Council Highlights - April 04, 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.

Cody Oliver
Oliver spoke to Council requesting a reprieve from rental charges incurred while filming a local television program, the Hinton Half Hour. Due to a miscommunication, Oliver had believed the fees would be waived. Oliver was directed to speak to Administration in the following days to find a way to deal with the amount.

Darryl Wiebe
Wiebe spoke to recent letters in local newspapers centered around the theme “What does the golf course do for me?” He referenced the many recreation, leisure, and other community facilities that help make Hinton better overall, and encouraged continuing that mode of support with the Golf Course. He also attested to the Golf Course’s ability to attract residents and visitors, calling it a vibrant, active course. As further justification for continued support, he spoke to the Town's existing role as a partner in the course, and to the course's proven track record in paying down debt.

Dawna McGowan
McGowan came before Council to speak in favour of supporting the golf course.

Deb Bird
Bird spoke to her historic contribution to the community through volunteering, both in relation to the golf course and other community contributions. She went on to say that the Golf Course provides an essential resource for Hinton Seniors, adding to their quality of life, calling the facility "vital".

Delegations

Presentations are required to be arranged through the Legislative & 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.

Hinton Golfing Society - Jessica Brusey Howard Robert Boutin with CK Golf Solutions - Jeff and Tara Ciecko
The Golfing Society introduced CK, who they have been working alongside to determine what actions to take for the local course. CK spoke to the affect of golf, both economically (including taxes and employment), and in terms of recreation opportunities and green space. They went on to detail some of the history of the club and its contributions to the community, as well as its current financial status. CK and the Society are working to put in motion a number of new strategies, including leasing out the food and beverage operations, moving to pre-authorized debit to deal with accounts receivable as well as pulling in outstanding charges, and seeking more efficiencies in operation. He reported they are investigating new options relating to childrens activities, foot and disc golf, and the potential of offering camping. They came requesting that the Town co-sign a loan application which will restructure the debt their Society is carrying. They informed Council there is some urgency with this request, as the season is quickly approaching.

Action Items

Hinton Golfing Society Request for Loan Consolidation Presented by Denise Parent
The HGS has been reviewing its operation and is requesting the Town to re-consider reviewing its guarantee of the existing loan and consolidation of 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 consolidation of its outstanding amounts. Councillor Michaels moved That the Town of Hinton secures a 15 year $1,500,000 loan to consolidate all outstanding amounts at a rate of ~3% for the Hinton Golfing Society. This motion was withdrawn; Councillor Barrow then moved that Administration bring a borrowing bylaw to Council for $1,500,000 over a 15 year term on April 18, 2017.

Town of Hinton Consolidated Financial Statements Year Ended December 31, 2016 - Presented by Denise Parent
Municipal Councils must approve the annual financial statements and the financial annual return of the municipality. The reports on the annual statements must be in accordance with the form and the reporting standards recommended by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. Further, the returns and statements must be made public and forwarded to the Minister by May 1st of the following year. The 2016 Financial Statements, having been prepared by KPMG and reviewed by Administration, were accepted and approved by Council.

Appointment to Library Board - From Wendy Anderson
Acknowledging that some vacancies remain on some Town committees, the Town of Hinton has continued to accept citizen applications. Recently, an application was received for the Hinton Municipal Library Board (HMLB) from Gordon Sorenson. There is a desire to fill the vacancies on boards sooner than later to allow interested citizens time to orient and provide their input. Sorenson is a resident of Yellowhead County, which is allowed as per Library Bylaws, and adds a new perspective to the board. Council appointed Gordon Sorenson to the Hinton Municipal Library Board for the term ending October 2018.

Information Items

Councillor Ryan Maguhn: Maguhn reported having attended his first Historical Society meeting, saying it is getting quite exciting as opening day nears. He also took a tour of the facility, and commented that the exhibits are coming along nicely. Maguhn also attested that the Society is looking for volunteers, and encouraged anyone with some extra time to consider getting involved.

As Deputy Mayor, Maguhn read a declaration for Volunteer Week, which occurs April 23-29.

Councillor Glen Barrow: Barrow commented on the Challenge in the Rockies, saying he was impressed with the event, attendance, and celebrity players taking part in the fun.

Councillor Albert Ostashek: Ostashek reports having joined Mayor Mackin in a discussion with the Minister for Seniors Housing, saying he looks forward to seeing some options hopefully become a reality for housing in our community.

CAO Mike Schwirtz: CAO Schwirtz reported that he had also attended Challenge on the Weekend, and spoke about the cake created by local business Opas Bakery, which went viral after being shared by one of the stars of the Slapshot film. He also spoke to ongoing first pass cleaning being undertaken by ToH street sweepers, saying that this is not the big clean, but an early start to clear excess dirt ahead of it. There was also mention of ongoing work in the Town, as Recreation staff clear out some local infestations of mountain pine beetle. There is discussions ongoing on how to attain funding to finish off this work. As a final note, he thanked KPMG for their work on the audit, and Denise Parent's work to lead with the best possible financial processes for our community.

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!

myHinton App Now Available! The myHinton app has gone live! You can download it to your device by using the following links:

Download the app from the Apple App Store by clicking this link

Download the app from the Google Play Store by clicking this link

No Garbage Collection on Good Friday Please be advised that there will be no garbage collection on Good Friday, April 14, 2017. Garbage normally collected on Friday will be collected on Thursday, April 13, 2017. All bins should be out on the street by 7:00 a.m. with wheels furthest away from the curb. Garbage bins that are missed due to them not being placed out on time and or placed out incorrectly will not be collected until the next regular collection day ie. the following Friday. The Infrastructure Services Department will be closed on Good Friday, but will have regular office hours for Easter Monday. Please call Infrastructure Services at 780-865-2634 for further information.

Watch for Street Sweepers on Area Thoroughfares The Town of Hinton is asking all residents to be aware on the streets starting March 28th, 2017 as the Town Street Sweepers commence with street sweeping. This is an initial cleanup of the flatter streets to remove excess material, reduce dust, and to make it easier when crews start cleaning the boulevards. Sweeping will continue while weather permits; the Town of Hinton asks that vehicles slow down and be cautious when in and around the area of street sweepers. The full spring clean up will be announced once we are fully clear of potential winter weather.

You can view the entire agenda package here.

As a reminder, the next Standing Committee meeting will be held
April 11, 2017 at 4:00 pm.