Council Highlights - April 06, 2021

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.

None.

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.

1. Hinton Youth Advisory Council: 2020-2021 Update

2. 156 Williams Road Tax Penalty Concerns

View the entire agenda package including the presentation slides here

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.

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.

None.

Action Items

1. Temporary Mandatory Mask and Face Coverings Bylaw Review

2. Bylaw No. 1154 - Repeal of Temporary Mandatory Mask and Face Coverings Bylaw No. 1151

At the March 9, 2021 Standing Committee meeting, Committee directed Administration to bring a report to the April 6, 2021 Regular Council meeting for alignment with the Provincial masking restriction and the Temporary Mandatory Mask and Face Coverings Bylaw. The Temporary Mandatory Mask and Face Coverings Bylaw No. 1151 was passed at the November 20, 2020 Special Council meeting. On December 8, 2020, the Government of Alberta issued a Public Health Order stating that masks are mandatory in all indoor public places in the province.

Since the enactment of Bylaw No. 1151, the Town of Hinton has not issued any fines under the Temporary Mandatory Mask and Face Coverings Bylaw No. 1151.

While researching ways to align Bylaw No. 1151 with the Provincial masking restrictions, Administration discovered a typographical error in the Temporary Mandatory Mask and Face Coverings Bylaw No. 1151. Administration sought legal advice and the Town’s legal counsel reiterated the error is a typographical error. Section 63(2)(g)(i) of the Municipal Government Act allows for a Council to make changes, without materially affecting the bylaw in principle or substance to correct clerical, technical, grammatical or typographical errors in a bylaw.

The Council moved to give the First, Second, unanimous consent for Third, and the Third reading of Bylaw No. 1154 - repeal of Temporary Mandatory Mask and Face Coverings Bylaw No. 1151. The motions passed unanimously.

3. Formal Adoption of the West Yellowhead Regional Waste Management Authority 2021 Operating and Capital Budgets

The West Yellowhead Regional Waste Management Authority (WYRWMA) membership includes the Town of Edson, the Municipality of Jasper, Yellowhead County and the Town of Hinton. As per August 14, 2013 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA); On or before the first day of May in each year of this agreement the WYRWMA shall submit to the Parties the finalized operation and capital budget for the current year. The WYRWMA approves and recommends to each of the four members to present to their council for formal adoption.

The Council moved to formally adopt the 2021 Operating Budget of $2,680,070 as recommended by the West Yellowhead Regional Waste Management Authority (WYRWMA). The Council also moved to formally adopt the 2021 Capital Budget of $287,000 as recommended by the West Yellowhead Regional Waste Management Authority (WYRWMA). Both motions passed unanimously.

4. Rescind Council Motion MD - 2050 (In-Fill Policy)

Council, at their Regular Meeting of August 18, 2020 made the following motion as follows: That Council direct Administration to bring back an In-Fill Development Policy to a Standing Committee Meeting by March 31, 2021. This motion was put forward by Council because our Town has many situations where services to existing lots are incomplete and/or not up to municipal standards. This often means no water, sanitary sewer, paved roadways and storm water plan, or no sidewalks, curb, gutter, etc.

The Town of Hinton Municipal Development Plan (MDP) which is a high-level policy document designed to guide the physical development of Hinton over the next 30 years is due for review and update in 2021 as per Section 8-1 Implementation Policies. This policy already encourages, where practical, infill and intensification in developed areas. The Appendixes A (Land Development Guidelines) & B (Established Area Guidelines) that are within the MDP do not form part of the statutory portion of the MDP, but rather their purpose is to provide information to further clarify the intent of MDP policies. Therefore, as part of the update, Administration will be recommending the removal of the appendixes and create them as Directives as per Policy #1106 with an overarching Policy to be approved by Council. Within Appendix A, Administration will be embedding design guidelines for compatible development in established residential, commercial and industrial in-fill on a principal basis. Administration is requesting Council to rescind Motion MD – 2050 as this will provide enhanced value as having a standalone policy and will provide Administration more flexibility, nimbleness and mitigate/reduce red tape.

The Council moved to postpone “Rescind Council Motion MD-2050 (In-Fill Policy)” and bring back on or before the May 4, 2021 Regular Council meeting. This motion carried.

5. Educational Institution Opportunity

Hinton has had some form of post secondary education since 1982 when Yellowhead Regional Education Consortium (YREC) was initiated by the Executive Director Jack Pleckaitis. Over the years post secondary classes have been delivered through various institutions using various (YREC) models. The most recent legal host was Grande Prairie Regional College. Classes have been brokered from the University of Alberta, MacEwan University, N.A.I.T., Norquest College, Keyano College, GRPRC and Northern Lake College. The Hinton Campus has had Norquest College and Grant MacEwan College as legal hosts prior to its most recent host GPRC. Currently Hinton is without a bricks and mortar campus. Local post secondary institutions typically provide three key benefits to a community- human capital development, labour market development and intellectual capital development. Long term post secondary institutions also increase salaries in communities in turn generating more disposable income for residents. The economic impact or multiplier effect of a post secondary institution on a community has been known for decades as it provides increased sales to restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, rental accommodations, and the entertainment industry etc. Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant economic downturn in the local economy local businesses and residents are looking for post secondary options that include up skilling and re skilling. Furthermore, several post secondary institutions in Alberta have the ability to pivot quickly and accurately providing small training cohorts tailored specifically to the local needs of industry.

In early conversation with Hinton Regional Economic Development Coalition (HREDC) and community members it became apparent that the return of post secondary education in Hinton based on a virtual platform could be a positive for the Community of Hinton and surrounding areas. The return of post secondary education will likely be in the form of a pilot project commencing with Northern Lakes College (NLC) using a virtual learning platform. During February 2021, Administration has been in early conversations with NLC and explored the possibility of pursuing a virtual pilot post secondary education arrangement between the two entities. Dependent on a joint marketing campaign during summer 2021, the likelihood of onboarding local students with virtual programs commencing in September could be a reality. The goal soon is to have a community coordinator in Hinton and possibly a bricks and mortar campus if demand warrants it.

The Council moved to support the development of a pilot project to recruit post secondary to Hinton with Northern Lakes College, to support the contribution of $5,000 seed funding (from existing 2021 Economic Development budget) to support a joint marketing initiative between the Town of Hinton and Northern Lakes College, and to support the Town of Hinton in applying for grants to support the recruitment of a post secondary institution to Hinton. These motions carried unanimously.

6. Support for FireSmart Fuel Modification - West River Road

The Town of Hinton has been very active in hazard mitigation of high-risk fuel loads within the Town boundaries since 2011. The Town of Hinton updated the FireSmart mitigation strategy back in 2016 to identify high risk vegetation/fuel areas in the event of a Wildfire that were still left for completion. Over the past several years, the mitigation strategy has proven to be successful in reducing the fuel loads within the Town boundaries to alleviate the potential risk. We are now looking to complete one of the last treatment areas that was identified with extreme hazard fuels.

The Council moved to approve the Town of Hinton FRIAA grant application for vegetation/fuel management at the Junior Forest Wardens Campsite. This motion carried unanimously.

7. Pool Rental Promotional Program

The Council moved that a Request for Decision Report be presented at the May 4, 2021 Regular Council Meeting regarding the current service level and budget impacts of the Promotional Program as well as opportunities for adjusted hours at the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre. The Council also directed Administration to reduce the promotional program rates of $20 for non-member / $10 for member per half hour by 50% until the end of day May 4, 2021 and recuperate lost revenues from MOST funds. These motions carried.

8. Motions brought forward

Councillor Nelson brought forward the following motions:

That the change of Protective Services Manager to Protective Services Director be brought as a Request for Decision by Council.
That the elimination of the Planning & Development, Infrastructure Services, Corporate Services, and Community Services Divisions be brought as a Request for Decision by Council.
That the addition of the CAO Division be brought as a Request for Decision by Council.
That Bylaw 916-2 section 3.2.5 be amended to reflect “department” rather than “division” to reflect the naming convention changes and bring the bylaw back for all three readings.

These motions did not carry.

View the entire agenda package here.

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.

1. Supporting Documentation for Action Items (Cont'd) #1 (FOIP - Section 24(1))

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 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.

None.

Information Items

1. National Volunteer Week Proclamation

2. Council Information Packages #1 and #2 for April 6, 2021

The Council moved to accept the Council Information Packages #1 and #2 for April 6, 2021. This motion carried.

View the information in the agenda package here.

Councillor Dewly Nelson: Councillor Nelson shared attending Community Futures West Yellowhead Board of Directors meeting and expressed his gratitude to the work being done by them.

Councillor Albert Ostashek: Councillor Ostashek had nothing to report.

Councillor Trevor Haas: Councillor Haas shared that given the Province reverting to Step One of the restrictions, the Library will be closed to the public again. He also shared that he will attend the HMBA AGM virtually this week.

Councillor Tyler Waugh: Councillor Waugh had nothing to report.

Councillor JoAnn Race: Councillor Race had nothing to report.

Councillor Ryan Maguhn: Councillor Maguhn shared attending the RCMP Committee meeting and that all municipal positions are filled, new Policing Reports are being provided to all contract partners, reduction in crimes, community consultation being done and continuing work with emergency management, etc. He also shared concerns regarding Province's approach towards future policing priorities and intention to form a provincial Police force. Councillor Maguhn also shared his concerns regarding the proposed draft curriculum in Alberta and lack of transparency with the process.

Mayor Marcel Michaels: Mayor Michaels shared that he attended a meet-&-greet meeting with the Waste management contractor and informed of an impromptu conversation with the Chief Medical Officer and Mayors of neighboring municipalities.

CAO Emily Olsen: CAO Olsen thanked Mr. Rossouw for filling in as the acting CAO in her absence. CAO Olsen also informed the recent Provincial decision to reverting to Step One restrictions and said Town services will adapt based on the guidelines. She also expressed gratitude for Sgt. Murphy's service. CAO Olsen shared that the EOC went through a tabletop exercise to handle emergency situations.

Town of Hinton Newsflash

Province Returns to Step One of 'A Path Forward'

The Province returned to Step one of A Path Forward. To protect our health system from being overwhelmed, we need to stay cautious, wear masks and practice proper physical distancing. Please visit our webpage for detailed information.

COVID-19 Vaccines available for Albertans born in 1956 or earlier

Albertans born in 1956 or earlier and additional people are now eligible to book a COVID-19 immunization as part of phase 2B through AHS online & Health Link 811. This includes those with underlying health conditions born in or before 1973. You can book appointment here.

Hinton Votes: Virtual Information Session

Interested in running in the 2021 Municipal Elections as a candidate? Learn about important election processes for candidates, including how to register, upcoming deadlines and changes to rules and regulations from one of our sessions.

Our first session took place on March 22nd and was livestreamed via YouTube here.

2021 Municipal Election Nomination Package Available now!

The Town of Hinton Corporate and Strategic Services in cooperation with Returning Officer Emily Olsen are pleased to announce the release of the 2021 Town of Hinton Municipal election information webpage and download package.

The next Town of Hinton general municipal election is on Monday, October 18, 2021. Electors will be voting for one mayor and six town councilors.

Find the election webpage at Hinton.ca/Election

Annual Street Spring Cleaning

Street sweeping will commence this year as weather allows. Its hanging on longer than most years, so please be patient if you see the signs and we are delayed by weather getting to your area. The order of street sweeping will progress as follows: Residential Streets, Arterial roads, Shopping Center Parking Lots, and Highway 16 (scheduled to accommodate the line painters).

This year the residential sweeping will be starting first on the Thompson Lake Subdivision, Hill and then Valley. We are operating on a three-year rotational basis. In addition, crews will be patching potholes, washing signs, cleaning guard rails and bridge decks. Fresh line painting will commence after the streets have been cleaned and the frost is out of the ground.

Crews will be sweeping residential roadways throughout the Town, area by area. Advance signing will be placed on main access roads.

Please remove your vehicles when you see this sign – or when you see the street cleaning equipment in the area. The Peace Officer will be patrolling each area to ensure that all vehicles have been removed so that the sweeping crews can do a better sweeping job.

The Annual Spring Clean Up will be combined with Environmental Week from May 30 to June 5, 2021. Watch for further advertising. For further information call the Infrastructure Service Department at 780-865-2634.

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, 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.

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 channel 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. Like us today by clicking here!

ComServ Issue #20 is available now!

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 issue #20 of ComServ was published on March 26th! Find the previous issues here.

Subscribe here for future issues.

You can view the entire agenda package here.

The next Regular Council meeting will be held March 02, 2020,

at 4pm via Zoom and streamed via YouTube.

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