Council Highlights - December 19, 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.

Hinton Historical Society - Lorraine Mackay and Madi Sharman

Mackay offered first thanks to Mayor Michaels for his suggestion of $90,000 for the museum support in the new budget, and as well for councils suggestion of $75,000. Mackay then spoke to why the $90,000 figure is important for the organization, saying that it would be a significant boost for the group and enable Sharman to go out into the community, seeking partnerships, businesses to work with, and ways to grow the museum.

Sharman also presented a year in review rap prepared by museum staff; Find it on the video in the Civicplus MediaCentre.

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.

All scheduled delegations were unable to attend, and will be rescheduled for January.

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. 2018 Budget Presentation / Interim Budget - Presented by Denise Parent

A summary of the operating budget and explanations of variances to the 2017 budget are on page 6-7 followed by an explanation of the various Town programs and budgets on pages 8 to 45. Find the budget document here.

The one-time Operating and Capital budget request are on page 46-51.

The budget proposes the following to keep the lights on and maintain existing service levels:

Increase to municipal taxes by 4%.
- Impact to a residence assessed at $325,000 is $6/month or $72/year.
Increase to Water Residential/Commercial rates by 10% due to forecasted increased costs related to the transfer of the operation of the water treatment plant from West Fraser to the Town.
- Water flat rate increases by $3.16/month or $37.92/year
Increase to Sewer Residential/Commercial rates by 5%
- Sewer flat rate increases by $.70/month or $8.28/year
Waste Management Residential/Commercial increase by 5%/10% respectively.
- Residential rate increases by $.58/month or $6.84/year
- Commercial rate increases by $2.83/month or $33.96/year

To set the organization up for success, 2 new positions (Public Works Operator (PWII) and Utility Supervisor) are recommended to address an aging workforce and significant workloads for a total of $233,500.

Civic agencies proposed to receive an increase from the 2017 operations budget are:

Hinton Municipal Library $5,000
Performing Arts Theatre $16,000
Northern Rockies Museum $30,000

The new positions and the increase to the civic agencies are proposed to be funded by reducing the transfer to reserves from the operating budget.

The table below provides an overview of the rate changes from 2015 to 2017.

The following table demonstrates the different options possible to balance the proposed budget.

As per Section 242(1) and 245 of the Municipal Government Act, Council must adopt an operating and capital budget for each calendar year. Council may adopt an interim operating budget for part of a calendar year until the operating budget for that calendar year is adopted.

Following discussion, Council made a number of motions:

It was moved:

That Council direct Administration remove Line ML-02 from the Capital Budget - this motion was carried.
That Council direct Administration to add $40,000 to the 2018 Budget (one-time) for the development of an Economic Development Strategic Plan to be funded from Reserves - this motion was carried.
That Council direct Administration to remove Line 18-RR-04 from the capital Budget and direct Administration to return to Council in March with a plan to replace our playground structures - this motion was carried.
That Council direct Administration to remove Line 18-OE-11 from the Capital Budget - this motion was defeated
That Council direct Administration to Remove Line 18-ML-11 from the Capital Budget - this motion was defeated

With these changes in place, it was moved that Council accepts for information the 2018 proposed Operating Budget of $34,212,182 and the new One-time Operating and Capital Budget of $3,035,800 and instructs Administration to circulate for public feedback and bring back the 2018 Budget to Council on January 23. This motion was carried.

And

That Council adopts a 2018 interim operating budget based on the 2017 budget estimate of $34,402,376 until the final 2018 operating budget is adopted. 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.

Following Councils return from in camera discussions, Council made a number of motions, including:

1. Personnel item - Added by Councillor Ostashek

It was moved That Council direct Mayor Michaels to follow direction as discussed in-camera, pursuant to Sections 23 and 24 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, RSA 2000, Chapter F-25. This motion was carried.

2. Town of Hinton - Water Treatment Plant (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, RSA 2000, Chapter F-25, Sections 16, 21, 23, 24 and 25)

It was moved that Town Council authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to:

a. enter into Agreements as presented, for the purpose of supplying water services to the Town of Hinton.

b. enter into a scope change with ISL Engineering Land Services for a value not to exceed $120,000 for the purpose of developing conceptual options and a construction budget for a new Water Treatment Plant.

c. to identify a proponent and negotiate terms and conditions for the purpose of obtaining contracted services with regards to the operation of the Water Treatment Plant in preparation for transition to Phase 1.

This motion was carried. Following the decision, it was moved That the Request for Decision titled, “Town of Hinton – Water Treatment Plant” 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 also carried.

Information Items

Councillor Trevor Haas: Councillor Haas had nothing to report, as a meeting for disaster services had to be postponed. Haas stated he looks forward to working with the group in the new year.

Councillor Tyler Waugh: Councillor Waugh opened by offering praise to Mayor Michaels for his role at the Christmas Light Tour, and to that event in general. He spoke about having attended a Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force meeting on Friday, saying he enjoyed working with the group. He also offered a reminder to the free Christmas dinner, hosted by Hinton Helping Hands at Bridges on Christmas eve for anyone who may be looking for some company this holiday season.

Councillor Albert Ostashek: Councillor Ostashek spoke to his attendance at All Roads Lead to Hinton, a tourism event with Minister Ricardo Miranda held on December 6, 2017. He said he enjoyed the performances from Tumbling Mountain and YRAF, and the question and answer with the minister. Ostashek finished his reporting by offering a Christmas greeting to Hinton council, staff, administration, and residents.

Councillor Dewly Nelson: Councillor Nelson spoke to having attended a HEAT meeting on Thursday, as well as a video meeting with Turning Point Generation. He expressed excitement at the jobs this new development will provide. Nelson also spoke about having attended the Town of Hinton Staff Christmas Party, saying it was nice to see everyone dressed up for the occasion.

Councillor Joann(Jo) Race: Councillor Race reported having attended an ASH meeting earlier in the week. She also reported having heard concerns from residents in the Meadow area, where accounts of instances of vandalism and poor lighting were shared with her. Race offered a caution to pedestrians and drivers alike, saying to pay extra care in darker areas.

Mayor Marcel Michaels: Mayor Michaels offered a Christmas greeting to his council, administration, and residents. He then presented the directors, as well as Executive Assistant, each a Christmas gift from council.

CAO Stephane Labonne: Stephane shared information regarding “Light it, Love it, Leave it”, an idea of Parks, Recreation and Culture to help residents gather up unwanted holiday decorations and either give them new life, or help them transition to the landfill. Residents will be encouraged to bring their unwanted Christmas decorations to the Jesse Turgeon park starting January 8. Between the 8^th and the 11^th, drop offs will be accepted, and parks staff will be setting them up in the park area. A full display will be lit in the area between the 12-14^th, and everyone is encouraged to come and see all of the displays left behind. Starting at 12pm on Monday and Tuesday, the 15 and 16 respectively, any Hintonite will be encouraged to come down and claim decorations for themselves, to take home and use next year. Anything remaining on Wednesday the 17 will then be dismantled, and disposed of, by town staff. All yard decorations are welcome, including strings and lights, but only outdoor items will be accepted.

CAO Labonne also offered Council, Administration, and all residents warm tidings this holiday season.

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!

Holiday Closures

Please note the image above, detailing closures and adjusted hours for this holiday season.

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.

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 January 09, 2017, at 5pm
in the Council Chambers.