Residents have been asking questions about the event coming up next Tuesday, December 20th at the Summerwood Second Cup at Lakeland Dr and Cloverbar Road.
I invited all nominees that have declared in the PC party race to come out to get together with residents.
Please understand my intent is not to promote a particular party, and will not use my political position to support any particular candidate or any specific party. I have no wish to influence my residents. I believe in the process - and that residents have minds of their own!!
My goal is to encourage participation in all levels of government and thus I hope encourage a greater turn out at elections of all levels and parties.
Next Tuesday is organized as a fireside chat - an opportunity for residents to have one on one conversation with candidates. We will seat each candidate at separate tables to avoid a forum or debate enviornment. - You see this is not a forum or a debate - this is a way for residents to come and ask their own questions in person.
Some residents have said they want an opportunity to visit with representatives from other parties - so be it. If you like this idea - I certainly will be pleased to organize another one in the New Year when an election is called - so that people can come and chat in person with candidates from other parties.
In the mean time come out on the Dec. 20, 2011 to raise your issues with the canditates who are trying to represent you.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
County’s 2012-2014 Business Plan & 2012 Budget
The budget passed in this weeks Council meeting generally maintains
municipal, utility and library service levels at the 2011 standard. The
municipal tax rate required to support the municipal operating budget of
239.9 million dollars and consolidated capital budget of 101 million
dollars is 4.84%. However, your final total on your tax bill will include
seniors services plus library services plus school taxes.
I had difficulties with several areas of the budget this year and
wanted to explain to you why I voted against two of the budget
recommendations.
The budget theme brought forward by administration was presented as
responsibly delivering quality services while preparing for transition
to sustainability. The goal is balance: quality services with acceptable
taxes.
Council was told of a need for a solid and secure transition to
sustainability. Administration's desire is to develop a methodology in
budget process and mind set to get us there – to achieve a stable
practice of budget in an unstable world market.
Administration pointed out program efficiencies and ways they have
leveraged volume municipal purchases and technology to save tax payers
dollars.
So I had to pose this question to myself: has Council done the best we
can do to provide services that maintain our residents quality of life
while levying acceptable taxes? Is there any fat left in the budget? Is
there a business initiative in there that could be implemented in 2013
or 2014 – or phased in with less revenues allocated in 2012?
Yes there is – the branding initiative is an example of one of
those. Communications put forward a Business Initiative Request for 185,000 in
2012 with another 1.5 million in 2013 and 2014. But the actual branding initiative has not yet come before Council for final approval.
Oddly, during Council deliberations of the budget – Council itself
increased the money allocated to the branding advertising and marketing
budget by $600,000 (three times what administration requested) in the
first year of a program we have not even seen!
This does not fit into my definition of transition toward
sustainability – as administration has named this budget.
Speaking of return on investment and priorities – this Council turned
down my request to bring back a deferred Transit program of $348,000 to
expand and restructure specialized transportation to address inequities
in the current program.
Transition to sustainability requires proper prioritization and
rationale when allocating funds.
These are some of the reasons why I voted against two of the four
budget recommendations.
Other concerns I have with the budget involve the 4 million forecasted
surplus that has not been given back to the tax payer - but allocated to
reserves and capital expenditures. I am hopeful that Council will see
fit to seriously consider additional surpluses that may be found as
being put toward a tax decrease.
Further, given that our Organizational Review is due to be presented to
the public and Council in February, I saw no reason why we could not work
within a status quo budget until that time. We all understand that the
Municipal Price Inflation index at 3.4% has to be considered but I would
have liked to see more of a mind set that says we should work within the
budget until we see what efficiencies can be brought forward to cover
new business initiatives.
Generally, I think it is time economists and politicians talked a
little more - somebody has to start understanding that income and
salaries of the general population are not increasing in increments
large enough to create an unending pool of money for governments to
continue to dip into.
County News Release
municipal, utility and library service levels at the 2011 standard. The
municipal tax rate required to support the municipal operating budget of
239.9 million dollars and consolidated capital budget of 101 million
dollars is 4.84%. However, your final total on your tax bill will include
seniors services plus library services plus school taxes.
I had difficulties with several areas of the budget this year and
wanted to explain to you why I voted against two of the budget
recommendations.
The budget theme brought forward by administration was presented as
responsibly delivering quality services while preparing for transition
to sustainability. The goal is balance: quality services with acceptable
taxes.
Council was told of a need for a solid and secure transition to
sustainability. Administration's desire is to develop a methodology in
budget process and mind set to get us there – to achieve a stable
practice of budget in an unstable world market.
Administration pointed out program efficiencies and ways they have
leveraged volume municipal purchases and technology to save tax payers
dollars.
So I had to pose this question to myself: has Council done the best we
can do to provide services that maintain our residents quality of life
while levying acceptable taxes? Is there any fat left in the budget? Is
there a business initiative in there that could be implemented in 2013
or 2014 – or phased in with less revenues allocated in 2012?
Yes there is – the branding initiative is an example of one of
those. Communications put forward a Business Initiative Request for 185,000 in
2012 with another 1.5 million in 2013 and 2014. But the actual branding initiative has not yet come before Council for final approval.
Oddly, during Council deliberations of the budget – Council itself
increased the money allocated to the branding advertising and marketing
budget by $600,000 (three times what administration requested) in the
first year of a program we have not even seen!
This does not fit into my definition of transition toward
sustainability – as administration has named this budget.
Speaking of return on investment and priorities – this Council turned
down my request to bring back a deferred Transit program of $348,000 to
expand and restructure specialized transportation to address inequities
in the current program.
Transition to sustainability requires proper prioritization and
rationale when allocating funds.
These are some of the reasons why I voted against two of the four
budget recommendations.
Other concerns I have with the budget involve the 4 million forecasted
surplus that has not been given back to the tax payer - but allocated to
reserves and capital expenditures. I am hopeful that Council will see
fit to seriously consider additional surpluses that may be found as
being put toward a tax decrease.
Further, given that our Organizational Review is due to be presented to
the public and Council in February, I saw no reason why we could not work
within a status quo budget until that time. We all understand that the
Municipal Price Inflation index at 3.4% has to be considered but I would
have liked to see more of a mind set that says we should work within the
budget until we see what efficiencies can be brought forward to cover
new business initiatives.
Generally, I think it is time economists and politicians talked a
little more - somebody has to start understanding that income and
salaries of the general population are not increasing in increments
large enough to create an unending pool of money for governments to
continue to dip into.
County News Release
Friday, December 2, 2011
Council Meeting Highlights
Council had a busy month evaluating and discussing next year’s budget, which I will report on next week. The Nov. 29, 2011 Council meeting does have some interesting reports. Background reports and minutes.
Webcast
To get the full flavour of how decisions are made tune into the webcast. The webcast is timed and titled so that you can refer immediately to your topic of interest.
Advisory Committees & Boards
Thanks to all of you who took the time to apply for Strathcona County Advisory Committees and Boards. Twenty committees now have a tremendous pool of talent to draw from to continue to build our municipality. Two of those committees gave presentations: Economic Development & Tourism Committee, the Energy Exploration Report and the Accessibility Committee.
Economic Development & Tourism Committee
Vice Chair John Devin updated Council with the first year of accomplishments. This is a group of proactive professionals who have stepped forward to assist the County as it attempts to better attract new businesses and strengthen existing businesses. Next year’s initiatives include a business ambassador program.
Accessibility Committee
Chair Tracy Zala and Bob Atcheson presented an overview of this new committee’s achievements. Members experienced in issues faced by persons with disabilities advise administration on identifying and resolving program and facility issues. This past year the group visited and evaluated ten municipal buildings. Recommendations ranged from minor to major with several changes made immediately under the existing maintenance budgets.
Energy Exploration Report
Chair Bernie Yakimyshyn reported on the committee’s activities of updating information and protocols on the County website and public brochures. Members will be at the Fort Saskatchewan Trade Fair 2012 to continue to provide information to landowners
Sherwood Park Primary Care Network
General Manager Dave Ludwig and Dr Jim Adams reported on the incredible progress made in four years by our own doctors in addressing wait times, improving resident health and saving health care dollars. Primary Care Network link.
Multi Tenant Residential Waste Management Strategy
Council was updated on the implementation of the green routine in condos, apartments and other multi-family residential properties. As a follow through to the Waste Management Bylaw of 2008, all private collectors will conform to this bylaw in order to maximize waste diversion. This means that if you live in a condo or apartment style complex – you will be obligated to divert organics and recycling from the landfill by December 2012. Property managers and condo boards will be receiving letters of information in the first half of next year. More information.
AUC Review & Stay
Council authorized a further $70,000 from reserves to be used in the application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to review and vary its decision on the approving of power lines to be built above ground, and for a stay of that decision pending resolution of the application. Taxpayers dollars used to date in fighting this legal battle are about 540,000 dollars.
Now is the time to pause and reflect. It is my hope members of the legislature will join us in looking at options to bury the lines in a cost effective manner.
Sidewalk Snow Clearing Bylaw
Thank you to the four presenters and 18 people who wrote e mails and letters. Council will be debating the merits of passing a bylaw on Dec. 13, 2011. If you have not voted on my CouncillorCarr.com website – please do so – and continue to send your comments to council
E-News Bulletin
I send out an E-News Bulletins about four times a month to residents. It is an opportunity for me to inform you of events and matters of interest to your family and neighbours in a timely manner. These electronic news flashes also help me to get your input and touch base with you. You are welcome to sign up at carr@strathcona.ab.ca
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