Hello, everyone:

Happy Valentine’s Day in advance!  I’m just back from an inspiring and informative conference – the Federation of Canadian Municipalities ”Sustainable Communities” conference.  You can see the conference program here http://www.fcm.ca/home/events/2012-sustainable-communities-conference-and-trade-show/program.htm  to get a sense of why I’m feeling all charged up and full of ideas.

THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CHOICES IN A NUTSHELL

There’s a lot of discussion around this right now.  I put up an entry on my blog at http://www.lataylor.com/node/189 to provide links to all the past public discussion that I could find.  I hope this may be helpful.

Let me try to summarize the present situation as I see it (the background and costing for everything said below is in the reports referenced in the blog entry):

A.  There is a proposal sitting on the books to build a pedestrian bridge from Central Park to the Rec grounds.  This bridge is priced at 2.55 million for a ped bridge only (no access for ambulances).  It has been on hold for some time because hoped-for grants and donations did not materialize.  Nothing has changed around this proposal.  It has the go-ahead from the majority of Council, and if the money materialized tomorrow, it could conceivably be built.  I have severe concerns about what it would do to Central Park, but that’s just me.

B.  There is a requirement to replace our sewage pipe that crosses the Bow River between the end of Muskrat Street and the YW.  We have looked at a multitude of options:
1.  Pipe-jacking or directional drilling:  these are options that do not require trenching through the river.  Engineering review has concluded that these are not appropriate for our situation, largely for geo-technical reasons.  You can see this information in the reports referenced in the blog entry above.
2. Trenching through the river bed and laying new pipe:  we are very concerned about the environmental impacts of doing this.  Picture coffer-dams to dewater the river bed, coupled with heavy equipment working in the river bed for weeks.  You can see what this would be like in the reports referenced in the blog entry above.
3. Trenching up the side of the river to the existing bridge, providing pumping stations, and hanging the pipes under the existing bridge.  To use a metaphor, this puts yet another egg into the one basket that we have crossing the river.
4. For the same price as option 3, building a structure above the river, following the line of the existing pipe, to hang the water and sewer pipes on. 

Because options 1 and 2 have been explored and found to be impracticable, we are choosing between option 3 and option 4.  Making either choice does not affect the Central Park-Rec Grounds bridge project, which continues to be as described under A.

If we choose option 4, we can make the structure just a pipe-hanging structure OR we can make it capable of carrying people, bicycles, and ambulances.  We can achieve one objective with option 4 (utility crossing only) OR, at the same cost to Banff taxpayers, three objectives with option 4 (ped/cycle bridge, utility crossing and emergency vehicle crossing).

Council has chosen to achieve the three objectives with option 4.  I think this is the right choice.  However, it still needs to go through environmental assessment (with public input encouraged) plus there will be an open house on February 16 (seniors’ centre, 3:30 to 6:30) for people to look at the proposed concept and comment on what is needed (approaches, lighting, etc etc) to make it work well.

MONDAY’S COUNCIL MEETING

Council has a relatively short meeting on Monday.  You can see the full package at this link:
http://www.banff.ca/Assets/PDFs/Town+Hall+PDF/Council+Agendas+PDF/2012+Agendas+PDF/council-agenda-120213.pdf

Here are a few highlights ...

Petition from out-of-town photographers regarding non-resident business licenses

Starting on page 5 of the package, you can read a petition stating that out-of-town wedding photographers should not have to pay non-resident business license fees when they work here.  Just to clarify a bit, our bylaw requiring this is nothing new, and it’s nothing unusual.  The City of Calgary charges non-resident business license fees as well, and I’m told (although I haven’t researched this myself) that they are higher than ours.  We do offer options, so that non-residents who want to do business here don’t have to buy a license for the full year if their work here is short-term.  I will be interested to hear the presentation that will be made by Calgary photographer Edward Ross http://edwardrossphotography.com/   In general, I feel that local businesses pay business license fees to work here, and should not have to compete with businesses that do not.  That’s why, if a business that I don’t know offers me goods or services, I ask to see their local license first.

Revenue licensing and leasing policy

Council is being asked to update this policy about how the Town issues leases or licenses for town-owned property – you can see the report starting on page 49 of the package.  I’m really pleased to see new clauses on how we will determine the market value of the proposed lease or license, and also new clauses (6.1 and 6.2) making the whole process more transparent.  These new clauses will ensure that everyone gets a fair crack at any leases or licenses that the town has to offer.

OTHER COUNCIL DOINGS ON MONDAY

Council will also be having a strategy session about how we work with the BHC board going forward, and a strategy workshop on the potential street lighting policy.  These are not decision-making meetings.  Any decisions needed on these topics will be discussed and voted on in future public meetings.

A BRIEF HIATUS

I will be on vacation from February 16 to March 7, and so will miss the February 27 council meeting, therefore there will be no “council update email” the weekend of February 25/26.  I do apologize for that, and will resume my council emails in time for the first meeting in March. 

THE FINE PRINT

As always, this email represents my opinions only, and does not constitute an official communication from the Town of Banff or its Council.  I welcome your comments and questions.

All the best until next time -- Leslie

Because of interest in the pedestrian bridge project, I thought a one-stop source of information might be useful to people.  I have summarized below some of the information that has been publicly available about this project over the past few years.  I apologize if I have missed some – this was just what came up when I used the search function.  In each case, I’ve briefly noted what the information is, then provided a link to the original.

COVERAGE IN MY BLOG SINCE THE 2007 ELECTION:

April 12, 2008:  Caribou Properties pledges $100,000 donation for bridge between Central Park and Rec Grounds, say they will give $200,000 for a bridge in the Muskrat Street location – town still needs to fundraise $384K
http://www.lataylor.com/node/69
April 27, 2008:  I describe my concerns with the Central Park location
http://www.lataylor.com/node/70
July 12, 2008:  bridge project is put on hold because the tenders came in way above the budget
http://www.lataylor.com/node/77
August 9, 2009:  Central Park bridge project to be awarded for 2.55 million, contingent on the Town getting a grant for it.  I express my concerns about what it will do to Central Park
http://www.lataylor.com/node/122
April 24, 2011:  I describe the ped bridge/sewer siphon idea for the Muskrat Street location
http://www.lataylor.com/node/171
July 17, 2011:  The ped bridge/sewer syphon project is coming to council for approval
http://www.lataylor.com/node/175
January 21, 2012:  Name of the contractor and bridge sketch coming to council for information
http://www.lataylor.com/archive/201201

SAMPLES OF COVERAGE ON THE TOWN’S WEBSITE:

To see how a Central Park/Rec Grounds bridge would cut into Central Park and the riverside trail, go to this link and scroll down to page 55:
http://www.banff.ca/Assets/PDFs/Town+Hall+PDF/Council+Agendas+PDF/2009+Agendas+PDF/council-agenda-090810.pdf
To see the report that first introduced the idea of a joint ped bridge/sewer siphon at Muskrat St location, go to this link and scroll down to page 59:
http://www.banff.ca/Assets/PDFs/Town+Hall+PDF/Council+Agendas+PDF/2011+Agendas+PDF/council-agenda-110509.pdf
To see the report exploring four different options for replacing the sewer lines across the Bow River, go to this link and scroll down to page 166.  You can see comparative cost estimates starting on page 173.  Please note that options 1, 2 and 3 provide a sewer crossing only – no ped bridge, no ambulance access.  Cost for a ped bridge at Central Park (no sewer crossing, no ambulance access) was $2.55 million the last time it was tendered, exclusive of any work to be done on access trails etc.
http://www.banff.ca/Assets/PDFs/Town+Hall+PDF/Council+Agendas+PDF/2011+Agendas+PDF/council-agenda-110718.pdf

COVERAGE IN THE CRAG AND CANYON SINCE 2007 ELECTION:

April 1, 2008:  Caribou Properties pledges $100,000 donation for bridge between Central Park and Rec Grounds, say they will give $200,000 for a bridge in the Muskrat Street location
http://www.banffcragandcanyon.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2367390
July 16, 2008:  Ped bridge put on hold because donations/sponsorships have not materialized
http://www.banffcragandcanyon.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=1117269
June 16, 2009:  Town applies for a grant for a pedestrian bridge
http://www.banffcragandcanyon.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=1615130
Aug 11, 2009:  Tender for Central Park/Rec Grounds bridge awarded, contingent on the grant coming through
http://www.banffcragandcanyon.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=1695079
July 20, 2011:  Ped bridge/sewer syphon in Muskrat Street location approved for inclusion in the capital budget
http://www.banffcragandcanyon.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=3222352

COVERAGE IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN OUTLOOK OVER PAST YEAR:

April 28, 2011:  Ped bridge/sewer siphon in Muskrat Street location suggested as a good option
http://www.rmoutlook.com/article/20110428/RMO0801/304289994
July 21, 2011:  council votes to construct Ped bridge/sewer siphon in Muskrat Street location
http://www.rmoutlook.com/article/20110721/RMO0801/307219984
Dec 1, 2011:  capital budget debate includes ped bridge/sewer siphon project
http://www.rmoutlook.com/article/20111201/RMO0801/312019999
Jan 26, 2012:  Residents in neighbourhood oppose ped bridge
http://www.rmoutlook.com/article/20120126/RMO0801/301269979

Hello everyone!

Council has two public meetings on Monday, the regular council meeting and a meeting of the Banff Housing Corporation shareholders.  As well, we will be meeting with one of the candidates for the PC nomination (we’ve been meeting with every candidate who asks us), we will be meeting briefly with MP Blake Richards, and we will be doing the official receiving of the grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (this grant is in support of the environmental standards of the Recreation Centre project).  A busy day!

MONDAY COUNCIL MEETING

You can see the entire package at this link:
http://www.banff.ca/Assets/PDFs/Town+Hall+PDF/Council+Agendas+PDF/2011+Agendas+PDF/council-agenda-120123.pdf

The meeting starts in council chambers at 2 pm, and you are welcome to attend.  As always, there are two opportunities in the agenda for you to ask questions about items on the agenda.

Here are a few highlights:

Competitive Initiative proposals for après-ski experience

You can read the full letter starting on page 5 of the package.  I really like the idea of public ski racks near our bike racks, although I will want to make sure that the signs acknowledging the sponsors are reasonably sized and positioned.  I’m interested in the suggestion of an in-town toboggan hill – sounds like fun!  The proposal for outdoor music during the après-ski hours causes me concern, mostly about how the volume would be controlled – I’m looking forward to having a conversation about this.  The proposal for buskers and people offering samples out on the street in front of each business could create a huckster atmosphere that would be a bit wearing – I’m not in support of this at present, but I’m willing to listen to the points of view around the table.  I am, however, definitely opposed to the proposal for heaters to facilitate outdoor seating in winter.  To approve this would go entirely against our community plan direction to work on lowering our GHG emissions. 

Pedestrian bridge and utility crossing

You will recall my other posts about this project last year – this is the approach of replacing our water and sewer lines across the Bow by slinging them below a structure that would function as a pedestrian bridge and an emergency crossing for ambulances.  The report that starts on page 12 of the package shows you the recommended contractor and what the proposed structure would look like.  I will be checking to see whether the contractor that is recommended will be offering us a fixed price, but in general I think this is a good project and I continue to support it,.  However, I have received comments from Buffalo Street residents in the last couple of days, stating that they would prefer not to have this pedestrian/cycle route go by their homes, because of concerns about increased noise, litter and dog droppings.  I’d like to see if there is anything we can do to mitigate those concerns.

Closing doors in winter

In stark contrast to the proposal above to provide outdoor heaters, this report (starting on page 33 of the package) asks Council to provide direction on the question of businesses leaving their doors open in the winter.  Council gets comments from time to time about this environmentally unfriendly practice, and about how it affects our image as a town in a national park.  The difficulty, of course, is that people who have worked in retail (I’ve asked a few now) agree that an open door brings noticeably more people in off the sidewalk.  Weird, but true.  So, if council chooses to ask for a bylaw on this, we would have to enforce it very stringently to ensure that everyone is treated equally and fairly. 

MONDAY BHC SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

You can see the whole package at this link:
http://www.banff.ca/Assets/PDFs/Town+Hall+PDF/Council+Agendas+PDF/2011+Agendas+PDF/council-agenda-120123.pdf

There are two decisions to be made at this meeting:

Points for residency on the registered resale list

In brief, right now, potential buyers get one point per adult applicant for every year lived in the Bow Valley, and one additional point per adult applicant for every year he/she has lived in the Town of Banff.  For most potential home buyers, these residency points constitute the large majority of the points they have that decide where they sit on the Registered Resale List.
The BHC board, after quite a bit of discussion, is recommending that the total points per applicant be capped at 20.  So, for example, under the new system, a person who has lived in Banff for 10 years would be at the maximum, and would have the same credit for residency as someone who has lived in Banff for 20 years.  This change would come into effect after 18 months, so that anyone who is at the top of the list right now would have time to take advantage of that position before the change is made.

There were no comments at the public hearing made on this proposal.  I will be supporting it -- I believe that people have demonstrated their commitment to Banff by the time they’ve lived here for 10 years.  You can see the whole report starting on page 3 of the package.

Moving into the 21st (or maybe the 20th) century

After much discussion, the BHC board is recommending that we go from a door-drop method to an email method of notifying BHC homeowners of matters that affect them.  The recommendation in the report (it starts on page 11 of the package) says “effective immediately”, but I’ll be suggesting that we ask the BHC board to undertake a reasonable transition, so that people who don’t do email are taken care of, and so that everyone has lots of notice of this change.  It will certainly be a timesaver!

THE FINE PRINT

As always, this post reflects my personal understanding of the issues, and my personal opinions.  It is not an official communication from the Town of Banff or its Council, nor does it purport to represent their opinions.  I welcome your comments and questions, and I love it when you send me the names of people who want to be added to the email list!

All the best until next time -- Leslie
 

Hello everyone, and Happy New Year! 

Here are a few general-interest items:

NEW LOOK FOR THE ACTION REQUEST

Every now and then, I mention the action request.  On the town's website, at the very top of every page except the home page, you'll see a white band with a string of words in black.  Among those words is "Action Request".  If you want to let the town know about a backed-up storm sewer or a burnt-out street-lamp or a broken stop sign or your neighbour's dog that never stops barking, the Action Request is a great feature.  Clicking on those words takes you to a quick and simple online form, so that you can let the town know what the problem is.  If you request a callback, town staff will call you to let you know what action was taken.  Using the Action Request is a quick and easy way to make your concerns known.  It also lets us easily track complaints over time, so that we can identify areas that need more attention.

So here’s what’s changed:  on the town’s new home page www.banff.ca, you won’t see “Action Request” at the top anymore, but the feature is still available.  You need to click on “Quick Links” and then look for the pencil and paper symbol to find it.

COMMUNITY RADIO?

When the Friends of Banff wind up their operations in April, that could be the end of Park Radio.  But maybe not!  With the enthusiastic support of the Friends of Banff board, a group of interested and energetic folks are working together on the idea of running Park Radio on into the future as a community radio station for Banff and Canmore.  If you’re interested and would like to help, contact Joanna Croston at joannna_croston@banffcentre.ca to find out the time and place for their next meeting.

REDUCE, RE-USE AND RECYCLE

We’re doing pretty well on the recycling front, but if you have items that are in good shape and could make a new owner happy, just a reminder of some options:
• Good quality, clean used clothing:  drop-off bin by the fire hall
• Items you’re willing to give away (furniture, appliances, etc):  Bow Valley Freecycle. Go to http://my.freecycle.org and click on "sign up."
• Items you’d like to sell:  Advertize in the Crag and Canyon, the Outlook, or on http://banff.kijiji.ca/ , or on craigslist.ca 

And here’s what Council is up to on Monday ...

MONDAY’S COUNCIL MEETING

Start off your 2012 year of civic engagement by attending a council meeting!  The next meeting is tomorrow, Monday, at 2 p.m. in council chambers at Town Hall, and you are very welcome to attend.  You can see the whole package for tomorrow at this link:
http://www.banff.ca/Assets/PDFs/Town+Hall+PDF/Council+Agendas+PDF/2011+Agendas+PDF/council-agenda-120109.pdf

A few highlights ...

Banff Ideas Bank

Colin Funk will be presenting the great ideas that have come from this group in 2011, plus the scheduled topics for 2012.  You can see the full report starting on page 3 of the package.

Businesses with outdoor speakers directed at the sidewalks

Banff has a bylaw prohibiting the use of outdoor speakers to attract people to individual businesses, but you may have noticed that some businesses are ignoring this bylaw.  Council is being asked whether we want to allow this, or to enforce reactively on a complaint basis, or to enforce proactively after a brief education campaign to remind businesses of the bylaw.  I’m in favour of the third option.  Council just updated the Community Standards Bylaw in 2008, including the prohibition of using outdoor speakers in this way, so I would hope that council’s intention here is pretty clear.  You can see the report starting on page 44 of the package.

Outdoor retail display

Back in early 2007, the people who were on council at the time asked Bylaw staff to relax enforcement on outdoor retailing during the construction period on Banff Avenue.  Now that the construction has been over for a couple of years, we’re being asked whether we want to enforce the bylaw that prohibits outdoor retail displays, or whether we want to change it.  Personally, I think that outdoor retail displays of clothing, shoes, souvenirs etc., lower the aesthetic look of the street.  However, I’d be willing to consider limited outdoor display of activity equipment that is for rent (skis, snowboards, bikes, skates), because I think that might encourage people to be active in the outdoors.  You can see the report starting on page 47 of the package.

Water bylaw update

Starting on page 50, you’ll find a report about one important item in the water bylaw:  Who is responsible for the cost of repairs if a house water service freezes up?  The clarified answer in the bylaw amendment is that the homeowner is responsible for any repairs caused by this type of freeze-up that originates with the house and its service line. 
 

Take these precautions to prevent your water pipes from freezing:

• Insulate crawl spaces and make sure that the air around your water service line is heated.

• Insulate exposed pipes where they enter the home.

• Install a “free flow bleeder” to allow a small volume of water to flow through your lines. It will prevent freezing, but can be wasteful, so it is important to size the assembly appropriately.

Temporary borrowing bylaw

Every year, council is asked to pass a temporary borrowing bylaw, to carry the town over until tax revenues for the year are collected.  You can see the bylaw starting on page 77.

BANFF HOUSING CORPORATION PUBLIC HEARING

At 4:30 on Monday, in the council chambers, council will meet wearing their BHC Shareholders’ hats.  This meeting is to hear public comments on a proposal to change the point system for the Registered Resale List – you are very welcome to attend and comment.  In brief, right now, potential buyers get one point per adult applicant for every year lived in the Bow Valley, and one additional point per adult applicant for every year he/she has lived in the Town of Banff.  For most potential home buyers, these residency points constitute the large majority of the points they have that decide where they sit on the Registered Resale List.

The BHC board, after quite a bit of discussion, is recommending that the total points per applicant be capped at 20.  So, for example, under the new system, a person who has lived in Banff for 10 years would be at the maximum, and would have the same credit for residency as someone who has lived in Banff for 20 years.  This change would come into effect after 18 months, so that anyone who is at the top of the list right now would have time to take advantage of that position before the change is made.
You can see the whole background report at this link:
http://www.banff.ca/Assets/PDFs/Locals+PDF/Housing_BHC/housing-registered-resale-list.pdf

THE FINE PRINT

As always, the opinions expressed in this post are mine alone.  This blog does not purport to be an official communication from the Town of Banff or its Council.  I welcome your comments and questions!

All the best until next time - Leslie

Hello everyone:

Right off the top, I’d like to give everyone a quick reminder about Santas Anonymous.  You’ll see the donation boxes at Town Hall and around town – I hope you will take a moment to donate!  You can find a list of preferred food and gift items on the town’s website at http://www.banff.ca/locals-residents/social-services-programs/low-income-residents/santas-anonymous.htm    Let’s help all Banffites have a merry Christmas!

BUDGET UPDATE

You can follow the budget process at this link:  http://www.banff.ca/town-hall/finance/budget_2012.htm  You’ll see various references on that page to items having been approved by council, but I should note that nothing is final until Council signs off on the whole budget – up until then, any member of council can ask for anything to be reconsidered. 

Council has been through the capital budget (although it is not yet approved), and now we’re working on the operating budget.  There are going to be at least two more meetings:  Monday morning from 9 – noon, and Wednesday from 9 – 2 pm.  As always, you’re welcome to attend these meetings.

There are big challenges this year, the biggest of which is the funding for the RCMP.  Last year, the province announced that it would decrease its funding of our RCMP by almost $400,000.  Unfortunately, we don’t feel that cutting the level of police service here is an option (especially since the province also closed our courthouse, meaning that Banff RCMP now spend much more time going to and from court and waiting around in court in Canmore), so Banff taxpayers will be picking up the tab.  This item alone will lead to a 2.02% tax increase.   Then there is the proposed expense for protecting our urban forest, which I support – but it means 0.31% on taxes.  Then there’s the community’s commitment to the Alberta Winter Games – 0.26% on taxes.  Then there are the many community groups who have asked for increased funding from the town this year to support their efforts.  Budget time is never easy.

To put these numbers in proportion:  every 1% of increase means a cost of approximately $2.65 per month to the average Banff household.

MORE ON FORMULA BUSINESSES

I told you in my “special edition” update about my motion to have the town look at a quota system for formula businesses.  At least, I thought (and some other people thought) that I said “formula businesses”.  But others in the room, who were also diligently listening and taking notes, feel that I said “formula restaurants”, and that is what appears in the draft minutes.  So, to make this one crystal clear, I’ll be bringing a follow-up motion to council on Monday to add “formula retail” to the earlier motion.  Council can choose to approve or not approve this.

MONDAY’S COUNCIL MEETING

Council meets Monday afternoon at 2 pm, and you are welcome to attend.  You can see the whole package for the meeting at this link:
http://www.banff.ca/Assets/PDFs/Town+Hall+PDF/Council+Agendas+PDF/2011+Agendas+PDF/council-agenda-111212.pdf

Here are some highlights from the agenda ...

Banff Tea Company presentation

Susanne Gillies-Smith of the Banff Tea Company will be presenting a request for an immediate moratorium on applications for chain stores while a quota system is being considered.  You can read the information and accompanying letters starting on page 3 of the package.

At present, I'm not in favour of a moratorium while we're looking at the question of quotas.  I think it's important that council sets regulations and policies that people know about in advance, that we look at the whole community and its needs in doing so, and that we don't change the rules of the game without reasonable notice (and lots of input).   If the community decides, through a public input process, that a quota system is a good idea, and if council votes it in, I would be in favour of ensuring that we don't exceed that quota during the time that we will have to wait for Parks to approve the bylaw -- which, as we know, can be more than a year. If that necessitated a freeze at that time, I would be willing to look at that.

Council honoraria

Want to see what Council gets paid?  You can read all about these princely sums, starting on page 48 of the package.  Every year, Council honoraria are brought to council for consideration of whether they should be adjusted to keep pace with inflation.  The last time they were adjusted for inflation was in January of 2008.

Community measures report

This report tracks key environmental, community and economic indicators year over year to see how we’re doing on implementing the goals in our Community Plan.  You can see the background information starting on page 87 of the package, and you can see the report itself at this link: 
http://www.banff.ca/town-hall/banff-community-plan/community-measures.htm

So – how are we doing, compared to 2009?  Here are a few examples – you’ll find many more in the report:
• We’re recycling more, but we’re also generating more waste overall
• We’re using slightly more water per person, but slightly less energy
• Our public transit costs are up, but we’re still using way less taxpayer support than most public transit systems.  Ridership is up very slightly.
• The number of people taking community classes is down

Outdoor rink – High School grounds

School board staff and town staff have worked together to create a proposal for use of the high school field for a skating rink.  Lovely as this would be, it’s hard to support at a cost of $51K for a 16-week season.  You can see the proposal starting on page 89 of the report.

LAST UPDATE FOR 2011

Unless something extraordinary happens, this will be my final council update for 2011, so I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.  Many thanks to all the folks who have commented, questioned and generally encouraged me about this email update during the past year!!  I’m so delighted that you find it useful, and I look forward to sending you the first issue of 2012, sometime around January 7.

All the best until then – Leslie

P.S. - THE FINE PRINT

As always, any opinions expressed in this post are mine alone.  This post does not represent the official opinions of the town of Banff or its Council.  But my guess is that they all wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, as well. ;-D