Thoughts on Premier Stelmach

Earlier yesterday I tweeted remarks from the Premier's speech at the Chamber Luncheon at Festival Place. I have had several residents ask me for more of my personal thoughts.

 

I believe that Ed Stelmach knew many of the audience and was relaxed and gentle humoured. This resulted in him cutting through the rhetoric as he updated Sherwood Park business owners and residents on initiatives that he believes are important to move Alberta forward.

 

The stress he put on health care identified his strong support of improving the public health system and making it sustainable by training workers and meeting workforce requirements. He discussed the needs for expanding power distribution in Alberta and acknowledged residents would have an opportunity to present views on preferred technology and alignments - even mentioning the possibility of burying power lines.

I think he showed confidence in the robust businesses of the Capital region particularly Strathcona County. Premier Ed said that expanding our oil and gas interests by building upgrading capacity was his governments way of building Alberta for future generations. His promotion of  upgrading bitumen here in Alberta won him solid applause at the packed Sherwood Park & Area Chamber Luncheon.

 

Premier Ed  referred to a Dec. 9, 2010 press release of an additional $69.1 million allocated for construction of the new Strathcona Hospital saying that Phase 2 of that project will include inpatient beds and operating rooms. Construction is currently underway on Phase 1 of the hospital, which will include 24/7 Emergency services.  In a response to a question about the Strathcona Community Hospital he said he keeps his commitments and phase 2 would follow right after phase 1 is built.

My hope is that MLA Iris Evans and Dave Quest have finally been heard amidst the myriad of issues in the caucas and that Strathcona County residents can now focus on just what the new medical facility will specialize in. Looking at other Alberta hospitals, we know that the most recent ones specialize in specific areas. Councillor Fenske has wondered out loud about an arthritis centre of excellence. Given the '" demographic time bomb" ( 2,000 people turned 65 today) that our Premier referred to today, I wonder whether Strathcona County residents and their medical professionals should be advocating for a Geriatric Centre of Excellence?

 

What are your comments? Please e-mail me

 

If you are not already on my Residents E-News Bulletin List - e-mail me your request right away.

Budget Update

Council has been in discussion and debate for weeks on the budget. On Dec. 14, 2010,  Council is expected to approve the 2011 -2013 Business Plan, the 2011 operating budgets for municipal, utility and library operations and the 2011 capital budgets for municipal, utility and library operations.

Administration originally proposed a municipal tax increase of 4.86%. After much debate we were presented with a proposal of 3.45%. Further discussion will occur on Tuesday.

In addition, Council approved a motion to move 4 million dollars to the Open Space Recreation Facilities Plan in order to encourage Administration to build capacity and provide more recreational opportunities for Strathcona County residents.

I would also like to thank my fellow Councillors for unanimously supporting three of my initiatives that will benefit both urban and rural residents:

Council amended the proposed 2011 budget by adding $3000 in the RCMP operating budget to accommodate criminal record checks for Strathcona County resident volunteers who assist vulnerable citizens in Strathcona County through various projects and programs. This was in response that I have heard regarding volunteers waiting months to get necessary criminal checks done and will mean that volunteers will not have to pay additional fees to have a rapid verification made in order that they can start their work with children and seniors in a reasonable time frame.

I was concerned over the facility rental fees that I saw for both rural and urban room rates for meetings and events. Council discussed this concern with the result that Administration was directed to bring recommendations to Council for not for profit user fees of all Strathcona County facilities for meetings and events.

Finally, I have been unhappy that our residents do not have 'front of class' positioning in the surface parking at our new Community Centre. After much discussion, Council directed that Administration to make twenty parking stalls available close to the Library for free public parking; with a report to come to Council by the end of April 2011 on a parking management plan.


Please feel welcome to attend Council sessions.
Tuesday's schedule is:

Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010
Council - 3 p.m.
Council Open House - 5:30 p.m.
Public Hearings - 5 or 7 p.m.

Your Tax Dollar

I am often asked by residents what they get for their dollar and why taxes just keep going up.

Municipalities supply a balanced ‘basket’ of goods and services to their residents. These services include:

•  utility services (water, wastewater, solid waste)
• protective services (fire, ambulance, police)
• transportation services (roads, transit)
• recreation, parks and culture programs
• planning services
• community social programs. 

It is the diversity and quality of these services that make Strathcona County the community of choice for those of us who live here.

Residents should expect Strathcona County Council and administration to monitor their expenditures on an ongoing basis to achieve a balance between continuing to plan for the future, exercising fiscal prudence in uncertain economic times and delivering value for the municipal property tax dollar.

In 2010, your municipal tax dollar was distributed approximately as follows:

Transportation (roads) = 32 cents

Recreation, parks & culture = 23 cents

Fire, ambulance, police & bylaw =  22 cents

Public transit = 13 cents

Planning services = 04 cents

Agriculture = 03 cents

Family & community services = 02 cents

Economic development & tourism = 01 cents

The short answer to ‘why taxes continue to increase’ is that the cost of goods and inflation continues to increase. In addition, our community growth is about 2% and our own expectations drive the need for more and better services and programs. We want more community policing, more ice time, a bike park, artificial turf…. the list is endless. We all have a role to play in beating down any tax increases. I believe that as residents we need to think before we demand bigger, better, newer infrastructure. Let’s think before demanding more. I believe that Council can mitigate increasing taxes – with your help.

So – how do we minimize some of those costs?

Where Council needs to look for the greater savings, in my opinion, is in the list of capital projects that are requested year after year. This County has about 150 ‘open projects’ – some of which reach back 10 years. Over 220 million dollars allocated to these projects, some of which are multi-year, are not expended. So – I have to ask the question: Why not have a catch up year? Why create new positions tied to new capital projects? Why not utilize existing resources to complete important projects that previous Councils promised our residents. These open projects include major arterial overlays, traffic signal improvements, traffic calming and intersection improvements… the list goes on and on… from road and building infrastructure to equipment replacement… I say: “it’s time to get’er done”.

So in this year’s budget talks what can you expect?

Administration is recommending a 4.86% tax increase, across the board utility increases and an increase of about 50 staff. Some of these positions are related to the requested 50 million dollars in capital requirements.

So again I ask – why take on more projects than you can handle? Let’s focus on cleaning up the projects of the past ten years and then turn our efforts and resources to future needs. 

While I am pleased with our municipality’s move to cross department functional reviews, I still believe a corporate efficiency review will give us a more comprehensive picture of our current efficiency level and our potential capacity to improve in giving the taxpayer more for their tax dollar.

Also on my list of outcomes that I am driving toward is a thorough review of our customer service – both focus and culture (Oct. 26, 2010 blog).  Our customer is the taxpayer and you deserve the best service we can offer.

In 2010, administration is forecasting a potential year-end operating surplus in the area of 10 million dollars. Once again this year I will propose that the year end surplus be allocated to fund a very few necessary one time only 2011 capital projects – in an attempt to decrease the 2010 tax rate.

Join us in Council to find out more about where your tax dollar is going. For more details on times. 

I appreciate your comments. Please continue to send me your concerns.

Roxanne Carr is Councillor for Ward 2 and can be reached at 780-464-8002 or carr@strathcona.ab.ca.

Council Representation on Advisory Committees & Boards

On Nov. 9, 2010,  Councillors learned of their new appointments to committees.

On all the committees I have served - I have enjoyed meeting many extra-ordinary residents. The experience has been a great one.

This round of appointments sees me saying a fond farewell to both the Senior and Youth Advisory Committees. It was a privilege to encourage them in their pursuits. The Youth Advisory Committee improved the Youth Council website and proactively identified key issues to Council that impact youth in our community. The Seniors Advisory have a tremendous outreach program – one that is responsible for being the ‘eyes and ears’ for Strathcona County as they identify senior’s issues and supported the development of the County’s Older Adult Plan. I hope that I contributed in some small way to achieving their annual goals.  

This year I have been asked to take on the role of Council representative on the Library Board, the Festival Place Advisory Committee, and the Information & Volunteer Centre Board of Directors. I am extremely excited about joining these groups and look forward to supporting these members as they work toward achieving their priorities in the next year. As representative of Council, I will share Council and County goals – looking for common objectives where we can work together to increase the quality of life of our urban and rural residents in Strathcona County. I will also report their challenges and successes back to Council – in an effort to strengthen the partnerships.

I am pleased to remain on the Boards and Selections Committee, Pioneer Housing Foundation, and the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. All of these committees offer a rewarding experience to me, as a Councillor, and I believe to our public members. Members of the public have an opportunity to interview for many of these committees in November of every year.

I take my appointment on committees very seriously and believe they are an integral part of my role as Councillor. Attendance and participation are crucial. I intend to pursue the definition of the elected officials’ obligations in December when Council develops policy around the Roles & Responsibilities of the position as per the recommendations of the Cuff Report.  

Because I feel strongly that residents have a right to be fully informed, I will be putting my annual attendance on all of these committees on both this website and the Strathcona County website – similar to me listing all priority fund expenditures in the last term. I will also be reporting to residents on the activities of these committees on a regular basis.


This is also the time of year that selections are made to all public committees. This year we have 73 residents interviewing for 47 positions on a dozen committees. These committees are as diverse and exciting as our community - dealing with issues that range from social to enviornmental and economic. Descriptions of these committees can be found here on the County website 

Information on which Councillors wereappointed to which committees. 

OUTCOMES TO BE ACHIEVED IN THE 2010-2013 TERM

Looking ahead to 2013, I would like my electorate to know that they have a report card by which to judge the effectiveness of the Councillor for Ward 2. My Sept. 30, 2010 blog Working On Your behalf For the Next Three Years attempted to give a broad outline of what I intend to do in the areas of social, economical and environmental sustainability.

This post is an attempt to add measurement to my goals, where possible. This is a document that I will bring forward on an annual basis in an attempt to hold myself accountable to the residents of Strathcona County and my Ward.

Community

Playing Working & Living in a Safe Environment

•  Encourage Council to support policy that strengthens existing neighbourhood associations and promotes the creation of new groups and associations
• Bring to Council a policy that addresses multi generational utilization as a key component of park revitalization.
• Bring to Council a policy to make playground accessibility mandatory. 
• Double the number of Community gardens in Strathcona County from three to six.

Increase safety on residential streets

• Bring to council two new policies or initiatives that will result in lowering speed in residential areas.
• Support existing volunteer speed watch programs, education and enforcement.

Engaging Youth

• Obtain Council buy in to expand current services and programs to a youth centre concept with easy access.
• Encourage proactive and initiative youth activities in our community including a Graffiti Team and greater participation in Council meetings.

Municipal

Balanced Sustainable Growth

• Call for Council to review the measurables of Administration’s plan to encourage balanced sustainable growth of the County.
• Invite business and industry community leaders to have their own symposium to come up with innovative ideas that will result in sustainable growth that addresses the socio-economic needs of our region and a harmonious relationship between residents, business and the environment.

Openness & Transparency

• Continue to advocate for the implementation of an organization wide efficiency audit in order to increase accountability of the County to taxpayers.
•  Increase the accountability of County Council to the taxpayer by urging Council to create policy that mandates attendance and participation in all Council Meetings and committees. This policy should stipulate what responsibilities a councillor has and what hours “on the job” is considered core to the task.
• Ask Council to create a policy that holds Councillors’ accountable to the public and enforces the Strathcona County Code of Ethics: including but not limited to a misuse of County resources and equipment, and disrespectful behavior toward staff or other councilors.

Customer Service – in pursuit of Excellence

• Present to Council the need to improve customer service to all key stakeholders. Request that a process be developed whereby Administration is held accountable to define and improve response times, address attitudinal concerns and resolve issues. Ask Council to engage our stakeholders in developing a model of excellence for customer service. Consider the need for an ombudsmen position.

Communications

• Continue to offer innovative ways to communicate to my public.
•  Request that Council support open government data.
• Continue to support the creation of a social media policy which I have asked for since 2009 so that the County as an organization can better communicate on different levels with our diverse demographic of residents.

Accessibility

• Request that Council have a Councillor on the Accessibility Advisory Committee to ensure direct communication to and support from Council.

Preparing for Significant Demographic Changes

As the number of citizens over the age of 65 is forecast to increase from 13% to 25% of our total population in 2031 changes must be made.

• I will urge Council to support the findings of the Pioneer Housing Study (now in progress) as it relates to increased beds required in assisted living, creating a third level to our existing assisted living seniors care residents, and providing Increased housing options for an aging population.
•  Continue to support the implementation of the Older Adults Plan in facilitating increased assistance for seniors living in the community.

Light efficient community

• Call for performance criteria that measure progress made on the implementation of the light efficient community policy that I brought forward in 2010.

Agribusiness & Urban Agri Initiative

• Support residents in their efforts to establish agri initiatives that increase sustainability in the urban area by bringing new policy opportunities to Council.
• Broadly supporting agribusiness in the rurban and rural area.

Provincial

• Encourage Council to advocate to the province for full development of the 23-acre hospital site, beginning with the completion of phase 2 by 2015.
• Demand underground powerlines.
• Continue to champion the building of a new courthouse by 2015.

Ward Councillor Awareness Signs Disappearance

Residents have been asking me, “where did those signs go?”

Strathcona County sign bylaw removed the signs. I was told that, based on their interpretation of the Elections Sign Bylaw that the signs were illegal. I would like to explain the circumstances to my residents.

On Sept. 20, 2010, I was acclaimed as Ward 2 Councillor. In an effort to communicate with the 9,000 people in the ward and let them know who their Councillor is, and how to contact her, I put out 10 signs.

On Sept. 24, 2010,  the Sign Bylaw department received a complaint about the signs from people running other election campaigns. The Bylaw Sign Department then removed nine signs on Oct. 9, 2010.

I was not notified prior to sign removal.  I applied for, and was given, a $250 Development Permit to Place Temporary Election Signs.  The permit lists many conditions that would render the permit invalid – but unfortunately does not outline the situation of an acclaimed candidate.

Because administration had no clear guideline, they were forced to make a judgement call. By referring to the Elections Act and Webster’s Dictionary, they ruled that

as soon as I was acclaimed, I was no longer a candidate and therefore not entitled to have election signs erected. Apparently, my signs do not qualify for any kind of temporary permit. I cannot be refunded any money. The signs were impounded and I was told that the cost to get those signs back is $50 each.

I certainly accept the ruling but am concerned that, because of a lack of clear cut sign bylaw, our front line staff are left in a difficult position - forced to make judgement calls that take time away from their enforcement duties. This is not the most cost effective way to run a department.

I have talked to other candidates running for elected positions on Council and School Board and found that they too were running into interpretation and judgement call issues such as bylaw officers eye-balling rather than measuring the size of signs, while other officers are granting a “tolerance factor” and showing leniency.

Although I have suffered a financial loss because of this experience and my volunteers put a lot of hard work into making and putting up the signs, I did learn a lot.

I now have more empathy for what our business community is going through with the sign bylaw. I see challenges in clarifying the bylaw in several areas. I see the need to examine more carefully our service delivery with regard to management giving much more clarity to front line staff. And I see yet another aspect of the need for Strathcona County to ‘raise the bar’ to create an improved level of customer service with a focus and culture that builds better relationships. 

My Speech at the Chamber Forum on Oct. 6, 2010

Good Evening,

Thank you for giving me the privilege of serving as your full time Councillor these past 3 years. 

I have listened to Strathcona County residents – seeking to understand your issues – & acting on your behalf.

In the next 5 minutes I will outline some of the things I have heard, understood & acted upon.

I will also talk about     ‘where to from here!’

I listened to your requests for improved recreation

I identified neighbourhood leaders & asked them to join project committees – to become a part of the solution.

Together we were successful:

• You chose manufacturers & selected new playground equipment
• You advised staff on the design of the 1st Splash Pad

Another Team of residents joined us to plan & participate in the first 3 urban Community Gardens

You talked & I listened:

I heard your concerns about Safety on the streets & in the neighbourhood

To address that:

•  I supported the formation of the Speed Watch Volunteer Program to educate drivers
•  I lobbied for & got 5 electronic driver feedback signs to increase driver awareness
•  I supported fire station expansions & a new fire hall
•  I voted to hire more EMS and RCMP
•  I will continue to support Parents Empowering Parents, Block Parent, Crime Watch, Citizens On Patrol – all volunteer organizations. The commitment of volunteer hours in these organizations is staggering – and makes Strathcona County the inclusive & caring community that it is.
•  I will continue to promote programs that build neighbourhood connectedness through knowing your neighbour. 

When you called me to help increase accessibility for seniors & residents who faced challenges

......I listened

• I lobbied successfully for the creation of the Advisory Committee for Improving Accessibility in Strathcona County.
• There is much more to do to increase playground & park accessibility.
• I will continue to encourage improvements to our parks tghat result in those parks becoming true community gathering places.

I heard your demands for increased efficiency & financial accountability on all levels.

On the Ward level, once again I went looking for community leaders from my ward & others. There you were.

Together we developed the ‘Building Strong Communities Funding Program’ to allocate Councillor Priority Funds. This model stands alone in our municipality as an outstanding example of how residents advise their Councillor on how to spend taxpayer dollars on specific community projects.      

                                           Your $......Your Choice!!!

On the Municipal level, I advocated for increased efficiencies. It took 3 years – but single department reviews have expanded into multi department functional reviews.

We need to go further – I will continue lobbying my fellow Councillors for both an internal review & an external efficiency audit at the corporate level.

The outcome of these reviews will put our municipality at the Head of the Class!

I look forward to being a part of helping Strathcona County climb the Ladder of Excellence to become the model of efficiency with a strong customer service focus & culture that we can all be proud of!!   

  

I have served on the Capitol Region Housing Committee, the Intercity Social Forum Policy Group, our own Youth Advisory, the Seniors’ & a dozen other committees & Boards.

They talked….I listened.

As Your Councillor I will continue to Encourage & Support:

•  Emphasis on youth engagement.
•  Increased housing options & assistance for seniors to live in our community.
•  Further development of a comprehensive local & commuter transit system.
• Collaboration with business to create a vital & diverse business community.

I have listened to our community members & our regional municipal partners….& understood the issues

•  The Capitol Region is planning its way forward to balanced & sustainable growth
• We must maintain our leadership position & advocate for our own municipal needs in this process.

Short Term Goals

Cuff Report:

Governance policies are necessary to give backbone to the Code of Ethics. These must be  created and sanctioned by Council by end of February 2011.

Provincial Issues:

• Build a positive synergistic relationship with the provincial government.
• Lobby for full development of the 23-acre hospital site, beginning with the completion of phase 2 by 2015.
• Demand that power lines be put underground.
• Champion the building of a new courthouse by 2015.

In Summary:

I have told you tonight that I am proud to serve as your Councillor:

                                                                        – To listen – To understand – To act on your Behalf

I will leave you with this thought as we head into the Election:

Your local government is critical to the vitality & sustainability of our entire population.

Your local level of government is the engine of the community –

If that is true,  and I believe it is - then it is you, the people - that are the fuel that drives this engine.

Never hesitate to approach your elected representative to raise issues

Keep driving the discussion on how we can make our community a better place for our children & our parents.

Policies – or lack thereof

During a public meeting on Sept. 30, 2010, Strathcona County Council heard George Cuff’s independent review on the Jason Gariepy incident.

In response to the questions that Council asked Mr Cuff to investigate and report on, Council received the following: (pages 24 to 26 of the report published Strathcona County Website:

1. “The Chief Commissioner “acted in good faith in response to an incident but did not have the authority to suspend Councillor Gariepy’s communications”.
2. Councillor Gariepy “may have broken policies” regarding Discrimination and  Harassment,  as well as Respectful Workplace….but according to Cuff, these policies do not apply to elected officials. Cuff went on to say that while “he may have broken  the Council Code of Ethics”, the Code was not adopted by Council as a Policy.
3. In summary Cuff reported that Gariepy’s actions do not suit a member of Council.
4. Cuff found that “while there have been examples provided of behaviour that should not be associated with members of Council, this behaviour has not been a violation of any County policies directly attributed to members of Council.”

In my opinion, the above sends a clear message to this governing body and future Councils: an absence of a clear guiding policy gives carte blanch to elected officials to run rough shod over those they rule and each other.

I am saddened that personal integrity and promising to abide by the Strathcona County Council Code of Ethics has no weight. There are no consequences unless a clear and concise policy is in place.

The report went on to summarize and give recommendations. Here in lies the real value of the report.

The findings brought to light many deficiencies that when corrected will make this a more efficiently run organization, eliminating the kind of abuse of the system and misuse of public funds that I have been fighting this past three years. 

This Council and those before us have been in error in not seeing this weakness in our system. Clearly, adopting these recommendations for creation of an elected officials’ respectful workplace policy will make this a safer environment for staff and each other.

The seven recommendations include developing a clearly worded policy on the powers and authority of the Chief Commissioner regarding Council, refining the existing press release policy, and clarifying the Mayor’s authority in respect to councillors’ behaviour. I would only add that I believe there needs to be a clear document on the roles and responsibilities of both Mayor and Councillors.

The report and the recommendations have been accepted by this Council. We now throw the torch – full of challenge and opportunities – to the new council.

Working On Your Behalf for the Next 3 Years

In the past three years as your Ward 2 Councillor, we have worked together to accomplish a great deal. There is much more that we can do in the area of social, economical and environmental sustainability.

My vision for the next three years includes the following:

Community

 Advocate for responsible driving initiatives in residential areas:

• Increase electronic traffic driver feedback signs.
• Support volunteer speed watch programs.
• Increase safety through education and enforcement.

 Promote increased community involvement:

• Encourage the creation of neighbourhood associations and community gardens.
• Park revitalization and multi generational utilization.
• Increase playgrounds accessibility.

Municipal

Encourage and Support:

• Balanced sustainable growth of the County.
• Implementation of an organizational efficiency audit.
• Measures that increase transparency and accountability of Council and Administration.
• Develop a strong customer service focus and culture.
• Continued emphasis on youth engagement.
• Collaborate with business to create a vital and diverse business community.
• Increased housing options for an aging population.
• Increased assistance for seniors living in the community.
• Increased emphasis on accessibility.
• Implementation of the light efficient community policy.       

Capital Region

• Stay focused on maintaining our leadership position in the Capital Region.
• Collaborate with the 24 neighbouring municipal partners to plan for sustainable regional growth.

Provincial

• Build a positive synergistic relationship with the provincial government.
•  Lobby for full development of the 23-acre hospital site, beginning with the completion of phase 2 by 2015.
• Demand underground powerlines.
• Champion the building of a new courthouse by 2015.

Running for Office

In my  July 25, 2010,  blog A Day in the Life, where I describe what a Councillors job is to me, I stated that I  consider being a Councillor for Strathcona County residents a full time job – and then some.

I talked about the importance of elected officials serving their community.

It requires time to build relationships and to support non-profit organizations, churches, businesses, the Chamber, parent council and other community minded stakeholders.

I blogged about the importance of time spent on committees that focused on all levels of issues: neighbourhood, municipal, regional and provincial.

As an elected official, I spend hundreds of hours on strategic planning, in council workshops, budget sessions and Council Meetings. 

By far the greater percentage of my time is spent on resolving issues residents have; concerns that are not being addressed to their satisfaction, questions regarding the complexities of the system or disagreements with County process or policy.

I consider that my obligation to my residents is to maintain that schedule for as long as possible. I believe that I should maintain my focus on municipal matters and reserve my time for residents until Election Day.

There are guidelines that speak to the importance of all candidates for office having a level playing field. Well - most candidates who are not incumbents have a job. They use their personal time to campaign – often taking a leave of absence the 30 days prior to election to ‘run hard’ for office.

I chose not to declare months ahead of election day, take out ads, give out campaign literature, promotional items or use official functions in order to maintain my office. Instead, I chose to remain focused on fulfilling my duties, as your Councillor, for my full term of office.

On Sept. 8, 2010,  I was asked at a public meeting by a resident whether or not I was running. At that time, I mused aloud that it would be right to run again if I had lived up to the expectation of the residents who had voted me in last term. I noted that I believed I had achieved some worthwhile community objectives that improved the quality of life of our people on both a community and regional level. Knowing that I have more to do, I feel that running again is the right thing for both my community and myself.  

But note that I have not produced any electioneering materials; I have not put out a brochure or a platform prior to now. In fact, this whole website is populated with information that does not wave the campaign flag but is meant to give my residents an insight into what I believe in, what stands I took and why I took them.

Above all, I believe my job is to listen to you, and to serve the needs of the people of Ward 2 and Strathcona County. 

Issues Behind the ‘Hospital News Release’ Incident

Now that Council has ratified a way to move forward that will protect the rights of all individuals involved in the much publicized incident (see Blog: Why an Independent Investigation) I feel an obligation to clear the air with regard to two specific areas.

Firstly, statement after statement in the press has led people to believe that the incident was about an individual’s right to speak out. The issue was not about freedom of speech.

This is about one Councillor’s reaction to a press release which he did not agree with - that is a policy issue.

Who has the obligation to edit and approve County press releases? It is not Council as a whole. That is neither the practice nor the policy in this municipality.

The policy in Strathcona County is similar to that of other large municipalities in Alberta. Draft releases are circulated for approval to applicable department manager, executive team member, Commissioner and the Mayor. This approval process is a rigorous one that is put in place as a way to ensure  facts are correct.

At the Sept. 14, 2010, Council meeting, as a result of one Councillors disagreement with the tone of a press release, a motion was rushed to the floor of Council. Three Councillors spoke to changing the approvals policy so that Council would be the approval agent for press releases that concerned the Capital Region, the hospital and power lines. 

This was an ill conceived motion with no backgrounder or benefits-risk analysis. The result drags Council, a governing body, into operations. The current policy has proven effective for many years and should not be changed without some thought put into it as to the merits and down side.

Secondly, there was much ado made in the press recently about Mayor Olesen and myself meeting with representatives of the provincial government to obtain a clarification over the hospital. 

This is not about the Mayors ‘right’ to meet with a couple of Ministers – because, indeed she does have that right, in fact, the obligation, to represent the needs of our people at a meeting with provincial representatives.

I believe the meeting was in response to the call for clarification from myself, Strathcona County residents, and complaints voiced in the media. As the need for it was urgent , Minister Evans arranged a sit down with the appropriate Ministers.

Mayor Olesen had two hours to respond. While she was entitled to attend the meeting alone, she was able to get in touch with me and I attended in the capacity of Deputy Mayor.

Similar types of meetings have occurred at various times in the past – none of Council objected to those meetings.

Hopefully this will answer any remaining questions the public will have and we can move on with the business of running the County.

Why an Independent Investigation?

From Sept. 9 -14th, Strathcona County has been in the center of a mini maelstrom. As one twitter enthusiast said: ‘who knew Strathcona County Politics could be such a soap opera!"

Residents and press have had pieces of information – parts of a story. There has been a mix of fact and fiction. Some politicians were quick to jump into the public arena spouting personal opinions and third hand rumour to the press. 

Other principals in the event stood back, making no comments, in an effort to protect the rights of all participants until the full facts could be assembled and reviewed. As a result – there was a regrettable lack of balance in the media. The entire issue has become a very emotional one with half truths melded into personal opinions and biases.

It is the right of all citizens to hear the facts and feel confident that justice is being served.

Did an elected official contravene policies on Systems & Data Security when he used County communications systems to criticize a County news release?

Did an elected official breach County policies on a respectful workplace?

Did the Commissioner act correctly when he suspended computer privileges (for less than 24 hours?) Was it a disciplinary action or an attempt at damage control or something else?

Our Council was put in the position of needing to ascertain the best way - the fairest way to get at the truth while protecting the innocents. Councillor Wlodarczak presented to Council an option that resonated with most of Council as the best way to accomplish the objectives of seeking truth while protecting basic democratic rights of all concerned.

I have remained entirely outside of the media mayhem. I am not on the side of any particular individual. I am on the side of needing to hear the truth and the facts – brought back to Council, and the public as quickly as possible. Only an unbiased independent investigation will accomplish that.

Council has ratified the following motion that calls for an independent and impartial review done by George Cuff and submitted to Council and for public release by Sept. 30, 2010. Mr. Cuff is highly respected for his work in the area of municipal governance, best practices, public administration and Board/Council-management relationships.  

MOTION:

County News Release

Hi Five to Brittany Lane

A few weeks ago I had the honour of being invited to a family celebration. The Brittany Lane Housing co-operative has gotten together for their annual ‘block party’ for 18 years now. That in itself is something to celebrate!

It was a great time for kids and parents alike. There were an incredible array of fun things to do including face painting, a blow up trampoline and a baking contest. Joining me on the judging panel this year was Diane from the WOW Cheesecake Factory and the Mayor. Even with Diane’ professional taste testing skills it was a tough choice!

The focus of this event has always been family, fun and a look back over the year’s achievements – but this year was one to marvel at the goal they had reached. This cooperative took on the task of creating one of the first urban community gardens in Strathcona County. (Other residents spearheaded a new garden at Bev Facey as well – more about that in another blog!).

Brittany Lane resident Ayanna got the idea after attending several informational sessions I held to encourage our city folks to start the ball rolling. I started these sessions after seeing what our residents had achieved in Old Man Creek over the years.

The concept of community gardening filled Brittany Lane’s mandate of encouraging neighbourhood interconnectedness and educating people as to the importance of growing your own quality food and teaching children where food comes from. Residents dug and shovelled through rain and sleet to create award worthy raised beds of stone to plant their flowers and vegetables in. Three Seasons Landscaping company pitched in many volunteer hours and materials.

I believe this community garden will provide focus and pride for both Brittany Lane and the surrounding neighbourhood. I salute Brittany Lane for their efforts and look forward to seeing residents reap  benefits for many years to come.

Ministers Met Today with Mayor Olesen and Deputy Mayor Carr

Minister Iris Evans arranged a meeting today in order to clarify the Provincial stand on the Strathcona County Hospital.

Minister of Infrastructure Ray Danyluk and Minister of Health Gene Zwozdesky met with Mayor Olesen and myself in response to County residents’ concerns over uncertainty about phase 2 of the hospital. MLA Dave Quest and Commissioner Robyn Singleton were also in attendance.

Minister Iris Evans and MLA Dave Quest were gravely concerned about recent misinformation appearing in the media.

Ministers of Health and Infrastructure declared their commitment to a full scope hospital in Strathcona County. Phase one was put into an accelerated construction phase this summer. Phase 2 is already in the developmental stage. The Health Minister confirmed that phase 2 will contain 72 inpatient beds and surgical suites.

Mayor Olesen pressed Minister Danyluk for specifics on the current building of Phase 1. We were assured that phase 1 was being built to hospital - not clinical - standards. Mechanical, electrical and technological infrastructure are all to hospital standard in preparation for phase 2.

No details could be given with regards to costs of phase 2. I emphasized the need for a solid time commitment. In response, Minister Zwozdesky cautioned that the economic downturn had left the Provincial government struggling to complete 1,000 health care projects and an actual time commitment was not possible at this moment. 

Minister Evans assured us that she and MLA Dave Quest would keep the Mayor and Council posted on new information and would provide timely updates on design and construction of both phases 1 and 2.

Minister Evans, who has championed this cause for so many years, seems determined that Alberta’s promise to Strathcona County will be kept.

If Strathcona County residents want to walk through the open doors of phase 2 of our Hospital, sooner not later, I believe that we must remain vigilant in our monitoring of the development and demand progress as the design and construction of both phases move forward.   

To read the Strathcona County News Release:  http://www.strathcona.ca/departments/Communications/News_Releases/StatusofHospital.aspx

Residents Ask About Powerlines

Transit Centre

A resident recently asked about the impact of powerlines on our Ordz Road Transit Centre. Commuters need not be concerned.

The Transit Centre on Ordze Road is approximately 350m east of the proposed routing. Maps provided at the August Heartland Transmission Project open house in Strathcona County indicate that the proposed line extends over the west edge of the Transit Centre parking lot. The proposed towers do not physically interfere with the Centre or the parking lot. A representative from Altalink indicated that the parking lot was not a problem for them. It is important to note that the parking lot is within provincially controlled land and Alberta Infrastructure - not Altalink - makes the final determination as to the future availability of this parking lot.

Capacity

I have been asked why our region courted the upgraders if the powerlines were to be an integral part of the picture. Upgraders and the powerlines are not as direct a link as some might think.

The proposed line has capacity that far exceeds that required for current and proposed upgraders. More alarmingly the capacity was revised upward after the economic downturn!

 Here a few points that illustrate this:

• AESO released a needs study related to these power lines in May of 2008. The "Heartland Summary Report" called for a 500kV line and a 240kV line and can be viewed at the following link:   
• A global economic downturn hit in the Fall of 2008.
• The provincial government passed the Electric Statutes Amendment Act in the Fall of 2009. This edict required that the Heartland project be 2 - 500 kv lines. A vast difference in capacity.

A schedule at the very end of the Electric Utilities Act outlines critical transmission infrastructure for Alberta:  

To get a balanced few of both sides residents need to examine the following sites very thoroughly: 

Heartland Transmission  and  RETA

Look forward to your comments.

Mr. Premier - Lend Me Your Ear

The stories are manifold, the ‘facts’ contradict each other. Several Ministries are involved. Each MLA, Minister, opposition leader and Councillor has something different to say…why....because the story and the timeline changes on a month by month basis.

Enough is enough. I am tired of rumour and ‘fact’ slinging.

Our Strathcona residents were promised a hospital in the days of Ralph Klein.  Fifteen plus years have passed. Do we need a hospital less with an escalation in population to 88,000 people? With the pronouncement from the Provincial government that parts of Strathcona County are included in the high density growth area? Do we need a hospital less with the growth and expansion of the Industrial Heartland?

It is now time for our Premier, who has enjoyed many years of staunch support from our County, to ‘cowboy up’! I want to know if he is going to honour the promises made by his government.

Mr. Premier - do you support the hospital in Strathcona County? Our residents need a hospital, they were promised a hospital, and above all – they need honesty and transparency. Give us the specific scope of phase 2 and a real timeline. Nothing less will do.

Further, Mr. Premier I call on you and the other MLA’s who are supposed to be representing their Strathcona County residents to meet with the Strathcona County Mayor and Council within the next 15 days to outline the specifics and sign off on it. Do not let this fifteen year old wound fester any longer.

I call upon our residents to send their message loud and clear to the Premier’s office.

Contact information for the Premier is: Phone 780.427.2251; Fax: (780) 632-6888
fortsaskatchewan.vegreville@assembly.ab.ca