Council Notes From All Over
Friday, January 04, 2013
COUNTY OF WETASKIWIN
Barry McDonald
Advertising contract awarded to Pipestone Flyer
The contract with the Leduc Wetaskiwin Pipestone Flyer for primary print advertising medium for the County of Wetaskiwin expired December 31, 2012. In accordance with Purchasing/Tendering Policy #1907, a Request for Proposals was forwarded to the Leduc Wetaskiwin Pipestone Flyer and the Wetaskiwin Times on September 26, 2012. Proposals were received from both companies and a comparison of the two proposals, along with the proposal documents, were provided for review.
Proposals were evaluated on the basis of:
The County of Wetaskiwin No. 10’s appreciation of each paper’s ability to reach the desired audience, along with the paper’s quality and reputation. The publisher’s understanding of the County of Wetaskiwin No. 10’s advertising requirements, and details of how the publication intends to meet them. Advertising rates and invoicing procedures. Quality of proposal submitted in relation to stated requirements.
Council awarded the Newspaper Advertising Services to the Leduc Wetaskiwin Pipestone Flyer, based on best representation of the corporate goals and objectives of the County of Wetaskiwin, largest distribution area, established relationship, proven customer services and stakeholder expectation, for a period of three years commencing January 1, 2013, with the option of a two year extension.
Recreation Funding Approval Process for each Zone:
On September 10th, 2012 Administration sent letters to the Recreation Chairs of Zones 2, 3, & 4 advising that County Council requested information on how each of the Recreation Boards/Committees decides on how they allocate their recreation grants.
The Recreation grant in Zone 2 grant has been calculated by dividing the number of individuals into the total grant (# individuals in brackets). If any additional groups require funding, they can attend and apply at the Recreation Zone 2 Annual General Meeting held annually in the month of March.
See following examples from 2012.
Falun Community Hall $20,617.00
Fletcher Community Association $2,850.00
Lakedell Agricultural Society $18,913.00
Lone Ridge Hall $4,971.00
Mulhurst Bay Community $14,011.00
Pipestone Community Hall $14,811.00
Porto Bello Community $8,792.00
Usona Agricultural Society $15,471.00
Winfield Agriplex Bleacher Replacement Canadian Infrastructure Improvement Fund Application Update:
At the July 19th Council discussed a news release from the Federal Government announcing the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF). Applicants seeking less than $250,000.00 would receive priority and the total federal funding for a project could not exceed 50% of total eligible project costs. Council approved submitting applications for shovel ready projects.
Project 1 Pavement Base of Township Road 470 east of Secondary Highway 771 to the Summer Village of Poplar Bay municipal boundary (Provincial Park Road). Total Project cost = $500,000.00 - County/Summer Village 50/50 split = $249,999.99 (County's portion = $125,000.00). Application amount = $250,000.00.
Project 2 Winfield Agriplex Arena Bleachers Total project cost = $100,000.00 - County's portion = $50,000.00. Application amount = $50,000.00.
Project 3 The Winfield Rodeo Ground Bleachers Total project cost = $90,000.00 - County's portion = $45,000.00 Application amount = $45,000.00.
Project 4 Chip Seal in the Hamlet of Buck Lake - 3 miles of roadway from the east access at Highway 13 to Range Road 63 west of Buck Lake Total project cost = $160,000.00 - County's portion = $80,000.00. Application amount = $80,000.00.
FCSS Funding.
In 2012 the County received a grant of $274,845.00 through the Family and Community Support Services Funding Agreement with the Government of Alberta. The total cost of the FCSS program to the County should be $93,795.00. With one more month of salaries and other year-end adjustments it is anticipated that the final balance will be around $84,500.00. This leaves an estimated $9,000.00 surplus in the program that would have to be repaid to the Provincial Government.
Since reported cases of family violence are up 50% in the County for 2012, Wetaskiwin Community Learning Council in partnership with Wetaskiwin Victim Services would like to run an awareness campaign on family violence.
Council approved allocating the remaining funds (approximately $9,000.00) to run a family violence awareness and prevention program during the holiday season.
Penalty Cancel: Request Keyo Managment Services Ltd.
On December 10, 2012 correspondence was received from owner Kim Keyowski Keyo Management requested Council to consider penalty cancellation for her property
Ms. Keyowski stated in her letter that the penalty reminder letter she received on November 28, 2012 was the first time she was made aware of the outstanding balance of $142.40. She further stated her cheque was dated August 31, 2012 and was received by the County Office the first week in September.
Administration confirmed there was no error or oversight with regard to the required penalties applied. Council denied the request for penalty cancellation in the amount of $142.20.
Tim Belec LAS Funding Request to replace HVAC unit.
Mr. Belec, Treasurer with the Lakedell Agricultural Society presented the need to replace the HVAC units in the Lakedell hall. Lakedell Ag. Society has funds in their current accounts to pay for the replacement of these HVAC units but this expenditure would severely restrict their cash-flow for the remainder of the year. Lakedell Ag. Society requested Council's assistance with the purchase of this critical infrastructure by accessing emergency capital funds.
Council approved Lakedell Ag. Society's request by allocating $11,750.00 from the Zone 2 Recreation Capital Reserve account to repair the HVAC units.
Funding Request – Pigeon Lake Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Rick Southern, President of the Pigeon Lake Chamber of Commerce (PLRCC) requested Council approve funding in the amount of $15,000.00 for 2013.
The PLCC has 117 businesses. The 2012 Operating Grant received from the County was $10,000.00.
Council decided it would provide direction in funding allocations to the Pigeon Lake Chamber of Commerce that will be included in the 2013 Capital and Operating Municipal Budget Approval process.
Funding Request - Wetaskiwin & District Chamber of Commerce
Wetaskiwin & District Chamber of Commerce requested Council continue to provide funding by approving $10,000.00 in the 2013 budget process.
The Wetaskiwin & District Chamber of Commerce advised that the support from the County of Wetaskiwin in the amount of $10,000.00 has been sufficient as the City of Wetaskiwin currently matches the $10,000.00 grant.
The City of Wetaskiwin currently offers free rent to the Chamber on their facility and they have a fee for service for providing visitor information which is adjusted accordingly with inflation.
Council provided direction in funding allocations to the Wetaskiwin & District Chamber of Commerce that will be included in the 2013 Capital and Operating Municipal Budget Approval process.
November 30, 2012 Budget Variance Analysis
Council was provided with the budget report to November 30, 2012 before November salaries. This represents 92% of the year completed. Revenues are running at 100% due to the fact that the taxes have all been billed for the Taxes General Levy - year. Expenses are at 77.02% as only the first three quarters of the school tax have been paid to date.
Expenses are running at 89.25% which is only slightly below the expected 92%. This will leave an approximate surplus before amortization of capital assets and transfers to reserves not budgeted for of $1,704,000.00.
Council accepted the Budget Variance Analysis to November 30, 2012 as information.
Installation of Rural Address Signs
On February 14, 2012, Council approved a By-law 2012/06 for the purpose of implementing a system of Rural Addressing within the County.
Costs associated with the supply and installation of a Rural Address sign in the amount of $150.00 for properties assigned addresses after October 1, 2012, and will be included in the development permit process for single parcels, or the development agreement process for multi-lot subdivisions.
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