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.

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.

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.

CLEARWATER COUNTY TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION 

MEETING MINUTES 

September 14, 2017

LESLIEVILLE ELKS HALL 

1.0   Welcome and introductions

1. At 7:30 p.m. President Marianne Cole welcomed all those in attendance.  Those in attendance introduced themselves.

2.0   Approval of Agenda 

    2.  Items 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 were added.  Pat Warkentin moved that we approve the agenda with the additions. Ron Hallahan seconded.  Carried.    

1. Minutes of the last meeting

3.   Marianne Cole read the minutes of the last meeting held June 15, 2017. Ken Qually moved that the minutes be approved as presented. Larry Titford seconded.  Carried.

1. Financial Report

4. Pat Butler read the financial report.  Pat Butler moved that the financial report by accepted as presented.  Trish Bingam seconded.  Carried.

1. Business arising from the minutes

There was CBF discussion at council and discussion concerning councillor compensation.

      5.1 Future action/page in the Western Star.  Topics for election discussion:

• No new pavement for 2 years in county
• Candidates
• Issues
• Electoral boundaries
• Debt load = individual $
• High taxes impeding business
• Crime in the county
• County roads are not being maintained.  Maintenance is not being done and is going to cost us more in the future. 

Marlene Brattberg made a motion to place 2 half page ads in the Western Star prior to the forum, on September 20 and September 27 and investigate with Daryl Parks for social media/facebook ad with a $200 limit.  Tim Hoven seconded.  Carried.

The committee to work on the ad will be Laverne Ahlstrom, Ron Hallahan, Marianne Cole and Trish Bingham (tentatively).

5.2  Election

       Candidates Forum will be held Thursday September 28 @ 7:00 p.m.  

      MC – Ken Qually moved that Marianne Cole be the MC for the forum.  Robert Brattberg seconded.  Carried.  It was discussed that we will prioritize questions so they aren’t redundant, questions from the floor and time limit on responses.  Timer will be Marlene Brattberg.  Pat Warkentin, Pat Butler and Laverne Ahlstrom will vet the questions.  Marianne Cole will draft an invitation letter to candidates to respond by Friday September 22.

1. New Business

6.1  Annual Meeting, November 9, 2017 – Guest speaker?   Trish Bingham moved that we invite the Reeve to speak at our annual meeting.  Seconded by Ken Qually.  Carried.

6.2  Councillor evaluation suggestion (Dan Warkentin)- Dan Warkentin brought up the idea of an annual performance evaluation for councilors.  Possible input from a survey on a website and feedback from groups.

6.3  Daylight Savings Time – We took an informal vote for/against Daylight Savings Time and vote was pretty much split evenly.  It was suggested to draft a letter to Jason Nixon that the issue should be put to a public vote via a provincial referendum.

6.4  Meat Inspectors/Abattoirs – There is a concern that the rules and regulations from government are discouraging business.  There needs to be cooperation between provincial and federal levels of government.  Locals have lost options to sell and buy local product.

6.5  New Tax Regulations- The county is sending a letter to the federal government with concerns.

7.0  Next meetings:  September 28 (candidates forum) @ 7:00pm, October 12 @ 7:30 and November 9 (AGM) @ 7:00.

8.0  Adjournment – Laverne Ahlstrom moved to adjourn @ 9:30pm  Merv Pidherney seconded.

                             

                             

1. Next meeting September 14 @ 7:30 pm. 

9.0 Dan Warkentin moved for adjournment @ 9:10 p.m.  Dennis Anderson seconded.

CLEARWATER COUNTY TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION 

MEETING MINUTES 

June 15, 2017

LESLIEVILLE ELKS HALL 

1.0   Welcome and introductions

1. At 7:30 p.m. President Marianne Cole welcomed all those in attendance.  Those in attendance introduced themselves.

2.0   Approval of Agenda 

    2.  Item 6.4 was added.  There is an update on the town sewer lagoon.  The final report is due in July.  Pat Butler moved that we approve the agenda with the addition. Marion Schafer seconded.  Carried.    

1. Minutes of the last meeting

3.   Marianne Cole read the minutes of the last meeting held May 11, 2017. It was noted that on item 6.1 that Ron Leaf was at the meeting as well.  Marlene Brattberg moved that the minutes be approved as presented with a correction to 6.1 to include Ron Leaf.  Dan Warkentin seconded.  Carried.

1. Financial Report

4. Pat Butler read the financial report.  Pat Butler moved that the financial report by accepted as presented.  Al Gaetz seconded.  Carried.

1. Business arising from the minutes
1. Highlights of last Rocky Ag. Society Meeting – there was poor attendance at the meeting (only about 12 people).

1. Future action—info page in the Western Star in September- no price as of yet.

1. New Business
1. Highlights from council meetings.

 May 23, 2017 (Dan Warkentin) 

• Concerns by local contractors that county rates are too low
• County passed motion to take over 400m of industry resource road
• Report from Withrow Wastewater delegation
• Womans shelter delegation
• Council passed motion to reimburse application fee for communication tower for private use
• Recommendation passed to draft letter to Municipal affairs to request reimbursement for uncollectable school taxes.
• Council passed a motion to approve more money for new financial software
• Recommendation passed for $ 5 million operating line of credit. (Three readings in one meeting)
• Telus delegation

                             

                           June 13 (Helge Nome)

•   Approval for households to keep six chickens (no roosters)
• Sundre Forest Products/West Fraser reported problems in regards to American duties and pine beetles.
• Update of Japanese student  exchange program
• Bill Shaw Consulting presented revised draft of North Rocky Major Area Structure Plan
• New provincial electoral boundaries were discussed
• Council will not change its 2/3 majority requirement in regards to the request from the Hamlet of Withrow in regards to a municipal wastewater system.

                             

1. Major Area Structure Plan Highlights- A summary of the comments from the open house of February 16, 2017 revealed that there were 40 negative, 11 in favor and 20 other.

1. Election considerations.  Nomination deadline is September 18, 2017. Election is October 16, 2017.  Next meeting is September 14, 2017 prior to nominations of September 18, 2017.  It was discussed and decided that we would hold a candidates forum at the Elks hall on September 28, 2017.  We will finalize the details at the September 14, 2017 meeting and advertise in the paper for 2 weeks.

1. Public Input Policy.  The government has come out with a public input policy.  There is a document from Municipal Affairs called the Public Input Policy Toolkit that is 200+ pages.  The municipalities have a timeline to complete the policy.  Do other municipalities have policies we can look at?  We will watch for further developments for this.

1. Next meeting September 14 @ 7:30 pm. 

9.0 Dan Warkentin moved for adjournment @ 9:10 p.m.  Dennis Anderson seconded.

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.

CLEARWATER COUNTY TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION 

MEETING MINUTES 

APRIL 13, 2017

LESLIEVILLE ELKS HALL 

1.0   Welcome and introductions

1. At 7:05 p.m. President Marianne Cole welcomed all those in attendance.  Those in attendance introduced themselves.

2.0   Approval of Agenda 

    2.  Robert Brattberg moved that we approve the agenda as presented.  Larry Titford seconded.  Carried.

3.0   Minutes of the last Meeting 

   3.  Marianne Cole read minutes of March 9, 2017 meeting.  Ron Hallahan moved that minutes be approved as recorded.  Marlene Brattberg seconded.  Carried.

1.   Financial Report

   4.   Pat Butler read the financial report.  Pat Butler moved that the financial statements be accepted as presented. Ron Hallahan seconded.  Carried. 

5.0 Business arising from the minutes

5.1 Letter to Council.  Marianne read the letter that was sent to our county councilors inviting them to CCTA meetings.

  5.2 Info from Municipal Affairs re:  putting question on the ballot in fall election.  There are a few options to move forward with putting a question on the ballot: 

• Attend a council meeting to make a request
• Council can put a question on the ballot but it is not binding
• Petition to have a question put on the ballot – results are binding to council

Ken Qually moved to work to prepare a question for the ballot to present to council.  Dennis Anderson seconded.  Carried.

5.3 Report from joint council meeting March 14, 2017.  Highlights of the joint meeting were:

• Presentation by Clearwater Broadband Foundation – there was a presentation by the foundation of their vision and efforts to promote broadband services in the area.
• Area Structure Plan – Reasons for the development and the process so far were outlined by Ron Leaf, Mayor Nash, Reeve Alexander, Rick Emmons and Bill Shaw.
• Opinions were expressed by each councilor from the county and the town if they were in favour of the development and their concerns.

1. New Business

6.1 Guest Darryl Park re:  how can we be more visible/ get our info out to more people?  Darryl gave an informative talk of his business and how he could help the CCTA get their message out to more people.  Using his services will be discussed at an upcoming CCTA meeting.

6.2 April 11 County Council Meeting Highlights.  Topics of the meeting were:

• Summer Tour – an ATV trip is being planned for August to promote Public Land Use Zones and to advocate the work the county has been doing to maintain west country trails.

• Clearwater Regional Fire Services – Pivotal Project has been retained as project manager for the construction of the new Condor/Leslieville Fire Hall.
• Nordegg Historic CIBC Building – Building is slated for demolition.  TdB Construction has offered to stabilize the structure by reinvesting the demolition cost.
• Pine Beetle Resilience Project – A student from UBC was granted approval to use a focus group to study strategies to make our forests more resilient to pine beetle attacks.
• Financial Matters – the federal budget, reserve transfers, 2016 audited financial statements and the tax rate bylaw were discussed.  There will be a 0% tax increase in municipal taxes!
• CCTA Letter of Invitation – our letter of invitation was discussed.

1. More election Issues.  Marianne received an email from a concerned resident that listed several concerns with the direction of the county.  Some of these concerns were:  Employee numbers in the county, money that has been spent on the north development, councilors not communicating with electors, broadband in the county, and concerns with county employee work environment.
2. Speaker for May or June meeting.  Discussion took place regarding a guest speaker for upcoming meetings.  It was decided to invite our local Clearwater Broadband Foundation to speak at the May meeting.
3. There is a meeting time change for our upcoming CCTA meetings for May, June, September and October.  Meetings will start at 7:30 pm.

1. Open Forum
2. Citizen Concern – CCTA were given pictures of gravel in the ditch and trash left in a ditch following brushing.  Other concerns that were discussed were the fresh water being used for fracking taken from the Lobstick and a lake.  Also, the Rocky Ag Society is having meetings as advertised in The Western Star and The Mountaineer re:  Ag recreation building.
3. A member relayed their experience with the county concerning communication with two different departments.  The waste authority and the public works departments made contact promptly after being sent messages on the contact form on the county website.
1. Next Meeting May 11 @ 7:30 pm.
2. Adjournment.  Laverne Ahlstrom moved for adjournment @ 10:00 pm.  Seconded by Al Gaetz.