Leadership and $44,000 a year

One of my readers posted the following comment:

"The CNP Employee Code of Conduct says don't:
Post, solicit, distribute, wear or otherwise display political material or Messages in or on Municipal Assets." 

An employee code of conduct is a very important document that lays out to the employees of an organization how they should be conducting themselves in the way they perform their jobs. It really is an issue of ensuring that everybody in that organization acts in an ethical manner, especially when the employer is in essence the taxpayers and so much of the employees duties are conducted in the public eye. Rules are good, should be enforced and should apply to everyone in an organization. 

This leads to the issue of leadership, in any organization if you are going to have a code of conduct then the weight of enforcing it usually falls on the leadership of the organization. In this day and age how can you expect the employees to adhere to the code of conduct when the "leadership" chooses not to? The Mayor states the following "As to our newsletter being political; well, I am the Mayor and I will make some political comments" please take a moment and reflect on his comment versus what the code of conduct says above.

The Mayor has taken the monthly newsletter that should be informing the residents about what is going on in the municipality and turned it into a tool that pushes his political agenda and becomes an opportunity to attack his opposition. In the USSR they used to call it "Pravda"  lets face it there is a reason the Mayor's comments come first.   

Lets get to the $44,000 issue the Mayor states "Please note that this newsletter is budgeted for and falls within our plan to improve communication and transparency. It costs you about $0.65 per month" 

By itself $0.65 does not sound like a lot of money but lets do the math 5600 people at 65 cents a month is $3640 on an annual basis that is $43,680. Is that really necessary? that's a lot of money, imagine for a second how many pot holes could be filled for $43,680.   

Note: Cost of administration $4325 per day

Municipal press release on the hotel development

Notice the date on the press release these guys have known about this for 17 days. After the Quebec manufacturer who would ever have guessed.



Crowsnest Pass Council weighs options as hotel development receives a setback

On Tuesday, June 25th, Crowsnest Pass Council was informed that Medican will no longer be partnering with the Vachon Group on the construction of the hotel portion of the hospitality complex intended for the current Crowsnest Centre site. These circumstances will put the hotel development on temporary hold.
The problem revolved around questions pertaining to the ability to retain investment dollars required to construct the hotel while waiting for official franchise approval.
While viewing this turn of events as unfortunate, Crowsnest Council sees this as a setback for the project, not the end of it. “Given the scenery of the site, its strategic location and the enthusiasm from the community for this project, I have no doubt that a development will be built on the Crowsnest Centre site in due course, “said Mayor Bruce Decoux. The Vachon Group, who is still the official applicant for the hotel development, intends to continue working with Crowsnest Pass on the complex. Mayor Decoux says he will press to ensure the site is prepared this fall.
Moving forward, the Council will weigh its options which includes continuing with plans to build the restaurant, and clearing the site to make it attractive for hotel development. “We still have a committed, reputable partner in the Vachon Group to develop the site into what this community has been envisioning,” said Mayor Decoux. “I appreciate their dedication to bringing this development, and its amenities, to our municipality.”
Council stressed that they are committed to continuing to listen closely to the community around how the site will be developed and will provide the community with regular updates on the progress of the project.

Note: Cost of administration $4325 per day

"Unvarnished facts and truth" edition number two "The Mayor's corner

Below is another fine example of providing the "unvarnished facts and truth" once again using the Mayor own words. Please don't forget to vote on my poll to the right to voice your opinion on the Mayor's newsletter.

Mayor's Corner

Well the end of June and beginning of July will certainly be remembered as very wet and very hot. I have several issues I would like to comment on this month. First the flood, I won’t waste your time discussing the details as you have seen them on our website and heard them on the radio. Suffice it to say people are being well taken care of through the exemplary efforts of our Provincial and Municipal governments. During the past weeks I have visited the flood areas on foot, by car, and helicopter. I found myself asking why did we have this much damage and the resulting discomfort? We have had previous floods in 1995 and 2005. Our emergency preparedness plans were in place and executed properly. Granted we have had one of the greatest rainfalls in our history. I think the right answer came to me in a conversation with our Operations Director. We were discussing a large dam of logs on Lyons Creek (see our website for pictures) and I asked how long would it be before we could remove it. His answer was it may be difficult because they are not within our boundaries. Therein I felt was the answer to my question: Why do we suffer through this every decade or so? I think the answer lies in communication, planning and a working integration of government departments and our municipality. Government departments fulfill their individual mandates very well (even if we occasionally disagree with them) and they cooperate with municipalities whenever requested, however each department has a mandate to fulfill. Sometimes they don’t quite fit with Municipal objectives. From my perspective it is our job to create a situation where several government departments, our municipality and citizens with historic knowledge come to the table to seek solutions to our issues rather than avoiding the issue “till next time”. As such I will be discussing with Council the formation of a Task Force consisting of representatives from various government departments, from our municipality, and our citizenry, as well as others with expertise in municipal issues. At this point at least three major contentious situations have been identified as they have previously caused issues. They are: the Drum Creek/Byron Creek situation, the Lyons Creek situation, and the Blairmore Creek situation (above the hospital). Perhaps other areas will be identified. I don’t want to see a repeat of what we have just experienced given that our best planning “may” be able to prevent this from happening again keeping in mind that Mother Nature absolutely refuses to read our plans. Hopefully Council will agree. The second item I would like to comment on is Ranchland. A number of people have asked me why? Well we are in an inequitable position relative to an area with around eighty residences and seven times our size. We have around 5,000 people in a much smaller area and very little linear assessment. As such we are forced to maintain our costs basically on our taxpayers' backs and to my mind this is inequitable. As a municipality we can only stretch a dollar so far and ultimately we have to go to the taxpayer. I had been looking at the Ranchland situation well before the Riversdale Mine appeared on the horizon. The mine simply reduced the amount of land we need to annex for our future sustainability. From my perspective the partial annexation of Ranchland will have a minimal effect on their current and future sustainability. However let me, from a layman’s perspective, demonstrate what such an annexation would mean for us as taxpayers. Annually, we would receive a tax levy of $3,800,000 from this new industrial base. Maintained in reserve and invested, at the end of a ten year period, the compound interest would provide approximately $1,850,000 of interest income to support the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve and $38,000,000 for community building. The first year interest can easily be applied to the Mill Rate Stabilization Fund which will begin to stabilize and offset our taxes for many years to come. At year five we would have $19,000,000 being available for community building. In year ten, we would have $39,850,000 in our tax stabilization plan and community building enhancement. Early in the process we could perhaps begin work with the Crowsnest Cando group on a recreation centre. Of course there will be costs related to the property annexed such as roads, trails and bridges, etc. however I see this area as a major future tourist draw particularly for quading, camping and snowmobiling. As I say these are a laypersons’ thoughts “for demonstration” only. In reality we would be seeking both internal and external financial advice. I think this is the way to overcome our tax issues. Arguing over trucks, equipment, numbers of employees, expenditures on consultants and other ways to stretch the dollar while our community deteriorates is a waste of breath. We must take steps to alleviate our basic problem. To this end we have discussed the matter with Ranchland to no avail. As such I will be calling for a motion to begin the annexation process with the M.D. of Ranchland at the July 16th Council meeting. I hope the Council agrees with me, as I hope you do. It will, if approved, be a long and grueling process (at least two years), but it needs to be done. On another matter, we have had a rough and disappointing month with our hotel development. To put it in a nutshell, here is what has happened to us. A chain from Fernie, which belongs to the Best Western group, has complained to Best Western that our hotel would infringe on their business area. The “complaining” process took five months (if you remember I was very unhappy over these delays). The Fernie group successfully delayed our progress. In the meantime, the Medican investors took their money and went elsewhere with it. Medican then decided to let our contract run out, although the Best Western Board of Governors still approved us locating a Best Western here. At this point we are still working with the Vachon group (hotel finders) to attract a Best Western or other hotel chain to build. In order to retain our right to build a Best Western for two years, we need to consider putting up $50,000.00. A decision regarding clearing the property will also have to be made very shortly. So there you have it. These things happen in building a hotel, but business is business. There are ups and downs, but we will persist. On the positive side, I attended a meeting with a developer who is considering building either a mini-storage condo or a smaller hotel next spring. (Thank heavens he already owns the land) Very shortly I also plan to meet with an individual to discuss the possibility of a convention centre separate from the hotel – more to come this fall on both of these potential developments. Please remember most of these projects take several years to complete, so have patience. In closing, I can’t help but poke some fun at our local “Cavers”. It appears that this newsletter, committed to truth and fact, is somewhat unnerving to the “oracles of rumour and misinformation.” Perhaps they are losing their stature on coffee row or on the silly blogger circuit. This month the usual material has ranged from bad-mouthing our emergency procedures and our people, and of all things, to undermining our newsletter. The actions and success of our Administration and crews speak for themselves. As to our newsletter being political; well, I am the Mayor and I will make some political comments and I do trust that you will form your own opinion. So far no complaints, except from the Cavers. Please note that this newsletter is budgeted for and falls within our plan to improve communication and transparency. It costs you about $0.65 per month and I have many requests for twice a month. Further, the Council expects to have a report on streaming our Governance and Priorities Committee and Council meetings directly to you, hopefully by September. We would also like to arrange for our seniors to view us “in living color” at the York Creek Lodge, Long Term Care and our Senior Centres. Soon I hope you will all be able to see and hear us – and watch us commit our errors and omissions (which we are learning to make fewer of as we progress). Have a wonderful summer! “The truth doesn’t hurt unless it ought to.” - B.C. Forbes Note: Cost of administration $4325 per day

Hillcrest Miners Playground

Just took these comments of a friends site on Facebook, a very good cause to support.

So families with young children I am putting out a thought to you all...our Hillcrest Miners Playground sustained damages during the flood allowing it to be just locked up, we need all of you and that is ALL of you to begin the process of a written, emailed and/or complaints to the Municipality with concerns to this! The playground is for our youth to use and it definitely will not be able to be used if NOT FIXED!!! 
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE let them not how you feel we can work together to clean up our playground but we need your support. 
HILLCREST MINES COMMUNITY SOCIETY and the young families of the community can make a difference!!



Note: Cost of administration $4325 per day

The myth of the "Silent Majority"

Excellent article in this week's Pass Herald from S.C Rudegan regarding the myth of the "Silent Majority", I think his words really clear up another misconception.


http://passherald.ca/archives/130709/index5.htm



Note: Cost of administration $4325 per day 

"Unvarnished facts and truth" edition number one "The Hotel"

Back on June 15 the first Mayor's corner came out, this was the one where the Mayor began to reach out to the community and the people that  don't agree with everything he says. He felt the need to direct his comments at the "barber shop quartet" "coffee time guys and gals" "local papers" and for good luck he threw in "local blogs" and the "numerous letters to the editors".

He concluded his Mayor's corner by stating "if we miss anything please call myself, the Councillors, or our Administration for the unvarnished facts and truths"

The hotel issue has been awfully quite especially after the municipality went to the effort of placing the letter from "the Penrose group of companies" stating that Best Western would make a decision by June 17.

I have spent the last couple of days talking to some of my fellow citizens about the hotel and maybe our expectations were to high, what gave people these high expectations. Well I though long and hard and decided maybe I should look for the "unvarnished facts and truth" on this issue. What a better place to find the facts and truths than the Mayor's corner and the CAO reports in the municipal newsletter.

Aug 15, 2012 the Mayor states "During the next fifteen months my goals are specifically: to bring our hotel development to fruition"

Sept 14, 2012 the Mayor states "Administration is actively negotiating the new hotel development"

Oct 17, 2012 CAO's report states " Negotiations on the sale and development of the former Crowsnest Centre site and construction is proceeding. Administration and the developer have reached agreement on a number of conditions with a few remaining"

Oct 17, 2012 the Mayor states "I am pleased to announce that after months (and months) of work we have as promised, resolved the problem surrounding the Crowsnest Learning Centre and "old" hospital facility. The new hotel restaurant truck stop complex -is a go! The last few legal details are being ironed out and early next month we and the developers are looking forward to holding a public session to gather your input as to what you would like to see happen"

Oct 17,2012 Letter from the Mayor to Allison Redford "As such we now have a new hotel, restaurant and truck stop development which will begin in the spring of 2013"

Nov 19, 2012 CAO report states " Administration and the developer for the former Crowsnest Centre site development continue to solve and complete development issues and anticipate that all remaining issues will be resolved within the next 30 days"

Nov 19,2012 the Mayor states "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.

Dec 18,2012 CAO report states " Administration and the developer for the former Crowsnest Centre site development have had several discussions over the last few weeks. The majority of sale and development conditions have been satisfied for both parties with the finalization of agreement to be expected by month end. A new Hotel developer is partnering with the main developer and we are expecting the development process to start moving forward very quickly"

Dec 18,2012 The Mayor states "The hotel/restaurant/truck stop legalities have made significant progress and are drawing to a close and we are planning a public session in February. Initially it was predicted that they would not begin demolition until next spring but apparently they are planning to start much earlier. I am told they are close to selecting a "flag" hotel chain"

Jan 23,2013 CAO report states "A formal announcement is anticipated this week concerning the development on the former Crowsnest Centre site"

Jan 23,2013 the Mayor states "In February our hotel developers will be here for a public open house and to provide us with an opportunity to have input and ask any questions we may have. I am pressing for an early start for the deconstruction and new construction to begin"

Feb 19,2013 CAO states "Medican group and Group/Vachon hosted an open house on Tuesday Feb 12,2013 at the Elks Hall. The open house provided an opportunity for the developers to present their plans for development of the 2.5 ha. former hospital site. Architectural and engineering firms involved with the project were also on hand to discuss specifics related to the project and had conceptual drawings on hand for public's review.

Feb 19,2013 CAO report also states "sale and construction agreement was made official on Feb 4" "A soon to be named 60 to 75 room international hotel with amenities including pool and hot tub, breakfast area, and meeting space will be the primary development with other development plans including a franchise restaurant and other complimenting developments" "The purchase price of the land is in the amount of $1.1 million dollars which is made up of cash and the value of the demolition. The agreement further requires the demolition to be completed by late summer, with the foundation work to be completed by late fall. The hotel construction is required to be completed within 2 years of the signing of the agreement which means hotel opening by early 2015". "This area will be developed into park space with funding from Medican"

March 15,2013 CAO report states "The development agreement process has begun for the former Crowsnest Centre site"

March 15,2013 Mayor states "As you saw, heard, and discussed at the presentations and open house the hotel development is on its way"

April 19,2013 we are met with silence regarding this issue.

May15,2013 CAO states "The municipality has provided an extension to Medican to May 31,2013 for completion of final site engineering and site design, obtaining a development permit, securing an agreement for the hotel chain, Council approval for waiver of off-site levies, and negotiation and execution of a development agreement. This extension is needed as the application submission to Best Western Board of Directors was deferred to the week of May 13,2013 for consideration"

May 15,2013 The Mayor states "Last week I kept my promise and announced on the radio, as soon as I knew, that our new hotel will be a Best western. Final approval should be given between the 13th to 18th of this month. If it is not approved by the Best Western Board of Governors we will move to the Holiday Inn group. Regardless things are on time and we should see demolition activity late this summer"

June 17,2013 we are met again with silence regarding this issue.

Finally again we have the letter from the Penrose Group of companies available on the Municipality web site http://www.crowsnestpass.com/ under Press Releases and Announcements titled Crowsnest Centre Development.


Over the next few months leading up to the election I will publish several more of these "unvarnished facts and truths". To avoid any errors or miss truths I will attempt where ever possible to only use the facts available in the municipal newsletter.



Note: Cost of administration $4325 per day 

My position on a bloated administration

After my last post http://crowsnestpasshome.blogspot.ca/2013/06/june-30-tax-deadline-where-does-our.html I have been asked by some of the comments on my blog and people on the street what my position would be if I was elected has a councilor in October regarding the structure of the municipal bureaucracy.

I will speak from my own experience sitting in that position for six years.  I would request the following information immediately:

1. Copies of all contracts between the municipality and it’s administrators.

2. Comparisons of each positions salary from 2010 to 2013, I certainly have a good idea on what was in place in 2010.

3. I would also ask for a break down of what area’s each administrator is responsible for today compared to 2010.

4. I would ask for a copy of each administrator’s qualifications, certifications and back grounds in the areas that they are currently administrating.

5. I do not believe a community of our size needs a three tier management structure (CAO, Directors, Managers) you can switch the titles around and name them what you wish but we do not need three tiers of management.

6. I also do not believe we need three people running the Protective Services area that is a luxury we can not afford.

Hopefully that provides some sense of the direction I will take regarding the issue of what I feel is a bloated administration. Keep in mind that to achieve any of the above will require a minimum of three other members of council that feel the same way I do about the municipal bureaucracy.   

Note: Cost of administration $4325 per day