UPDATE: Council Highlights - August 18, 2020

An In Camera motion was missed in the previous version of the highlights. It is included in red below.

Citizens' Minute with Council

Residents are welcome to speak to Council about issues, events, celebrations or concerns during Minute with Council. At the beginning of each regular Council Meeting, Mayor Michaels opens the floor to the public to speak and share with Council members, administration and meeting observers.

There were no speakers.

Delegations

Presentations are required to be arranged through the Executive Assistant, so that presenters can be sure time is set aside for their presentations on the Council agenda. Find out more about how to be a delegation by following this link.

There were no delegations.

Public Hearings

In some instances, Council is required to conduct public hearings regarding land use bylaws, rezoning, etc., or on any other matter council deems appropriate.

There were no public hearings.

Action Items

1. FCSS Service Area Reduction & Restructure

During the 2020 budget process, Council determined that the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) department could support an overall departmental budget reduction of $75,000 in 2020 and in future years in order to achieve the desired tax rate increase in the Town’s Three- Year Operating Budget. As such, Administration undertook an extensive review of FCSS services and identified opportunities to transfer, consolidate, and revamp services within the FCSS department.

An In-Camera Report was presented to Council at the June 9, 2020 Standing Committee Meeting outlining options for FCSS services review, wherein Council provided Administration with the following direction:

That Committee direct Administration to establish an agreement pertaining to Option #2 of the 2020 FCSS Service and Budget Reduction Report as presented In Camera.

Option #2 referred to a cost-reducing restructure that entailed the following components:

The transfer of Freedom Express Services to an External Agency
Restructure the Core FCSS Team from four positions (two full-time and two part-time) to three positions (all full-time)
Development of Hinton Family Resource Centre

Each component of this proposed restructure is analyzed in detail in Attachment #1, FCSS Restructure Report. The budget impacts associated with this service review are summarized as follows:

SERVICE LEVEL REVISIONS 2020 2021/2022 Elimination of Town-Operated Freedom Express Transportation Service Area (savings) $ 79,733 $ 111,989 Transfer of Services Agreement funding provided to External Agency (reduced in 2020 due to partial year) -$ 8,333 -$ 25,000 Changes to Support Staffing Restructure and Programming N/A -$ 11,989 FCSS & Community Services Budget Reductions (savings) $ 3,600 N/A TOTAL REDUCTIONS $ 75,000 $ 75,000

It was moved that the Town of Hinton enter into an agreement with the Evergreens Foundation, as presented, to provide an annual financial contribution towards the Foundation’s Accessible Transportation Service for residents with mobility limitations, based on the Freedom Express model and eliminate The Town-provided Freedom Express Transportation Service area. This motion carried.

2. Amendments to Remuneration Policy #052

The Council Remuneration Policy provides for a fair and reasonable level of remuneration for elected officials, ensuring that the Mayor and Councillors will receive fair remuneration for their time and expenses consistent with comparable communities. Further, the policy provides direction related to the establishment and ongoing operations of claims and payments for honorariums, meeting fees, expenses and benefits for the Mayor and Councillors.

On February 18, 2020 Council directed administration to amend Policy #052. MD-1957 sought the following additions, revisions, and clarifications:

That Administration complete all Council timesheets;
That clarification regarding the definition of meetings be achieved;
That consecutive meetings be deemed a single meeting in relation to meeting fees;
That basic reporting be required for Council Approved Committee & Board meetings, inclusive of start time, end time (travel time included) and a summary of discussions and decisions;
That the above reports be included in the Council Agenda package on a monthly basis, and
That items that constitute conference participation be tracked and reported separately from regular remuneration.

At the July 7th Standing Committee Meeting, Administration presented two versions of Policy #052. Version 1 achieved 5 out of the 6 above amendments, whereas Version 2 (Attachment 1) achieved all 6 requested amendments. Upon review of the amendments, Committee further directed Administration “to clarify “Workshops” within Policy #052, and to bring Policy #052 back to a Standing Committee Meeting for further discussion and review of Version 2”.

At the July 21st, Standing Committee Meeting, further review of Policy #052 Version 2 was conducted. The following directions were provided to Administration:

“That Committee direct Administration to update Section 4.7 to include that the Mayor can attend the FCM Conference yearly”.
“That Committee direct Administration to update Section 4.7 to include that Councillors may attend FCM once in their term”.
“That Committee direct Administration to amend Version 2 of the Remuneration Policy for Council to continue completing Council timesheets as per current practice”.

It was moved that Council approve Remuneration Policy #052 as presented. This motion carried.

3. Subdivision 149 - 467 Gregg Avenue
In 2019, an inquiry was received from a developer concerning the subdivision and development of 467 Gregg Avenue (Attachment 1 – Site Plan) within the C-HWY Highway Commercial District.

Pre-Application Meeting

In response to this inquiry, a pre-application meeting was held with the developer. The developer expressed interest in developing the parcel with a mix of commercial and residential uses. Part of the pre-application meeting concerned the existing sub-standard condition of Gregg Avenue as it pertains to underground line capacity and above ground infrastructure (lack of sidewalk, boulevard, curbs, gutter, etc.). For the purpose of a mixed use development, Public Works was consulted and confirmed that there would be enough capacity in the existing lines to support this type of development, however it was reiterated to the developer that it is developer’s responsibility to assume costs to tie into municipal services.

Bylaw Amendment

To help support and facilitate the business community’s desire for mixed use development, the Town initiated an amendment to Land Use Bylaw #1088 at no cost to the developer to include residential units within the C-HWY Highway Commercial District. This Bylaw amendment was presented to Council at the March 3, 2020 Regular Council Meeting, where Council carried the following motion: That Council give Second Reading of Land Use Bylaw No. 1088-13. Carried Unanimously That Council give Third Reading of Land Use Bylaw No. 1088-13. Carried Unanimously

Subdivision Application

A subdivision is a piece of land divided into two or more parcels, each with a separate title. A subdivision application was made by the developer on December 19, 2019 to split the existing lot at 467 Gregg Avenue into two lots (Lot 1A & Lot 1B). Lot 1A would have the existing building (Hall-E-Wood Construction) on it, while the smaller Lot 1B will be vacant. Conditional Subdivision Approval was issued on February 6, 2020 conditional to the developer entering into a Development Agreement as per Sec. 655(1) of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) for the installation of municipal infrastructure. As per section 678 of the MGA, an appeal could be made within 21 days from the mailing date of the decision letter. No appeal was received.

Development Agreement

A Development Agreement (DA) is the legal mechanism a municipality uses to ensure the required infrastructure is constructed to service the subdivision approved by the Subdivision Authority. Under the MGA, a municipality has the ability to ask for security as part of the DA to ensure the infrastructure is constructed and meets the Town’s minimum engineering standards. The DA is registered on the title of the new lot to advise all parties that may have an interest in the lot of the development requirements. Within the DA, there is the requirement to install or pay for the installation of public utilities (such as water, sanitary, sewer and storm water management) that are necessary to service the proposed development. Security is required in the form of a letter of credit or cash to be posted prior to execution of the DA and before endorsement of subdivision to get the parcel registered at Land Titles. The amount of security taken is based on 100% of the estimated construction costs provided by the developer’s consultant. In the event, the estimates are not provided by the developer, the Town may under Section 22.3 (c) (iv) of the DA engage a professional engineer to establish estimated costs and a servicing plan for the purpose of establishing the required security. The Town did engage the services of a professional engineer to determine construction costs and complete the DA schedules. The costs included the work required to install separate services to the proposed development which included water, sanitary sewer, storm, and resulting roadway restoration.

Developer Request

The developer has requested in a letter to the Town dated July 14, 2020 (Attachment 2) that the obligations for security and installation of services to the new Lot 1B be deferred to the Development/Building Permit stage. When Administration and the developer are unable to reach an agreement on the terms of the DA, the developer may request Council’s consideration for the disputed area under the Arbitration section of the DA and specifically clause 21.4.

Council made the following series of motions:

That Council direct Administration to amend the Development Agreement to defer the obligations for security and installation of the service connections to Lot 1B to the development permit stage and bring back a draft amendment of the Municipal Development Plan that reflect this practice to a future Standing Committee Meeting for decision.
That the motion be Split
That Council direct Administration to amend the Development Agreement to defer the obligations for security and installation of the service connections to Lot 1B to the development permit stage.
That Council direct Administration to bring back an In-Fill Development Policy to a Standing Committee Meeting by March 31, 2021.

These motions carried.

In Camera

In-camera is a legal term meaning in private; When a Council goes in-camera, it means the Council meeting is closed to the public. In general terms, the exceptions include matters where disclosures could be harmful to personal privacy, individual or public safety, law enforcement, intergovernmental relations, or economic or other interests; reveal confidential evaluations, local public body confidence, or advice from officials; or disclose information that is subject to legal privilege.

After in Camera, Council made motion that Council direct the Mayor to seek legal advice on administrative support regarding the code of conduct complaint item #2 In Camera agenda. This motion carried. Council then made motion that Council supports moving forward with the investigation of a formal Code of Conduct complaint as discussed In Camera as per Action Item #2 on the August 18, 2020 In Camera Agenda. This motion also carried.

Administrative Inquiries

If Councillors have queries they would like to submit to admin, this will be the time at which they do. This is in accordance with Council's procedural bylaw.

There were no administrative inquiries.

Notice of Motion

If Councillors have motions they wish to lodge, this will be the time at which they do. This is in accordance with Council's procedural bylaw.

There were no notice of motion.

Information Items

Councillor Ryan Maguhn: Councillor Maguhn apologized for appearing remotely during the meeting from the University of Alberta Hospital, where they were accompanying family. Maguhn then detailed recent conversations in the community regarding mandatory masking, saying that the MGA demands a Councillor go in to discussion with an open mind.

Councillor JoAnn Race: Councillor Race reported attendance at a recent ASH meeting, which was described as productive, and also shared taking part in discussions regarding masks. Race concluded by sharing positive feedback regarding the upkeep of the Emergency Services Building (Fire Hall).

Councillor Trevor Haas: Councillor Haas shared that while the Hinton Municipal Library has not fully reopened, some services have returned. Haas also shared that the digital services offered continue to grow in following and attendance.

Councillor Albert Ostashek: Councillor Ostashek reported a Beaver Boardwalk Committee meeting, whereat a number of topics were discussed. No new updates are available on the Water Act Approval, but the Town budget and resources are prepared to begin necessary maintenance as soon as permitted to do so. The future makeup and actions of the committee were also discussed. Ostashek also detailed attendance at sessions regarding the Boutin Ave Design Charrette, thanking staff for the powerful days and long hours to deliver reasonable review of the capacity of the lands.

Councillor Dewly Nelson: Councillor Nelson also reported attending the Beaver Boardwalk Committee meeting, sharing that the committee voted to take part in an AUMA Ad Hoc Committee regarding Policy Review and Advocacy for the Water Act. Nelson also reported that there have not been any Community Futures West Yellowhead meetings, but that that is due to the huge amount of work being undertaken by that group at current, with COVID relief business loans for across the region being evaluated and undertaken.

Councillor Tyler Waugh: Councillor Waugh added to Nelson's reporting, saying that the 1.3 million being loaned to area businesses is in addition to the usual duties of the CFWY group. Waugh shared that while not able to attend the entirety of the charette event, the time that they were able to allocate was a interesting and extensive process.

Mayor Marcel Michaels: Mayor Michaels added to reports regarding Beaver Boardwalk, saying that the file had transferred desks which may be adding to the delay. Michaels then detailed a quick and quiet visit to the community by Premier Jason Kenney to announce 8 million in funding to the Hinton Training Centre but did note that many comments and questions regarding the previously announced 100 million dollar project were not answered. Michaels went on to share that a meeting had been held with the CAO, MLA Long, and Minister Madu regarding changes to county assessment models,and the need for input to be heard regarding the impact to both industry and regional governments. Michaels concluded by reporting attendance at a recent meeting regarding the discussed Evergreens Freedom Express transfer.

CAO Emily Olsen: CAO Olsen shared a thank you to Infrastructure Services Director Emdad Haque for their role as acting CAO during time spent away with family, and then shared information regarding the Cougar reported near Halloween (more below) and the fall cleanup (more information to follow).

Town of Hinton Newsflash

Cougar Believed to be in Happy Creek Trail Network Area

August 18, 2020

The Town of Hinton Protective Services Division has received notice from Fish and Wildlife of what is believed to be a cougar fresh kill in the area of the Happy Creek Trail system, near the trail known as Halloween (pictured).

Peace Officers are closing off the area as Fish and Wildlife responds. Please note the location of the closure now in affect as indicated in the image attached.

All residents and visitors are instructed to avoid the area, and are reminded to practice full attention awareness when traveling on any of the trail networks in our community.

Facility Opening Plans

For residents convenience, the Town of Hinton has prepared, and updated, the above image representing open statuses and plans for many core facilities.

For further reference on Community Services' statuses and updates, please view ComServ (more information below).

Reopened

Athabasca Riverfront Park
Spray Park/Change Rooms
All Outhouses
Protective Services Building (RCMP)
Infrastructure Services Building
Government Centre
Courts/Other Indoor Facilities
- Bouldering Wall will remain closed until precautionary measures are in place.
West Fraser Guild
Emergency Services Building
Hinton Municipal Library
- Phase 2 Now in Effect

In Progress

Public Washroom Facilities/ Porta-Potties
- Kinsmen Park
Pool Opening tentative: mid-September
Arenas: One arena floor available for floor activities
- Ice available tentative: late August

Minute with Council Access

Early in the Town Response to COVID-19, Town Council meetings were moved to remote environments, closed to the public, and streamed online to allow for easy access by residents. However, one aspect of our Council meetings that was lost in this necessary response was Minute with Council.

Traditionally, Residents have been welcomed to speak to Council about issues, events, celebrations or concerns during Minute with Council. At the beginning of each Council Meeting, the chair of the meeting opens the floor to the public to speak and share with Council members, administration and meeting observers.

As we determine the "new normal" in this pandemic response, the Town of Hinton has established a procedure to take part in Minute with Council remotely, temporarily, as we prepare for further steps in our reopening plans.

This process is being established to avoid risks of public meeting teleconferencing, such as inappropriate or abusive interjections by anonymous or false identities.

We appreciate your understanding should this cause any inconvenience for you.

Please use this form to receive an invite code to join our proceedings remotely.
Should you encounter difficulty using the form, please call 780-865-6072.

Learn more here.

ComServ Issue #6 Now Available

Download the PDF here. Subscribe here.

ComServ is the Community Services Status Guide, a new product of Community Services and Strategic Services at the Town of Hinton to provide an all encompassing update on our Pandemic Status.

The Town of Hinton is on Facebook!

As close to 2500 people have already figured out - The Town of Hinton has a corporate Facebook page! This new service adds another resource to the communications toolbelt, and will house information on many different areas; some days, you’ll see information on bylaws, others recreation programs, others information about council decisions or highlights from Council meetings. We will, however, endeavour to ensure that we are sharing content relevant to the widest possible audience. Like us today by clicking here!

You can view the entire agenda package here.

The next Regular Council meeting will be held September 1, 2020,
at 4pm via Zoom, in the Committee Room, and streamed via YouYube.