Council Highlights for April 7, 2015

Citizens Minute with Council

Louise Gale and Mayor Mackin informed Council about the upcoming Hinton Works event on April 22, 2015. It is an opportunity for those new to our community to discover what Hinton has to offer. They noted that the Chamber has worked closely on the event and there will be many businesses and local groups in attendance.

Delegations

Hinton Policing Committee
Shona Allen from the Hinton Policing Committee presented Council with the committee’s Annual Policing Priorities as well as the Committee’s 2015-2016 Plan which includes a focus on Property (Theft), Substance Abuse (Drugs) and Traffic Safety (Distracted Driving). Click here to view the committee’s presentation to Council.

Drinnan Manor Affordable Housing
Dino Brown presented council with a draft of an Affordable Housing Development Proposal for 24 condominium units. The proposal requests Letters of Guarantee by the Town of $10,000 per unit equaling $240,000. The $10,000 guarantee would cover the down payment required thereby allowing the purchaser to qualify for financing through the Royal Bank. The proposal provided for pricing of $143,000 for ground floor units, $145,900 for second level units and $149,900 for mountain view units. Mr. Brown identified that a primary hindrance to purchasing a home is the requirement of a down payment.

Action Items

Community Grant Program
Council endorsed the eligibility checklist and ranking criteria and weighting forms for the new Community Grant Program. Having pre-determined eligibility and evaluation criteria for applicants, review committee and staff to follow provides Council with the best possible input as they prepare to award grant funds.

Hinton Grant Funding Advisory Committee
As a second step, Council formally established the Hinton Grant Funding Advisory Committee. The committee will review, rank and provide recommendations to Council on applications received under the Community Grant Program. The committee will be comprised of 5 members: 1 from the Hinton Municipal Library Board, 1 member from the Hinton Policing Committee and 3 members from the Community Engagement & Accountability Committee.

Utility and Waste Management Rates
Council passed the new rates for water, sewer and waste management. During the budget process, Council had approved an increase to utilities by 3%. The new rates will come into effect May 1, 2015.

Proclamations

Mayor Mackin read a brief history with respect to the Canadian Victory at Vimy Ridge and proclaimed April 12th as Vimy Day in Hinton. The Hinton 2638 Cadet Corps will be holding a formal parade starting at 11:00 a.m. from the Royal Canadian Legion to mark April 12th as Vimy Day.

Mayor Mackin also gave praise and recognition to the many volunteers in the community and the integral role they play. Mayor Mackin proclaimed April 12 – 18, 2015 as National Volunteer Week in Hinton.

You can view the entire Regular Council Meeting agenda package here.

The next Standing Committee Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2015 in the Committee Room starting at 4:00 p.m.