CLEARWATER COUNTY TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION
MEETING MINUTES
January 11, 2018
ARBUTUS COMMUNITY HALL
1.0 Welcome and introductions
1. At 7:28 p.m. President Marianne Cole welcomed all those in attendance. Those in attendance introduced themselves.
2.0 Approval of Agenda
2. Item 7.1 was added. Ken Qually moved that we approve the agenda with the addition. Larry Titford seconded. Carried.
3.0 Minutes of the last meeting
3. Marianne Cole read the minutes of the last meeting held October 12, 2017. Dennis Ross moved that the minutes be approved as presented. Dan Warkentin seconded. Carried.
4.0 Financial Report
4. Pat Butler read the financial report. Pat Butler moved that the financial report by accepted as presented. Ron Hallahan seconded. Carried.
5.0 Business arising from the minutes
5.1 Agenda – The agenda for council meetings is now coming out Wednesdays. Previous concerns with no response to letters and phone calls should be addressed in a new Code of Conduct.
5.2 Broadband Survey – Marianne Cole outlined the results of the broadband survey which indicated that there is a need for better internet in the county with concerns about potential costs.
6.0 New Business
6.1 County Council Highlights – Key highlights of the January 9, 2018 meeting were:
o Presentation by Kelly and Andrea Spongberg - The Spongbergs are requesting cost sharing for the road improvements that they have made.
o Presentation re: hosting the 2019 Alberta Masters Games – Council passed a motion to provide $75,000 of funding for the games.
o Presentation by Stephan Bull, Assistant Deputy Minister, Service Alberta – Mr Bull made a presentation on issues related to improved broadband service in Alberta.
o The County’s own Broadband Policy Framework – A draft of the possible policy framework was presented but will be discussed further at council’s Agenda and Priorities meeting on Monday.
6.2 Future meeting location and time – There is no price on holding meetings at the Arbutus hall at this time. Robert Brattberg moved that future meetings be held at Arbutus hall pending further information. Marlene Brattberg seconded. Carried. Larry Titford moved that meeting times continue at 7:30 pm. Doug Smith seconded. Carried.
6.3 Support of Leslieville Elks’ Hall fundraiser, Saturday February 3, 2018. – Trish Bingham moved to donate $250.00 to the fundraiser. Robert Brattberg seconded. Carried.
6.4 Future guest speaker?? Karl Zajes, Warburg Surface Rights Group?? – Sharon Rubeling moved that we invite Karl Zajes to our February or March meeting depending on when he is available. Pat Butler seconded. Carried.
6.5 Guest Speaker-----Reeve John Vandermeer
Reeve John Vandermeer was our guest speaker and covered a number of topics that council will have to make decisions on in the upcoming term. Some of the topics covered were:
o Leslieville and Condor firehalls – previous council was pushing for a centralized hall. Community engagement is needed for the fire halls.
o Road Paving – 2018 is looking like a good time to pave some roads as there are lower asphalt prices this year
o Broadband – There is $10 million allocated for a demonstration project. The county is looking to provide the internet highway ( infrastructure) and have other companies provide the service.
o Taxes – Over 90% of the tax revenue in the county is from oil and gas companies. We need to have a more diversified revenue stream.
John fielded various questions and comments from those in attendance.
7.0 Open Forum
7.1 Park in the West Country.- It was decided to table this item until we can gather more information.
8.0 Next meetings: February 8, 2018 @ 7:30pm; March 8, 2018 @ 7:30pm.
9.0 Dan Warkentin moved for adjournment @ 9:55 p.m.
Monday, February 12, 2018
CLEARWATER COUNTY TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEEING
MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 10, 2016
LESLIEVILLE ELKS HALL
1.0 Welcome
1. At 7:05 p.m. President Marianne Cole welcomed all those in attendance.
2.0 Approval of Agenda
2. Jack Leslie moved that we approve the agenda as presented. Ron Schultz seconded. Carried.
3.0 Minutes of the previous Annual Meeting
3. Marianne Cole read 2015 Annual Meeting minutes. Pat Warkentin moved that minutes be approved as recorded. Al Gaetz seconded. Carried.
4.0 Financial Report
4. Marianne Cole read the financial statement of the total of income and expenses for the past year. Marion Schafer moved that the financial statements be accepted as presented. Larry Titford seconded. Carried.
5.0 Business
5.1 Review of the last year’s activities. Some of the highlights from the past year are:
· Taxpayer Survey – CCTA conducted a survey of the importance of county services. The results were passed onto council members.
· The “reveal”. On May 10th 2016 the plan for building new admin buildings was revealed to the public. Previously the county had only mentioned a salt/sand storage facility.
· The wrap on the Western Star. A wrap was purchased on the Western Star informing the public of the county plans for the new buildings.
· There was a public meeting May 30th, 2016 at Dovercourt hall for public input concerning the spending of taxpayer’s money for the new admin buildings. This was very well attended with the overwhelming number of people opposed to the county plans.
· Information page in Western Star on November 2, 2016. Information was published in the newspaper about the increase in taxes for county residents and increases in spending by the county.
** Marianne Cole thanked everyone for the financial and attendance support of CCTA throughout the year.
5.2 Election of Officers
· President – Trish Bingham nominated Marianne Cole. Marlene Brattberg seconded. Laverne Ahlstrom moved nominations cease. Seconded by Jack Leslie. Carried.
· Vice President – Dan Warkentin has agreed to let his name stand. Trish Bingham moved nominations cease. Ron Schultz seconded. Carried.
· Secretary – Trish Bingham nominated Susan Durand. Pat Warkentin seconded. Marlene Brattberg moved nominations cease. Coral Ahlstrom seconded. Carried.
· Treasurer – Pat Butler has agreed to let her name stand. Dan Warkentin moved nominations cease. Ron Shultz seconded. Carried.
· Board Members – Former board members were: Ken Qually, Trish Bingham, Jim Foesier, Helge Nome and Al Gaetz. Pat Butler nominated Larry Titford. Laverne Ahlstrom moved nominations cease. Fred Gerber seconded. A vote was conducted by ballot and the board members selected are: Ken Qually, Trish Bingham, Jim Foesier, Al Gaetz and Larry Titford.
5.3 Selection of Auditor. Ron Shultz moved that Marion Shafer be selected as CCTA auditor. Robert Brattberg seconded. Carried.
6.0 Guest Speaker: MLA Jason Nixon
Jason gave a very informative overview of the Carbon Tax and its effects. He estimates it will cost a family of 4 $1000 per year. It equals a 3% tax on our economy. It will affect the Wild Rose School Division by increasing costs by $300,000. This tax will affect shelters and meals on wheels and is a
tax on charities. Jason explained some of the inner workings of the provincial government and said the NDP government wanted to get over 20 bill passed before Christmas. Bill 6 has been amended but still has serious problems with ¾ of the members of the panel not associated with agriculture. The health minister came to the Rocky hospital but there needs to be a proper assessment of the needs of the community. Jason did a heli tour of the West Country with government members so they could get a clearer picture of the recreation use of the West Country and the pressure on our resources. He then took questions from the floor and answered a variety of questions.
7.0 Next meeting January 12, 2017 @ 7:00pm.
8.0 Adjournment. Motion to adjourn was made by Dan Warkentin @ 9:25 p.m.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEEING
MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 10, 2016
LESLIEVILLE ELKS HALL
1.0 Welcome
1. At 7:05 p.m. President Marianne Cole welcomed all those in attendance.
2.0 Approval of Agenda
2. Jack Leslie moved that we approve the agenda as presented. Ron Schultz seconded. Carried.
3.0 Minutes of the previous Annual Meeting
3. Marianne Cole read 2015 Annual Meeting minutes. Pat Warkentin moved that minutes be approved as recorded. Al Gaetz seconded. Carried.
4.0 Financial Report
4. Marianne Cole read the financial statement of the total of income and expenses for the past year. Marion Schafer moved that the financial statements be accepted as presented. Larry Titford seconded. Carried.
5.0 Business
5.1 Review of the last year’s activities. Some of the highlights from the past year are:
· Taxpayer Survey – CCTA conducted a survey of the importance of county services. The results were passed onto council members.
· The “reveal”. On May 10th 2016 the plan for building new admin buildings was revealed to the public. Previously the county had only mentioned a salt/sand storage facility.
· The wrap on the Western Star. A wrap was purchased on the Western Star informing the public of the county plans for the new buildings.
· There was a public meeting May 30th, 2016 at Dovercourt hall for public input concerning the spending of taxpayer’s money for the new admin buildings. This was very well attended with the overwhelming number of people opposed to the county plans.
· Information page in Western Star on November 2, 2016. Information was published in the newspaper about the increase in taxes for county residents and increases in spending by the county.
** Marianne Cole thanked everyone for the financial and attendance support of CCTA throughout the year.
5.2 Election of Officers
· President – Trish Bingham nominated Marianne Cole. Marlene Brattberg seconded. Laverne Ahlstrom moved nominations cease. Seconded by Jack Leslie. Carried.
· Vice President – Dan Warkentin has agreed to let his name stand. Trish Bingham moved nominations cease. Ron Schultz seconded. Carried.
· Secretary – Trish Bingham nominated Susan Durand. Pat Warkentin seconded. Marlene Brattberg moved nominations cease. Coral Ahlstrom seconded. Carried.
· Treasurer – Pat Butler has agreed to let her name stand. Dan Warkentin moved nominations cease. Ron Shultz seconded. Carried.
· Board Members – Former board members were: Ken Qually, Trish Bingham, Jim Foesier, Helge Nome and Al Gaetz. Pat Butler nominated Larry Titford. Laverne Ahlstrom moved nominations cease. Fred Gerber seconded. A vote was conducted by ballot and the board members selected are: Ken Qually, Trish Bingham, Jim Foesier, Al Gaetz and Larry Titford.
5.3 Selection of Auditor. Ron Shultz moved that Marion Shafer be selected as CCTA auditor. Robert Brattberg seconded. Carried.
6.0 Guest Speaker: MLA Jason Nixon
Jason gave a very informative overview of the Carbon Tax and its effects. He estimates it will cost a family of 4 $1000 per year. It equals a 3% tax on our economy. It will affect the Wild Rose School Division by increasing costs by $300,000. This tax will affect shelters and meals on wheels and is a
tax on charities. Jason explained some of the inner workings of the provincial government and said the NDP government wanted to get over 20 bill passed before Christmas. Bill 6 has been amended but still has serious problems with ¾ of the members of the panel not associated with agriculture. The health minister came to the Rocky hospital but there needs to be a proper assessment of the needs of the community. Jason did a heli tour of the West Country with government members so they could get a clearer picture of the recreation use of the West Country and the pressure on our resources. He then took questions from the floor and answered a variety of questions.
7.0 Next meeting January 12, 2017 @ 7:00pm.
8.0 Adjournment. Motion to adjourn was made by Dan Warkentin @ 9:25 p.m.
CLEARWATER COUNTY TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION
MEETING MINUTES
October 12, 2017
LESLIEVILLE ELKS HALL
1.0 Welcome and introductions
1. At 7:32 p.m. President Marianne Cole welcomed all those in attendance. Those in attendance introduced themselves.
2.0 Approval of Agenda
2. Items 6.4, 6.5, 6.6 and 6.7 were added. Dan Warkentin moved that we approve the agenda with the additions. Larry Titford seconded. Carried.
3.0 Minutes of the last meeting
3. Marianne Cole read the minutes of the last meeting held September 14, 2017. Larry Titford moved that the minutes be approved as presented. Al Gaetz seconded. Carried.
4.0 Financial Report
4. Pat Butler read the financial report. Pat Butler moved that the financial report by accepted as presented. Marlene Brattberg seconded. Carried.
5.0 Business arising from the minutes
5.1 Ads in Western Star – There was very good feedback regarding the two ½ page ads that we ran in the Western Star for the election.
5.2 Candidates Forum – The forum was very well attended and there was good engagement from attendees.
5.3 Social media idea: Darryl Park – not needed at this time. Marianne read the last mailout from the Vote Clearwater Group that some residents have received.
5.4 Letter to Jason Nixon – Marianne Cole drafted a letter to Jason Nixon October 6, 2017 which outlined our concerns regarding Daylight saving time, unreasonably rigid rules re: local abattoirs and federal tax reforms.
6.0 New Business
6.1 County Council Highlights – Key highlights of the October 10, 2017 meeting were:
o Clearwater Cottages Ltd. development proposal- there was a proposal for development in the rig street area but there were road access concerns. A Land Use Bylaw amendment was defeated by council so no development will be able to continue.
o Restoration of Shank’s historic garage in Nordegg- Ted deBoer has offered to do restoration to this building for the cost of demolition. He previously restored the CIBC building in Nordegg.
o Rocky Chamber of Commerce loan request – The Rocky Chamber is asking the town and county each for a $30,000 loan. The county will meet with the chamber and the town to discuss funding options.
o Rocky Air Show – A presentation was made by Nancy McClure about the operation of the air show and they are asking for $25,000.00 for the 2018 show. Support will be considered during budget deliberations.
6.2 Election Issues – No new issues to discuss.
6.3 AGM November 9, 2017- We will ask Jason Nixon to be our guest speaker as well as the new Reeve.
6.4 Public Input Policy ( New MGA) – What is the policy going to be regarding public input? What is going to be the new council’s policy? Our concerns are the non response to our letters, short lead time for agendas and vote time. There is no time for public input. There was discussion about making a presentation to council regarding these concerns: Agenda lead time, code of conduct and response time to communications.
6.5 Division Meetings – There was discussion regarding the councillors holding division meetings at the county’s various halls. If councillors aren’t meeting with constituents, we could host meetings in the future.
6.6 Voting Process – People don’t have a chance to vote if their councillor is acclaimed. Discussion took place if there is an opportunity to vote for four councillors or one for any division.
6.7 Broadband Survey – The county is doing a broadband survey that is noted in the county highlights and the newspapers. It is 13 pages long and has to be printed out to submit unless you are contacted by phone. The cost is $60.000.00.
7.0 Open Forum
7.1 Some of the candidates were in attendance and brought up some of their concerns. There is a study going on with the Caroline lagoon as well as the ongoing Rocky lagoon issue…..how many $$$’s are going to have to be spent on this?
8.0 Next meetings: AGM November 9, 2017 @ 7:00pm; January 11, 2018 @ 7:00pm.
9.0 Dan Warkentin moved for adjournment @ 9:55 p.m.
MEETING MINUTES
October 12, 2017
LESLIEVILLE ELKS HALL
1.0 Welcome and introductions
1. At 7:32 p.m. President Marianne Cole welcomed all those in attendance. Those in attendance introduced themselves.
2.0 Approval of Agenda
2. Items 6.4, 6.5, 6.6 and 6.7 were added. Dan Warkentin moved that we approve the agenda with the additions. Larry Titford seconded. Carried.
3.0 Minutes of the last meeting
3. Marianne Cole read the minutes of the last meeting held September 14, 2017. Larry Titford moved that the minutes be approved as presented. Al Gaetz seconded. Carried.
4.0 Financial Report
4. Pat Butler read the financial report. Pat Butler moved that the financial report by accepted as presented. Marlene Brattberg seconded. Carried.
5.0 Business arising from the minutes
5.1 Ads in Western Star – There was very good feedback regarding the two ½ page ads that we ran in the Western Star for the election.
5.2 Candidates Forum – The forum was very well attended and there was good engagement from attendees.
5.3 Social media idea: Darryl Park – not needed at this time. Marianne read the last mailout from the Vote Clearwater Group that some residents have received.
5.4 Letter to Jason Nixon – Marianne Cole drafted a letter to Jason Nixon October 6, 2017 which outlined our concerns regarding Daylight saving time, unreasonably rigid rules re: local abattoirs and federal tax reforms.
6.0 New Business
6.1 County Council Highlights – Key highlights of the October 10, 2017 meeting were:
o Clearwater Cottages Ltd. development proposal- there was a proposal for development in the rig street area but there were road access concerns. A Land Use Bylaw amendment was defeated by council so no development will be able to continue.
o Restoration of Shank’s historic garage in Nordegg- Ted deBoer has offered to do restoration to this building for the cost of demolition. He previously restored the CIBC building in Nordegg.
o Rocky Chamber of Commerce loan request – The Rocky Chamber is asking the town and county each for a $30,000 loan. The county will meet with the chamber and the town to discuss funding options.
o Rocky Air Show – A presentation was made by Nancy McClure about the operation of the air show and they are asking for $25,000.00 for the 2018 show. Support will be considered during budget deliberations.
6.2 Election Issues – No new issues to discuss.
6.3 AGM November 9, 2017- We will ask Jason Nixon to be our guest speaker as well as the new Reeve.
6.4 Public Input Policy ( New MGA) – What is the policy going to be regarding public input? What is going to be the new council’s policy? Our concerns are the non response to our letters, short lead time for agendas and vote time. There is no time for public input. There was discussion about making a presentation to council regarding these concerns: Agenda lead time, code of conduct and response time to communications.
6.5 Division Meetings – There was discussion regarding the councillors holding division meetings at the county’s various halls. If councillors aren’t meeting with constituents, we could host meetings in the future.
6.6 Voting Process – People don’t have a chance to vote if their councillor is acclaimed. Discussion took place if there is an opportunity to vote for four councillors or one for any division.
6.7 Broadband Survey – The county is doing a broadband survey that is noted in the county highlights and the newspapers. It is 13 pages long and has to be printed out to submit unless you are contacted by phone. The cost is $60.000.00.
7.0 Open Forum
7.1 Some of the candidates were in attendance and brought up some of their concerns. There is a study going on with the Caroline lagoon as well as the ongoing Rocky lagoon issue…..how many $$$’s are going to have to be spent on this?
8.0 Next meetings: AGM November 9, 2017 @ 7:00pm; January 11, 2018 @ 7:00pm.
9.0 Dan Warkentin moved for adjournment @ 9:55 p.m.
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