Council meetings are webcast live and on tape for three months. The
background reports for every meeting are on the site by the end of day, Friday
prior to the Council meetings.
Recycle Stations &
Enviro Service Enhancement
Council approved a 1.75 million dollar increase in the 2012 budget to be
funded from the Federal Tax Grant program for a centralized and greatly
enhanced urban recycle station.
The increase will
take the total project cost to 4.225 million dollars - allowing the
municipality to create a one stop enviro service centre with vastly improved
safety and efficiency features.
Residents and our local Landscape Companies will find drop off of branches
and grass clippings more convenient and safer in the future with new ground
level access instead of current steep metal stairs. The site will be controlled
with a permanent building and services yard where residents can drop off hazardous
and yard waste as well as computers, metal and recyclables.
New Meeting Procedures
Bylaw Passes with Amendment
One significant outcome of the changes to the bylaw is that Council Open
House is available only at the first regular meeting of each month. The public
no longer has the right to speak at every public meeting unless Council makes a
special concession to allow for a resident to speak. Limiting times restricts access
and, I predict, will discourage public participation. Engaging citizens reflects
the spirit of a government’s philosophy in being open to citizens’ opinions and
needs. The rationale given for restricting the number of Open Houses was that
this would save Councillors’ and staff time and ‘that not enough public
attended anyway’. Bylaw changes take effect in September.
On the plus side of openness and transparency, this bylaw revises the
order of business to facilitate the publication of ‘in camera’ agendas. Most
municipalities are already providing this for their taxpayers. By September,
residents should be able to see what their Council is discussing in private
meetings. In camera or out of the public eye discussions are limited to land,
legal and human resources by the Municipal Government Act (See my January 27,
2012 blog post).
Busy Night at Council Open
House
Both citizens and local business were lined up with presentations at this
Council meeting. Resident Trina Boymook spoke to the negative impact of all
three readings (and approval) of a bylaw being allowed at one sitting. She
referred to the Meeting Procedures Bylaw as an example of a bylaw that was
passed without any time lapse that would enable the public to contact their
Councillor or ask for permission to address Council to have input into
decisions that affect their daily lives. She stated that three readings in one
session limited the ability of taxpayers to influence change, be engaged, and
communicate with their government.
Abbey Lane Homes, Christenson Group, Landmark and Granger Advertising –
all companies that do businesses in Strathcona County presented to Council on
different aspects of the recently approved sign bylaw that are negatively
impacting their businesses.
While several meetings had been held recently to
reach a mutually agreeable solution to decrease the sandwich board signs for
Open Houses, businesses noted that it was in need of Council’s review of a
section of the bylaw that dealt with signage size. They contended that this
section was more applicable to single unit housing sites.
The Provincial Board of
Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD)
PDD brought a welcome message
to Council: The Premiere has shifted increased support to persons with
disabilities by directing PDD Community Boards to raise awareness, support
those municipalities to increase community capacity and recognize communities
that are progressive. Strathcona County was given a glowing commendation for
its current Vision Statement, Social Inclusion Policy, Social Sustainability
Framework, Affordable Housing Program, Everybody Gets to Play Program, Transit
Master Plan and the achievements of the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Rotary Service Clubs and the Chamber assist in finding employment opportunities
and some municipal Recreational & Parks buildings provides job
opportunities. Robin Hood is also extremely active in the area of job training and
search.
E News Bulletin
I send out an E News
Bulletin 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 roxanne.carr@strathcona.ca
