Action Items
1. COMMUNITY GRANT 2021 SPRING INTAKE FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
The purpose of the Community Grant Program is to fund the following:
• One-time projects and initiatives;
• Operating expenses of organizations; or
• Events that are primarily designed and delivered for the general public that attract visitors, significantly contribute to the local economy, and promote volunteerism.
There was a total of 11 applications submitted for the 2021 spring intake totalling $70,934.93, of which all the 11 applications met the eligibility criteria for full or partial funding. The HGFAC recommended funding 6 applicants totaling $30,000.00 as per
(Attachment 1, page 21-23).Council Motion: That Council award the Community Grant Program 2021 spring intake funding, as per the recommendation from the Hinton Grant Funding Advisory Committee, for a total of $30,000 as outlined in Attachment 1. Carried 7-0
2. 2020 OPERATING SURPLUS & EMERGENCY RESPONSE RESERVE
At the Regular Meeting on Council May 4, 2021 Council requested an update from Administration on the balance and commitments made from the funds allocated to the Emergency Response Reserve by Council in 2020 for the support of expenses related to the response and recovery actions taken to address COVID-19 impacts in the community.
Attached is a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the analysis completed by Administration
(Attachment 1 - 2020 Financial Surplus Discussion Report PowerPoint, pages 25-30) detailing the information requested by Council regarding the 2020 surplus and the Emergency Response Reserve.
Council Motion: That Council direct Administration to transfer $250,000 to the Parks and Trails Reserve from accumulated surplus. Carried 7-0.
Council Motion: That Council direct Administration to transfer $250,000 to the Recreation Centre Construction Reserve from accumulated surplus. Defeated 3-4. For: Maguhn, Race, Nelson.
Council Motion: That Council direct Administration to transfer $250,000 to the Emergency Response Reserve from accumulated surplus. Carried 7-0.
Council Motion: That Council direct Administration to bring a report on 2020 tax penalties statistics. Carried 4-3. Against: Maguhn, Nelson, Michaels.
Council Motion: That Council direct Administration to transfer the final balance of the 2020 Operating Surplus from the accumulated surplus be transferred to the Operating Projects Reserve following the conclusion of the 2020 audit.
Council Motion: That the wording of Operating Projects Reserve be changed to Recreation Centre Construction Reserve. Defeated 3-4. For: Maguhn, Race, Nelson.
Council Motion: That Council direct Administration to transfer the final balance of the 2020 Operating Surplus from the accumulated surplus be transferred to the Operating Projects Reserve following the conclusion of the 2020 audit. Carried 5-2. Against: Waugh, Nelson.
3. APPOINTMENT OF FINANCIAL REVIEWER AND SIGNATORY FOR THE HINTON LIBRARY BOARD FINANCIAL REPORTS
The Financial Reviewer role as been assigned to various Town positions and specifically named Town staff members over the years with the most recent being the Accounting Supervisor (2016- 2019) and the Director of Corporate Services (2019-present). The Council-appointed Signatory is unavailable to complete the Financial Review; as such, one must be appointed by Council in order to present the financials to the Province in a timely manner for the past fiscal year (ending 2020).
Council Motion: That Council appoint KPMG LLP as Reviewer of Financial Reports & Signatory for the Hinton Library Board to perform the duties of the appointment as defined in the Libraries Act; and that a Review Engagement of the financial statement be completed annually. Carried 6-1. Against Waugh.
4. MUNICIPAL ENERGY MANAGER PROGRAM
The MEM program covers 80% of the cost of the manager’s annual salary through a contribution of up to $80,000. The Municipality is responsible for the additional 20% of the salary, benefits, and an operating budget. The program encourages regional collaboration through joint municipal applications to share the position and the related costs. Proactively, administration has submitted a no commitment Expression of Interest on behalf of the potential partnership and has met with representatives of the program.
Hinton Administration has discussed the potential of a joint application to the MEM program with Municipality of Jasper Administration. Neither municipality have a current Energy Management Plan or a current energy audit to support facility decision-making with an intent of emissions reduction and cost savings. By entering into this program jointly, the benefits of a position can be proven without the full financial impact of individual roles in each municipality.
Council Motion: That Council approve the submission of an application to the Municipal Energy Manager Program in collaboration with the Town of Jasper, with financial impacts outside the currently approved 2021 budget envelope to be approved through the 2022 budget process. Carried 7-0.