In the last Council meeting in May, administration requested direction from Council so that it could put together a 2012-2014 Business Plan and 2012 Budget.
Administration provides guidelines and a package of options- from which Council is asked to choose. The options are crafted by professional accountants who draw on the experience of senior managers and knowledge of economic and municipal trends. I believe we were presented with a realistic picture of what could happen given the forecasted growth rate, increased capital expenditures on infrastructure. There are variables over which we have no control - national and global economic factors have in the past and will continue to affect our province in the future. Provincial politics and the economy shape our municipality’s destiny. Funding formulas and amounts directly impact the major recreation and road expansions building initiatives.
Added to the problem of changing variables is the need to ascertain our residents’ most valued priorities. You chose to live (or to remain) in Strathcona County for a reason. It is time to be very clear with your elected officials what you value most about the community you live in. For example - I value a safe and caring community. I know that in order for our families to be happy and healthy – we need a vibrant local economy. So, for me, that translates to a solid emphasis on the base services of fire, police and ambulance services as well as strong support for recreation opportunities, our arts and business community. I do believe that fiscal accountability and a direction toward more managed growth is required. A flexible strategy will help us as funding formulas and priorities change in other levels of government.
Voicing your opinions will help elected officials to make the most informed choice. I ask you to take the time to review the business plan and 2012 budget, and then contact your Councillor. Focus in on slide 17 through 26: read about our projected municipal operations deficit of 19.3 million that could impact our tax rate with a 10.4% increase and a 5.7% utility rate increase. Read about our projected capital deficit of 192.2 million dollars, out of a total budget of 637.3 million in competing priorities.
In order to change the predicted increases – we have to decrease municipal operations costs (which include our capacity to deliver services) and/or decrease capital deficit (which includes new capital infrastructure, maintaining and building roads and building maintenance that supports service delivery). The capital plan should be looked at for modification - and there are other options. Taxes and fees need not be a municipality’s only source of revenues. This municipality needs to put increased efforts into getting creative. We should put together a comprehensive inventory of corporate sponsorship opportunities; reassess P3 partnership opportunities; and put more muscle into implementing efficiency recommendations from previous and upcoming efficiency reviews. We also need to carefully evaluate and manage growth. What good is it to grow exponentially if we have to decrease the quality of life services that our residents equate to living here in Strathcona County?
Because there has been much discussion in the media about renovations being needed as a result of security gaps - I presented a Notice of Motion on Security of public, staff, and elected officials. This will direct administration to bring forward the evaluations of any security issues that were outstanding at the time the new Community Centre was built and address questions on the need for added renovations.
Council did approve my Motion on Task Force Guidelines after some debate. Administration will now bring forward clarifications on the definition and parameters around the authority and responsibility of a task force.
Debate took place on Councillor Riddell’s Motion asking that Council direct Administration to revisit and report to Council on in camera process of what is allowed on the agenda. According to the Municipal Government Act, only matters such as those pertaining to FOIP, human resources, land transactions and legal privilege can be discussed in camera. Council approved the motion. I believe that we should adhere strictly to the MGA guidelines and not allow the in camera (and out of public eyes) agenda to get overblown with issues that elected officials have a duty to keep their public informed on.
Administration brought forward findings and recommendations from the pilot study on driver feedback signs that I initiated with Council support in 2010. Five signs were bought with Councillors Priority Funds for placement in the five urban wards. These signs proved to be a valid tool in the traffic safety toolbox! 72% of drivers corrected their speed when they saw the active display and some residents indicated that the driver feedback sighns increased awareness of their driving habits. The signs were successful in bringing drivers attention to the speed they were driving, lowering speeds, creating good will of residents, and collecting data (in stealth and active mode).
Administration recommendations included using a double sign set up to capture two way traffic; using the signs in conjunction with Give Our Kids a Brake Signs and RCMP Hot Spot programs. In addition Citizens On Patrol volunteers suggested last year that this program be synchronized with their Speed Watch locations.
Agendas, reports and minutes
