CLEARWATER COUNTY TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION 

MEETING MINUTES 

May 11, 2017

LESLIEVILLE ELKS HALL 

1.0   Welcome and introductions

1. At 7:35 p.m. President Marianne Cole welcomed all those in attendance.  Those in attendance introduced themselves.

2.0   Approval of Agenda 

    2.  Larry Titford moved that we approve the agenda as presented. Al Gaetz seconded.  Carried.    

3.0   Guest Presentation:  Clearwater Broadband Foundation 

   3.  Clearwater Broadband Foundation represented by Michelle Swanson and Clayton Berg gave an informative talk about their foundation and what their goals are.  Internet access was the number one concern of Clearwater residents on the county survey.  The internet is the information highway and can benefit businesses, schooling and health services.  With wireless the distance is limited and continues to cost money due to upgrades whereas fibre optic’s limit is the speed of light.  A question and answer session followed their presentation.  Clearwater Broadband Foundation web address:  Clearwater-broadband.org.  CCTA had a draw for two $75.00 gift certificates to The Source, these were won by Ron Hallahan and Robert Brattberg.

1. Minutes of the last meeting

   4.   Marianne Cole read the minutes of the last meeting held April 13, 2017.  Dennis Anderson moved that the minutes be approved as presented.  Marion Schafer seconded.  Carried.

1.   Financial Report

1. Pat Butler read the financial report.  Pat Butler moved that the financial report by accepted as presented.  Ron Hallahan seconded.  Carried.

1. Business arising from the minutes
1. Dan and Marianne’s meeting with Pat and Curt.  Dan Warkentin and Marianne Cole met with Pat Alexander, Curt Maki and Ron Leaf to address our communication concerns.  Pat and Curt felt it was important to encourage people with concerns to phone their councilor.  There are going to be policies for public engagement in the new MGA.  CCTA feels it is important to have a timeline for a response to concerns.
2. Info from Municipal Affairs re:  question on the ballot at this fall’s election.  The information received from Municipal Affairs was that Municipal Affairs does not provide legal advice but that a question presented on a ballot has to have a yes or no answer.

1. New Business
1. Highlights of the Rocky Ag. Society’s meetings to promote the Rocky Ag. Rec Facility.  There was a poor turnout for the meetings.  There was a good presentation from the Rimbey Ag Society that brought up potential issues.  Discussion by CCTA brought up concerns with ongoing operating costs of a facility and it not being self-sustainable.
2. County Council Highlights from May 9^th 

• Development on County land in Caroline 
• Land use Bylaw Amendment passes first reading
• Condor Community Centre request
• Compassionate Care Hospice Society letter of support
• Town on Rocky recreation Master Plan
• Clearwater Broadband Foundation

1. Future action???

Discussion took place regarding future actions by CCTA by holding a public meeting re:  current development plans/ election issues.  An info page in the Western Star with our concerns with the development and election issues and including a survey was discussed.  A survey could also be posted to Facebook that the public could access.  For September we need ideas for questions to be put in the survey and find out the cost of an ad in The Western Star for a centerfold.

                7.4 Next meeting date??  Postpone one week due to Rocky Rodeo?  Robert Brattberg made a      motion to delay our next meeting to June 15^th.  Ron Hallahan seconded.  Carried.

1.  Next meeting June 15^th @ 7:30 pm. 
2. Pat Butler made a motion to adjourn @ 10:00 pm.