Please check out the new Fall/Winter guide for the Crowsnest Pass, highlights all our various community groups, facilities, FCSS and Recreation programs etc .
https://cnp.recdesk.com/RecDeskPortal/Portals/149/Guide.pdf
Awesome deal on ski passes for the coming season.
https://cnp.recdesk.com/recdeskportal/Home/tabid/5158/Default.aspx
Showing posts with label FCSS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FCSS. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Recognition, Entertainment, and putting the Pass on the map all in one week.
What a great week in the Crowsnest Pass:
Wednesday night the municipality in conjunction with the FCSS board hosted the Volunteer recognition night, there was a packed house the meal was catered by Chris's restaurant and entertainment was provided by a group of four young guys named "Hoja" who put on an excellent show that appealed to all age groups. Three people were recognized for their volunteer efforts by receiving the Order of the Crowsnest Pass presented by Mayor Painter. Long time volunteers Margaret Stolk and Margaret Ann Woodward shared the award and Kiana Miskulin received the Order of the Crowsnest Pass Outstanding Youth award.
Friday night the Polish Hall in Coleman hosted the CBC show "Of all places" more great entertainment, the comedian Johnny Harris and his two colleagues had the crowd laughing from the beginning to the end. What was really impressive was that they spent the week here not just visiting the Pass but actually learning about the Pass and some of it's people. Which was very evident by the way Mr Harris built so much of what he learnt into his material.
I will find out when the show will be televised great opportunity to put the Crowsnest Pass on the map.
Saturday we have the Turning Pointe Dance Studio putting on their annual Festival of the Stars two shows the first at 2pm and the second at 6pm. Come up to the MDM and catch some great entertainment provided by the very talented youth of our community.
Wednesday night the municipality in conjunction with the FCSS board hosted the Volunteer recognition night, there was a packed house the meal was catered by Chris's restaurant and entertainment was provided by a group of four young guys named "Hoja" who put on an excellent show that appealed to all age groups. Three people were recognized for their volunteer efforts by receiving the Order of the Crowsnest Pass presented by Mayor Painter. Long time volunteers Margaret Stolk and Margaret Ann Woodward shared the award and Kiana Miskulin received the Order of the Crowsnest Pass Outstanding Youth award.
Friday night the Polish Hall in Coleman hosted the CBC show "Of all places" more great entertainment, the comedian Johnny Harris and his two colleagues had the crowd laughing from the beginning to the end. What was really impressive was that they spent the week here not just visiting the Pass but actually learning about the Pass and some of it's people. Which was very evident by the way Mr Harris built so much of what he learnt into his material.
I will find out when the show will be televised great opportunity to put the Crowsnest Pass on the map.
Saturday we have the Turning Pointe Dance Studio putting on their annual Festival of the Stars two shows the first at 2pm and the second at 6pm. Come up to the MDM and catch some great entertainment provided by the very talented youth of our community.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Council Meeting of May 3, 2011 Crowsnest Pass
Council Meeting of May 3, 2011
Adoption of Agenda:
Mayor Decoux added two items under other business, rescheduling retreat and Prosperous Places, Councilor Saje added one item under other business the Bellevue Campground and one Land item under In Camera, Councilor Gail added one Land item under In camera, and Councilor Saindon added two personnel items under In camera.
Motion to accept the Agenda as amended was passed unanimously
Adoption of previous minutes:
Minutes of the Council Meeting of April 19, 2011, with some slight corrections. Motion to accept was passed unanimously
Delegations: None
Administrative and Agency Reports: None
Business arising from the Minutes:
1. Motion Review 2004-2010 17 motions that were passed during council of those times that are still in the process of being dealt with by administration, (six of which are Land and will we dealt with In Camera), Motion made to schedule a Special Meeting to deal with these, passed by a vote of 6-1 (Councilor Gallant opposed)
Correspondence: None
Committee Reports:
1. Minutes of April 12, 2011 G+P Committee, Motion to accept passed unanimously.
2. Minutes of March 27, 2011 Subdivision and Development Authority, Motion to accept passed unanimously.
Bylaws: None
Notices of Motion: None
Other Business:
1. Crowsnest Lions Club- Multi year lease Blairmore Seniors Building, After much debate about the condition of this building and the merits of keeping it, fixing it up or getting rid of it, in addition to placing the group in another venue. Administration was directed to bring this issue back to council with more information. Motion passed unanimously
2. FCSS Board Appointments, Leslie McCallum, Val Danielson, and Rose Farfus appointed for three-year terms unanimously.
3. Full Moon Adventure Company-Waiver of Bylaw #722, Councilor Gallant excused himself at this point, Motion to accept was passed unanimously.
4. Budget Update, BDO presented 2010 Financial Audits. Head of Finance Marion Vanoni made the following comments:
Municipality increased its assets by $910,000 in 2010.
The financial report shows that there is $2.8 million in cash but $2.1 million in liabilities and accounts payable.
There are property tax issues with some developers
This was the second year of clear audits (some previous audits were qualified due to reporting issues with the Crowsnest Centre, can read on the Municipal web site).
Property taxes showed for 2011 at $6.7 million when actual will only be $6.5 million some taxes are anticipated to be uncollectible.
Mayor Decoux wished to know does administration review licensing fees on a regular basis. ($$$)
After some debate regarding the timeliness of not receiving the report prior to the meeting Motion to accept was passed 5-2 (Mitchell and Saje opposed)
5. Crowsnest Pass/Elk Valley elected officials meeting June 22, 2011 in Elkford. Councilor Saje wanted to know if he could attempt to set up a round of golf with all the various groups prior to the meeting. Motion to accept passed unanimously.
6. Amendments to the Septage Bylaw 823, further research was done by administration after the bylaw was passed, it was found that the proposed rate was too high compared to other municipalities, administration recommended a lower rate. Motion to accept passed Unanimously
7. North Area Structure Plan- Regarding the development of an Area Structure Plan for the area north of the high school, after some debate about the cost ($15000) of using ORRSC to undertake this work. Motion of council to accept this process passed unanimously.
8. Equipment Purchase- Administration as determined that a new trailer is needed to transport the new track hoe to various locations ($25,000) Motion of council passed by a vote of 5-2 (Gallant and Saindon opposed)
9. Equipment Replacement Policy- This policy as come in front of council previously very detailed policy that requires $408,000 per year to be placed in reserves to meet the municipalities needs, the following comments were made:
What will be the impact on the residents tax bill, Administration stated that it could be significant but that will be determined during the budget process by council.
Concern about doing this policy in isolation when council knows that other reserves will also have to be addressed including overall reserves, Buildings, Infrastructure in addition to the Equipment policy.
Councilor Mitchell stated that the community must accepted that more dollars are going to have to be brought in from the taxpayers, the municipality cannot continue at zero tax increases.
Councilor Saindon stated that these types of costs must and will be covered off by reductions in operating costs, getting rid of inefficiencies, duplication of services, etc.
Motion to pass the policy carried unanimously
10. Reschedule Retreat to May 10. Motion passed unanimously.
11. Prosperous Places presentation to be put on in Fort Macleod, Motion to send Mayor Decoux, Councilors Saje and Gail passed unanimously.
12. Bellevue Campground Councilor Saje reported that somebody appears to be squatting in the Bellevue Campground, point was made that the property is owned by the Alberta transportation department, administration to check out and bring back to council.
Council Member reports: None
Public Input: None
Motion to go In Camera: Passed Unanimously
Adoption of Agenda:
Mayor Decoux added two items under other business, rescheduling retreat and Prosperous Places, Councilor Saje added one item under other business the Bellevue Campground and one Land item under In Camera, Councilor Gail added one Land item under In camera, and Councilor Saindon added two personnel items under In camera.
Motion to accept the Agenda as amended was passed unanimously
Adoption of previous minutes:
Minutes of the Council Meeting of April 19, 2011, with some slight corrections. Motion to accept was passed unanimously
Delegations: None
Administrative and Agency Reports: None
Business arising from the Minutes:
1. Motion Review 2004-2010 17 motions that were passed during council of those times that are still in the process of being dealt with by administration, (six of which are Land and will we dealt with In Camera), Motion made to schedule a Special Meeting to deal with these, passed by a vote of 6-1 (Councilor Gallant opposed)
Correspondence: None
Committee Reports:
1. Minutes of April 12, 2011 G+P Committee, Motion to accept passed unanimously.
2. Minutes of March 27, 2011 Subdivision and Development Authority, Motion to accept passed unanimously.
Bylaws: None
Notices of Motion: None
Other Business:
1. Crowsnest Lions Club- Multi year lease Blairmore Seniors Building, After much debate about the condition of this building and the merits of keeping it, fixing it up or getting rid of it, in addition to placing the group in another venue. Administration was directed to bring this issue back to council with more information. Motion passed unanimously
2. FCSS Board Appointments, Leslie McCallum, Val Danielson, and Rose Farfus appointed for three-year terms unanimously.
3. Full Moon Adventure Company-Waiver of Bylaw #722, Councilor Gallant excused himself at this point, Motion to accept was passed unanimously.
4. Budget Update, BDO presented 2010 Financial Audits. Head of Finance Marion Vanoni made the following comments:
Municipality increased its assets by $910,000 in 2010.
The financial report shows that there is $2.8 million in cash but $2.1 million in liabilities and accounts payable.
There are property tax issues with some developers
This was the second year of clear audits (some previous audits were qualified due to reporting issues with the Crowsnest Centre, can read on the Municipal web site).
Property taxes showed for 2011 at $6.7 million when actual will only be $6.5 million some taxes are anticipated to be uncollectible.
Mayor Decoux wished to know does administration review licensing fees on a regular basis. ($$$)
After some debate regarding the timeliness of not receiving the report prior to the meeting Motion to accept was passed 5-2 (Mitchell and Saje opposed)
5. Crowsnest Pass/Elk Valley elected officials meeting June 22, 2011 in Elkford. Councilor Saje wanted to know if he could attempt to set up a round of golf with all the various groups prior to the meeting. Motion to accept passed unanimously.
6. Amendments to the Septage Bylaw 823, further research was done by administration after the bylaw was passed, it was found that the proposed rate was too high compared to other municipalities, administration recommended a lower rate. Motion to accept passed Unanimously
7. North Area Structure Plan- Regarding the development of an Area Structure Plan for the area north of the high school, after some debate about the cost ($15000) of using ORRSC to undertake this work. Motion of council to accept this process passed unanimously.
8. Equipment Purchase- Administration as determined that a new trailer is needed to transport the new track hoe to various locations ($25,000) Motion of council passed by a vote of 5-2 (Gallant and Saindon opposed)
9. Equipment Replacement Policy- This policy as come in front of council previously very detailed policy that requires $408,000 per year to be placed in reserves to meet the municipalities needs, the following comments were made:
What will be the impact on the residents tax bill, Administration stated that it could be significant but that will be determined during the budget process by council.
Concern about doing this policy in isolation when council knows that other reserves will also have to be addressed including overall reserves, Buildings, Infrastructure in addition to the Equipment policy.
Councilor Mitchell stated that the community must accepted that more dollars are going to have to be brought in from the taxpayers, the municipality cannot continue at zero tax increases.
Councilor Saindon stated that these types of costs must and will be covered off by reductions in operating costs, getting rid of inefficiencies, duplication of services, etc.
Motion to pass the policy carried unanimously
10. Reschedule Retreat to May 10. Motion passed unanimously.
11. Prosperous Places presentation to be put on in Fort Macleod, Motion to send Mayor Decoux, Councilors Saje and Gail passed unanimously.
12. Bellevue Campground Councilor Saje reported that somebody appears to be squatting in the Bellevue Campground, point was made that the property is owned by the Alberta transportation department, administration to check out and bring back to council.
Council Member reports: None
Public Input: None
Motion to go In Camera: Passed Unanimously
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.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Crowsnest Pass Budget 2011, Tough choices begin.
Before you know it Budget time will be here and believe me the choices will not be easy ones.
One of the toughest issues to deal with his the hiring of additional employees, on one hand you have the public perception that there is more than an ample number of employees.
Then on the other hand you have the workforce and administration that are faced with an ever changing working environment, attempting to cater to the demands of certain sectors of the public that wishes to see the Municipality provide additional services.
Previous council took the position that a hiring freeze was put into place, and instructed administration in the last budget process to get by with what they had.
What most people do not understand is that the Municipality collects approximately $6.5 million in property taxes.
Last year the municipality paid out approximately $4.6 million in wages.
On January 1st 2011 the employees are entitled to a wage increase of 4% on a payroll of the municipalities size that is an increase in cost of $184,000.
Last year the Public works dept requested an additional sewer plant operator, extra Linesman, the HR department had requested an half time assistant position.
Prior to the budget I sat on the FCSS committee where there was much discussion about hiring an additional person to handle the FCSS department.
The previous council also took the position that through better scheduling, the public works department could get by with two less casual positions.
I'm sure that administration will attempt to bring forth at least some of these positions again, if not all of them.
Cost to the budget $250,000 for the Sewer plant operator, Linesman, Assistant, and two Casual positions.
Additional person for the FCSS position $50,000.
Wage Increase approximately $184,000
Total additional cost of employees $484,000.
Keeping in mind that total taxes collected were approximately $6.5 million, which means each additional $65,000 spent results in a 1% increase in taxes.
$484,000 divided by $65,000 equals a 7.45% tax increase.
Now are there ways to avoid this tax increase? absolutely.
You can not do the positions, or you can find equivalent cuts in other areas of the operational budget.
Maybe there are services that can be cut, or inefficiences elimanated or a combination of both.
Lets not forget the $484,000 figure does not include any additional costs for the rest of the budget.
One example:
Lets think about marketing of the community, the municipality used to participate in what was know as the Marketing Consortium we placed $20,000 a year into a fund that marketed the community, well when we looked at the marketing that was being done for that money it was to say the least, very unimpressive.
Previous council stopped providing that $20,000. Now we have new councilors that are advocating better marketing of the community which I agree with, but you are not going to do anything effective for the previous dollars.
I was told by a person in another community that does a fair amount of marketing to allow at least a $100,000 per year, if you want to do a real job.
Add that to the above another 1.54%
What does that mean to the average taxpayer in the Crowsnest Pass? at $2000 a year in taxes a further 9%=$180 a year.
Just something to think about.
One of the toughest issues to deal with his the hiring of additional employees, on one hand you have the public perception that there is more than an ample number of employees.
Then on the other hand you have the workforce and administration that are faced with an ever changing working environment, attempting to cater to the demands of certain sectors of the public that wishes to see the Municipality provide additional services.
Previous council took the position that a hiring freeze was put into place, and instructed administration in the last budget process to get by with what they had.
What most people do not understand is that the Municipality collects approximately $6.5 million in property taxes.
Last year the municipality paid out approximately $4.6 million in wages.
On January 1st 2011 the employees are entitled to a wage increase of 4% on a payroll of the municipalities size that is an increase in cost of $184,000.
Last year the Public works dept requested an additional sewer plant operator, extra Linesman, the HR department had requested an half time assistant position.
Prior to the budget I sat on the FCSS committee where there was much discussion about hiring an additional person to handle the FCSS department.
The previous council also took the position that through better scheduling, the public works department could get by with two less casual positions.
I'm sure that administration will attempt to bring forth at least some of these positions again, if not all of them.
Cost to the budget $250,000 for the Sewer plant operator, Linesman, Assistant, and two Casual positions.
Additional person for the FCSS position $50,000.
Wage Increase approximately $184,000
Total additional cost of employees $484,000.
Keeping in mind that total taxes collected were approximately $6.5 million, which means each additional $65,000 spent results in a 1% increase in taxes.
$484,000 divided by $65,000 equals a 7.45% tax increase.
Now are there ways to avoid this tax increase? absolutely.
You can not do the positions, or you can find equivalent cuts in other areas of the operational budget.
Maybe there are services that can be cut, or inefficiences elimanated or a combination of both.
Lets not forget the $484,000 figure does not include any additional costs for the rest of the budget.
One example:
Lets think about marketing of the community, the municipality used to participate in what was know as the Marketing Consortium we placed $20,000 a year into a fund that marketed the community, well when we looked at the marketing that was being done for that money it was to say the least, very unimpressive.
Previous council stopped providing that $20,000. Now we have new councilors that are advocating better marketing of the community which I agree with, but you are not going to do anything effective for the previous dollars.
I was told by a person in another community that does a fair amount of marketing to allow at least a $100,000 per year, if you want to do a real job.
Add that to the above another 1.54%
What does that mean to the average taxpayer in the Crowsnest Pass? at $2000 a year in taxes a further 9%=$180 a year.
Just something to think about.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)