Pincher Creek Town Council notes from September 9, 2013 meeting

• Spray park proposed
• Crowsnest/Pincher Creek Landfill to adjust billing structure
• Tax Penalty Bylaw #1395-13 reviewed
• Mapping of area to help public and emergency services
• Lundbreck and Cowley to have access to an Alberta Environment certified operator for as needed water system maintenance

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek's Town Council met on the evening of Monday, September 9.  In attendance were Mayor Ernie Olsen, Councillors Don Anderberg, Sahra Hancock, Lorne Jackson, and Murray Lauder.  CAO Laurie Wilgosh, Finance Officer Wendy Catonio, and Recreation Manager Diane Burt-Stuckey were also present.  Councillor Wayne Oliver could not attend.

Spray park proposed

Jennifer Draper approached Council to propose and act as an advocate for a spray park in Pincher Creek.  Draper said that she has been taking her family to the spray park in the Crowsnest Pass and would see other citizens of the town of Pincher Creek each time she went.

After one of these trips she proposed the idea of starting a spray park in Pincher Creek on Facebook to see what, if any, public response she would get.  "I got a huge, huge response from parents, friends, even grandparents," she said.  According to Draper within 2 - 3 days of her Facebook post there were approximately 80 people who liked it on Facebook.  She has started a group on Facebook to continue the discussion called "Splash Park for Pincher Creek".  Draper supplied copies of the public feedback she has received to Council.

She said that it would benefit the community in a number of ways.  She believes it will be value added for tourism, increase sales at local businesses, and be an additional feature for people who already live in the area.  Draper said that she has a lot of support for fundraising for this project.

"Fernie just opened up a spray park in July, and their cost to build it was $350,000 dollars,"  said Draper.  She has done some investigations and said that the Fernie operation requires approximately 4 hours a week in cleaning, maintenance and upkeep.

Draper talked about a number of areas that had been proposed for a site around town, with the west end of the block that the Town of Pincher Creek Office Building and Hall stands on being a strong contender in the public discussions.

"Here is a perfect spot.  It's right downtown, close to shopping, and has parking," said Draper.

Later on when Mayor Ernie Olsen asked for comments from those in the public gallery, Brenda Campbell-Duffield said  "It would be right here.  You can't get any better for community watch.  The Town office is right here.  People are really into this."

Councillor Sahra Hancock asked what additional features in other spray parks enhanced the visitor experience.  Shade, washrooms, change rooms, benches, a sandbox and a wading pool were all suggested.

"Sometimes costs are site specific, depending on what servicing is needed," said Recreation Manager Diane Burt-Stuckey who is planning to be gather more information on current costs for assessment.

Mayor Ernie Olsen thanked Draper and those in the public gallery for their input.

Crowsnest/Pincher Creek Landfill to adjust billing structure

The Crowsnest/Pincher Creek Landfill is adjusting their billing structure.  Once in place this new policy will mean that when an individual or a company has a load that exceeds 500 kilograms, that individual or company will be responsible for paying the tipping fee.   The Municipality will continue to be responsible for loads under 500 kilograms.  This policy will relate to the Town of Pincher Creek and the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass.  The Municipal District of Pincher Creek will continue to pay for all loads delivered to the landfill by  that MD's residents.  This policy has been in the creation phase since 2006.

The current policy has allowed for splitting a load for contractors, reducing their expense but creating more administrative work for landfill staff.  Once the new policy is in place administration believes that it will result in a more accurate implementation of tipping fees and a more accurate user pay system.


Tax Penalty Bylaw #1395-13 reviewed

Tax penalty bylaw 1395-13 passed first reading at Council during the meeting held August 26, 2013.  The purpose of this bylaw is to change the penalty date on unpaid current property taxes from August 1 to July 1.  If this passes third and final reading this new penalty date will come into effect for 2014.

Administration recommended at the council meeting on September 9 during the second reading that this bylaw be publicly advertised before third and final reading.

Related story:  Pincher Creek Town Council Notes August 26, 2013 meeting


Budget adjustments require no additional funding

Members of Council agreed to increase the 2013 capital budget by $231,286 for 2012 projects that were not finished.  The funds were already budgeted for in 2012 and no additional funding is required.  The funds will have to be carried forward from the 2012 budget to the 2013 budget.

Mapping of area to help public and emergency services

Town Council agreed to participate in a regional collaboration grant with the Municipal District of Willow Creek and for the Alberta Municipal Data Sharing Partnership (AMDSP) Mapping System project.  Council agreed to abide by the terns of a conditional grant agreement that will govern the purpose and use of those funds.  It is expected that this project will be funded 100% by grant funds.  The goal of this project is to provide a geographic information system data set for emergency and public services in Alberta.


Lundbreck and Cowley to have access to an Alberta Environment certified operator for as needed water system maintenance

Council members agreed and approved for each the Village of Cowley and the Hamlet of Lundbreck a memorandum of agreement for operations of their respective water works systems.

Council agreed to supply an Alberta Environment certified operator to act as a contractor and maintain the respective water treatment facilities.  The Town already supplies this support.  This will formalize the agreement.  The agreement is for an 'as needed' basis for both systems.

The agreement with the Hamlet of Lundbreck and the Village of Cowley were amended and include;

6.  Payment of $100.00/hr to be paid monthly with 30 days of month end.

7.  Mileage for vehicle use per month paid at the rate of $0.50/kilometer to be paid monthly within 30 days of month end.

Report highlights

During reports Councillor Lorne Jackson announced he would allow his name to stand in the upcoming election, and Councillor Murray Lauder announced that he will not be running.

Related story:  Councillors Jackson and Lauder announce election intentions

Council members accepted both the Finance Second Quarter Report, given by Finance Officer Wendy Catonio and the Council Information Distribution List.

During the presentation of the second quarter report Catonio said  that she added a percentage variance column.  "I thought that might be useful information."

After the public meeting Council met to discuss in camera:  Legal-Ambulance.