Council Highlights

Council Highlights - November 7, 2017

Our apologies in the delay sending these briefs. Briefs can generally be expected within two business days of Regular Council Meetings. 

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 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 Grant Funding Advisory Committee Recommendations for 2017 Intake #2
Community Grant Funding - Presented by Jailin Bertolin and Kathy Rees

View the full presentation in the agenda package, available here.

Public Hearings

In some instances, Council is required to conduct public hearings regarding land use bylaws, rezoning, etc., or on any other matter council deems appropriate.

There were no public hearings

Action Items

1. HInton Grant Funding Advisory Committee Recommendation - Presented by Denise Parent
The Community Grant Program (CGP) provides local non-profit organizations with funding
to maintain, improve, or initiate community projects, operations, and events. The funds allocated through the 2017 Intake #2 reflect the best interests of the overall community and align with Town Council priorities and vision. The Community Grant Program continues to be a very popular program and provides funding to numerous community groups. Since 1999under the Quality of Life/Community Grant Fund Program, the Town has provided funding to various non-profit groups in the amount of $1,472,809.

It was moved that Council award the community grant program funding intake #2, for a total of $115,173 as outlined in the Agenda package; this motion passed unanimously. 

Councillor Albert Ostashek then made a second motion, 
That Council direct Administration to bring the Community Grant Fund Program back to the second Standing Committee meeting in January 2018 for review and discussion regarding possible revision. This motion also passed. 

2. Membership Applications for Council - Appointed Boards and Committees Presented by Denise Parent

On an annual basis, Council appoints citizens to fill vacancies to the following boards and committees:
  • Community Engagement and Advisory Committee (CEAC) (one vacancy),
  • Hinton Grant Funding Advisory Committee (HGFAC) (one vacancy),
  • and Hinton Municipal Library Board (two vacancies).
As per Council Procedure Bylaw #1060, Council shall appoint citizens to fill these vacancies through ballot voting.

Before filling the vacancies, Councillor Albert Ostashek made a motion that the decision regarding the Citizen Appointment to the Hinton Grant Funding Advisory Committee and associated members from CEAC and Municipal Library Board be deferred to Regular Council Meeting of December 5, 2017 pending a report from Administration regarding the revision to the make-up of the Hinton Grant Funding Advisory Committee, Bylaw #1085-1. Ostasheks motion passed unanimously. 

Council then voted for the positions unaddressed in the motion. 

It was moved: 

1. That Bevan Bently be appointed to the Community Engagement and Advisory Committee for a two - year term..

4. That Council representation on the Hinton Municipal Library Board be changed from two Council representatives to one representative, with Trevor Haas as the Board Member and Tyler Waugh as the Alternate. This motion passed unanimously. 

5. That Hanna Arnesen, George Higgerty, and Jace Rush be appointed to the Hinton Municipal Library Board for two-year terms. 

3. Hinton Mountain Pine Beetle Advisory Committee Presented by Mayor Marcel Michaels

The Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) has reached a critical level with major inflights from
British Columbia into Jasper National Park, and now, into the Hinton-region.

Based on recent media reports, field surveys have shown there are ~500,000 trees that would need to be controlled this season, with the majority of those being in the Hinton/Edson Forest Area.

In 2016, that number was ~26,000. Based on the experience of communities throughout Alberta and British Columbia (that have been affected by the MPB), both in terms of the economic impact on businesses, as well as the impact on the quality of life of residents, the time has come for Hinton to play an active leadership role. It is envisioned, that an
advisory committee be established that will advise Council (using an evidence-based approach) on strategies to mitigate, as well, communicate the effects of the MPB on our region both locally, provincially and nationally.

Locally, work on the MPB infestation is ongoing. On October 16, 2017, Mayor Rob Mackin
and the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer met with Provincial Ministers (Municipal Affairs and Forestry and Agriculture) to highlight the devastating impact of the MPB to-date, but also to communicate to the Province the need for a strategic, collaborative, well-funded approach moving forward.

In addition, Forestry companies continue to have ongoing discussions with Provincial government staff to discuss field assessments, and potential mitigation strategies. As well and locally, on October 31, 2017, Administration submitted a Mountain Pine Beetle Municipal Grant Funding Program application to the Ministry of Forestry and Agriculture.

It was moved that Council approve the revised Terms of Reference for the Hinton Mountain Pine Beetle Advisory Committee; this motion passed. It was then moved That Administration work with Mayor Michaels to bring forward a complete list of names of individuals to sit on the Committee, for approval at the December 5, 2017, Regular Council meeting (or sooner if possible, which would require Council calling a Special Council meeting). This motion also passed unanimously. 

In Camera

In-camera is a legal term meaning “in private.” When a council goes in-camera, it means the Council meeting is closed to the public. In general terms, the exceptions include matters where disclosures could be harmful to personal privacy, individual or public safety, law enforcement, intergovernmental relations, or economic or other interests; reveal confidential evaluations, local public body confidence, or advice from officials; or disclose information that is subject to legal privilege.

1. Board & Committee Appointments (Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy RSA 2000, Chapter 19)

2. Grant Funding Agreements (Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy RSA
2000, Chapter F - 25, Sections 16, 21, 23, 24, 25)

Following the in camera portion of the meeting, two more motions were made: 

That Town Council authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to:

a) enter into a signed Agreement as presented, for the purpose of accepting a financial contribution to complete a Geothermal Feed Study.

b) develop and/or negotiate terms and conditions that establish legally binding Agreements or Addendums with the Ministerial funding bodies, Epoch Energy and others as may be necessary.

This motion was carried

and

That the Request for Decision titled, “Grant Funding Agreements” and attachments, remain private pursuant to Sections 16, 21, 23, 24 and 25 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, RSA 2000, Chapter F-25.

This motion was also carried. 

Information Items

Councillor Trevor Haas: Haas reported having attended Play for the Cure Fiesta Night. Regularly a bonspiel, the event changed to a single evening this year. Haas reported that it is felt the event was still an exciting success. He also stated that he is looking forward to getting started working with committees as well as hearing about AUMA. 

Councillor Tyler Waugh: Waugh reported having attended his only library meeting on October 30, as well as looking forward to Strategic Planning meeting. He is excited to be working with and connecting with individuals at AUMA. He also wished to remind residents of the Remembrance Day Ceremony, to be held at the Hinton Centre, the morning of November 11.  

Councillor Ryan Maguhn: Maguhn reported having attended a golf meeting, but that there was not quorum, and so it became a discussion. Some of the items touched on included long term planning, a number of food and beverage items, and groundskeeping. The next meeting of the Golf Society will be held in February.  

Councillor Albert Ostashek: Ostashek reported having only had one Council Committee orientation scheduled so far, the West Yellowhead Regional Waste Management Authority orientation, but that that meeting had gone well. He also stated his excitement to get oriented with his committees, and at AUMA later in the month. 

Councillor Dewly Nelson: Nelson reported having enjoyed training sessions held last week. He also reported that he was able to attend a power plant tour as part of HEAT, an experience that he believes will be beneficial for his role on the West Yellowhead Waste Management Board. He also spoke to attending early CFWY orientation, and excitement at the coming full orientation process. Finally, he spoke to attending the retirement party for Deanna Alford retirement, speaking to the lasting effect of her contributions to the community and the visual attestation of that impact in the packed Legion hall. 

Councillor Joann(Jo) Race: Race reported having attended the Hinton Historical Society AGM, saying that staff there gave an overview on museums, and on history of Hinton, including the community's relationship to the RMS Titanic, recommending that residents visit the museum and ask for more information on this interesting piece of Hinton's history. Race also mentioned having attended an ASH meeting, saying members of that board are currently preparing to present at a standing meeting in the coming weeks. 

Mayor Marcel Michaels: Michaels offered his thanks to West Fraser, who held a tour of the facility for Council, saying the Town and West Fraser have a great relationship. Mayor Michaels also reported that he will be meeting with CAO Labonne and Minister Darren Bilious Wednesday afternoon. 

CAO Stephane Labonne: CAO Labonne said he had nothing to report that hadn't been touched on previously, saying he was excited to have completed this Council's first meeting. Speaking to his acclimatization to the role, he was proud to say that he has been able to get out and meet the many of the stakeholders in the community, saying that he looks forward to meeting more. Labonne went on to state that it has been a great five weeks, and that he doesn't know if all members of the public understand the efforts that Councillors have been putting in into catching up with committees and operations and the issues and concerns within the community as well as within the organization. He stated that he looks forward to strategic sessions in the coming weeks and moving forward as a community from there. 

Administrative Inquiries

If Councillors have queries they would like to submit to admin, this will be the time at which they do. This is in accordance with Council's procedural bylaw. 

There were no inquiries during this meeting. 


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! 

Learn More About Your Councillors

The Town of Hinton website has been updated to feature biographical information, contact details, photos, and committee memberships for each member of Council. Visit the Council Information page, available by clicking here, and follow the links to learn more. 

Poinsettia Drive

VSU Poinsettia Drive

Hinton Victim Services has been part of our community for the past 24 years.

When the worst has come to pass, their Advocates are here for the community.

You can help the VSU help others in Hinton by purchasing a poinsettia to brighten your home this festive season. Click the image above, or this link, to find out more. 

myHinton App Updated! 
The myHinton app has recently been updated! You can now find information for Hinton Victim Services, CEAC, your new Council, and more, all by downloading the app 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 

You can view the entire agenda package here.

The next Council meeting will be held December 5, 2017, at 5pm
in the Council Chambers.

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