- Chinook Arch Library presentation
- Coal mining: The Grassy Mountain Project
- Committees created for housing, transportation and facilities
- Town, Lions Club, Lethbridge Community Foundation chip in towards SASG facility upgrades
- Pincher Planters request for funding granted
- Mill rate increase projected
- Surplus funding transferred to reserves
- Year end audited financial statements approved
- Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village antique car barn approved
- Water looping project contract award
- Report highlights
Toni Lucas
Councillors asked questions about procedures, water use, transportation, and environmental impact. Councillor Wayne Elliott estimated that 125 train cars would be needed to haul the minimum amount of their projection.
Selenium and magnetite were concerns for the Councillors. "This water is coming east, and into the dam," said Elliott. Councillor Doug Thornton asked about magnetite. "If your mine is going to need this mineral, where are you going to get it?" Bott said that this operation will not be needing magnetite.
"We are here to listen to whatever concerns you might have," Bott said to council, and said Riverdale will be holding public information sessions and gathering public input.
Riverdale made a similar presentation to council for the MD of Pincher Creek last week.
Committees created for housing, transportation and facilities
As a result of the 2014 Strategic Planning session held in February, a Community Housing committee and a Transportation committee were created. Councillors Adrian Hartman, Tammy Rubbelke and Mayor Don Anderberg were appointed to Community Housing committee and Councillors Lorne Jackson, and Douglas Thornton were appointed to the Transportation committee. An MD Councillor as yet undetermined is expected to have an advisory role with the Transportation committee.
She now estimates that $31,300 for facility upgrades will be required or less, depending on future donations. She broke this down to:
Council members voted unanimously to approve up to $31,300.00 in funding.
Related story: Pincher Creek Town Council notes from March 24, 2014 meeting
Pincher Planters request for funding granted
Council for the Town of Pincher Creek voted to approve funding for up to $8,000.00 for a watering and mowing program of flower beds downtown. The four flower bed areas are at the front and back of the library/swimming pool, beside Builders World on Main Street, at Cenotaph Park on Main Street, and at the corner of Bev McLachlin Drive and Main Street. These areas will be tended by Pincher Planters or contracted out by them, freeing up town employee time.
Mill rate increase projected
First reading was held for the 2014 Mill Rate bylaw. "There is a very slight difference between last years and this years, because the municipal rate went up a little bit, and the school rate came down a bit," said CFO Wendy Catonio about the mill rate. When asked what about the increase Catonio said it was 2%. First reading of the bylaw passed unanimously.
Surplus funding transferred to reserves
Members of council agreed to approve the transfer of $442,000 of 2013 surplus funding to the Municipal Income Stabilization Reserve Account. This surplus was 5% of the total 2013 Operating Budget and was created by lower than expected expenses and higher revenue. Examples of these reduced expenses were given as less salary and benefit costs for unfilled positions, utility company franchise fees that were higher than expected, and lower utility costs at town facilities due to a mild winter.
Year end audited financial statements approved
Water looping project contract award
Members of council voted to approve a planned 2014 water system upgrade, and directed administration to award the project to Chinook Pipeline LP for the amount of $754,880 plus GST. "I thought it was great news that our local company won this bid, by about 50% of the competition," said Councillor Douglas Thornton. Two proposals were received at town office for the upgrade project, which will address areas of concern identified in the Krystal Engineering consultant report. According to administration this is fully funded by Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) grant funding.
Report highlights
Councillor Wayne Elliott and Councillor Tammy Rubbelke attended the Principals of Assessment and Administrative Law II courses from March 24 to March 28. They are currently awaiting the results form the examinations.
Councillor Doug Thornton, a Rotarian, talked about taking ambulances and a Handi Bus to Mexico with fellow member member of Rotary. "It was a great success," he said. Decomissioned Ambulance 1099 was donated by Pincher Creek Emergency Services. It went to the community of Palmillas. "I'm pretty pleased with myself for this. I came up with about a minute and a half speech, in Spanish. I told them how pleased we were that they had our ambulance. That ambulance has saved a lot of lives in Pincher Creek, and I told them that I hoped it would save many lives in Mexico." Thornton said he made a request that they continue to call the ambulance "1099".
Quarterly reports submitted
Council for the Town of Pincher Creek met on the evening of April 14, 2014. In attendance were Mayor Don Anderberg and Councillors Adrian Hartman, Wayne Elliott, Mark Barber, Tammy Rubbelke, Lorne Jackson, and Doug Thornton. CAO Laurie Wilgosh, Recreation Director Diane Burt-Stuckey, and CFO Wendy Catonio were also in attendance.
Chinook Arch Library presentation
Chinook Arch Library (CAL) Associate Director Robin Thiessen-Hepher visited Council with local Head Librarian, Janice Day. Thiessen-Hepher explained the CAL's role and how it works with our Pincher Creek Municipal Library. By working in partnership with 34 libraries CAL allows all of those libraries to have access to over 900,000 items for their patrons. CAL performs a range of administrative work that frees up local library staffing time, and provides training, consultation, and reduces costs by leveraging mass purchase power. Thiessen-Hepher also appeared as a delegation at a recent meeting of the council for MD of Pincher Creek.
Coal mining: The Grassy Mountain Project
Riverdale Resources Community Liaison Keith Bott appeared before council as a delegation to inform them about the progress of the Grassy Mountain Project north of Blairmore. The Australian company has purchased several properties from Devon and Bott says they are targeting the area for coal mining. "It could directly employ 150 to 225 people," he said, explaining that the company is at an advanced exploration phase and is anticipating the production of 2.2 to 4 million tonnes per year of coal over the course of a 20 to 30 year mine life.
"We are obviously in a very environmentally sensitive location," said Bott, telling council that Riverdale is currently doing environmental studies on aquatics, vegetation, and wildlife in the area.
Chinook Arch Library presentation
Chinook Arch Library (CAL) Associate Director Robin Thiessen-Hepher visited Council with local Head Librarian, Janice Day. Thiessen-Hepher explained the CAL's role and how it works with our Pincher Creek Municipal Library. By working in partnership with 34 libraries CAL allows all of those libraries to have access to over 900,000 items for their patrons. CAL performs a range of administrative work that frees up local library staffing time, and provides training, consultation, and reduces costs by leveraging mass purchase power. Thiessen-Hepher also appeared as a delegation at a recent meeting of the council for MD of Pincher Creek.
Coal mining: The Grassy Mountain Project
Riverdale Resources Community Liaison Keith Bott appeared before council as a delegation to inform them about the progress of the Grassy Mountain Project north of Blairmore. The Australian company has purchased several properties from Devon and Bott says they are targeting the area for coal mining. "It could directly employ 150 to 225 people," he said, explaining that the company is at an advanced exploration phase and is anticipating the production of 2.2 to 4 million tonnes per year of coal over the course of a 20 to 30 year mine life.
"We are obviously in a very environmentally sensitive location," said Bott, telling council that Riverdale is currently doing environmental studies on aquatics, vegetation, and wildlife in the area.
Councillors asked questions about procedures, water use, transportation, and environmental impact. Councillor Wayne Elliott estimated that 125 train cars would be needed to haul the minimum amount of their projection.
Selenium and magnetite were concerns for the Councillors. "This water is coming east, and into the dam," said Elliott. Councillor Doug Thornton asked about magnetite. "If your mine is going to need this mineral, where are you going to get it?" Bott said that this operation will not be needing magnetite.
"We are here to listen to whatever concerns you might have," Bott said to council, and said Riverdale will be holding public information sessions and gathering public input.
Riverdale made a similar presentation to council for the MD of Pincher Creek last week.
Committees created for housing, transportation and facilities
As a result of the 2014 Strategic Planning session held in February, a Community Housing committee and a Transportation committee were created. Councillors Adrian Hartman, Tammy Rubbelke and Mayor Don Anderberg were appointed to Community Housing committee and Councillors Lorne Jackson, and Douglas Thornton were appointed to the Transportation committee. An MD Councillor as yet undetermined is expected to have an advisory role with the Transportation committee.
Due to the workload created by the upcoming 2014 Southern Alberta Summer Games (to be held in Pincher Creek) a Facilities steering committee was created. Councillors Mark Barber and Wayne Elliott were appointed to it. Council reviewed the terms of reference for the three committees.
Town, Lions Club, Lethbridge Community Foundation chip in towards SASG facility upgrades
During the regular meeting of Council on March 24 Diane Burt-Stuckey gave a detailed list of facility upgrades to prepare for the upcoming Southern Alberta Summer Games. At that time she estimated that $48,500.00 would be needed to upgrade facilities.
Since March 24 meeting the Lethbridge Community Foundation has donated $10,000 toward the dugout project and a donation of $1,500was received from the Lion's Club for Lions Park upgrades. The Golf Course, Municipal District of Pincher Creek and the Legion Hall #43 have all been approached as partners, and Burt-Stuckey said that is continuing to make connections and is trying to reduce the costs associated with hosting the games.
During the regular meeting of Council on March 24 Diane Burt-Stuckey gave a detailed list of facility upgrades to prepare for the upcoming Southern Alberta Summer Games. At that time she estimated that $48,500.00 would be needed to upgrade facilities.
Since March 24 meeting the Lethbridge Community Foundation has donated $10,000 toward the dugout project and a donation of $1,500was received from the Lion's Club for Lions Park upgrades. The Golf Course, Municipal District of Pincher Creek and the Legion Hall #43 have all been approached as partners, and Burt-Stuckey said that is continuing to make connections and is trying to reduce the costs associated with hosting the games.
She now estimates that $31,300 for facility upgrades will be required or less, depending on future donations. She broke this down to:
- $5,300 Lions Ball Park
- $11,000 Baseball diamond shale
- $15,000 Beach volleyball upgrade and temporary court.
Council members voted unanimously to approve up to $31,300.00 in funding.
Related story: Pincher Creek Town Council notes from March 24, 2014 meeting
Pincher Planters request for funding granted
Council for the Town of Pincher Creek voted to approve funding for up to $8,000.00 for a watering and mowing program of flower beds downtown. The four flower bed areas are at the front and back of the library/swimming pool, beside Builders World on Main Street, at Cenotaph Park on Main Street, and at the corner of Bev McLachlin Drive and Main Street. These areas will be tended by Pincher Planters or contracted out by them, freeing up town employee time.
Mill rate increase projected
First reading was held for the 2014 Mill Rate bylaw. "There is a very slight difference between last years and this years, because the municipal rate went up a little bit, and the school rate came down a bit," said CFO Wendy Catonio about the mill rate. When asked what about the increase Catonio said it was 2%. First reading of the bylaw passed unanimously.
Surplus funding transferred to reserves
Members of council agreed to approve the transfer of $442,000 of 2013 surplus funding to the Municipal Income Stabilization Reserve Account. This surplus was 5% of the total 2013 Operating Budget and was created by lower than expected expenses and higher revenue. Examples of these reduced expenses were given as less salary and benefit costs for unfilled positions, utility company franchise fees that were higher than expected, and lower utility costs at town facilities due to a mild winter.
Year end audited financial statements approved
Council approved the December 31, 2013 year end audited financial statements and auditor's report. This information is to be forwarded to Alberta Municipal Affairs, and will be used to help create the Town's corporate tax return to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village antique car barn approved
The Pincher Creek and District Historical Society (PCDHS) have asked for consent for development on Town owned property leased to them for the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village. On block B Plan 6051 JK zoned PI: Public Institution, PCDHS is applying to construct a 1,200 square foot antique car barn.This is to be installed close to the James Avenue entrance of the museum, north of where the current garage and car display is housed. PCDHS President Colleen Cyr was on hand to answer questions from council. Councillor Lorne Jackson asked how the project was to be funded. "We have raised it on our own," said Cyr. Council unanimously agreed to give the society permission to build on the property once all permits are obtained.
Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village antique car barn approved
The Pincher Creek and District Historical Society (PCDHS) have asked for consent for development on Town owned property leased to them for the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village. On block B Plan 6051 JK zoned PI: Public Institution, PCDHS is applying to construct a 1,200 square foot antique car barn.This is to be installed close to the James Avenue entrance of the museum, north of where the current garage and car display is housed. PCDHS President Colleen Cyr was on hand to answer questions from council. Councillor Lorne Jackson asked how the project was to be funded. "We have raised it on our own," said Cyr. Council unanimously agreed to give the society permission to build on the property once all permits are obtained.
Water looping project contract award
Members of council voted to approve a planned 2014 water system upgrade, and directed administration to award the project to Chinook Pipeline LP for the amount of $754,880 plus GST. "I thought it was great news that our local company won this bid, by about 50% of the competition," said Councillor Douglas Thornton. Two proposals were received at town office for the upgrade project, which will address areas of concern identified in the Krystal Engineering consultant report. According to administration this is fully funded by Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) grant funding.
Report highlights
Councillor Wayne Elliott and Councillor Tammy Rubbelke attended the Principals of Assessment and Administrative Law II courses from March 24 to March 28. They are currently awaiting the results form the examinations.
Councillor Doug Thornton, a Rotarian, talked about taking ambulances and a Handi Bus to Mexico with fellow member member of Rotary. "It was a great success," he said. Decomissioned Ambulance 1099 was donated by Pincher Creek Emergency Services. It went to the community of Palmillas. "I'm pretty pleased with myself for this. I came up with about a minute and a half speech, in Spanish. I told them how pleased we were that they had our ambulance. That ambulance has saved a lot of lives in Pincher Creek, and I told them that I hoped it would save many lives in Mexico." Thornton said he made a request that they continue to call the ambulance "1099".
Quarterly reports submitted
Administration reports were submitted, including the quarterly reports from the departments of Operations, CAO, and Legislative Services. Snow removal and winter street maintenance was a major priority for Operations. The CAO reported that the capital funding agreement between the Town and MD of Pincher Creek and the Pincher Creek Humane Society is signed with funding in place, and two expressions of interest from contractors have been received.
After the regular public meeting, council went in camera to discuss:
- Labor: CUPE negotiations
- Land: Community housing committee
- Legal: Pincher Creek Community Emergency Management Agency (PCCEMA) Bylaw/Municipal Emergency Plan (MEP), Municipal District temporary water transfer, Pincher Creek Foundation project.
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