Council Highlights - December 5, 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 Michaels 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.

Project Update: Community Resilience to Mountain Pine Beetle Outbreak- Presented

by Robert Friberg (fRI Research and the University of British Columbia)

View the 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. Membership of Hinton Grant Funding Advisory Committee - Presented by Jenna Altrogge

On an annual basis, council appoints members to the Hinton Grant Funding Advisory Committee (HGFAC). Currently, Bylaw 1085-1 allows for the appointment of one citizen-at-large. Due to increased community interest in board membership, at the November 7, 2017 Regular Council Meeting, Council passed the following 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.

It was moved that Council refer the report on the Membership of Hinton Grant Funding Advisory Committee to the second Standing Committee meeting in January 2018 to be reviewed and discussed with the Community Grant Funding process; This motion was carried.

2. Request to Write-off Property Taxes on Demolished Manufactured Homes - Presented by Denise Parent

The Town of Hinton levies property taxes on designated manufactured homes located in mobile home parks. The manufactured homes are located on parcels of land that is not owned by the owners of the manufactured homes as such the outstanding property taxes cannot be registered with Alberta Land Titles.

Five manufactured homes have been demolished and have outstanding taxes that are deemed to be non-collectible as they are located on leased property and therefore the taxes cannot be registered with land titles.

Section 347(1) of the MGA states:

If a Council considers it equitable to do so, it may, generally or with respect to a particular taxable property or business class of taxable property or business, do one or more of the following, with or without conditions:

(a) Cancel or reduce tax arrears;

(b) Cancel or refund all or part of a tax;

(c) Defer the collection of a tax.

Administration has submitted some of the outstanding amounts to a collection agency with no success.

It was moved that that Council approve the write-off of property taxes for a total $2,254.32 for five demolished manufactured homes previously located at 77, 101, 263 and 314 – 133 Jarvis Street and 65 – 145 East River Road. This motion was carried.

3. Membership Applications for Hinton Mountain Pine Beetle Advisory Committee - Presented by Jenna Altrogge

This item is before Council to review and approve the citizen applications for membership on the Hinton Mountain Pine Beetle Advisory Committee that have been received as a result of advertising.

Council had the opportunity to review the applications through an In-Camera Agenda.

In discussion with other groups, Mayor Michaels was approached to amend the Terms of Reference to include the Hinton and District Chamber of Commerce and Unifor Local 855.
Given the role both of these groups play in the community, they have been added to the Terms of Reference (see highlighted changes). In addition, and given the importance of this initiative, Administration is also recommending Mayor Michaels act as the Chair, with a Hinton Town Councillor also being added.

It was moved that William Dunn and Rick Zroback be appointed to the Hinton Mountain Pine Beetle Advisory Committee; this motion was carried.

It was then moved that Council approve the Hinton Mountain Pine Beetle Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (Revised 2.0) dated December 5, 2017; this motion was also carried.

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

Following Council's return from in camera, the following motions were made:

1. That Town Council authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to:

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

b) enter into an Agreement as presented, for the purpose of completing a Geothermal Feed Study.

and

2. 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.

Both motions were carried.

Information Items

Councillor Trevor Haas: Haas extended a thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for their work on the Snowflake Parade, saying it was a beautiful way to spend the evening. He also reflected fondly on the Yellowhead Regional Arts Festivals "Journey into Christmas" event, staged recently at the West Fraser Guild PATH facility, saying it was a great event in an excellent venue. Haas also spoke to taking part in the annual Knights of Columbus tree hunt, which has them gather trees for sale at both the Valley Tempo and Jeles. Haas final report was regarding having attended a library meeting, saying the topic was mostly onboarding the new members and preparing to grow and move forward.

Councillor Tyler Waugh: Waugh informed council of attending Community Futures West Yellowhead meeting, saying that it is important to work with this group who work to grow economic development in our region. Waugh also informed council that he had recently attended a meeting with councillors from Morinville, where they have recently re-evaluated their automated traffic enforcement protocols, a process that Hinton will likely be engaged in in the near future. He also made mention of the Helping Hands Community Christmas Dinner, an event to be held Christmas Eve at BRIDGES to ensure that all have a Christmas dinner to share in.

Councillor Ryan Maguhn: Maguhn reflected on AUMA, saying there was many sessions he found beneficial. One of note to him was centred around emergency responses and preparedness, a cause he professed a plan to champion. He spoke of a recent Hinton Golfing Society Committee, in which they considered their budget. Councillor Maguhn said that the board was fairly and properly holding the management accountable and working towards driving even more success going forward. While reflecting on the meeting, he noted the loss of Gino Caputo, who passed recently. He offered condolences to the family and friends of Caputo, reflecting on his good character and warm personality.

Councillor Albert Ostashek: Ostashek spoke regarding the importance and efficacy of the AUMA attendance, calling it valuable experience, with many speakers and presenters that he was able to learn from. He also shared his enjoyment at the Snowflake Parade

Councillor Dewly Nelson: Nelson informed Council that he has been working hard with the Hinton Energy Alternative Taskforce, having heard from Decentralized Energy Canada and toured the Enercam Facility in Edmonton. Councillor Nelson also spoke to the Chamber of Commerce small business Christmas Party, saying the event was an excellent way to share in the festive season with the local small business community.

Councillor Joann(Jo) Race: Race spoke to a busy couple of weeks following AUMA, including many hours spent learning about the budget. Councillor Race spoke regarding the Chamber of Commerce's Snowflake Parade, calling it an excellent event continuing the spirit of brightening the winter months.

Mayor Marcel Michaels: Michaels shared similar reflections to the other members of Council regarding time spent at AUMA. He shared information regarding meetings with neighbours in Whitecourt and Grande Prairie, saying though these centres may be larger than our community, but they have learnings and experience that relate to many of Hinton's current quandaries. Mayor Michaels also spoke regarding coming federal programs that will establish infrastructure banks for investment, saying there is learning around these opportunities still to come but that these sorts of alternative financing models may offer opportunity for communities like Hinton.

CAO Stephane Labonne: CAO Labonne thanks administration for their work on Budget 2018, as well as Council for their patience in the budget procedures and processes. He spoke to excitement regarding the Council Strategic Planning which is currently ongoing, and spoke of a recent visit to the RCMP building in which he and members of council distributed christmas cards as small thank yous for the work of administration throughout the year.

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.

Planning fun activities for you and your family this festive season?

Make sure to check the holiday break guide!

It's chock full of programs, events, and fun times for over the holidays. Download it here, or check out our special online edition, formatted for mobile devices.

Make sure to note the free Skate with Santa event next weekend; On Sunday, December 17, between 1:00 – 4:00 pm Rec Centre users can swim, boulder, use the courts, and make crafts with light snacks, all for free!

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 12, 2017, at 5pm
in the Committee Room.