Pincher Creek Town Council notes from January 13, 2014 meeting

• Councillor Elliott to attend full Assessment Review Board training
• Local implications of the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan
• Council votes to support new Humane Society/SPCA building
  
• Mayors to meet to discuss Highway 3
• Library Board requests review of utility costs
• Town to help fund Bobby Burns Park deck 
• Report Highlights 

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Council for the Town of Pincher Creek met on the evening of January 13, 2014. In attendance were Mayor Don Anderberg and Councillors Adrian Hartman, Wayne Elliott, Mark Barber, Tammy Rubbelke,and Lorne Jackson. CAO Laurie Wilgosh was also in attendance. Councillor Doug Thornton did not attend.

Councillor Elliott to attend full Assessment Review Board training

Councillor Wayne Elliott was previously registered for a refresher course for the Assessment Review Board. Unfortunately his previous training has expired so he will have to take a 4 day course rather than the 2 day refresher course he was previously signed up for. Council unanimously agreed he should attend the full course.

Local implications of the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan

Mayor Don Anderberg brought up some concerns regarding the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP) that were discussed at the Mayors and Reeves Meeting held January 3, 2014.

The Mayors and Reeves have asked for an extension of the deadline that is scheduled for January 15, 2014, to have it moved to June 30 because of the large turnover on the councils in the southern end of the Province. Some of the concerns include how the administration will be affected to bring statutes, policies, and land use planning into alignment with the plan, and penalties that may happen for non-compliance.

"It's become quite evident that it's a little more onerous that we first envisioned," said Mayor Don Anderberg. "We've lost a lot of that knowledge off of our Councils," he said. "The timing isn't good, because this started in 2008. We've gone through some of the processes, now it seems they have it on the fast track for some reason," he said. "Why the big rush?" Anderberg encouraged the Council to go through the documentation and be aware of the changes involved.

Related story:
Public and stakeholder SSRP feedback deadline extended to February 28

Council votes to support Pincher Creek Humane Society SPCA building

Council unanimously voted in favor of supporting entering into a capital funding agreement between the Town of Pincher Creek, the MD of Pincher Creek #9, and the Pincher Creek Humane Society/SPCA for all construction costs associated with the building of a new humane society facility in Pincher Creek.

The agreement proposes that the support will be financially divided as follows:

• Town of Pincher Creek - $150,000.00
• MD of Pincher Creek #9 - $150,000.00
• Pincher Creek Humane Society - $25,000.00
• Community Facility Enhancement Program - $125,000.00

"The land is straight east of the existing facility, directly behind the Co-op's fuel tank storage compartments," said Mayor Andreberg. Anderberg explained that the SPCA and the Town have a lease agreement in place, and that this project has been underway for years, with the SPCA raising a portion of the funds themselves. "We just have to get the money approved in place, and get it done."

Councillor Wayne Elliott and Councillor Lorne Jackson were strongly in approval of this going forward. "I am very proud to be part of the last council that owned up and put the money ahead to go onto this," said Jackson. "I think that went a long way to get this ball rolling."

Mayors to meet to discuss Highway 3

The Mayors of Crowsnest Pass, Coalhurst, Pincher Creek and Fort Macleod have been having discussions about Highway three. "We all have issues," said Mayor Don Anderberg. There are concerns over the roads as they stand, and proposed changes.

The proposed change to turn into Pincher Creek "Will be just west of the substation, south and west," explained Anderberg. "Before they do the by-pass to the east that would go to the east side of town they would have to see significant increase on highway 6."

Mayor Anderberg expressed concern about the increased traffic volume at the current junction of Highway 3 and Highway 6, and that planning is affected by proposed changes "being in limbo".

Councillor Wayne Elliott said that this would also be affected by the SSRP, and suggested that this be brought up at the Committee of the Whole. Mayor Don Anderberg and Councillor Mark Barber will meet with the other mayors to discuss Highway 3.

Library Board requests review of utility costs

The Pincher Creek and District Municipal Library is asking to have a review of their heating costs in the facility. The library is currently assessed 15% of the heating costs for the facility and would like to see that number reduced to 4 to 5%. One of the reasons cited for the requested reduction is that the library boards feels that much of that natural gas consumed is used to heat the water in the swimming pool facility.

Members of Council unanimously agreed to refer the issue to the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 5.

Town to help fund Bobby Burns Park deck

The Municipal District of Pincher Creek made a request of the Town of Pincher Creek to fund half of the cost of the Bobby Burns Fish Pond deck project. The Bobby Burns facility is maintained by the Royal Canadian Legion #43. The facility is in the Municipal District of Pincher Creek. "Bobby Burns is well attended by members of the Town, as well as the MD," said Councillor Lorne Jackson. There was much discussion on this project. Ultimately the members of Council voted to fund one half of the project at the cost of $3,668.36.

Report Highlights

Many of the Councillors and Sgt. Dixon of the local RCMP went on a tour of a number of facilities in the Town of Pincher Creek, including a tour of the RCMP facility. A number of councillors and the Mayor remarked that it was informative, and helped them understand the workings of the town better. A further tour of facilities including parks and walkways is to be scheduled during nicer weather.

Councillor Wayne Elliott asked if there is property tax relief for seniors that are transitioning between their own home and a senior facility. Councillor Adrian Hartman said that there is, and Mayor Anderberg agreed.

Mayor Don Anderberg would like to revisit the problems were raised as an issue approximately a year ago around loading and unloading of buses at Canyon School and St Michael's School.

Fourth Quarter reports reviewed

Reports for the fourth quarter were reviewed including reports on Operations, Community Services, Legislative Services, and a report from the Chief Administrative Officer.


In Camera

After the regular meeting council met in camera to discuss: Land: North Hill Development Highway access, Renovations: Repair and upgrades to Children's World Daycare Society, and an Offer to Purchase.