YELLOWHEAD COUNTY COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AGENDA Tuesday, June 20, 2017 9:30 AM
Our Mission Statement Building a better community for present and future generations.
Vision Statement Recognized as a place of choice for those who want to be where great things happen.
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AGENDA PEMBINA ROOM YELLOWHEAD COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, EDSON, ALBERTA JUNE 20, 2017
Page
1.0 CALL TO ORDER OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2.0 AGENDA
2.01 Adoption of the Committee of the Whole Agenda
That Council for Yellowhead County adopts the Council meeting agenda.
3.0 SCHEDULED PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
3.01 Joint Edson / Yellowhead County Community Services 4 - 37 Strategic Plan Mid-point Update to Council
4.0 YELLOWHEAD COUNTY STRATEGIC PRIORITIES/ISSUES
4.01 Rosevear Ferry commemoration options. 38 - 39
4.02 Sea-Can Storage Sheds
4.03 Illegal Development/Road Access Issues 40 - 45
4.04 Sawdust Stock Pile Update
4.05 Ambulance Services
5.0 POTENTIAL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES - FOR CONSIDERATION TO WORK PROGRAM
5.01 County East End Lodge Facilities 46
5.02 Mr. Rush - Peers Water Concern Update
6.0 MAYOR & COUNCILLOR REPORTS
6.01 Division 1 - Councillor Cherniawsky 47 - 52
6.02 Division 2 - Councillor Giezen 53 - 56
6.03 Division 3 - Councillor Priestley-Wright 57
6.04 Division 4 - Councillor Russell 58 - 60
6.05 Division 5 - Councillor Berry 61 - 62 Yellowhead County Committee of the Whole Agenda June 20, 2017 Page 2 of 76
6.06 Division 6 - Councillor Velichko
6.07 Division 7 - Councillor Mitchell
6.08 Division 8 - Councillor Williams 63 - 66
6.09 Mayor Soroka 67 - 76
7.0 IN-CAMERA SESSION
8.0 ADJOURNMENT
8.01 Adjournment of the Committee of the Whole Meeting
That Council for Yellowhead County adjourns the Committee of the Whole meeting.
LAUNDRY ITEMS
Yellowhead County Committee of the Whole Agenda June 20, 2017 Page 3 of 76 Yellowhead County Council Council Direction Request
Date Presented: June 20, 2017 Item Number: CDR - 143
SUBJECT Joint Edson / Yellowhead County Community Services Strategic Plan Mid-point Update to Council
TOPIC Joint Edson / Yellowhead County Community Services Strategic Plan Mid-point Update to Council
BACKGROUND The joint Edson / Yellowhead County Community Services Strategic Plan project undertaken by the Town of Edson and Yellowhead County has reached its mid-point. WMC Edmonton will present survey and research results to this point, explain next steps, and entertain questions from Council.
Joyce Tustian, Director, WMC Consultants will lead Council through the attached presentation and take any and all Council queries.
REPORT/DOCUMENT Attached
ISSUES/CONCERNS
COUNCIL DIRECTION FOR WORK PLAN Receive as information.
Submitted by Christopher Read, Director of Community Services
Page 4 of 76 Page 5 of76 Edson and Area Community Services Strategic Plan Council Briefing June 20, 2017 Presentation Outline
. The Project
. Who we talked to Page 6 of76 . Emerging Themes
. Next Steps
2 Page 7 of76
THE PROJECT
3 What the RFP said
– …. the development of a Community Services Strategic Plan for the Edson Service Area. The Plan will be evidence- based, rooted in best practices and a comprehensive assessment of residents’ needs. Page 8 of76 – The essential purpose of this project is to ascertain what these needs are, and to translate them into a set of practical investment priorities that will guide municipal decision-making in both the short and long terms.
4 What the RFP said
. Four focus areas were identified
1. Parks and Recreation 2. Arts and Culture
Page 9 of76 3. Museums and Archives 4. Library Services
5 What the RFP said
Key activities included:
. Gathering extensive data
Page 10 of76 . Prepare evaluative and advisory reports
. Administering online consultation forums
. Coordinate with Town and County administrations and councils
. And hosting meetings and other engagement exercises
6 Page 11 of76
ONLINE SURVEY
7 Online Survey
. The Survey was designed to collect information on:
– Activity levels in the four focus areas identified for the project Page 12 of76 – Identifying priority areas for future investment
– Comments on how future investments might be financed
8 The Response was large
. 789households responded Page 13 of76 –554from Edson Note: some County residents pick up mail in Edson
– 226from the County
• 9 from outside the two municipalities or unidentifiable
9 All Town Respondents 554 households (129 unique postal codes) Page 14 of76
Please see computer for interactive map: 10 https://www.easymapmaker.com/map/2017_Edson_and_Area_Community_Services_Survey_TOWN All County Respondents 226 households (99 unique postal codes) Page 15 of76
Please see computer for interactive map: 11 https://www.easymapmaker.com/map/2017_Edson_and_Area_Community_Services_Survey_COUNTY Household representation*
Page 16 of76 Approximately 358 Approximately 2,686 Seniors represented people represented
Approximately 1,070 Approximately 919 children represented Families represented
* Exact representation is indeterminable because response categories included 12 fixed and open-ended ranges Page 17 of76
STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK
13 Stakeholder Groups
. Museum, Arts and Culture . Recreation – ACES – Soccer – Red Brick – Fieldhouse – Chautauqua – Wrestling – Creative Arts Society Page 18 of76 – Hockey – CANOE – Swimming – ECHO – Cross Country Ski – Quilters Guild – Trails – Edson and District Historical Society
. Library – Library Board
14 Community Open Houses
. Robb
. Peers
. Marlboro Page 19 of76 . Niton Junction
. Pine Grove
. Pine Dale
. Edson
15 Page 20 of76
PARTNER INTERVIEWS
16 Partner Interviews
. Chamber of Commerce . Conoco Phillips . McMan Centre . Weyerhaeuser . Edson Friendship Centre . Excel . Grande Prairie Regional . Repsol College . Canadian Natural Page 21 of76 . Edson Fish and Game . Tourmaline . Living Waters School District . Shell . Agricultural Society . Yellow Head Public School District . AHS
17 Page 22 of76
EMERGING THEMES
18 User Statistics Page 23 of76
19 Arts & Culture Services(1/2) # of Households Facility # of People Est. Monthly Usage (% Town / % County)
477 1,256 3,323 (72/27) Page 24 of76 457 1,122 1,411 (73/26)
272 690 639 (72/26)
20 Arts & Culture Services(2/2) # of Households Facility # of People Est. Monthly Usage (% Town / % County)
81 143 198 (70/28) Page 25 of76 25 56 172 (32/68)
21 Rec Facilities – Top Responses(1/2) # of Households Facility # of People Est. Monthly Usage (% Town / % County)
561 1,648 7,896 (70/30) Page 26 of76 487 1,477 3,668 (73/26)
Kinsmen 354 943 3,296 (68/31)
22 Rec Facilities – Top Responses(2/2) # of Households Facility # of People Est. Monthly Usage (% Town / % County)
Edson 257 752 2,000 (74/26) Page 27 of76 298 663 1,951 (76/24)
23 Rec Activities – Top Responses # of Households Facility # of People Monthly Frequency (% Town / % County)
506 1,404 4,978 (67/32) Page 28 of76 238 477 4,807 (71/28)
232 485 3,876 (69/31)
267 584 1,844 (75/24)
24 Key Word Analysis Page 29 of76
25 Themes from Partner Interviews
Following interviews with partner organizations, themes were drawn out and were used to generate this image. The larger the word, the more times it came up in conversation as being relevant and important. Page 30 of76
26 Themes from Stakeholder Interviews
Following interviews with stakeholders, themes were drawn out and were used to generate this image. The larger the word, the more times it came up in conversation as being relevant and important. Page 31 of76
27 Themes from Survey: Priorities #1-3
Analyzing survey results, the most common words in the responses to the three priorities were weighted and combined. The combined list of priority themes was used to generate this image. The larger the word or phrase,
Page 32 of76 the more times it was used in the survey response.
28 Payment Questions1/2
. Do you agree that increased property taxes should be used to pay for your expansion or development priorities?
57% responded Neutral (50) or above
Page 33 of76 Distribution of Responses
90 82 82 80 69 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
Average Response (48) 29 Payment Questions2/2
. Do you agree that increased fees and charges should be used to pay for your expansion or development priorities?
60% responded Neutral (50) or above Page 34 of76 Distribution of Responses
100 88
80 70
60 46 40
20
0
Average Response (51) 30 Page 35 of76
NEXT STEPS
31 Next Steps
. High level engineering assessment of key facilities and sites
. Finalization of analysis from comparator communities
Page 36 of76 . Development of recommendations and final report
. Presentation to Councils in September, for information only
. Presentation to new Councils following election
32 Vancouver | Edmonton | Calgary | Toronto Page 37 of76 Yellowhead County Council Council Direction Request
Date Presented: June 20, 2017 Item Number: CDR - 144
SUBJECT Rosevear Ferry commemoration options.
TOPIC Council requested Rosevear Ferry commemoration as part of 2017 Strategic Plans. This Direction Request is to clarify Council's wishes for such a commemoration.
BACKGROUND With the completion of the Rosevear Bridge project in the near future, and the decommissioning of the historic Rosevear Ferry, Council tasked Administration with developing options to permanently commemorate the ferry site. Attached are the high level costs for a variety of options for Council consideration and direction. Please note, these are not meant to be mutually exclusive options, Council could direct Administration to bring several of them forward.
REPORT/DOCUMENT
ISSUES/CONCERNS There is no 2017 budget currently allocated to this project.
COUNCIL DIRECTION FOR WORK PLAN What option, if any, does Council wish to see brought to a regular meeting as a fully planned and budgeted item.
Submitted by Christopher Read, Director of Community Services
Page 38 of 76 Under $1,000- $5,000 $10,000 $20,000 $50,000 $1,000 $2,000 Commemorative 100 Books History Book (approx. $10.00 each) to be sold on cost recovery basis, Approx. 30 staff hours to create Galloway Station Temporary Temporary Temporary Museum display display at display & display, grand Galloway grand opening gala to be opening and a created gala permanent using their display at 2017 Galloway budget (costs of creating permanent display may, or may not be allocated to the Galloway's 2017 budget) Ferry site turned into 1 picnic 1 Interpretive 1 interpretive 2 interpretive Turn north side of Park table on sign & 1 picnic sign, 1 picnic signs & 2 river into park north side table on north table with picnic tables space (need to of river side of river pathway and with minimum lease small area minimum landscaping (1 from AB landscaping on for each side infrastructure), north side of of river). Small add 2 interpretive river dedication signs & 2 picnic ceremony tables with minimum landscaping (1 for each side of river). Small dedication ceremony, add some gravel and grading on north side.
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Page 43 of 76 Page 44 of 76 Page 45 of 76 Yellowhead County Council Council Direction Request
Date Presented: June 20, 2017 Item Number: CDR - 145
SUBJECT County East End Lodge Facilities
TOPIC To seek Council direction in either getting a Lodge built in the Wildwood area or seek Provincial approval to leave the Evergreens Foundation and set up a new Foundation that will meet the needs of Yellowhead County residents.
BACKGROUND In discussions with Councillor Priestly-wright, frustrations are being felt in that new or expanded lodge facilities are being built or contemplated in some of the communities within the boundaries of the Evergreens Foundation, however these facilities do not necessarily meet the needs of County residents. As the County funds over 50% of the operating and capital requirements of the foundation, this perhaps is deemed not acceptable. Councillor Priestly-Wright wishes to engage Council in a discussion relative to seeking support (council and community) to have a lodge built in the Hamlet of Wildwood. Failing to secure support from the Evergreens board may also mean its time to pursue Provincial avenues to have the boundaries changed for the Evergreens foundation and create a new more relevant foundation that can address the concerns of the County's population in the east.
REPORT/DOCUMENT
ISSUES/CONCERNS Evergreens seems focused on expansion of facilities in Edson and Hinton. Needs of east end of County not being properly considered. County funds over 50% of operating and capital but does not get proportional voting rights.
COUNCIL DIRECTION FOR WORK PLAN Council to review and discuss and decide if this is an issue it wishes to pursue.
Submitted by Jack Ramme, CAO
Page 46 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: Sandra Cherniawsky
Date of Meeting: April 20, 2017
Committee: Evansburg/Entwistle Chamber
Key Issues Discussed: Annual AGM was held with Wesley Craddock remaining as Chair and Chuck Tierney as Vice Chair. Several issues were brought forward including the payment for the Family Day Pancake Breakfast. The Yellowhead County Grant has not come in yet however a private donor paid for Parkland County’s share. Eric Karlson brought the issue of the lack of sidewalk between the Heritage house and mainstreet to the Chamber’s attention. As well, the lack of cross walks across Highway 16A was also brought forward. I informed the chamber that the county would be marking the crosswalks this year and encouraged Mr. Karlson to contact Alberta Transportation in regards to the sidewalk. I also informed the Chamber of the sidewalk improvements and street light changeover on main street. Parkland County Councillor informed the Chamber of the proposed closure of the mines at Wabamum and indicated that this meant a loss of $66million dollars in the next 14 years. However, she did indicate that a new development on the east end of Parkland County would help to offset the tax increase for the county residents.
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Page 47 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: Sandra Cherniawsky
Date of Meeting: April 27, 2017
Committee: Volunteer Appreciation Banquet
Key Issues Discussed: I attended the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet in Edson. This was a very well attended event where community members were recognized for their contributions to their local communities.
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Page 48 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: Sandra Cherniawsky
Date of Meeting: April 27 to 29, 2017
Committee: Alberta Library Conference(ALC)
Key Issues Discussed: The ALC was once again held in Jasper. Our first keynote speaker was Rick Mercer of the Rick Mercer Report on CBC. He spoke about being Canadian and what a great country Canada is. He showed us clips from his show as well as shared his personal story of his career. Our second keynote was Joseph Boyden, a highly acclaimed Canadian Author. Mr. Boyden shared his story as well as read excerpts from his latest book, The Orenda. I also attended several sessions including the Publishers new releases in childrens and adult books and took the opportunity to network with my fellow book lovers. This conference was very informative regarding building your rural library as well as reaching out to new patrons including children, teens and seniors.
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Page 49 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: Sandra Cherniawsky
Date of Meeting: April 29, 2017
Committee: Grouch’s Ball
Key Issues Discussed: I attended the Grouch’s Ball in Evansburg. This is an annual fundraiser for Evansview Elementary School’s students field trips and extracurricular activities.
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Page 50 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: Sandra Cherniawsky
Date of Meeting: May 2, 2017
Committee: Yellowhead County Library Board (YCLB)
Key Issues Discussed: YCLB’s new Director of Library Robert McClure attended the May meeting. His start date is June 1, 2017 kicking off his new position with a Meet and Greet at the Wildwood Library beginning at noon. Chair Pelkey informed the board that we would not be receiving any provincial funding for our STEP program. The board will go ahead with hiring our regular summer students. Treasurer Webster indicated that the finances for the board are on target. The Letters of Understanding with Grande Yellowhead Public School Division were discussed and the board decided to carry on with the agreements until they can be signed by GYPSD. As well, the board agreed to go ahead with the new sign for Niton Library.
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Page 51 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: Sandra Cherniawsky
Date of Meeting: June 8, 2017
Committee: Yellowhead County Library Board (YCLB)
Key Issues Discussed: YCLB received notification from Canada Summer Jobs that we will be receiving funding for our summer students to the tune of $12.20 per hour. This is based on out $14.00 per hour wages. Letters of Understanding between GYPSD and YCLB have been signed by all parties. As well, YCLB received a refund of $2174.50 from the school board for an overpayment for architect fees for the construction of the separate entrance at the Evansburg and District Public Library. The Yellowhead Regional Conference is set for Sept. 8 at the River Cree Casino and Hotel. Director McClure implemented a new Program spending procedure which allows the managers to spend up to $250 without having to gain approval from the Director. Rural Library conference is scheduled for Sept. 21 to 22D in Grande Prairie. Niton Library has received a new sign for their entranceway and the board is very pleased with the results. Director Read informed the board that the sidewalk in front of the Wildwood Library is approximately a $3000 repair. He also discussed the lock for Director McClure’s office as well as signage for the libraries.
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Page 52 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: Anthony J. Giezen
Date of Meeting: May 16, 2017
Committee: Pembina Agriculture and Recreation Society
Key Issues Discussed: It was not an official meeting because quorum was not met. It was a meeting for information purposes anyways and minutes were kept. We had discussion regarding the gym floor and as the joist underneath are good just some separation in the floor with the plywood we are just waiting for the full report. We are trying to attract more day programs to the arena for the summer season. The garden shed from Grand Trunk is going to the community garden for their use which would be part of the arenas Ag program that the arena has to do to meet their granting obligations for agriculture grants. We went on to discuss drafting a letter of support for a sidewalk in front of the strip mall and bakery and a crosswalk in front of the museum. We discussed how that was relevant to the arena and the operations of the arena as well as the PARS board and discussion concluded that it will be related to the overall gaps in the recreation of the hamlet so we will be expecting as council or administration to have a letter from PARS regarding that. Interesting side note at the end of the meeting Councillor Tracy Melnyk stated that Trans Alta is appealing their assessment on the power plants and they figure Parkland County will be losing Aprox six Million dollars in taxs so at this meeting the councillor stated that if they do lose this tax revenue that they will be revisiting all the partnership agreements and the funding agreements that are in place including the one with the Pembina Agriculture arena. There is to be a letter coming from Parkland County regarding this to administration and council. The statement was made that either they had to raise their taxes by 14% or cut their funding so their strategy was to cut funding and they were looking at all partnership agreements. We will be holding are next meeting on September 19.
Financial Impacts/Implications: none
Political Implications: none
Page 53 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT County
Mayor\Counci|lor Name: Anthony J. Giezen
Date of Meeting: June 1, 2017
Committee: WildwoodLibrary
Key Issues Discussed: There was a meet and greet for the new director of Library Services, Robert McClure. Itwas a coffee and snacks, open house setting where you could ask him questions and welcome him to the library. He willbe responsible for services delivered for the three libraries Wildwood, Evansburg and Green Grove (Niton). In attendance was Councillor Cherniawsky, Priest|ey~Wright and I.
Financial Impacts/Implications: none
Political Implications: none
Page 54 of 76 ’}7eIIoWhec1dCOMMITTEE REPORT Coungz
Mayor\Counci||or Name: Anthony J. Giezen
Date of Meeting: June 4,2017
Committee: Pump Track Opening
Key Issues Discussed: There was a grand opening in Peers for the fourth pump track that Yellowhead County has developed, with Velosolutions building it. it was attended by Councillor Cherniawsky, Councillor Russell, Councillor Priestley-Wright and I. We had a ribbon ride through with the bikes in attendance. It was well attended by the young people of the area. Peace Officer Scott Meadwell was in attendance. Fire Services were also in attendance. It seems to be well received by the county residents and it is sure nice to see the recreational area around the Peers Multiplex being developed.
Financial Impacts/implications: none
Political implications: none
Page 55 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT County
Mayor\Councillor Name: Anthony J. Giezen
Date of Meeting: June 6, 2017
Committee: Seniors Appreciation
Key Issues Discussed:
Seniors Appreciation Day was held at Wildwood Community Hall from 10:00 — 2:00. There were various presentations from different groups as well as a dinner and there was plenty of time for discussion between seniors. It was well attended by seniors from Wildwood and area. It was attended by Mayor Soroka, Councillor Cherniawsky, Councillor Priestley-Wright, and I.
Financial Impacts/Implications: none
Political Implications: none
Page 56 of 76 .{£*~.22 COMMITTEE REPORT County
Mayor\Counci||or Name: Fred Priestley-Wright
Date of Meeting: May 11, 2017
Committee: Evergreens Foundation Board Meeting —Reviewedfinancial statements. Finance department operation and methodology is being reviewed and upgraded. -Capital projects updates were discussed. Tenders for Parkland Lodge (Edson) closed on May 9"‘. Looks as iftenders are slightly lower than estimated but tender has not been awarded at this time. There was approximately 8% difference between the low and highest tenders. Pine Valley (Hinton) expansion is being reviewed. Assessment of Lodge requirements for the east area of Yellowhead County is being undertaken. -New CAO is Christen Chambers. She indicated that the move of Parkland Lodge clients to the old Edson Hospital went well with lots of co—operationfrom client families. The facilities seem to be working fine with minimal problems. Sod turning for new Lodge is tentatively scheduled for June.
Page 57 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: David Russell
Date of Meeting: June 4, 2017
Committee: Pump Track Grand Openings
Key Issues Discussed: I attended the Pump Track Grand Openings in Peers and Marlboro. Both events were well attended and a lot of people expressed their happiness with the Pump Tracks as well as the rest of our Recreation initiatives.
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Page 58 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: David Russell
Date of Meeting: June 8, 2017
Committee: Yellowhead Synergy Group
Key Issues Discussed: There was a presentation from Synergy Alberta regarding the overall provincial Synergy Groups current members and a few challenges. Our Group expressed the desire to continue having a wide spectrum of industries and community attending our meetings as everyone finds it very beneficial.
A bulletin was shared regarding the Ransomeware attacks that have been occurring with greater frequency on the internet.
CNRL is reporting 1 rig working and the start of projects and Turnarounds.
Tervita is hosting a barbeque on June 14, 2017 beginning at 1500 hr.’s until 1900 hr.’s Phone 795-2467 or 712-1996 to attend. They also announced their intention to come back before Council for a re-zoning application.
Shell has 3 rigs working in the Fox Creek and Grande Prairie region. They have no facilities left in the greater Edson region except for the Regional Head Office.
The Town of Edson reports that the budget restructuring they have undergone in the past year is beginning to show benefits in reduced staffing and costs.
Alberta Works reported looking at the idea of a Business Support Network for the Edson area.
Doug Derkach attended the meeting on behalf of his new business venture Security Consulting.
Financial Impacts/Implications: Click here to enter text.
Political Implications:
Page 59 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: David Russell
Date of Meeting: June 8, 2017
Committee: Yellowhead Synergy Group
Key Issues Discussed: There was a presentation from Synergy Alberta regarding the overall provincial Synergy Groups current members and a few challenges. Our Group expressed the desire to continue having a wide spectrum of industries and community attending our meetings as everyone finds it very beneficial.
A bulletin was shared regarding the Ransomeware attacks that have been occurring with greater frequency on the internet.
CNRL is reporting 1 rig working and the start of projects and Turnarounds.
Tervita is hosting a barbeque on June 14, 2017 beginning at 1500 hr.’s until 1900 hr.’s Phone 795-2467 or 712-1996 to attend. They also announced their intention to come back before Council for a re-zoning application.
Shell has 3 rigs working in the Fox Creek and Grande Prairie region. They have no facilities left in the greater Edson region except for the Regional Head Office.
The Town of Edson reports that the budget restructuring they have undergone in the past year is beginning to show benefits in reduced staffing and costs.
Alberta Works reported looking at the idea of a Business Support Network for the Edson area.
Doug Derkach attended the meeting on behalf of his new business venture Security Consulting.
Financial Impacts/Implications: Click here to enter text.
Political Implications:
Page 60 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: Shawn Berry
Date of Meeting: May 10, 2017
Committee: Edson and District Chamber of Commerce (EDCC)
Key Issues Discussed: -The EDCC will be in need of new janitor services as the existing people are moving. This will be discussed at the June meeting. -Appointed reports were presented and accepted as information. The Communications Director for the Town of Edson is now Anne Dechambeau. Alberta Labour’s Louise Gale stated that she will try to put together a new Business Support Network for the Edson area. She is going to be working with EDCC to accomplish this task. -The Trade Show showed a profit of $18,000 and was very well attended. The Home Based Business area was new and people liked it. -he Treasures Report was accepted as information. -Nancy Robbins from Community Futures West Yellowhead presented the Edson Business Visitation Study. -Summer Festival will be held July 12 to 14/17.
Financial Impacts/Implications: none
Political Implications: none
Page 61 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: Shawn Berry
Date of Meeting: June 1, 2005
Committee: Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
Key Issues Discussed: -June 2/17 I attended the Opening Ceremony and the Keynote Speaker was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. - I attended a study tour in the afternoon at the Moore Farm Estate. This farm in Gatineau Quebec is essentially a very large community gardens. We were escorted to several areas of the farm and given explanations as to the why each area was planted the way it was. I found the Bee Hive area and the presenter to be very interesting. We learned that this hive area held hives of different designs and sizes. Interestingly this area had a ban on bees and hives for numerous years and everything we saw was new to the area. -The Mayors Reception was held in The Canadian Museum of History. This was a wonderful facility for this event and we had the privilege of seeing a new exhibit that was opening to celebrate the 150 th birthday of Canada. This is a very impressive building and the architecture was amazing. - June 3/17 saw the Resolutions Plenary followed by the Presidents Rural Plenary that consisted of different rural people from across Canada speaking on their experiences during their lives in their communities in rural Canada. -The Political Keynote speaker this day was Thomas Mulcair. - I went on a study tour of a Wastewater Treatment Plant in Gatineau Quebec and learned how this facility has worked in the past and now uses ultra violet light in the final treatment before releasing the water. - June 4/17 we were very fortunate to have a tour of the Parliament Building conducted by MP Jim Eglinski and his wife Nancy. They escorted us through the area and were able to share their knowledge of the buildings and their History. The Library on it’s own was impressive, but only one of the highlites of this historic building .Being in the House of Commons really helped me to see first hand where the business of Government takes place. - The Host City Gala Reception and Dinner took place this evening and it was an opportunity to mingle with people from across Canada. - We took the opportunity while in Ottawa to visit the National Gallery of Canada and the Rideau Canal and the Locks joining the canal to the Ottawa River. Beside the lock is the Bytown Museum which is said to be the Oldest building in Ottawa. Financial Impacts/Implications: none
Political Implications: Networking with our MP and municipal councillors
Page 62 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: Jack Williams
Date of Meeting: APRIL 13, 2017
Committee: Business Support Network Industry was absent at this meeting. The business sector were happy with their status and are looking for a busy summer. Hotels are being booked because Jasper is reportedly full, there is also a new hotel being built in Hinton to add to the number of rooms. Jasper has problems with recruiting enough staff to accommodate their summer traffic and hosted a job fest for some two hundred plus vacancies and received only 11 participants. Hinton has some jib vacancies but not as bad as Jasper .
Impacts/Implications: Click here to enter text. Political Implications: . participation in the local area
Page 63 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: Jack Williams
Date of Meeting: APRIL 24, 2017
Committee: Forest Resources Advisory Group *Westfraser provided a business update in which they claimed that they were ready for a 30%countervale and were excited to hear it was only 20%, *a presentation was given by Beth McCullam on Harlequin ducks. She has been contracted by Tech Cola to do a study, it was interesting but had nothing to do with the forest industry. *the 2017 herbicide program was outlined. I asked with the concern over the loss of bees what impact spraying the forest would have when all broad leaf plants will be killed, many flowers that the bees depend on. There was no clear answer and the province is going to look into it but didn’t seem too concerned. *with the talk of the economy Westfraser has a “spend what we need, not what we want” philosophy which is applicable to many situations including the county.
Impacts/Implications: Click here to enter text. Political Implications: . participation in the local area
Page 64 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: Jack Williams
Date of Meeting: MAY 10, 2017
Committee: Heritage Advisory Board Meeting *There will be a dedication at the Solomon Hill site to coincide with the Athabasca River Voyageur Canoe Brigade Canada 150, the canoe put in at Solomon Creek, and an interpretative sign for the Black Cat Mountain Historic Tree Site. *we will be hosting another Coal Branch Tour this summer with the date and route to be determined by Jenny Siebel. *we reviewed the historic resource site surveys and inventory for 2017 *a designation application was presented for the Cooper Barn in which the board approved and will make a recommendation to council for designation. *we also approved an application for the Peers Historical Society for the historical designation of the Matthews United Church, again which will come before council. *we approved an application from the Donahoo Community Association for a Facilities Grant for the full funding requested. *a Facilities Grant was approved for the Peers Historical Society for the full amount requested ($1,500) *currently the grant applications are very loose and we discussed putting in some criteria after we viewed an application in which county taxes were going to be paid by the grant.
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Page 65 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor\Councillor Name: Jack Williams
Date of Meeting: MAY 25, 2017
Committee: Edson and District Heritage Board *election of executive took place for vacancies that are on a three year sickle. *May rentals are on par with 2016’s *many activities are planned for the museum and area for the summer months. *the accounting firm presented the unaudited financial statements till the end of December. *the new Travel Guide was presented and it is very well done.
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Councillor\Mayor Name: Gerald Soroka_
Date of Meeting: _May 8th 2017_
Committee: _Agricultural Service Board_
Key Issues Discussed:
The board agreed to change the funding to the 4-H Clubs from a project based too per member. This way they should be more focussed on enrolment compared to having lots of projects completed. This would also be more in line with our other funding models as it will be easier to track the number of members compared to how many projects. The funding was twenty dollars per project and will now be fifty dollars per member. Last year’s total funding combined was 2460 dollars to all the 4-H Clubs and under the new funding model will increase to 4950 dollars to all the.
We agreed to provide a five hundred dollar grant to the Yellowhead Agricultural Society to host the Edson Horse Show.
The Wildwood Agricultural Society will be holding their annual agricultural fair on August 18th and requested a grant of twenty five hundred dollars to assist them with costs for judges.
The board reviewed the custom herbicide application program (CHAP) that council requested we provide to our residents. The program will be a first come first served basis with an inspection and estimate for the property will be done. The program will control noxious and prohibitive noxious weeds and will spray a maximum of twenty acres. Once the work is done the land owner will receive a invoice, an application log sheet, and aerial photo showing where the herbicide was applied. The cost is 130 dollars per hour plus the cost of herbicide as this is the same rate as a custom operator. We will not spray for a property owner that has been issued a weed notice as that will be up to them to find a contractor. We want to be proactive and have residents come to us and control the weeds before they get out of control.
The board nominated the Roy Family from north of Edson for the AMA Farm Family Award.
We reviewed the Farm and Ranch Workplace Legislation and how little it will affect the family farm.
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Councillor\Mayor Name: Gerald Soroka_
Date of Meeting: _May 14th 2017_
Committee: _Medicine Lodge Rodeo _
Key Issues Discussed:
The Medicine Lodge Rodeo Association invited Mayor Pasychny and I to attend the opening ceremonies.
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Councillor\Mayor Name: Gerald Soroka_
Date of Meeting: _May 17th 2017_
Committee: _Edson Inter-municipal Development Plan_
Key Issues Discussed:
This was the open house where we invited over 600 area landowners with about 65 people attending both sessions. Most of the attendees were county residents and they didn’t have issues with the plan. Their main concern was with only having 53 people reply to the survey as they felt this wasn’t good representation. Even though the plan has been in the effect for 10 years and very few changes no one brought up any concerns with the plan at the meeting. I spoke with a few residents and the ones that lived on the Willmore Park road would like it paved. One resident north of Edson where the plan has it listed for residential development wants his property changed to industrial so he can add another shop on the property. He claims there is no good land around Edson to build a shop without digging out the peat moss soil then replace with good clay.
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Councillor\Mayor Name: Gerald Soroka_
Date of Meeting: _May 19th 2017_
Committee: _Northern Rockies Museum of Culture & Heritage_
Key Issues Discussed:
It was called the sneak peak but it was really the grand opening of the Northern Rockies Museum in Hinton. Dignitaries in attendance were MP Eglinski, MLA Rosendahl, Mayor Mackin and I all brought greetings on behalf of their respective governments.
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Councillor\Mayor Name: Gerald Soroka_
Date of Meeting: _May 25th & 26th 2017_
Committee: _TRIA - Net Conference_
Key Issues Discussed:
TRIA – Net (Turning Risk Into Action for the Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic) Conference is a organization of scientists dedicated to find a solution with their research. The first day was very technical as many researchers studying for their PHD presented their research on the Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) such as larval overwintering, tree defences, genomics of MPB, fungi, novel habitats, flight data and etcetera. Since most of this research has not been published we were told to keep it confidential. I found it very interesting to know that there was this much research being done on the MPB, Trees and Fungi in order to understand and eventually control them.
They have discovered at the bottom of a lake in Utah that MPB have existed 8000 years ago. Currently they can be found from Northern Mexico throughout the Midwest USA to northern BC and Alberta. Geoffrey Pine is the only pine tree they have found that the beetle doesn’t like and can be found in California. Since 1950 the climate has warmed 1-2% in the annual temperature which has increased the area for the MPB another 75% into more northern areas of BC and Alberta. Forest management is another reason for an increase of MPB by way of fire suppression, in nature a huge forest fire would occur every 60 to 80 years. Another issue is large pine trees before 1970 lodge pole pine were considered worthless and not harvested. Surprisingly the MPB have a very high mortality rate, when it reaches 97% they are at break even. At 95% mortality rate they start to double in population. When the mortality rate is at 80% and they have infested large pine trees their population can increase by 42 times and this is when you have an epidemic such as now. Pine trees in native ranges of the MPB have better defences such as interior of BC. Pine trees in Novel range such as Alberta have lower defences and could experience higher tree mortality as well as a longer period of infestation. Although they claim that they are slowing the spread in Alberta. There are only two ways to manage MPB either manage the forest or control the beetles. Since the thirties they have tried many different techniques such as chemicals, clear cutting and even explosions but to no avail.
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Councillor\Mayor Name: Gerald Soroka_
Date of Meeting: _June 1st - 5th _
Committee: _Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference and Trade Show_
Key Issues Discussed:
The night before the conference starts is the opening of the trade show that had the usual exhibitors for municipalities. I did speak with the self cleaning bathroom company but they did need to have water, sewer and power for their system to work and not to mention the one hundred thousand dollar price tag. The Canadian Association of forest producers did want our council to pass a resolution for free and fair trade and send it to our MP which I questioned what was different then the letter we just sent. The first day we had Prime Minister Justin Trudeau address the crowd with all the promises of the billions they are going to spend on housing, transportation, infrastructure over the next eleven years. In the afternoon I attended the Moore Farm Estate: Ecology and Urban Agriculture Center study tour. This for the most part turned out to be a community garden as well as gardens to produce food for the restaurant on site. The Mayors reception was held at the Canadian Museum of History where we were able to see the very interesting exhibits before the grand opening on July 1st. There was four resolutions this year, Site selection criteria for Federal offices; Federal leadership on cost-share in infrastructure programs; Intergovernmental dialogue on poverty reduction; Free and fair trade with all of the resolutions passed. This was the first year I attended the CN luncheon where they invite municipalities from all over Canada that have a rail line in their municipality. They had five speakers from CN with each one give a presentation on safety CN safety. I also asked the question about safety of a trail under the trestle at Solomon Creek. Thomas Mulcair’s gave a very good presentation where he spoke on the direction of where government should consider and not the usual how bad the Liberal’s are doing but if you elect us. I attended the northern and remote forum which is dealing with anything north of the 54th parallel (Whitecourt). The issues they were discussing was more about the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The current board is President Jenny Gerbasi, First Vice President Sylvie Goneau, Second Vice President Bill Karsten, Third Vice President Garth Fizzell, and Past President Clark Sommerville.
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Councillor\Mayor Name: Gerald Soroka_
Date of Meeting: _June 6th 2017_
Committee: _Seniors Appreciation Day_
Key Issues Discussed:
Each year we celebrate Yellowhead County Seniors during Seniors week by hosting a luncheon and information session. Dignitaries in attendance were Councillors Cherniawsky, Giezen, Priestley-Wright and I to pay tribute to our seniors.
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Councillor\Mayor Name: Gerald Soroka_
Date of Meeting: _June 8th 2017_
Committee: _Hinton Inter-Municipal Development Plan_
Key Issues Discussed:
Mayor Mackin and CAO Schwirtz wanted to meet with CAO Ramme and I to discuss what is included in the IDP and how to advertize it. This Plan is a twenty year plan that will look at the fringe area around the town including East River Road, Maskuta Estates and Seabolt Estates to name a few. We will be advertizing that this is not about annexation as this is about land use planning.
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Page 74 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Councillor\Mayor Name: Gerald Soroka_
Date of Meeting: _June 9th 2017_
Committee: _Yellowhead Koinonia Christian School Cafe’ Francais’_
Key Issues Discussed:
I attended the Yellowhead Koinonia Christian School Cafe’ Francais’ that all of council was invited to. This is the first year that the school has offered French to students in grades 1 through 6. The students preformed skits and songs in French that they have been practicing all year.
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Page 75 of 76 COMMITTEE REPORT
Councillor\Mayor Name: Gerald Soroka_
Date of Meeting: _June 12th 2017_
Committee: _Agricultural Service Board_
Key Issues Discussed:
The board reviewed the Agricultural Services Business Plan that will be in effect for the next three years. The plan consists of replacement of one spray truck, potential for mowing ditches if no contractors, eliminate the clean an acre program, increase the custom herbicide application program, inspections for wild boar fencing, and replacement of herbicide application rental equipment to name a few items.
West Yellowhead Food Initiative is a joint project between Yellowhead County and Community Futures West Yellowhead promoting locally grown foods. On Saturday August 19th the Ag staff has arranged a bus tour promoting five producers in the county that is open to the general public. This tour is held in conjunction with the Alberta Government’s open farm days.
Pond days were very successful with approximately 60 grade four and five students.
The second annual farm safety day was held in Wildwood at the Agricultural Society Grounds with 85 Jr. High students from Evansburg, Wildwood and Niton Junction. Next year they will include lawn mowers and weed wackers as part of the safety program. Besides the County we had Mayerthorpe Martin Deerline, UFA, and Agriculture for Life were also sponsor.
At the last meeting the board put a motion to nominate the Roy Family for the Farm Family Award but we had to rescind the motion and we now nominated the Dickson Family providing they get the paperwork in on time.
Alberta Agricultural and Forestry have approved grant funding for the terms 2017 - 2019 in the amount of $168,359.00 per year.
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