Pincher Creek's Town Council met on the evening of March 25, 2013. In attendance were Mayor Ernie Olsen, Councillors Don Anderberg, Sahra Hancock, Lorne Jackson, Murray Lauder, and Wayne Oliver. CAO Laurie Wilgosh and Finance Officer Wendy Catonio were also present.
Early Childhood Mapping Project results brought to Council
Collette Sinnott presented the council with the results to date of the Early Childhood Mapping Project (ECMP) and the results of the Early Development Instrument (EDI). The tests were conducted based on postal code, taking in Pincher Creek and area. The EDI is a test that gathers information about five different areas of a child's development: Physical health and well being, emotional maturity, Communication skills and general knowledge, Social competence, and Language and thinking skills. "In our town one in four kids are not going into school with the tools they need," said Sinnott, explaining that those "tools" could be skill-sets such as social skills, appropriate clothing, or proper nutrition.
Sinnott explained that the median household income for Pincher Creek is below the Alberta average, and the unemployment rate is higher in the area than the average, creating a number of financial barriers as well.
"Travel is a major barrier for parents with no or reduced access to a vehicle," said Sinnott. "Most of the development in children happens before they're three years old. If you keep that in mind, and try to support families through that time, you will see a lot less social problems down the line,"
Sinnott also gave the councillors a listing of the top 10 suggestions that have come from the Early Childhood Coalition for Pincher Creek and area.
Councillor Lorne Jackson commented that while up at the mall during the budget presentation that some new mothers told him that there should be more more fitness and recreation opportunities for young children.
Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village explains budget shortcomings
Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village (KBPV) President Colleen Casey-Cyr and book keeper Denise Somerville approached Council to present their desire to continue operating the Tourism Information Center at that facility if the Town of Pincher Creek and Municipal District of Pincher Creek would be willing to help to help fund the venture. "Denise and I are here because when we submitted our applications in September for funding, we did submit on two different applications, one for the museum and one for the information center, and the information center was forgotten." The two went through the KBPV budget line by line with an explanation of where the money comes from, and how it is used, and answered questions from Councillors.
Council listened to the information that they presented and suggested that KBPV present a request for funding to Joint Council at a meeting tentatively scheduled for April 18. Councillor Don Anderberg suggested a balance sheet would be useful at that meeting.
Livestock exhibit to return to Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village
Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village (KBPV) has asked the Town for permission to house livestock every year since 2009. To date they have had permission to have chickens, donkeys, sheep, and ducks.
This year KBPV has asked for permission to carry ducks, chickens, sheep and turkeys on the property.
Councillor Wayne Oliver did ask how noise complaints would be handled, and KBPV General Manager Tracy Glen assured Council that if she received noise complaints she would return the animals to the homes that donate the animals to the grounds for the summer.
Council approved this unanimously.
Handford request to discuss drainage issues denied
Cheryl and Randy Handford requested to approach council based on their previous concerns, and concerns over the drainage of the property development on a neighbouring property at 861 Frederick Street.
In a letter to the Hanfords from Manager of Legislative Services Gus Kollee, that confirmed the request to approach council for the meeting of March 25, 2013, Kollee did write that "Considering that your concerns regarding the development adjacent to the south of your property have been presented at a previous Town Council meeting please be advised that Council must unanimously agree for this matter to be heard."
Mayor Olsen voted against hearing the matter, so the Handford delegation was not permitted to speak to council. "Tonight, there is nothing to discuss," said Mayor Olsen after the vote.
"If it was your house, Mr. Mayor, there would be something to discuss. We have drain pipes coming right in at us, we are in a slough. We cannot sell our home because we don't have a real property report because of what is happening next door, this goes on, and on. The Town Planner was invited to a meeting and called us names in a public meeting, this is unbelievable," Cheryl Handford said while departing from the council chamber.
Related links:
Town Council Notes November 26, 2012
Town Council Notes December 10, 2012
Town Council Notes, January 14, 2013
Property Review Committee to be reviewed
Following a recommendation by Councillor Sahra Hancock, the Property Review Committee is to go under review by administration. "It's just trying to be as efficient as possible, and not having committees that are unnecessary," said Hancock who commented that the majority of the leases to the Town of Pincher Creek are now organized and assessed before the leases come due.
Public hearing to be held regarding change in property designation
Town Council unanimously voted to hold a public hearing regarding amendment to Bylaw 1547-R to change selected the designation of properties on Livingston Way between Tumbleweed Avenue and Sunshine Bay from R1 residential to R4 - Multi-Family residential.
The public hearing is to be scheduled for May 15, 2013 before consideration of further readings of the bylaw.
First reading for Municipal Development & Subdivision Authority bylaw
The Municipal Development & Subdivision Authority (MDSA) Bylaw 1543-13 was reviewed and went through first reading at Town Council. Committee of the Whole directed administration to review this document focusing on #18 and removing #26 and to add an annual training and organizational meeting to the bylaw on March 7.
Council directed administration to revise the bylaw with some changes. The motion was carried with Councillor Wayne Oliver opposed.
Council Remuneration Bylaw
Council gave first reading to changes to Council Remuneration to be effective November 1, 2013. This will affect the newly elected councillors and officials for the Town of Pincher Creek after the next election. The Council has increased the stipend, and general expenses to be received by councillors per month and the amount received per regular and special meeting councils.
The Chief Elected Official (Mayor) is to receive a stipend and general expenses increase to $650 from $600 per month, and Councillors are to receive a stipend and general expenses increase to $300 from $200 per month.
To avoid confusion with the incoming and outgoing council members "The newly elected Councillors shall receive the first stipend for November in the year of election.", has been added to the wording.
Other changes include the change in the payment per council session attended, the per diem paid for out of town functions, and the remuneration for meetings that are over four hours in length.
Surplus to go back into reserves
Council ruled that a surplus of $485,000.00 for the year of 2012 be transferred to the Municipal Income Stabilization Reserve Account.
Councillor Wayne Oliver expressed concern over the "high" surplus, and asked, "Are we overtaxing our populace?"
Finance Officer Wendy Catonio explained that this number reflects 5% of the total 2012 operating budget and was created from higher that projected investment and franchise income and lower than expected expenses such as: unpaid salary and benefits for unfilled positions, and lower utility costs due to a mild winter, reduced legal fees, and a reduction in projected repairs and maintenance because many pieces of the equipment are still new.
Councillor Anderberg brought up that this is the first of a 2 year budget, and having a surplus would be a benefit to this and the next council.
New tables shelved
In the 2012 Operating Budget Council had allowed up to $5,000 for new tables to be bought on a shared cost with the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), as the EMA shares the use of the current council tables. During an emergency the tables are dismantled and reassembled elsewhere.
After discussions with the new acting Director of Pincher Creek EMA, it was decided that new tables would not be required at this time.
Town to recognize National Health and Fitness Day
Council unanimously approved to recognize National Health and Fitness Day. This day is the first Saturday in June annually, and will be June 1, 2013.
2013 Municipal Census to ask minimal questions
Council unanimously agreed to conduct a census for 2013 that will consist of the number of people, age and gender of those dwelling in a residence.
This information is useful in planning town recreational facilities, consideration of transportation needs, and grant applications.
A longer and more detailed census form may be used in the future, possibly on alternating years.
Property Review Committee to be reviewed
Following a recommendation by Councillor Sahra Hancock, the Property Review Committee is to go under review by administration. "It's just trying to be as efficient as possible, and not having committees that are unnecessary," said Hancock who commented that the majority of the leases to the Town of Pincher Creek are now organized and assessed before the leases come due.
Public hearing to be held regarding change in property designation
Town Council unanimously voted to hold a public hearing regarding amendment to Bylaw 1547-R to change selected the designation of properties on Livingston Way between Tumbleweed Avenue and Sunshine Bay from R1 residential to R4 - Multi-Family residential.
The public hearing is to be scheduled for May 15, 2013 before consideration of further readings of the bylaw.
First reading for Municipal Development & Subdivision Authority bylaw
The Municipal Development & Subdivision Authority (MDSA) Bylaw 1543-13 was reviewed and went through first reading at Town Council. Committee of the Whole directed administration to review this document focusing on #18 and removing #26 and to add an annual training and organizational meeting to the bylaw on March 7.
Council directed administration to revise the bylaw with some changes. The motion was carried with Councillor Wayne Oliver opposed.
Council Remuneration Bylaw
Council gave first reading to changes to Council Remuneration to be effective November 1, 2013. This will affect the newly elected councillors and officials for the Town of Pincher Creek after the next election. The Council has increased the stipend, and general expenses to be received by councillors per month and the amount received per regular and special meeting councils.
The Chief Elected Official (Mayor) is to receive a stipend and general expenses increase to $650 from $600 per month, and Councillors are to receive a stipend and general expenses increase to $300 from $200 per month.
To avoid confusion with the incoming and outgoing council members "The newly elected Councillors shall receive the first stipend for November in the year of election.", has been added to the wording.
Other changes include the change in the payment per council session attended, the per diem paid for out of town functions, and the remuneration for meetings that are over four hours in length.
Surplus to go back into reserves
Council ruled that a surplus of $485,000.00 for the year of 2012 be transferred to the Municipal Income Stabilization Reserve Account.
Councillor Wayne Oliver expressed concern over the "high" surplus, and asked, "Are we overtaxing our populace?"
Finance Officer Wendy Catonio explained that this number reflects 5% of the total 2012 operating budget and was created from higher that projected investment and franchise income and lower than expected expenses such as: unpaid salary and benefits for unfilled positions, and lower utility costs due to a mild winter, reduced legal fees, and a reduction in projected repairs and maintenance because many pieces of the equipment are still new.
Councillor Anderberg brought up that this is the first of a 2 year budget, and having a surplus would be a benefit to this and the next council.
New tables shelved
In the 2012 Operating Budget Council had allowed up to $5,000 for new tables to be bought on a shared cost with the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), as the EMA shares the use of the current council tables. During an emergency the tables are dismantled and reassembled elsewhere.
After discussions with the new acting Director of Pincher Creek EMA, it was decided that new tables would not be required at this time.
Town to recognize National Health and Fitness Day
Council unanimously approved to recognize National Health and Fitness Day. This day is the first Saturday in June annually, and will be June 1, 2013.
2013 Municipal Census to ask minimal questions
Council unanimously agreed to conduct a census for 2013 that will consist of the number of people, age and gender of those dwelling in a residence.
This information is useful in planning town recreational facilities, consideration of transportation needs, and grant applications.
A longer and more detailed census form may be used in the future, possibly on alternating years.
Ratepayers not allowed to express their concerns to elected officials should be a concern to all - the Mayor is the only one who votes not to let ratepayers speak - makes me wonder!
ReplyDeleteHeard about this on the radio and was downtown and lots of people talking about this - does the Mayor know the word "democracy". This was not!
ReplyDeleteThese people had a lovely home with a wonderful yard and flowers that we enjoyed - this is a real shame!
ReplyDelete