Council Highlights for May 19, 2015

Delegations

Nancy Robbins from Community Futures West Yellowhead presented Council with a partnership plaque thanking them for their involvement on the delivery of the entrepreneurs with disabilities program. 
 
Chantelle Bambrick from the Foothills Research Institute spoke to Council about the Caribou Patrol Program.  The purpose of the program is to reduce the potential of vehicle collisions with woodland caribou, enhance awareness of caribou management, collect data on sightings and collect data on physical barriers constructed to deter highway vehicles. 
 
Albert Ostashek and JoAnn Race, members of the Hinton Grant Funding Advisory Committee (HGFAC), spoke to Council with respect to their review, rank and recommendations of funding under the Community Grant Program.  The advisory committee is recommending funding 11 not-for-profit organizations for a total amount of $95,626.  The advisory committee is also requesting that Council transfer funds in the amount of $60,000 back into the Community Grant Program to bring the fund back to its original budgeted amount of $250,000 and to allocate an additional $15,000 to the St. Gregory Parent Council in support of their Inclusive Playground Project. 

Action Items

2015 Community Grant Program – Intake #1
Council approved the funding recommendations made by the Committee and also provided that an additional $15,000 awarded to the St. Gregory Inclusive Playground project to fully fund their request of $20,000.  Construction is planned for the summer with the playground being available to school kids for the start of the 2015-2016 school year.
 
Nuisance Bylaw #1087
Council gave third and final reading to Nuisance Bylaw #1087.  Some changes to the new bylaw incorporate a commitment to public safety and wellness by ensuring definitions are concise, snow removal timeframes are clear and enforceable, nuisance smoke regulations are measurable and Town property such as benches, trees and bush shelters are protected under the law.
 
Recreation Centre Committee
Council asked that the matter regarding forming a Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee be referred back to the Standing Committee meeting of July 14^th, 2015.
 
Performing Arts Theatre Centre in Hinton
Wendy Jones, Director of Planning & Development, provided Council with an update on the project. The update information can be found on page 76 of the Council Agenda Package.

Property Tax Appeal
Council denied the request by CapLink to reduce the property taxes and penalties that have accumulated from 2012 to 2014 in the amount of $55,995.  

Mayor Mackin proclaimed June 1-7, 2015 as Seniors’ Week in Hinton.
 
You can view the entire agenda package here.
 
The next Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2015 in the Committee Room starting at 4:00 p.m.
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Town of Hinton Newsflash

Council approved discussing the following items at upcoming meetings:

•  Athabasca Riverfront Park - Standing Committee meeting on May 26, 2015

• “Welcome to Hinton” signs as part of the 2016 Capital Budget discussions
• Possible sale or rezoning of lands between the Curling Rink and the Hinton Centre Campground – Standing Committee meeting of June 23, 2015