TOWN OF IRRICANA Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held October 5th, 2009 Town of Irricana Council Chambers: (KIK Senior Centre)

Transcription

1 TOWN OF IRRICANA Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held Town of Irricana Council Chambers: (KIK Senior Centre) ATTENDANCE Mayor: Joshua Taylor Deputy Mayor: Kelly Saunders Councillor: Staff: Press: Lisa Constantini, Dave Garrett, Terry McAuley CAO Carol White Glenda Borson - Rocky View Publishing Public: Dave Lord CALL TO ORDER Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. AGENDA Addition of New Business Items H-5 Minister's Regional Consultation Session Invitation, H-6 - Canadian Library Month Declaration, H-7 Waste Reduction Week and Information Item I-4 Thank You from Ag.Society Adopt Agenda 296:09 Moved by Councillor McAuley To adopt the agenda with additions PRESENTATIONS ATCO Gas - Mike Shaw, Bruce Littke and Brian Hugastall ATCO Gas representatives made a presentation to Council regarding the proposed Franchise Agreement. Representatives were Bruce Littke, Manager of the Bow Valley Region, Brian Hugastall who is the Supervisor responsible for this region as well as Mike Shaw the General Supervisor responsible for the construction. Bow Valley Region is the region surrounding Calgary for 50 km in each direction. The first presentation was a 50th Anniversay Celebration of ATCO's 50 years of providing natural gas to the Town of Irricana since1959 this March. Bruce spoke of ATCO's commitment to service being as strong today as it was 50 years ago. He also spoke about ATCO's support of community activities, safety education programs to local Fire and Emergency personnel, as well as being committed to the Town of Irricana. Bruce called upon Mayor Taylor to accept a Limited Edition Page 1 of 10

2 Framed Print. 'Celebrating 50 Years of Service in your community, ATCO Gas works for you'. Bruce thanked Mayor, Council and Town of Irricana for their support over the past 50 years and ATCO Gas looks forward to the challenges and opportunities to come. ATCO will be celebrating their own 100th anniversary in three years' time. The second presentation was a discussion on the Franchise Agreement ATCO Gas has in place with the Town which expires late this year. Bruce provided a brief history of the Franchise Agreement - the first one signed March 19, 1959 (a 20 year Agreement), and since then there have been 10 year Renewal Agreements. The current Agreement was signed on Dec 6, 1999 and will expire in about two months' time. Bruce outlined the benefits of a Franchise Agreement, both for Irricana and ATCO Gas. Details of the current Franchise Agreement were discussed and how this one is different from previous Agreements. CAO White asked Bruce about Council having the option each year to change the Franchise Fee which could be either (Franchise Fee plus Property Tax) or (Franchise Fee alone or Property Tax alone). Are these interchangeable each year? Bruce replied that the Property Tax needs to be 'fixed'. Determine how much revenue you feel you need through the natural gas franchise fee - using a table ATCO provides - calculate franchise fee you would need to cover the revenue and choose a franchise fee accordingly. ATCO billings can be set up to show the 'property tax' being collected. Bruce recommended to just keep it simple. It would be up to community which way you prefer to go. However, the property tax is 'fixed' for the year. Franchise fee can be varied. Bruce indicated a letter was provided to CAO White this past summer providing delivery charges for Irricana for the previous year, what they see this year and forecast for the coming year. Council can work out different scenerios and can then make a decision to change or not. Councillor Garrett asked Bruce what area Bow Valley Region encompasses Bruce responded this region covers roughly 150 km surrounding Calgary - Calgary being the 'hole in the donut', about 11/4 hrs in every direction from the City and serves about 75,000 customers. (ii) ATB Securities Inc. - Amit Arora ATB Financial Advisor, Amit Arora made a presentation in which he identified his role as a Financial Advisor and the breakdown of the various divisions of ATB Financial. Amit works for the division of ATB Securities which was developed about 6 years ago to assist clients in achieving their financial goals. Amit ensures all Page 2 of 10

3 financial transactions falls under the MGA Act (Municipal Government Act) Amit went on to discuss ATB's strategies and mission for their clients along with detailing the different types of Deposit and Investment Accounts available. He also discussed the Deposit Guarantee of ATB Financial which is a crown corporation backed by the Government and all deposits are fully guaranteed vs. other Financial Institutions whose deposit accounts are only guaranteed for up to $100M. Amit provided Council with a Draft of the Town of Irricana's portfolio and how it can be diversified following the Municipality Act. Investment part of Municipality Act - Amir walked Mayor and Council through the handout, looking at the current GIC which is cashable soon in He discussed various items such as: declined rates, Business T-Bill earnings of.25%, expected Portfolio returns of.34%, options of various investment types based on budgets, liquidity and projects. MGA will not allow Municipality to use the new Savings' type of accounts yet. Springboard GIC = 3 or 5 year term. Amit discussed this type of GIC and the flexability, 18 month GIC - short term investment, economic recovery. CAO White asked about the Springboard GIC and if the maximum investment is $100, Amit responded that no, depending on liquidity needs for Irricana, the amount can vary, however there is a minimum of $1, and with a Springboard they are not going to cap it off.. CAO White also asked if a partial withdrawal can be made on an annual basis. His response was you would have to pull out the whole thing. There is also an option of having 'compound' or having 'interest paid out'. Several investment scenarios were presented by Amit during his presentation to allow for a visual representation of the Town's investments and how these would work using different types of investments. Amit went over the various types of short term options and the benefits of each. Councillor Garrett asked what Prime Rate is at right now. Amit responded that it is at 2 1/4%. He also went over an educational piece on the ABC's of Savings Bonds and how these work. Councillor McAuley asked about the Role of Amit and is he considered a 'Sales person' or a 'Counsellor of our Money'. Amit indicated he and Kelly are Financial advisors for Town of Irricana. Both live and work out of Airdrie and are strictly investment (specialists). The way they get paid is commissioned based, and receive a percentage. To answer the question, Amit indicated he is a sales person and an advisor as well. Councillor McAuley asked Amit what he considers his strongest points in being able to do this better than anyone else? Does he have other customers who are administrative Towns? Amit does handle other municipalities. What ATB Advisors bring to the table is the understanding of what the Town of Irricana's Page 3 of 10

4 needs are as it grows with the understanding that Amit is able to provide the best advice and not push the client in a direction just to get paid more. Has been in the business since 2002, Kelly has been in since Councillor Garrett asked about the Municipal Government Act, going into the higher end savings account, and Municipalities not being able invest with these. It was mentioned Irricana may go in the direction of a Money Market account - where these higher end Savings will eventually be taking over and what will happen then. Amit indicated that in June 2010 the MGA act will be reviewed again and the hope is that these high interest savings accounts will have a go-ahead and allow Municipalities to utilize them. Councillor Garrett asked if there is any background work being done right now to push this through. It was indicated that there is. CAO White asked if Amit had a recommendation as to where we should put the $71, that is coming up for maturity in Nov. The 18-month GIC, if the availability is still there, would be the best option which has the best rate compared to others in the market at this time was Amits suggestion. For liquidity purposes, the Springboard would be another good one - scatter them, especially if we know we have several projects starting up at various times throughout the year Yield vs Rate of return. Springboard also gives option of liquidity. Investment type is also determined by the Town's needs. MINUTES Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 21, Moved by Councillor Saunders That the Regular Council meeting minutes of September 21, 2009 be adopted as presented. COMMITTEE REPORTS Calgary Regional Partnership - Councillor McAuley Councillor McAuley and Mayor Taylor attended the Calgary Regional Partnership meeting on Sept 18th to hear Mr. Danyluk speak. Councillor McAuley added it is a tumultuous time in CRP. The rurals have all withdrawn their support. Mr. Danyluk's response was fairly brief, adding he will watch how this goes, however, did urge the rurals to rethink and come back on their own and did promise further investigation in the future. Inter-governmental investigations will hopefully come out with some recommendations. Our own particular case, we are being strongly considered for membership in the CRP. We can make our voice heard no matter whose side we are on, better if we are there. Page 4 of 10

5 (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) Councillor Garrett asked what the response was of the people who are still remaining to the County's withdrawing? Councillor McAuley responded that part of the upcoming Retreat is to interact and come up with a way to open our discussions with the rurals. Scheduled date for the Retreat is Oct 29 & 30. Mayor Taylor added that himself, CAO White and Councillor McAuley were invited to attend the Retreat. Rocky View Foundation - Councillor McAuley Councillor McAuley added to his report that if you happen to be in Airdrie take a look down Centre Street you can see much activity with regards to the Diamond Jubilee. Community Hall Advisory Board - Councillor Constantini Councillor Constantini added to her written report that the sound system is almost up and running. Community Services Board - Councillor Constantini Councillor Constantini added to her written report that the Terry Fox run was a great success. Also that Nov 12th is Volunteer Appreciation Night. The Babysitting Course held last week had full registration with a waiting list, therefore, another course will be considered in the Spring. Other programs, 'Girls Circle' for two different age groups and a boy's program along with the upcoming Women's Conference October 24th has kept Cathy very busy and is doing great job - kudo's to her. Ag. Society - Councillor Garrett Councillor Garrett added to his written report that the Fall Season is starting up again. They are still looking at ways and means to make the building more cost effective. AG Society have gone over different scenarios of cost recovery formulas for each group - what they are paying vs what they could be paying. AG Society has been reviewing the past Utility bills, operational budget for the year to determine percentage of cost. Once the curling group is in, the power bill skyrockets. Some definite strong progress has been made to make it more feasable and groups will be paying a fair share. Councillor Garrett discussed the roof quotes that are coming in from a local individual who knows the building. He asked about the option of putting forth volunteer labour - and the answer was Yes. There is a different type of roof on this building. This individual knows the building and was around when it was built. Deputy Mayor Saunders asked if volunteer workers on the roof would be covered by Workmen's Compensation. The response was, Yes, they would. Councillor McAuley brought up the topic of Vandalism on the roof of the building - he heard a few residents talking about this and has anyone looked at the possibility Page 5 of 10

6 of creating some sort of barrier so vandals could not access the roof. Another question brought up was how are they getting up there now. Response was there is a security fence that is being used to climb up to reach the roof. Councillor Garrett asked to discuss the topic of vandalism at this point. A lot of vandalism in and around Irricana. Roy has had trouble with kids at around 9:00 pm and also1:00-:30 am with the concern being, do parents know where their kids are. Suggestion was to collect an approximate dollar figure on the vandalism that has taken place so far, from Council and Campground, put out an informative letter to everyone in town (in mailboxes), explaining their tax dollars are being affected. Create an awareness This is what it has cost this year. If you see any type of vandalism, please report it. Deputy Mayor Saunders asked CAO White what happens if someone is caught, are they prosecuted to the full extent of the law and in recent vandalism, has anyone been caught? CAO White's response was that this type of information is considered FOIP so CAO White would not be privy to this information. When incidents happen over the weekend, residents are being advised to contact RCMP immediately, as we cannot help them on a Monday at the Town Office. RCMP may not be able to attend at the time of call, however, a report can be made and the RCMP will be made aware of an issue and can be patrolling more often. If it is silent (unreported) as far as the RCMP know, Irricana is fine. CAO White attended a recent Meeting of the Minds where the topic of vandalism was brought up, and CAO White shared the following with Council: It sounds like there are approx 3 individuals from the Meeting of the Minds who would like to start up a Citizens on Patrol (COP). COP must come from the Citizens, the Town cannot make someone volunteer and drive around and be a COP. Maybe some of the notices going out regarding vandalism can come from the Town and be distributed when trying to recruit people for COP. A lot of it is education. Neighbours being Neighbours. Take notice of what is happening on your own street - if you see something, try to discourage these vandals by turning on lights or setting off your car alarm. We need to take care of each other. Areas like the cemetary and other dark places are a problem. COP sounds like it will get started again. Mayor Taylor added that he had spoken to Winn from 'Norms Stop & Go', and they were very keen to have COP resurrected. Councillor Saunders added this particular business has had several break-ins recently and the security system Norms' has in place right now does not seem to slow anyone down. There was an incident behind the Fire Hall, vandals shooting fireworks and it took 3 hours for RCMP to arrive. CAO White assured Council that any Town affected properties experiencing vandalism has been reported to RCMP, this includes incidents at the campground. Page 6 of 10

7 (vi) CAO Report CAO White's written report included information on closing the Splash Park, meeting with the Town's Seasonal Gardener Lorne Blasetti, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) training session, the Emergency Management meeting and an item for the next Council meeting to hold the annual organizational meeting. CAO White added that vandalism at the Splash Park went from pulling flowers to pulling trees. She also added that she had spoken to Cheryl from CRTC regarding the 3 year old request for a Toll free service. Cheryl advised they do not expect a decision until the end of the year. This is way bigger than the Town's request, it involves Telus and Bell. That Committee Reports F-1 to F-6 be accepted as presented 298:09 OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS Bylaw 6:2009-ATCO Franchise That the Town of Irricana's ATCO Franchise Fee remain at the current rate of 11.18% for one year. To be re-evaluated next year Read for a first time as amended By-Law 6:2009 ATCO Gas Franchise Agreement That the ATCO Franchise Agreement - Schedule 'A', Core Services, Item #9 be amended from "upon request' to read 'annually'. The Company shall provide to the Municipality, annually, an annual report on the following standards specific to the Municipality:. (ii) Irricana Investments Moved by Councillor Saunders That the Town of Irricana discuss preliminary budget, review MYCIP prior to decision on majority of investments and that the $71, maturing in Nov 2009 be rolled into an 18 month GIC at 1.25%. Page 7 of 10

8 (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) Snow Clearing Policy That the Snow Clearing Policy Number 4.1 to include the draft revisions for the prioritized listing of emergency route and laneway maintenance be accepted as presented. EDTC - Appreciation/2010 Budget Request Moved by Councillor McAuley That the Town of Irricana table the request to extend the Gardener Position to an 8 to 10 month contract until 2010 Budget discussions. CARRIED 2009 Minister's Regional Consultation Sessions 304:09 Moved by Councillor Garrett To accept an Invitation to attend this year's consultation session on October 15 in Chestermereand further that Mayor Taylor and one other representative attend.. Marigold Library Month 305:09 and Proclaimed by Mayor Joshua Taylor That October 2009 be delcared Canadian Library Month. (vii) Waste Reductions Week in Canada 306:09 and Proclaimed by Mayor Taylor That October 19-25, 2009 be declared Waste Reduction Week. INFORMATION Accounts Payable Cheque #21729 to #21775 for a grand total of $59, (ii) Government of Alberta - Rural Community Adaptation Grant Town of Irricana's Application under the Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program for funding of a Planning and Needs Assessment has been declined by the Page 8 of 10

9 Government of Alberta. (iii) Marigold Report-Notes to Councils Councillor Constantini briefly talked on the hand out which included the 2010 Budget Estimates (iv) Thank You Letter from AG Society CAO White presented and read to Council a Thank You letter from the Irricana and District AG Society to the Town of Irricana, Public Works Department, Staff and Council for their support of the AG Society. 307:09 That information items I-1 to I-4 be accepted as presented QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD Please state your name for the record.all questions shall be asked of the Chairperson and the Chairperson will answer or direct the question to the person best suited to answer. Q Glenda Borson 1. Asked Councillor McAuley if Crossfield Lodge decides to tear down and build again, what will happen to the people in the interim. Councillor McAuley advised that Crossfield has a plan that the new building will be in service in time for the older building to be brought down. The new footprint does not interfere with the old one at all. 2. Asked if Gardener is doing such a great job, can he not be offered other work, paid partly from Grant Money for the Hwy 9 beautification, or Grant Money from the Trails if he works on both of these projects. CAO White advised she has asked Lorne to present her with a Plan for the entrance to Town beautification which will be covered by Grant money. Dave Lord 1. The Crossing on Hwy 567, the residents are getting quite concerned on the condition of it - being in bad shape. Although it may be up to individuals to phone CN with their concerns, can the Town also do anything about this. Also, Mayor Taylor was asked if he travels on this stretch and how he feels. Mayor Taylor advised as far as he knows, it is not within our jurisdiction and he agrees there needs to be something done. CAO White advised she will try to contact CN. IN CAMERA Close to Public (ii) Open To Public Page 9 of 10

10 ADJOURN Adjournment 308:09 Moved by Deputy Mayor Saunders To adjourn at 8:57 p.m. Mayor Chief Administrative Officer Page 10 of 10