council update, 11 April, 2011
Hello everyone:
Sorry to be so late this week, but I was down on the coast for a few days, walking on green grass and sniffing flowers. Now that I'm back at work, here are some highlights from today's council meeting. It's at 2 pm in council chambers at Town Hall, and -- as always -- you are welcome to attend!
TODAY'S COUNCIL MEETING
Here's the link to the overall council meeting package:
Highlights include:
Bow Valley Regional Housing update
Starting on page 4 of the package, you can read all about the services provided by Bow Valley Regional Housing. They are a separate taxing authority that runs seniors' and social housing here in the valley -- places such as Cascade House and Mt. Edith House. Their executive director is coming to give us an update on their organization.
Recreation fees
You will see a report (starting on page 19 of the package) recommending a range of fee changes, both up and down, for recreation services. The Town's policy is that adult recreation is at full cost recovery, while youth program fees are set at 50% of what it costs to provide them, with the other 50% picked up by the taxpayer. I'll be asking whether we can charge more for non-locals.
Council gifts policy
Starting on page 22 of the package, you'll see the draft policy about councillors accepting gifts. In summary, it says that this must never be done in exchange for "favours", and that, when gifts are presented as a memento or for ceremonial purposes, councillors must declare aanything received over a value of $25. If the item is worth more than $100, it automatically belongs to the town, not to the councillor who happened to receive it.
Banff Winter Festival
You'll see the participation statistics in the package, along with a recommendation that we just support the Loppet and Mountain Madness next year. I continue to think that it's a good idea to maintain the Banff Winter Festival name as an umbrella to include popular local events such as the Jon Whyte Spelling Bee and the Cardboard Sled Derby.
Water consumption update
Starting on page 28 of the package, you'll see a report providing information about the water conservation results achieved when we subsidize the installation of dual-flush toilets and similar items. It looks like these changes are having a very positive effect. If you haven't taken advantage of this program yet, and if you're thinking of a new low-flow or dual-flush toilet, an energy-efficient dishwasher, or a solar hot water array for your roof, you'll want to read this report and also take a look at the town's web pages about the rebate program:
http://www.banff.ca/town-hall/utilities/water-conservation/toilet-rebate-program.htm
http://www.banff.ca/locals-residents/environment/rebates-incentives/residential-rebates.htm
Don't wait to long! This program has a defined envelope of money, and when it's gone -- it's gone!
MARK THE DATE
Looks like the all-candidates' forum for the federal election will be in Canmore this time, on the 27th of April. What a great opportunity to get to know this super line-up of candidates! I've been asked to moderate, and would love to hear the questions you'd like asked.