Association of Yukon Communities
2014 Annual General Meeting May 11, 2014 Dawson City, Yukon
Minutes
In Attendance:
Members
Wayne Potoroka, City of Dawson Jocelyn Curteanu, City of Whitehorse Betty Irwin, City of Whitehorse Mike Gladish, City of Whitehorse Gord Curran, Village of Teslin Dave Stockdale, City of Whitehorse Paul Gudaitis, Association of Yukon Communities Christine Smith, City of Whitehorse Laura Eby, Association of Yukon Communities Debbie Carreau, Town of Faro Bill Kendrick, City of Dawson Diana Rogerson, Town of Faro Stephen Johnson, City of Dawson Heather Grantham, Town of Faro Kyla MacArthur, City of Dawson Tom Lie, Town of Faro Jeff Renaud, City of Dawson Darlene Sillery, Village of Haines Junction Tracy Burns, Village of Carmacks Dave Weir, Village of Haines Junction Tara Wheeler, Village of Carmacks Mike Crawshay, Village of Haines Cory Bellmore, Village of Carmacks Junction Lee Bodie, Village of Carmacks Pat McKenny, Village of Carmacks Dick Ewing, Village of Mayo Trevor Ellis, Village of Mayo Margrit Wozniak, Village of Mayo Thomas Slager, Town of Watson Lake Clara Jules, Village of Teslin Denise Johnston. Village of Teslin Frank Thomas, Village of Teslin Dan Curtis, City of Whitehorse John Streicker, City of Whitehorse
Observers
Ian Davis, Government of Yukon Kirsti Muller, Government of Yukon James Wood, Government of Yukon Dan Davidson, Whitehorse Star Larry Bagnell, Town of Watson Lake
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Call to Order:
A/President Potoroka called the meeting to order at 9:02 am. He thanked everyone for coming and welcomed all of the members and guests in attendance.
2. Adoption of Agenda:
MOTION AGM 14-001 THAT the Agenda be adopted as presented.
Moved by: Stephen Johnson Seconded by: Dave Stockdale CARRIED
3. Adoption of Minutes from the 2013 AGM and SGM.
No concerns or changes were noted.
MOTION AGM 14-002 THAT the Minutes of the 2013 AGM be adopted.
Moved by: Wayne Potoroka Seconded by: Betty Irwin CARRIED
MOTION AGM 14-003 THAT the Minutes of the 2013 SGM be adopted.
Moved by: Wayne Potoroka Seconded by: Stephen Johnson CARRIED
4. President’s Report
Member were directed to the President’s report included in the meeting package, no one had any questions or concerns.
MOTION AGM 14-004 THAT the Presidents report be approved.
Moved by: Wayne Potoroka Seconded by: Betty Irwin CARRIED
5. Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Paul Gudaitis (ED Gudaitis) thanked Dawson City for hosting this year’s Annual General Meeting and the Dawson City staff that helped organize the event.
ED Gudaitis noted the AYC financials remain healthy, and the AYC staff is settled into the new office space at Waterfront Station.
He noted that this past year the AYC engaged with the Department of Environment as they brought forward the proposed amendments to the Environment Act.
ED Gudaitis advised that he and President Wyatt have been involved in working with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) as they engaged the Government of Canada (GoC) in the development of the final version of the New Build Canada Plan – which contains both the New Build Canada Fund (NBCF) and the New Gas Tax Fund (NGTF).Working
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through the FCM Northern Forum they were successful in developing specific Northern elements of the overall national strategy.
ED Gudaitis noted some priorities for the 2014/2015 year as follows:
1. Develop a new Strategic Plan for the Association
2. Continued Work On Other OTOF Action Items
3. Work with FCM on Addressing Northern Priorities and Election 2015 Preparations
4. Active Engagement with the Communities to Guide the New Executive
MOTION AGM 14-005 THAT the Executive Directors report be approved.
Moved by: Wayne Potoroka Seconded by: Diana Rogerson CARRIED
6. 2013 Draft Financial Statements:
6.1 Financial Statements
Manager of Operations Laura Eby gave an overview of the financial statements and after some discussion the financials were accepted as presented.
6.2 Motions
6.2.1 Approval of the Draft Financial Statements for 2013
MOTION AGM 14-006 THAT the Financial Statements for 2013 be accepted as presented.
Moved by: Wayne Potoroka Seconded by: Mike Crawshay CARRIED
6.2.2 Approval of Proceeding with audit for 2014
MOTION AGM 14-007 that the AYC proceed with an audit for 2014.
Moved by: Wayne Potoroka Seconded by: Stephen Johnson OPPOSED
MOTION AGM 14-008 to waive the audit requirement for 2014 and request exemption from the societies registrar.
Moved by: Bill Kendrick Seconded by: Mike Crawshay CARRIED
7 Updated Constitution and Bylaws
After some discussion the revised Constitution and Bylaws were accepted as amended.
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7.1 MOTION AGM 14-009 to approve the revised constitution and bylaws.
Moved by: Wayne Potoroka Seconded by: Betty Irwin CARRIED
8 Committee Business
8.1 Business arising from OTOF updates
8.1.1 MARC – Jeff Renaud
CAO Jeff Renaud gave an overview of the work the MARC committee has completed over the past year. He noted all Municipalities had opportunities to provide input to the committee and that input has been correlated and under review.
8.1.2 Implementation – Betty Irwin
Councillor Betty Irwin gave the Implementation committee update during the conference.
8.2 Community Training Trust Society – Tara Wheeler
Councillor Tara Wheeler advised the CTTS board continues to meet monthly and are receiving more applications than normal. She noted the board is currently negotiating their 3 year contract with the Advanced Education branch. She put a call out for more directors in case anyone was interested in joining the board.
8.3 YCIA Reciprocal update – Tom Lie
CAO Tom Lie advised the members that the reciprocal balance is healthy. He noted a couple of claims ensued in the past year and are close to being paid out. He noted the committee will be reviewing the breakdown in dollars so that the communities have a better background and understanding.
9. New Business
9.1 Resolutions Committee and 2014 Resolutions – Wayne Potoroka
9.1.1 Resolution # 14-AT-01-Brushing Power Line and Highway Right of Ways – Submitted by the Village of Teslin
Title of Resolution: Brushing Power line and Highway Right of Way
WHEREAS: Annual highway-brushing campaigns conducted by the Yukon Government and Yukon Electrical do not adequately increase visibility or safety concerns; and
WHEREAS: improperly brushed rights of way can lead to “power bumps,” power outages, and strains on municipal equipment.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: the AYC lobbies the Yukon Government and Yukon Energy and Yukon Electric Communities to coordinate their brushing activities to ensure a better use of resources and adequate brushing.
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Submitted by the Community of Village of Teslin
Friendly amendment to change THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the AYC lobbies the Yukon Government and Yukon Electric Communities to coordinate their brushing activities to ensure a better use of resources and adequate brushing. To - THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the AYC lobbies the Yukon Government and Yukon Energy and Yukon Electric Communities to coordinate their brushing activities to ensure a better use of resources and adequate brushing.
MOTION AGM 14-013 THAT Resolution # 14-AT-01 Brushing Power line and Highway Right of Ways be adopted as presented and amended by the Village of Teslin.
Moved by: Clare Jules Seconded by: Denise Johnson CARRIED
9.1.2 Resolution # 14-AT-02-Rural Employment Stability – Submitted by the Village of Haines Junction
Title of Resolution: Rural Employment Stability
WHEREAS: Haines Junction and rural Communities have recently experienced significant job losses due to Parks Canada staff reductions and rural Yukon communities have experienced losses of Yukon Government positions to employee retirements for the past several years; and
WHEREAS: Hiring and recruitment of several Yukon Government rural-servicing positions occur in Whitehorse where a rural community would benefit from the position and an incumbent could provide better service and support if located in that community. (e.g., Emergency Medical Services rural supervisor positions are located in Whitehorse when the incumbent would better represent rural volunteer ambulance providers and services if located in a rural community; and
WHEREAS: Every Yukon Government position staffed or removed in a rural setting has tremendous impacts on the communities including housing sales, local spending, student population, education positions, and community volunteer hours; now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The AYC requests that the Yukon Government develop rural Yukon staffing initiatives with the aim at decentralizing from Whitehorse the services and program positions that serve the wider Yukon; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The Yukon Government communicate regularly with communities on the needs and opportunities within each community to discuss positions that would be better suited to be delivered from within those communities.
Submitted by the Community of the Village of Haines Junction
Friendly amendment to change WHEREAS: Haines Junction and Dawson City have recently experienced significant job losses due to Parks Canada staff reductions and rural Yukon communities have experienced losses of Yukon Government positions to employee retirements for the past several years; and
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To - WHEREAS: Haines Junction and rural Communities have recently experienced significant job losses due to Parks Canada staff reductions and rural Yukon communities have experienced losses of Yukon Government positions to employee retirements for the past several years; and
MOTION AGM 14-014 THAT Resolution # 14-AT-02 Rural Employment Stability be adopted as presented and amended by the Village of Haines Junction.
Moved by: Dave Weir Seconded by: Bill Kendrick CARRIED
9.1.3 Resolution #14-AT-03 – Investigation of Alternative Health Insurance Plans – submitted by the Village of Mayo
Title of Resolution: Investigation of Alternative Health Insurance Plans
WHEREAS: the Village of Mayo, other Yukon Municipalities, and the Association of Yukon Communities participate in the enhanced group benefits plan offered by AMSC, and
WHEREAS: the Village of Mayo considers AMSC's insurance rates to be very high compared to other group benefits plans, such as the Government of Yukon Health Insurance Plan for comparable coverage, and
WHEREAS: Village of Mayo Council and Staff discussed the AMSC plan and the high monthly costs incurred by the municipality and its staff for being part of this group benefits plan, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: the Council for the Village of Mayo encourages AYC and the other Yukon Communities to explore other options for group benefits plans such as joining the Government of Yukon group benefits plan.
Submitted by the Community of Village of Mayo
Friendly amendment to take out BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the AYC approach the Honourable Currie Dixon, Minister of the Public Service Commission, Government of Yukon, to allow the employees of the Yukon Municipalities and the AYC employees to join the group benefits plan offered to YG Public Service employees.
MOTION AGM 14-015 THAT Resolution # 14-AT-03 Investigation of Alternative Health Insurance Plans be adopted as presented and amended by the Village of Mayo.
Moved by: Diana Rogerson Seconded by: Clara Jules CARRIED
9.1.4 Resolution #14-AT-04 – Beverage Container Regulations – submitted by the City of Whitehorse
Title of Resolution: Beverage Container Regulations
WHEREAS: the Yukon Environment Act contains a Beverage Container Regulation that is very effective in promoting recycling in the Territory; and
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WHEREAS: the Association of Yukon Communities (AYC) applauds the Government of Yukon’s review and proposed amendment of the Beverage Container Regulation; and
WHEREAS: revenue generated via the Beverage Container Regulation supports the diversion of non-refundable recycling materials in the Yukon, but products currently eligible under the Regulation do not include all recyclable beverage containers; then
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: the AYC engage with the Yukon Government, Yukon business community, and stakeholder groups to review and expand the range of materials under the Beverage Container Regulations in a timely fashion.
Submitted by the City of Whitehorse
MOTION AGM 14-016 THAT Resolution # 14-AT-04 Beverage Container Regulations be adopted as presented by the City of Whitehorse.
Moved by: John Streicker Seconded by: Jocelyn Curteanu CARRIED
9.1.5 Resolution #14-AT-05 – Designated Material Regulation – submitted by the City of Whitehorse
Title of Resolution: Designated Material Regulation
WHEREAS: the Yukon Environment Act contains a Designated Materials Regulation to provide for the appropriate transportation and processing of specific materials; and
WHEREAS: the Association of Yukon Communities (AYC) applauds the Government of Yukon’s review and proposed amendment of the Designated Materials Regulation; and
WHEREAS: there is a demonstrated need for the Designated Materials Regulation to accommodate large tires, electronic waste and special waste, all hazardous waste including petroleum, and hydro carbon products.
WHEREAS: a variety of hazardous wastes have been successfully and appropriately handled via product stewardship or extended producer responsibility programs in many Canadian provinces; then
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: the AYC engage with the Yukon Government to review and expand the Designated Materials Regulation to include special waste and Phase 1 hazardous waste materials listed in the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Canada-wide Action Plan for Extended Producer Responsibility through a collaborative process involving community and business partners and waste management stakeholder groups
Submitted by the City of Whitehorse
Friendly amendment to change WHEREAS: there is a demonstrated need for the Designated Materials Regulation to accommodate large tires, electronic waste and hazardous waste
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To WHEREAS: there is a demonstrated need for the Designated Materials Regulation to accommodate large tires, electronic waste and special waste, all hazardous waste including petroleum, and hydro carbon products.
Friendly amendment to change THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: the AYC engage with the Yukon Government to review and expand the Designated Materials Regulation to include Phase 1 hazardous waste materials listed in the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Canada-wide Action Plan for Extended Producer Responsibility through a collaborative process involving community and business partners and waste management stakeholder groups. To THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: the AYC engage with the Yukon Government to review and expand the Designated Materials Regulation to include special waste and Phase 1 hazardous waste materials listed in the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Canada-wide Action Plan for Extended Producer Responsibility through a collaborative process involving community and business partners and waste management stakeholder groups.
MOTION AGM 14-018 THAT Resolution # 14-AT-05 Beverage Container Regulations be adopted as presented and amended by the City of Whitehorse.
Moved by: John Streicker Seconded by: Bill Kendrick CARRIED
9.1.6 Resolution #14-AT-06 – Extended Producer Responsibility– submitted by the City of Whitehorse
Title of Resolution: Extended Producer Responsibility
WHEREAS: a Canada-wide Action Plan for Extended Producer Responsibility (ERP) prepared by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment commits all jurisdictions to work towards the establishment of extended producer responsibility programs; and
WHEREAS: the recycling of non-refundable items is a critical element of the increased community diversion goals of the Government of Yukon’s Solid Waste Action Plan; and
WHEREAS: revenue from non-refundable recycling commodities is not sufficient to continue or expand recycling diversion in the Yukon; and
WHEREAS: communities throughout Canada are relying on and expanding stewardship and EPR systems in order to ensure that the user, rather than the taxpayer, is funding the processing and/or disposal of different products; then
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: the Association of Yukon Communities engage in a collaborative process involving the Yukon Government, waste industry representatives, business partners and stakeholder groups regarding the drafting, development, and implementation of an Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation in a timely fashion. Submitted by the City of Whitehorse
MOTION AGM 14-019 THAT Resolution # 14-AT-06 Extended Producer Responsibility be adopted as presented by the City of Whitehorse.
Moved by: John Streicker
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Seconded by: Diana Rogerson CARRIED
9.1.7 Resolution #14-AT-07 – Property Assessments – submitted by the Village of Carmacks
Title of Resolution: Property Assessments
WHEREAS: Yukon Government contracts to all municipalities except the City of Whitehorse for annual property assessments; and
WHEREAS: The formula used for assessments is not easily understood and there are misunderstanding why some similar properties are valued quite differently; and
WHEREAS: Current changes to the property tax roll (such as changing roll numbers) in communities have caused unexplained unreasonable administrative work in municipalities with no understandable value added to communities; then
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The Association of Yukon Communities strongly urges the Minister of Community Services initiates and maintains timely communication and cooperation between the Property and Assessment department with municipalities when dealing with changes to the tax roll properties in Municipal Boundaries.
Submitted by the Community of: Village of Carmacks
Friendly amendment to change THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The Association of Yukon Communities requests that the Minister of Community Services ensures good communication and cooperation between the Property and Assessment department with municipalities when dealing with properties in Municipal Boundaries. To - THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The Association of Yukon Communities strongly urges the Minister of Community Services initiates and maintains timely communication and cooperation between the Property and Assessment department with municipalities when dealing with changes to the tax roll properties in Municipal Boundaries.
MOTION AGM 14-020 THAT Resolution # 14-AT-07 Property Assessments be adopted as presented and amended by the Village of Carmacks.
Moved by: Tara Wheeler Seconded by: Tracy Burns CARRIED
9.1.8 Resolution #14-AT-08 – Essential Services Position – submitted by the Village of Carmacks
Title of Resolution: Essential Services Position
WHEREAS: The turnover of essential services positions (e.g., RCMP, Nursing, and Social Services) in rural communities is constant; and
WHEREAS: There are often positions left vacant for long periods of time or positions are filled with reserve or floating staff; and
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WHEREAS: This creates issues with overworked staff remaining, or services outside of emergencies to be limited or unavailable; then
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The Association of Yukon Communities requests that the Ministers responsible for ensuring Essential Services Staffing in the communities be aware of the problems that occur, including the issues caused by the turnover of staff, and as a result the Ministers work toward finding permanent solutions to address these staffing issues.
Submitted by the Community of: Village of Carmacks
MOTION AGM 14-021 THAT Resolution # 14-AT-08 Essential Services Positions be adopted as presented by the Village of Carmacks.
Moved by: Tara Wheeler Seconded by: Pat McKenny CARRIED
9.1.9 Resolution #14-AT-09 – Community Banking – submitted by the Village of Carmacks
Title of Resolution: Community Banking
WHEREAS: Rural municipalities in Yukon have limited access to local banking; and
WHEREAS: The Government of Yukon lets a multi- year contract to a financial institution for services in rural communities; and
WHEREAS: Services available in communities have recently been limited to customers of that financial institution, making access to services from the general public difficult; then
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The Association of Yukon Communities requests that the Minister responsible for the community banking agreement works toward ensuring that the services agreed to within the contract are being fully met and are reasonable for all of rural Yukon.
Submitted by the Community of: Village of Carmacks
MOTION AGM 14-022 THAT Resolution # 14-AT-09 Community Banking be adopted as presented by the Village of Carmacks.
Moved by: Tracy Burns Seconded by: Tara Wheeler CARRIED
9.1.10 Resolution #14-AT-10 – Municipal Exemptions to Yukon Utilities Act – submitted by the Town of Watson Lake
Title of Resolution: Municipal Exemptions to Yukon Utilities Act
WHEREAS: Some Yukon Communities would like to consider the possibility of operating hydro and other utilities; and
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WHEREAS: This would be very unwieldy if they had to follow all procedures under the Yukon Public Utilities Act; and
WHEREAS: Alberta, for example, provides exemptions for Municipal Run Utilities for certain requirements and procedures, for this very reason; then
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Association of Yukon Communities recommends changes to the Yukon Public Utilities Act, to provide exemptions for municipal run Utilities, similar to Alberta, which exempts municipalities or their corporations from Utilities Commission Utility Rate Approvals and some other procedures etc. to make it more conducive for municipalities to take on these ventures.
Submitted by the Community of: Town of Watson Lake
Friendly amendment to change the ‘Yukon Utilities Act’ to’ Yukon Public Utilities Act’.
MOTION AGM 14-023 THAT Resolution # 14-AT-10 Municipal Exemptions to Yukon Utilities Act be adopted as presented and amended by the Town of Watson Lake.
Moved by: Thomas Slager Seconded by: Tara Wheeler CARRIED
9.1.11 Resolution #14-AT-11 – Municipal Franchise Agreements– submitted by the Town of Watson Lake
Title of Resolution: Municipal Franchise Agreements
WHEREAS: Some municipalities in the NWT and other jurisdictions generate funds by franchising out energy and other utilities to companies or other entities, who then provide the municipality a fee (often based on volume) and;
WHEREAS: Some Yukon municipalities are looking for ways to increase revenues; then
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Association of Yukon Communities request that changes be made to the appropriate Yukon Act(s) to empower Yukon Municipalities to enter into franchise agreements with the private or public sectors. This would allow the private operator or other franchisee to deliver a service or utility within a municipality, and the municipality would receive a franchise fee based on monthly volumes or other determinants.
Submitted by the Community of: Town of Watson Lake
Resolution Withdrawn by the Town of Watson Lake
9.2 Call for Resolutions from the floor
9.2.1 # 14-AT-12 Interim 911 Service
Title of Resolution: Interim 911 Service
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the AYC support Yukon Governments bid to enable Northwestel to provide an interim 911 system in the Yukon Communities and notes the urgency of having a permanent 911 solution as soon as possible.
Submitted from the floor
MOTION AGM 14-024 THAT Resolution # 14-AT-12 Interim 911 Service be adopted as presented.
Moved by: Diana Rogerson Seconded by: John Streicker CARRIED
9.2.2 # 14-AT-13 Solid Waste
Title of Resolution: Solid Waste
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the AYC take the lead in solid waste issues by working with Community Services and other communities in developing community specific plans.
Submitted from the floor
MOTION AGM 14-025 THAT Resolution # 14-AT-13 Solid Waste be adopted as presented.
Moved by: Wayne Potoroka Seconded by: Tara Wheeler CARRIED
9.3 Election of Executive Members
Nominations – Chair Debbie Carreau
Mayor Debbie Carreau thanked the other members of the nomination committee and thanked the outgoing executive members for their efforts on behalf of the AYC. She advised the members that Mayor Wayne Potoroka and Councillor John Streicker have been nominated to sit as President, Councillor Gord Curran as 1st Vice President, Councillors Betty Irwin and Tara Wheeler as 2nd Vice President, and Councillor Diana Rogerson as Vice President at Large. She added that all nominees have agreed to let their names stand. There were no other nominations. Ballots were distributed for the election of President and counted, no ballots were spoiled. Mayor Debbie Carreau advised the members that Mayor Wayne Potoroka was the successful candidate and was elected to the position of President. Councillor Gord Curran was declared 1st Vice-President. Ballots were distributed for the election of 2nd Vice President and counted, no ballots were spoiled. Mayor Debbie Carreau advised the members that Councillor Betty Irwin was the successful candidate and was elected to the position of 2nd Vice President. Councillor Diana Rogerson was declared Vice President at Large.
9.4 MOTION AGM 14-026 To authorize the Association of Yukon Communities(AYC) President Wayne Potoroka to stand for election as a representative on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Board of Directors and to attend FCM board meetings and AGM and AYC to pay all travel costs. All travel costs will be defined and authorized as per AYC Policy 2.4 Travel Expense Policy and Allowances.
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Moved by: John Streicker Seconded by: Tara Wheeler CARRIED
10. Other Business
10.1 Location of 2015 AGM – Paul Gudaitis
The Village of Haines Junction offered to host the 2015 AGM.
Meeting Adjourned at 12:29pm.
Motion AGM14-027 Moved that these minutes be approved as presented or amended.
Moved by: Seconded by:
Signed this ___10_____day of ____May_____,2015
As witness to the approval of these minutes.
______President 1st Vice President
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