CLEARWATER COUNTY TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MEETING MINUTES

JANUARY 8, 2019

ARBUTUS COMMUNITY HALL
1.0 Welcome

1. At 7:35 p.m. President Marianne Cole called the meeting to order. All those in attendance introduced themselves.

2.0 Approval of Agenda
2. Ron Hallahan moved that we approve the agenda as presented. Jim Pearson seconded. Carried.
3.0 Minutes of the previous Annual Meeting
3. Marianne Cole read 2017 Annual Meeting minutes that were held November 9, 2017. Pat Butler noted an error with the nomination of the auditor. Nomination should have read: Pat Butler nominated Sharon Rubeling for auditor. Marion Schafer seconded. Marlene Brattberg moved that minutes be approved with correction. Ken Qually seconded. Carried.
4.0 Financial Report
4. Pat Butler read the financial statements of October – December 2018. Pat Butler moved that the financial statements be accepted as presented. Ron Hallahan seconded. Carried.
5.0 Election of Officers
5.1 Election of Officers- all members in the following positions agreed to let their names stand. There were no other nominations from the floor.

· President –Marianne Cole. Pat Butler moved nominations cease. Seconded by Ron Hallahan. Carried.

· Vice President – Dan Warkentin. Ron Hallahan moved nominations cease. Doug Smith seconded. Carried.

· Secretary – Susan Durand. Marlene Brattberg moved nominations cease. Pat Butler seconded. Carried.

· Treasurer – Pat Butler. Ken Qually moved nominations cease. Ron Hallahan seconded. Carried.

· Board Members – Al Gaetz, Larry Titford, Jim Foesier, Helge Nome and Sharon Rubeling. Pat Butler moved nominations cease. Marlene Brattberg seconded. Carried.

6.0 New Business
6.1 Bighorn Wildland Park Issue
· Update – There are 2 distinct sides of the park issue. Council had asked to meet with Minister Shannon Phillips but had been declined. Meetings have been respectful. Councilor Theresa Laing has written a letter explaining council’s current position. Marianne Cole had written a letter to Minister Phillips voicing our concerns on May 4, 2018 which discussed our concerns with the economic impact, the human investment and the lack of transparency and public engagement. A reply has been received. Marianne also read some highlights of a letter received outlining the effects of the Castle Wildland Provincial Park that has had on that area. A report from Jessica Reilly, a senior Fisheries biologist suggests that most of the stream crossings have no fish passage or erosion concerns. The Clearwater Trails Initiative group conducted a survey of West Country users May- Sept 2017 with the majority indicating Camping, OHV use and Fishing as their activities.

· Further Action – Discussion took place about the park issue and various suggestions were: The problem is a lack of enforcement, creating a petition, town hall meetings or petition by councilors and personally invite councilors to next meeting. Helge Nome made a motion to write a letter voicing our concerns to council urging them to take a position and represent the taxpayers. Laverne Ahlstrom seconded. Carried.

6.2 Guest Speaker??? Jason Kenney???
The next guest speaker was discussed and attendees indicated by popular vote to invite Jason Nixon to speak about the Bighorn issue and Orphan Wells. A date and time TBA.
6.3 Highlights of County Council Meeting January 8, 2019
· Presentation by FCSS – Andrea Vassallo outlined their various programs and their funding model.
· Presentation by Wildrose School Division – Representatives gave an update on the plans for the Corridor Schools Capital Plan.
· Presentation by Monica Ahlstrom and Kyle Wadden from Ahlstrom Air – there are concerns with the proposed Bighorn Wildland Park and how it could potentially affect their business. (More In Camera)
· Presentation by Missing Link Internet – Missing Link made a presentation about their efforts to improve broadband service. (More In Camera)
6.4 Marianne Cole read a letter from Giant Truck & Car Wash explaining their increase in prices due to the increase in water and sewer by the town. She also read a letter from the town of Slave Lake that emphasized the need to work together and not to protect the interests of a few.
7.0 Open Forum
7.1 Leslieville/ Condor Firehall – There has been property purchased south of Condor. Combination fire hall/ public works building at Condor estimated at $4 million. Renovation of building at Leslieville estimated at $2 million.
Helge Nome suggested we include compliments to council for listening to resident concerns and wishes on this matter in the above mentioned letter to council on the Bighorn Wildland Park issue.
7.2 A member voiced several concerns. Should the county be spending money on broadband when it is rumored that Bell in bring in internet? Peace Officers within the county leaving a county vehicle unattended by James River. Oil & Gas legal battles from a wellsite dating back to 2007.

8.0 Next meetings February 12, 2019 and March 12, 2019 @ 7:30 pm. There will be a separate meeting for Jason Nixon. TBA.

9.0 Adjournment. Motion to adjourn was made by Ron Schultz @ 9:51 p.m.