Council Highlights - November 01, 2016

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 Mackin opens the floor to the public to speak and share with Council members, administration and meeting observers.

Action Items

Christmas Tree Lighting at Green Square - Presented by Hans van Klaveren
Council voted That the existing tree lighting at Green Square be enhanced for the 2016 Christmas season utilizing existing infrastructure and staff resources, with an additional financial allocation of up to $7,980 from the 2016 Council Contingency Fund to be used towards lights and lift rental costs as per Option #1; and That an additional $4,230 be allocated in the 2017 Parks operating budget for the recurring equipment rental costs each year as per Option A.

Council Procedure Bylaw #1060-5 - Presented by Mike Schwirtz
Council gave first and second reading to the procedure bylaw, but were unable to reach unanimous consent for final reading. Previously, Council provided direction to Administration at the October 11, 2016 Standing Committee meeting with respect to Section 7 – Notice of Council Meetings and Section 27 - Administrative Inquiries. Amendments have been made to the bylaw that reflect Council’s direction. Legal counsel has reviewed the draft amendment with respect to Section 27 and confirms that there are no concerns from a legal perspective and in fact commented that removing the reference to significant “political” impact was a good idea as this should not be the decision of Administration.

Loan Bylaw #1106 - Presented by Denise Parent
This bylaw was granted first and second reading in order to process Council’s direction, given at the October 25th Regular Council meeting, to provide a loan of $75,000 to the Hinton Golfing Society (HGS) the Loan Bylaw must be approved by Council and advertised. The HGS has been reviewing its operation and is requesting the Town to re-consider reviewing its guarantee of the existing loan and consolidating its outstanding accounts. The HGS cannot restructure its debt and accounts payable without the Town’s support as the Town owns the land where the golf course is situated. The HGS is requesting a term loan until the operational review can be completed. Councillor Matthew Young was voted to sit as representation on the board, with Councillor Barrow as an alternate.

Reports from Mayor, Council, Town Manager

Mayor Mackin – The Mayor reported a great turnout for the Cougar Statue installation, and reports that the Timber Kings episode is expected to air in March. He also offered thanks to Roger Roy for his contribution to the project.
Mackin reports the Harry Collinge Rec Centre Strategy feedback opportunity went well, and informed Council of his intention to visit Gerard Redmond Wednesday for feedback as well, saying the "Youth voice is important in rec centre".
The Mayor proclaimed November Family Violence Prevention Month in Hinton, and informed Council that the community is to receive an award in Edmonton the following Friday at Government House for the work done in establishing the awareness month 30 years ago.

Councillor Ostashek – Ostashek spoke to the Business awards gala, thanking Chamber and its directors for throwing the event, as well as offering Congratulations to all award winners.
Councillor Taylor – Taylor informed Council of plans to add rocks to make the Legacy Cougar Statue look even better.
Councillor Young – Young reports having recently attending a library board meeting as well as having toured the new library facility in Jasper. Young also reports the Library is to present its own budget to Council this year, and that they are preparing a five year budget.
CAO Schwirtz – Schwirtz informed Council he is continuing to receive good feedback on the Town's Legacy Cougar Statue project.

Town of Hinton Newsflash

The Town of Hinton is a scent free building. When attending Council Meetings or visiting facilities, please be considerate of staff and ensure you are not wearing strongly scented deodorants or antiperspirants, colognes or perfumes, or scented hair products.

Staff members who normally operate out of The Guild are in temporary locations as work on the Hinton PAV continues. Find more information on all of their new locations by reading the post on our website, available here.

You can view the entire agenda package here.

As a reminder, the next Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2016.