Some items to think about before you vote.

• The new Image, we are in the process of spending in excess of $300,000 to put in place the new brand, logo, banners etc.

• The hidden “tax” Franchise Fees have increased from $295,000 in 2010 to almost $700,000 in 2013

• Crowsnest Centre the Mayor announces in his Mayor’s Corner Oct 17,2012 “The new Hotel, Restaurant truck stop complex is a go!”

• June 25,2013 Council is informed that Medican has backed out of the hotel deal

• July 23,2013 Council votes to pay $50,000 to purchase Best Western name for Group Vachon.

• Sept 2013, Workplace Assessment Report  “"While many express that this relationship has, historically, not been "perfect", the theme is that, currently, the relationship is the "worst it has ever been". “The majority of employees indicated they are experiencing significantly high levels of stress in this workplace. Longer term employees stated "morale is lower than they can remember".

• We now have the largest and most expensive administration in our history the Russell Farmer report recommends “The municipality continues to rationalize its operations looking for opportunities to create greater efficiencies and effectiveness not only in operations but in administration as well”

• Russell Farmer identifies crucial areas of concern “High rate of turn over in management particularly the CAO, and the impact of the high rate of turn over on the municipality’s ability to provide effective and efficient service” In the last three years we have had three CAO’s plus seven other changes in various administrative positions the most in any term of council since 1979.

• Russell Farmer crucial area of concern “Communication within the organization and with residents which has resulted in a lack of trust in the community and in the organization”.

• Russell Farmer High Tax Rate; “Crowsnest Pass’s mill rate has increased by 8.3 percent in the past two years which is a significant increase in the mill rate”

• March 6,2012 Thunder in the Valley is deferred for one year

• October 2012, Fire Chief terminated, large numbers of volunteers leave the Fire Department   

• Budget 2013 Council after a significant miscalculation on the assessment base eliminates the $100,000 commitment to the York Creek Lodge to balance the municipal budget. 

Mayor's Corner (Maybe referred to as the first campaign speech?)

Mayor's Corner

Summer is gone, rivers have receded to near normal, the leaves are turning yellow, the kids are back to school and some are leaving for college and we are all in the process of adjusting to a new schedule knowing all too well that Halloween and snow are but a few months away. This year there will be a change in our schedule in that it will be an election year. I encourage anyone with an interest in the well being and progress of our community to consider “running”. Particularly I encourage any of our many, many competent and intelligent women to step forward. Speaking of schedules, the time requirement for elected officials has changed. Terms are now four years. In some quarters it has been estimated that the extra year may cause as many as thirty to forty percent of current mayors not to run. It gave me pause for thought so I noted down the “very approximate” time commitments one would need if elected. It is quite a bit of time and doesn’t include issues that come up daily. In no particular order they are, or would be (based on an eleven month year), approximately: 88 Agenda Preparation Meetings (1 hour each) 8 Alberta Urban Municipalities Association & Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties Conferences (Edmonton/Calgary 3 – 4 days each) 88 Governance and Priorities Committee Meetings (2 hours each) 70 Special Group Meetings/Speaking Invitations (1 – 2 hours each) 88 Council Meetings (3 hours each) 12 Parades (2 hours each) 88 Policy Committee Meetings (3 hours each) 12 Parade Related Activities (2 hours each) 8 Special Meetings – (Approximately 2 hours each) 44 Newsletters and Seasonal Greetings 44 Mayors Meetings – Lethbridge 100 Radio Comments – (Approximately) 44 Alberta SouthWest Meetings (various Southern Alberta communities) 1,040 Daily Conversations with the Chief Administrative Officer 4 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conventions in various Canadian centres (4 to 5 days each) 1,440 Citizens Calls (over 1 per day) After jotting down these approximations, I realized being the Mayor is quite onerous regardless of how gratifying it is. Well I have until the 23rd of September to decide, as do your current councillors. Our community is starting to thrive. Building permits and construction are up and several new businesses have opened. Planning for a new hotel just South of the Crowsnest Consolidated High School is underway by a private developer. Demolition of the old hospital and Learning Centre should begin this month and meetings with potential developers are occurring and being sought after. The development of the new mine has now been confirmed and the Riversdale people will be making some announcements shortly. At least one family from the Company is living in the Pass with other individuals to arrive shortly. I think a new mine is now a reality. Another mining Company is also interested in the area, however your Council has had no communication from them at this time. Our new entrance signs at the East and West end of our community will be going up by the end of October. Your Council has now begun the process of annexing a portion of the MD of Ranchland. Unlike some of the hysterical newspaper headlines the process will be a logical, sequential series of events with perhaps some heated community meetings along the way. However at the end of the process I feel our Crowsnest Pass will experience huge benefits relative to tax issues and tourism potential for many years into future. Our Prevention Task Force is being developed and individuals are being requested to participate. The Provincial Government has treated us very well relative to the compensation for flood damage and are very pleased with our efforts to mitigate future natural occurrences through Task Force recommendations. All told your Council has come through a difficult summer on top of things. I am looking forward to a long, dry, warm autumn that we can all enjoy. “Every generation thinks its problems are unique and potentially fatal. And yet every generation has survived to the next.”                                                                       Carl Sagan

July 16 G+P Meeting Crowsnest Pass

Group Vachon Hotel status review

Chris Vachon spoke to council regarding this issue made some very interesting comments and responses to Councilors questions:

-Investors that were previously lined up went to what they know best the condo market

-The Best Western brand and franchise was approved for the Pass under the Vachon group

-The cost to maintain the Best Western for two years will be $50,000, the way it came across to myself is Vachon put the money up six months ago. The municipality as a deadline of July 26 to make a decision on if they will pay the $50,000 to maintain the rights to Best Western. If they don’t I suspect Mr Vachon will get his $50k back from Best Western and the option to own those rights will disappear.

At this point Councilor Gail asked if there would be a problem finding Investors down the road especially with the MCNP already having the feasibility study done?

Mr Vachon told him that Best Western came in and did their own study and would probably have to update the study when new Investors show up. He also stated that new Investors showing up would be tied to what happens in the Coal/lumber markets locally.

Councilor Londsbury asked if Best Western sees this town has a viable option?

Mr Vachon gave a qualified yes based on once again what happens in the coal industry.

Councilor Saindon asked how can Medican pull out, didn’t we have an agreement, didn’t we honor our side of the agreement, thing’s get difficult they pull out?

Myron Thompson stated terms of the agreement were not met by Medican the contract became null and void.

Councilor Saindon asked what was the out clauses that Medican used?

Myron Thompson responded with “various clauses”.

Councilor Gallant said Best Western did not play games, independent studies said this location was viable, he asked how long Sparwood has been on Best Western books and is there a time limit on how long they will be on the books?

Mr Vachon stated that he did not know Sparwood was trying to get a Best Western until they filed the application for Blairmore. He also stated that Best Western watchs a location for signs of moving forward (foundations being put in place etc)

Councilor Mitchell asked if he had heard correctly that there is a deadline of July 26?

Mr Vachon said yes for the $50,000

Councilor Saje asked for an explanation of what the status of the present contract is?

Mr Vachon stated we will talk further later in the meeting (In Camera)

At this point the Mayor asked Mr Vachon to stick around until later in the meeting.

Topics of Discussion

Municipal Credit card policy presented to council most of them seemed to be excited due to a policy being put in place. Some thought there was no policy previously they should do a little research and read the previous policy on council remuneration. Credit card limits were increased from $1000 to $2000.

Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee terms of reference were presented to council everything appeared to be to council’s satisfaction

Municipal Disaster Relief Plan Task Force- the Mayor explained that he would be bringing forth a position at the council meeting to put in place a “Task Force” of experts, provincial agencies, local people with the historical perspective and members of council to look at ways of preventing future disasters.

Ranchland Annexation- The Mayor stated he would be proposing at the council meeting that this process begin in a formal fashion.

Alberta Transport right of way along Highway 3, concerned raised about the weeds along the highway 3. Mr Headrick informed council that Volker Stevin were made aware of the Municipalities displeasure especially in light of the fact that thousands of people would be coming to our community this weekend.

Streaming of council meeting- The Mayor stated that they have been working on this issue for many months and its time for it to be put in place. At this point Councilor Saje made the point that council had not even made a decision on if they were going to do this. The Mayor stated that he basically did not care what needed to be done between now and then but by August 20 council meeting will be streamed.     

After this council went In Camera for Land and Personnel issues.

CHECK OUT THE POLL ON THE PROMOTER SITE @ http://www.crowsnestpasspromoter.com/2013/07/12/proposed-hotel-on-hold

 Note: Cost of administration $4325 per day

June 18 G+P and Council meeting.

G+P meeting

Some interesting delegations showed up for the afternoon meeting.

Leone Stacheruk with a large group of Swimming Pool Society members appeared before council to present their position on changes at the Swimming pool. The Society felt that they had not been treated fairly over the last year, that they were not interested in running the pool on a daily basis only that they wished to hire the manager and have input into the pool budget as they had for the previous twenty years. Communications between administration and the society appeared to be terrible at the best but Council assured them that they would take their comments in consideration at the council meeting that night. Then the Mayor went on to talk about how change is difficult but this is what the people of the Crowsnest Pass voted for and this is what they are getting.

Mrs Stacheruk at the closing of her presentation told Mayor Decoux to keep in mind not “all changes are not for the better”   

Val Brekenridge then gave a presentation on behalf of the Hillcrest Memorial Mine Committee, next year is the 100^th anniversary of the Hillcrest Mine Disaster, 236 men died in what a lot of people do not realize was Canada’s largest single mine disaster. The group is going to be putting on a memorial from June 19-21 2014, inviting dignitaries from the Governor General, Prime Minister and down. They need $150,000 to back stop this event and are seeking support from various levels of government, corporate sponsors, and anybody else that is willing.

Penny Warris gave an update on the Rum Runner Days event coming up the third weekend of July all of the information is available at http://rumrunnerdays.com/

Next came topics of discussion starting with the anti-bullying bylaw which Councillor Saje had brought forward previously with a draft anticipated by this time the Director for this area Mr Headrick informed council that there was a lot more research to be done in this area. He also informed council that an offer will be made on Friday to an individual with a wealth of knowledge in the issue of bullying to take on the FCSS coordinator position which would help in moving the bylaw forward.

At this point, I had to leave due to a prior commitment.

Council Meeting

I was surprised to arrive at council chambers to a packed house of concerned taxpayers.

Picking up my agenda I was surprised to see the Pass Pool authority item on the agenda this council has taken a consistent position for almost three years that an item dealt with at G+P does not come to council on the same day. So that council can have time to digest the information presented and have time to formulate an opinion to have an intelligent debate

I was also surprised by the absence on the agenda of an update on the hotel, nothing from Medican, Group Vachon or the Penrose group of companies. Maybe the CAO was going to present a verbal update.

The meeting began with a public hearing on the new land use bylaw most of the speakers were opposed to the bylaw, over concerns regarding the historical down town areas and issues with the signage portion. At this point in a very rare move the Mayor attempted to persuade council to move the agenda around to bring forth the 2 + 3 reading. In another rare move Council disagreed with the Mayor and left the agenda the way it was written.

CAO Report Mr Thompson informed us of a number of issues, the Workplace Evaluation will be complete by the end of the month, Grading of roads after delays caused by rain are now finally complete, and street sweeping should be completed by June 28^th.

RC Strategies will be the consultant used to do the Recreation Feasibility study. We were also informed that the EDO as met with a large number of groups and will be continuing that process to get herself familiar with the community.

Dave Morrison the ski hill manager then gave a very in depth report on the operations of the ski hill apparently both usage and revenue were up this season despite a late start, good news for a very important part of our recreation program.

Pass Pool Authority, council in a rare move apparently had enough time to digest the information they were provided earlier in the day and voted to remove the Pass Pool authority. Strangely they used the Ski Hill Society has an example of what they wanted to achieve at the pool. A board that provides the municipality it’s budget for municipal approval, hires the Manager who in turn hires the employee’s. The board takes no active role in the day to day operation of the facility and all expenditures and revenues go through the municipality. Unless I completely miss understood, the pool society it was exactly what they have done for twenty some years and what they wished to continue doing. During the debate Councilor Saje even made the point we do not need to get rid of the authority just agree on the terms of reference. Even so council voted 6-1 to get rid of the board (Councilor Gallant was opposed I tried to catch his reason for voting against but never heard one, the cynical part of me thought he might be playing politics but that’s just my opinion)

2013 Development Permitting and Business Licensing Report the Mayor was very excited about numbers being up but did not share a lot with us. (Maybe this is the beginning of the economic boom)

Subdivision extension approval was given to Wolfgang Weinrich on his 50 unit RV park.

Bylaw 868 Land Use Bylaw after much debate, concerns about themes and signage concerns received both second and third reading.        

Note: Keep in mind one very important number $4325

Hotel contract now available between Medican and the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass

One of my readers as provided me with the address below where you can see the contract between Medican and The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass.

No signatures or date on the contract provided


http://transparencycnp.shawwebspace.ca/blog/

One Councillor's comments on the Centre sale

With the hotel development, all I can say at the moment is that last Tuesday council approved the CAO to enter into a sale and construction agreement with Medican General Contractors. Because it is still a conditional contract we have been advised by our solicitor that we cannot release any specifics at this time and without the agreement of the other party. I want this finalized as much as anyone but both sides are combing the contract for the minute details. I will say that I am very happy with what I see in this contract including sale price and timelines. I am keen to see this project move ahead. The developers are planning an open house on Feb. 12 but that is still tentative.

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.   

  

Talk about perfect timing getting the answers in the Crowsnest Pass.

Yesterday I posted the following article http://crowsnestpasshome.blogspot.ca/2012/11/a-community-divided-real-fix-is-eleven.html

Almost ironically, I receive an email this morning from the municipality, it’s the monthly newsletter. I will take a few quotes from the Mayors Corner and contribute my own thought’s.

Quote #1.  “I think it’s safe to say we are all very interested in local politics and hopefully will continue to be. I have to admit I am a bit disappointed in that we have held two budget meetings – with no one in attendance.”

Response #1 Looks like the people are speaking by their absence.

Quote #2  “I understand the current Councils’ “petition” has been delivered to Edmonton. The Minister of Municipal Affairs will ultimately make a decision based on wisdom, expertise, legislation and as a Council we will, as I have indicated on several occasions, abide by his decision.”

Response #2 Did not realize it was the current councils “petition” I had assumed that it was gathered by the ratepayers. Maybe this was an attempt at a little bit of sarcasm.

Quote #3 “On a positive note administration will be rolling out the new Fire Plan probably before Christmas. The plan promises to provide improved service and long term savings. The Director of Protective and Community Services, Mr. Albert Headrick has indicated the plan will provide a cost savings of over one half million dollars over the next two years and ongoing savings thereafter.

Response #3 Are we talking here about the operational budget, capital budget combination of both? The budget for Fire and Rescue (Operational) in 2010 was less than $400,000 if they are going to reduce that by $500,000 in the next two years, it will be very interesting to see what they will do. If it is reducing the capital budget by not going with a $1.3 million Quint and instead buying something for $800,000 that’s just playing with numbers.

Quote #4 “  We are in the process of determining an open house date for our hotel development team to gather input from yourselves regarding the development. I suspect it will be in February. Contrary to rumor no “flag” hotel has yet been determined”

Response #4 Maybe not an “Holiday Inn” looks like we are buying time. I predict that come next September we are going to have all of these “Hot” projects ready to go subject to the developers, manufacturers, corporations maintaining a level of comfort with the direction of the “next” municipal council.

Quote #5 “ The manufacturing company will be flying its executives out from Quebec to view the site again. The hot water situation and environmental regulation is still a problem”  

Response #5 These problems will not get fixed in the short term, probably require another three years see response #4 above.

Quote #6 Your Chief Administrative Officer and I have met with four representatives of a heavy industry once more to discuss further possibilities. They indicated they would make a decision towards the end of the first quarter of 2013 or the beginning of the second quarter. I am amazed at the research and care these companies take to ensure that all environmental and social requirements can be met before they commit. This is a welcome and complete reversal from my experience as a young man. We have come a long way.

Response #6 Love the way all this timing is coming together, see response #4 and #5 above. Does anybody really believe that none of these guys are running in the next election.

Quote #7 “On November 13th Councillors Gail, Gallant, the Chief Administrative Officer and I met with Minister Griffiths to discuss Highway 3 and the MD of Ranchlands. As you are aware the Provincial government has recently indicated it is not adverse to borrowing funds for much needed infrastructure projects – I would like to see our highway at the top of the list. We were able to provide the Minister with a review of the need for a new highway relative to the bright future of the Pass. Our second issue was the need to seriously address the problem of the MD of Ranchlands vis à vis the Crowsnest Pass. There are many complexities involved however we confirmed the obvious inequities and the positive impact on our taxes if an amalgamation could be realized. The Minister indicated he would visit us hopefully early in the New Year for a tour of the Pass and to continue these discussions.”

Response #7 It seems a long time ago since the provincial election remember all that talk from the PC’s about balance budgets, surpluses in fairly short order. Remember the opposition parties stating that the PC’s were basing their numbers on overly optimistic oil and gas prices. Now we find out that they were only talking about operational budgets, HWY 3 may be a priority for this community but it is not for Edmonton.

The MD of Ranchlands good luck I went to meetings with ministers to, met with the Council and CAO of Ranchlands, seen many letters go back and forth. I have not met many neighbors that are willing to share there good fortunes with the poor guy down the street. Which way do you think the MD of Pincher Creek and every other wealthy municipality are lobbying on this issue.

Quote #8    “In conclusion, Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “You will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you.” Please make no mistake. Your elected Council knows its duty well and is committed to fulfilling that duty to the citizens of Crowsnest Pass.”

Response #8 No matter what we the taxpayers think or care about the path they have chosen. 

Town hall meeting my views

In response to several comments on my previous post (10:12 and 12:45).
With that post I attempted to let my readers know what happened at the meeting.
No I did not provide my opinion on the likely hood of these announcements being successful.

So here goes; first of all I will state I hope every one of them comes true because I believe every one of them would be good for the Pass. Some to greater degrees than others but all good for the growth of this community.

1/Economic Development Committee and Economic Development Officer.
First of all the committee it will be very interesting to see the make up of this committee, it needs to be a mixture of different types of expertise. With a combination of both old and new blood, if the committee does not have that mixture it will start with a lack of credibility. There is already a perception of "outsiders" ramming change down the throats of the locals. 
The Economic Development Officer this community only needs one if he/she is going to actually bring something here, yes we are talking results which can only be ensured by having somebody on a short term contract that is looking to impress quickly. If they use this community as a stepping stone who cares as long as we get the benefit while they are here. Do not for a minute think that we are going to get somebody cheap it will cost us a minimum of $100-150K a year to get anybody decent.

2/River Run
Wouldn't it be great to see something happen on that site. But seriously I think we would be lucky to get 10-12 units at the east end in the next two years. (Proximity to water/sewer) Do I think  anybody is going to spend $10-15 million doing all the infrastructure on that site in these economic times? good luck.

3/Gaining tax base from MD of Ranchlands.
This is a political issue the only way this will happen is if  municipal affairs decides it should. There are not many great examples in the province of  poor municipalities gobbling up wealthy municipalities. Keep in mind this is not a problem unique to the Crowsnest Pass, Cold lake as fought this fight for years, and at least they had the argument that they were providing services and facilities to the surrounding areas. How many of those 80 residents of the MD of Ranchland do you think count on the Crowsnest Pass for services or facilities. Maybe the present Mayor can carry more influence in Edmonton than the previous Mayor time will tell. This really will come down to a political decision, does anybody think that the Town of Pincher Creek with its struggles will not be casting it eyes to the MD of Pincher Creek, think of all the money that Shell plant and Windmills bring in.

4/Crowsnest Centre Demolition and Development
Wow the building gone by first snow fall? I was told today that it's a 4-5 month job considering the asbestos that needs to be taken out of there, realistically it will not be done in winter months I think we will see it gone next year. Today I requested a breakdown of the bidders and their quotes on that job I would be very surprised if the majority of the bids came in, below or at $600,000 and I will be surprised if there was more than 3 or 4 bidders that place is going to be like a pandora's box when they open it up.
The hotel before we get too excited keep in mind that council only passed a motion last week (June 18) to "begin" negotiations with the developer. That will not happen over night if the developer is going to demolish the building that cost will be brought into the selling price of the property, the Mayor stated last week that the hotel sounds like a "Best Western" well keep in mind that there is one going into Sparwood right now and the  District of Sparwood is offering tax breaks to new businesses. That will be a topic of discussion during these negotiations, don't kid yourself does anybody think this community is bargaining from a position of strength with this developer. Off site levies they were only put on hold for the rest of this year, they will also be a topic of discussion. Time frames, the developer is going to want to have the flexibility to take as long as possible to fill that property the municipality is going to want it filled up as quickly as possible.
The other question that nobody as asked, will this hotel have an impact on the rebuilding of the BCMI in Blairmore? I hope not, I would hate to see us lose a 50 room hotel to gain a 75 room hotel.
Yes I believe there will be a hotel on that property one day, it is a prime location with a lot of traffic going by every day of the year. I do not think it will happen as fast as people are hoping.

Just to add to my early comments I hope every one of these announcements comes true very quickly. My dream for 2013 is to see an Economic Development Officer bringing many small businesses to town, to be able to drive by River Run and see it developed has fast as Iron Stone. To receive  my tax notice in April with a decrease due to gaining a decent chunk of tax base from the MD of Ranchlands. And finally to drive by the former Centre Site to look at the new hotel going up. That would be a great year for the Crowsnest Pass.