Council Highlights for June 2, 2015

Citizens Minute with Council

Hinton resident, Travor Haas, spoke to Council regarding his concerns relating to Council’s decision to award funding to groups that did not get funding through the participatory budget process. His concern was that the community voted on projects of which two groups did not qualify for funding and then, a few months later, Council awarded funding to those particular groups. His concern was that if a group did not qualify to receive funding through a community vote, they should not be able to try another route to receive funding. He indicated that the Participatory Budget was a good process but would like to see a tighter and more transparent process in the future. Mayor Mackin thanked Mr. Haas for voicing his concern and indicated that the Participatory Budget process will be changing for the next intake.

Members of the Hinton Municipal Library Board, the Coal Branch Archives and the Hinton Historical Society distributed invitations and brochures regarding the re-opening of the Archives and launch of the Historical Driving Tour on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 from 12-4 at the library.

Delegations

Early Childhood Mapping – Lena Greening-Davidson, Service for Individuals and Family, Special Project Facilitator and Cristin Bostrom spoke to Council about the Early Childhood Coalition. The Coalition came together to create action plans in the Hinton area. They spoke about the importance of having a family friendly workplace policy that reflects flex-time, job sharing, allowing employees to work away from the work site. The delegation encouraged council to promote family-friendly policies in the workplace and to become part of the Coalition. The delegation expressed that immediate community needs would be more quality childcare and a permanent indoor playground for children.

Action Items

Cell 7 Construction - Landfill
Council awarded the Tender for construction of Cell 7 – Phase 1 – Earthworks and Piping - to Western Civil at a cost of $512,894. Funding for the project will come from the landfill capital reserve as approved in the 2015 Capital Plan.

Recreation and Parks User Fees
Council approved the Recreation and Parks User Fees Policy that reflects a 5% increase this year as was approved in the budget and then a 2.5% increase for each of the following 2 years. A streamlined process will mean that the purchasing decision for the customer will be considerably easier allowing them to access the full range of services. The new fees will be effective September 1, 2015.

Community Asset Inventory
Parks, Recreation & Culture Manager, Christopher Read, presented a Community Asset Inventory to Council. The inventory reflects the assets that other groups in the community have on hand (ie. Lighting, tables, tents, fencing etc.), rental rates and details regarding the use. Administration will continue to build the database, connect people to resources and develop programs to serve the community best.

Request to Reduce Property Tax Penalties
Council denied the request put forward by Mr. Wilcox to waive the tax penalties that are owing on his property located at 168 Cheviot Drive.

You can view the entire agenda package here.

The next Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2015 in the Committee Room starting at 4:00 p.m.

Town of Hinton Newsflash

72 hr Kits
Download the 4 Steps to Prep emergency preparedness brochure or pick one up at any Town building. The brochure features a map detailing evacuation zones and muster points, as well as information on how to prepare a 72 hr kit for you and your family.