be reviewing the names for the first sub committees at our next meeting and have the process started in July.
Were individuals promised a position on this board, not that I am aware of, were people encouraged to step forth and join the process? Absolutely, that opportunity will be provided shortly, and yes I am going out to encourage every person that as ever complained to me to step up and put their name in for these committees. Personally I see Community Beautification as one of the biggest issues we face. Do you have any idea how many times I hear criticism about some of the pig pens that are allowed to flourish in this community?
Anyway the CAC is not be perfect, but it as started and between all of us I feel we are going in the right direction and have the chance to do some really good things in the Crowsnest Pass.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
One Councilor's Response to issues in the Crowsnest Pass
Have not blogged for a while, have been very busy but it is time to speak, in response to my fellow blogger’s from the Crowsnest Pass, in addition to comments I have received from the public at large, lets jump around to the various issues.
Change do I believe in change? Of course, is change happening fast enough? Does it ever! Change is going to take the full commitment of many different people. Yes, it has to be more than just talk. It needs to be about action.
Due to changing demographics, Facilities that were required years ago may not be required today. To change, first we have to admit that the community is different; Census Canada for the last twenty-five years has shown that our community is getting older; school enrollment numbers shows the same thing. However, we have people in leadership positions who believe that we are getting younger.
Economic development, first we have to admit that we have a problem. Look, around we made the mistake of putting all of our eggs in one basket. The majority of Council took the position that expansion of our community would solve the problems. I agree to a point, development brings new money into the community creates new assessment, the only problem we have is development should be part of the solution not all of it. Drive around look at our new developments, see how much infrastructure as been put in place, how many basements poured, how many lots sold. It is scary.
Secondary Industry; There are people in this community that believe we are wasting our time pursuing secondary industry that nobody will come here. I still strongly believe that Council, Economic Development and the local Chamber of Commerce should be working together to achieve this goal. Does this get back to leadership of course?
Leadership A key factor for any community, does our leadership need to change? Keep in mind the last election, out of 2100 votes for the Mayor’s position the challenger received 43 per cent of the vote not a solid endorsement of the incumbent by any means. Change of leadership can happen in several ways.
At the ballot box, which it will eventually, or from within? Council’s direction can change if the will of any four or more councilors so wishes. How does that happen, by individuals willing to stand up to the ways things have always been done? What holds people back from standing up for change? The following issues.
Anybody that has ever sat on a council knows several things; those that have been in power for a long time will not relinquish it freely. Vocal self interest groups that have been looked after for years by that leadership will also fear a change of direction. I have seen on more than one occasin a politician change his position because he received half a dozen calls prior to a vote from that vocal minority.
The public image; how many times do you hear or read comments from feeble mined people, that don’t have a intelligent counter argument on a issue so they resort to all they have left, running around town making statements “what’s in it for him” or try to create an aura of suspicion about a person that opposes their views.
The lust for power, anybody that has been around political circles knows that the moment somebody sees them selves as the appointed successor he will work closely with the one doing the appointing. It is almost comical, to hear a councilor, who as voted the party line on most major issues in the last term, suddenly take exception because a majority of council with similar
view’s on an issue comes together to opposes his view.
What does it take to bring councilors together, to move in a different direction? Issues, that forces those same councilors to stand up and take a position. This is where you find out who the real people are, those that will not vote a certain way because the vocal minority exerts pressure, and believes it knows what is best for the rest of the voters, those that will not be swayed for future gain. We have that opportunity today in the Crowsnest Pass with the Crowsnest Centre four councilors have stood up and said that we do not need this old, under utilized, worn out building. There begins an opportunity for a change to the good old Status Quo.
Tube Park; it is true as you can see in my recent blog of June 27th should we look at options to bring something new in, yes but we do have to be very cautious that we don’t jeopardize our ski hill.
Albert Stella Arena; Council knew back during the budget process that the arena would not open until January 1st. All of a sudden because user groups have come forth with concerns some of council will find an opportunity to jump on the bandwagon.
Community Enhancement; Do we have a duty to improve the appearance of our community? Of course, we do, the Crowsnest Pass is one of the most beautiful places in the world and ninety percent of our residents look after their homes and businesses. Leadership needs to lead on this issue and work with other groups to futher enhance our community.
Change; will happen one issue at a time initially, until people realize that change is not such a bad thing that it is possible. Western civilization will not end because a program is altered, or a facility is no longer used in the Crowsnest Pass.
Change do I believe in change? Of course, is change happening fast enough? Does it ever! Change is going to take the full commitment of many different people. Yes, it has to be more than just talk. It needs to be about action.
Due to changing demographics, Facilities that were required years ago may not be required today. To change, first we have to admit that the community is different; Census Canada for the last twenty-five years has shown that our community is getting older; school enrollment numbers shows the same thing. However, we have people in leadership positions who believe that we are getting younger.
Economic development, first we have to admit that we have a problem. Look, around we made the mistake of putting all of our eggs in one basket. The majority of Council took the position that expansion of our community would solve the problems. I agree to a point, development brings new money into the community creates new assessment, the only problem we have is development should be part of the solution not all of it. Drive around look at our new developments, see how much infrastructure as been put in place, how many basements poured, how many lots sold. It is scary.
Secondary Industry; There are people in this community that believe we are wasting our time pursuing secondary industry that nobody will come here. I still strongly believe that Council, Economic Development and the local Chamber of Commerce should be working together to achieve this goal. Does this get back to leadership of course?
Leadership A key factor for any community, does our leadership need to change? Keep in mind the last election, out of 2100 votes for the Mayor’s position the challenger received 43 per cent of the vote not a solid endorsement of the incumbent by any means. Change of leadership can happen in several ways.
At the ballot box, which it will eventually, or from within? Council’s direction can change if the will of any four or more councilors so wishes. How does that happen, by individuals willing to stand up to the ways things have always been done? What holds people back from standing up for change? The following issues.
Anybody that has ever sat on a council knows several things; those that have been in power for a long time will not relinquish it freely. Vocal self interest groups that have been looked after for years by that leadership will also fear a change of direction. I have seen on more than one occasin a politician change his position because he received half a dozen calls prior to a vote from that vocal minority.
The public image; how many times do you hear or read comments from feeble mined people, that don’t have a intelligent counter argument on a issue so they resort to all they have left, running around town making statements “what’s in it for him” or try to create an aura of suspicion about a person that opposes their views.
The lust for power, anybody that has been around political circles knows that the moment somebody sees them selves as the appointed successor he will work closely with the one doing the appointing. It is almost comical, to hear a councilor, who as voted the party line on most major issues in the last term, suddenly take exception because a majority of council with similar
view’s on an issue comes together to opposes his view.
What does it take to bring councilors together, to move in a different direction? Issues, that forces those same councilors to stand up and take a position. This is where you find out who the real people are, those that will not vote a certain way because the vocal minority exerts pressure, and believes it knows what is best for the rest of the voters, those that will not be swayed for future gain. We have that opportunity today in the Crowsnest Pass with the Crowsnest Centre four councilors have stood up and said that we do not need this old, under utilized, worn out building. There begins an opportunity for a change to the good old Status Quo.
Tube Park; it is true as you can see in my recent blog of June 27th should we look at options to bring something new in, yes but we do have to be very cautious that we don’t jeopardize our ski hill.
Albert Stella Arena; Council knew back during the budget process that the arena would not open until January 1st. All of a sudden because user groups have come forth with concerns some of council will find an opportunity to jump on the bandwagon.
Community Enhancement; Do we have a duty to improve the appearance of our community? Of course, we do, the Crowsnest Pass is one of the most beautiful places in the world and ninety percent of our residents look after their homes and businesses. Leadership needs to lead on this issue and work with other groups to futher enhance our community.
Change; will happen one issue at a time initially, until people realize that change is not such a bad thing that it is possible. Western civilization will not end because a program is altered, or a facility is no longer used in the Crowsnest Pass.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)