Council Highlights - February 21, 2017

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.

There were no speakers

Delegations

Presentations may be arranged through the Legislative & Executive Assistant. You are strongly urged to register in advance so that you can be sure time is set aside for your presentation on the Council agenda. Find out more about how to be a delegation by following this link.

The Hinton Historical Society operating the Northern Rockies Museum of Culture and Heritage - Presented by Lorraine Johnston-MacKay, Lee-Anne Bembeneck and Madison Sharman
Representatives of the Hinton Historical Society came before Council to update them on their progress, and to inform Council of efforts to seek funding. The Society would like to thank Mayor and Council for the appropriation of $45,000.00 for the operation of the Museum, saying the amount will provide partial funding of the required budgeted amount for the operation of the facility. Additional funds will be sought after in the way of grants including the Community Grant Program, STEP, CIP and through community donations.Grant applications will be made to assist with the initial development and setup of the Museum, as well as for Exhibit Development, Equipment or fixtures, and for staffing costs. Following their presentation, Council moved to provide a letter of support for the grant application.

ISL Next Steps- presented by Presented by Brian Conger
The Town of Hinton is excited to share that we are currently working on developing a new Comprehensive Planning and Development Strategy. This new strategy will improve Hinton’s urban planning and land development framework and provide a streamlined process for all residents, business owners and stakeholders. This builds on the updated Land Use Bylaw adopted by Council in September, 2016 that seeks to promote growth and development in the Town of Hinton.

Working to make things easier for you.

The Town is now evaluating/revisiting five statutory plans and we need your help to ensure the plans are reflective of residents and stakeholders’ future visions for the town

Municipal Development Plan (MDP)
- Purpose: to guide growth and development and provide the framework for more detailed and specific plans, policies and programs.
Established Areas Plan (EAP)
- Purpose: to provide direction for redevelopment, preservation or rehabilitation of existing lands or buildings within developed communities.
West Area Structure Plan (WASP)
- Purpose: to provide direction for future land use patterns, transportation and utility networks and sequence of development in new communities.
East Area Structure Plan (EASP)
- Purpose: to provide direction for future land use patterns, transportation and utility networks and sequence of development in new communities.
Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP)
- Purpose: to establish strategic cooperative policies that overlap municipal boundaries.

You are invited to attend a Public Open House (come-and-go format) on:

Date: Thursday, March 23, 2017
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Place: Government Centre Lobby
131 Civic Centre Rd., Hinton

The purpose of this session is to learn more about the five plans and to review and provide feedback on the draft land use concepts for the West Area Structure Plan and the East Area Structure Plan.

Feedback gathered during the Open House will be used by the project team to refine the concept plans and prepare policy for the five plans.

Action Items

Town of Hinton Representative Appointment to the Hinton Historical Society - Presented by Laura Howarth

Appointing a Town Council member to participate on the Board will ensure the HHS is supported and (acknowledging the annual municipal appropriation investment) demonstrate the municipality’s vested interest in the success of group and the value their museum programs and services provide residents and visitors. Council passed a motion Council appointing Councillor Ryan Maguhn to the board

Approval to Write-off Outstanding Accounts - Presented by Denise Parent

It is a necessary accounting practice to write-off uncollectable accounts receivables to ensure the municipal accounting records are kept current. This does not necessarily mean that the debts will never be collected on, it is a formality in order to carry out an administrative process. Council directed Administration to write-off three outstanding accounts for a total of $11,042.51.

Information Items

Councillor Matthew Young: Young reported having attended a Waste Management meeting, speaking to the discussions ongoing surrounding compost. He expressed interest in seeing the matter return to a future meeting, which was echoed by Councillor Taylor. Young also spoke to a recent golf course meeting, saying he feels optimistic about the direction the society is moving.

Councillor Marcel Michaels: Councillor Michaels requested more information in regards to snow removal on private properties with vacant land. Michaels was informed that all property owners are required to operate within the Town Bylaws regarding snow removal, regardless of occupancy.

Councillor Glen Barrow: Councillor Barrow requested more information regarding required signage for stop sign enforcement. Administration will present a report during the March 14 Standing Committee meeting.

Barrow also expressed his appreciation for the Hinton RCMP, saying he witnessed a uniformed officer in a squad car pull over to assist a woman grappling with heavy snowfall last week.

Councillor Albert Ostashek: Councillor Ostashek wished to remind residents that it goes contrary to Town Bylaws to push snow from private property onto public. He urged all Hinton residents to ensure that, even in cases of heavy snow, individuals make sure to properly displace snow. Pushing snow onto streets causes further problems for motorists and street clearing crews alike.

Town of Hinton Newsflash

Can you help? We need your assistance in making our workplace better for employees who grapple with scent sensitivity. All it takes is the decision to forgo cologne or perfume and choosing scent free grooming products when you come to visit the government centre. This simple change can help staff members avoid symptoms that can range from sniffles to difficulty breathing. Thanks for doing your part!

You can view the entire agenda package here.

As a reminder, the next Standing Committee meeting will be held
March 14, 2017 at 4:00 pm.