Did CNP Forget to Apply for $1,930,108 MSI Grant?

UPDATE (June 10) : The 2014 Accepted Projects numbers are out. We have received less than the allocation for 2014, so it looks like we really did lose $1,930,108 in 2013. I guess the old Council was too busy with their grand schemes to bother about applying, and the new Council was too busy penny-pinching to notice. This should be a major scandal, but they have kept it hushed up long enough that it is now ancient history.

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As mentioned in MSI Grant for Hospital Demolition, the the list of approved projects shows no capital grants for CNP in 2013 (we should be under "Specialized Municipality", page 4).

About 20% of CNP's budget comes from Alberta MSI Grants. Municipalities get a maximum allocation based on a formula. These can be used for "municipal roads, bridges, public transit vehicles/facilities, emergency services facilities/equipment, water and wastewater systems, solid waste management facilities/equipment, regional and community airport facilities/equipment, and other municipal buildings such as recreation and sports facilities, libraries, public works buildings, and cultural and community centres". We have $millions of eligible projects.
From the MSI Website :

Year	Allocation	Grant
2012	$1,967,048	$1,817,063
2013	$1,930,108	$0
2014	$2,758,586	$2,520,500
2015	$1,677,585

(Note: As explained on the MSI website, three weeks before the 2015 budget the Province retroactively added about 20% to the 2014 grants, but the budget reduced 2015 grants by the same amount.)

(Note: The Allocation numbers include a small ($131,924 for 2014) Operating component. The Grant numbers are the Capital part only.)

I don't know whether we can still get the 2013 allocation, or if we have lost $1,930,108 . I think the 2014 grants figures will come out in a couple of months, unless they are delayed because of the budget fiddling.

Recreation Action Plan

New on the CNP website:
Needs Analysis and Action Plan
State of Recreation

Here is an Executive Summary for those who don't want to wade through 300 pages of fluffy prose and pretty pictures (and not-so-pretty pictures of the pool and Stella):

AN ACTION PLAN FOR A MULTIPURPOSE FACILITY
» Once details surrounding the future of the Pass Community Pool and the Albert Stella are further identified, and assuming that one or both of those facilities does not warrant reinvestment and will be decommissioned, a feasibility study for a multipurpose facility should be facilitated.

AN ACTION PLAN FOR AQUATICS IN THE CROWSNEST PASS
» Utilizing the Facility Condition Index analysis, reinvest in the pool.
» Replace the Pass Community Pool in the long-term with an indoor pool development.

AN ACTION PLAN FOR THE ALBERT STELLA MEMORIAL ARENA
Reinvest in the existing facility (or alternative options) to sustain existing activity provision service levels.

AN ACTION PLAN FOR THE SPORTS COMPLEX
Ongoing life cycle investment in the facility is suggested, as per the 2011 assessment report.

AN ACTION PLAN FOR THE MDM COMMUNITY CENTRE
» Continue to provide the facility for community use and reinvest in it to sustain existing service levels as outlined in the 2011 assessment report.
» When determining the feasibility of reinvesting in or replacing the Albert Stella, consider relocated some/all of the activities to the MDM Centre (or other alternative locations) if possible.

AN ACTION PLAN FOR THE PASS POWDERKEG SKI HILL
» Attain capital and operational cost estimates for the development of Phase 2 as defined in the 2012 Master Plan.
» Once these estimates are defined, prioritize Phase 2 development in relation to other potential projects as per the prioritization model provided in latter sections of this report.



AN ACTION PLAN FOR SPORTS FIELDS IN THE PASS
» Target provision of one rectangular field and one ball diamond in each Pass neighborhood.
» Focus on full build out of the Hillcrest Ball diamond complex.
» Look to develop a centralize site for rectangular field league and tournament play somewhere in the municipality.

AN ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY TRAILS IN THE CROWSNEST PASS
» Continue to support volunteer trail groups in the operation of existing trails and in their upgrading and expansion ambitions. Included in this is coordinating the formation of a Trails Advisory Group, potentially as a sub-committee of the Sport and Recreation Committee.
» Extend the Community Trail west to ultimately connect to the Allison-Chinook Trails.
» Ensure the mountain bike trails near Powder Keg Ski Hill are connected into the community trail system.
» Develop and implement standards for trail development and maintenance (e.g. width, surface types, winter maintenance). Where necessary, improve the standard of existing trails to meet the proposed standard.
» Investigate options for developing additional loop trails within communities to complement the linear Community Trail. Local residents will enjoy the option of walking/biking around their community as well as connecting to adjacent communities.
» Maintain the current Non-motorized by-law within Municipality. Past experience with motorized use in Crowsnest Pass (and other Alberta towns) has shown neighbourhood conflicts where motorized use is permitted in urbanized areas.
» Consolidate the efforts of volunteer trail groups via interagency meetings or as a standing committee of the Parks and Recreation Authority
» Consider preparing a long term Trails Master Plan to provide direction on community trails, including linkages to regional trails.

AN ACTION PLAN FOR REGIONAL TRAILS ADJACENT TO THE CROWSNEST PASS
» Actively participate in access management planning for regional trails, as recommended by the Government of Alberta in the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan.
» Continue to support development and operation of trailheads and staging areas located within the municipality. Formalize trailhead locations for popular hiking trails.
» Lead promotion of trails as a major tourism attraction in the Region.
» Investigate connection of local trails to other municipalities through the Crowsnest Valley (e.g. Lundbreck, Pincher Creek, Sparwood)
» Promote formation of a Regional Trails Advisory Committee to work closely with adjacent municipalities; provincial agencies and volunteer groups on future trail development and management.

AN ACTION PLAN FOR ALL OTHER RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE
» Maintain and invest in existing parks, open spaces and facilities where appropriate to sustain existing service levels.
» Consider relocating some of the activities in the Albert Stella should the facility be closed for any period of time.
» Promote all recreation amenities, including private sector fitness facilities, when presenting recreation opportunities to residents and visitors.

Councillors Disqualified for Conflict of Interest or Failing to Vote

The MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT has transparency requirements, including open meetings and conflict of interest rules.

We have a right to attend meetings and see how our Councillors vote:

174(1) A councillor is disqualified from council if

(f)the councillor does not vote on a matter at a council meeting at which the councillor is present, unless the councillor is required or is permitted to abstain from voting under this or any other enactment;

Councillors must abstain if they have a pecuniary (monetary) interest as explained in this Municipal Affairs brochure.
It is not enough to just say "conflict of interest" or "perceived conflict of interest", Councillors must DISCLOSE the nature of their interest (eg., "I work for the company" or "My wife owns the adjacent land").
The MGA also specifies what is NOT a pecuniary interest:

170(3) A councillor does not have a pecuniary interest by reason only of any interest

(g) that the councillor ... may have by being a member or director of a non‑profit organization
(h) that the councillor ... may have

(i) by being appointed as the volunteer chief or other volunteer officer ...

Some Councillors have abstained without valid reason, so they are disqualified from office. The Mayor's "possible perceived conflict of interest" does not tell us whether or not he actually has a pecuniary interest.

Budget Meetings not advertised on website.

Dean Ward says on his blog:

"The numbers you are talking about are part of the budget process, they are being made public every Thursday between 2-5pm as we work through that process. These meeting are open to anybody that wishes to attend. I would expect that once the budget process is over there will be all kinds of information coming out."

I might be interested in attending budget meetings discussing recreational facilities or economic development, but not sewage treatment. But I have no way of knowing what is on the agenda for each meeting. Councillors have the agendas but they are not made public and the meetings are not advertised on the website.

The previous council also told us it was our fault we were ignorant because we did not attend the unadvertised "Policy Committee" meetings.

Update: The December 11 Budget Meeting went in camera for the first 80 minutes. http://www.crowsnestpass.com/public/download/documents/9285

Smoke Eaters and Jamie Margetak Lawsuits

Someone has distributed documents relating to the Smoke Eaters and Jamie Margetak Lawsuits, including letters from law firms to the municipality and the Smoke Eaters lease (with 90 day notice clause) on the Blairmore Fire Hall. This person wants the lawsuits dropped and the municipality to conduct an investigation (which Council voted to stop on Feb. 4, 2014).

UPDATE:
More info at "Truth Be Known CNP" (link no longer works).

UPDATE:
In the November 25 Council minutes, after "in Camera" they moved to "advise volunteers that Council wished to proceed to plan a fireworks and summer event for 2015" (no mention of who the "volunteers" are). This would require some funding, but there was no "budget impact statement".

(The minutes are not yet on the website but are on p. 22 of the Jan 13 Council package http://www.crowsnestpass.com/public/download/documents/9286 )

Council Minutes: Different rules for CNP vs. Calgary?

I have written the following to our MLA, Pat Stier:

I am wondering why Municipal Affairs recommends a lower standard of transparency in council minutes for Crowsnest Pass compared to Calgary. The 2013 Inspection Report recommended:

14. Administration refrains from posting unofficial minutes on the municipal website. All minutes must be adopted by Council before posting.

15. Administration discontinues the practice of recording votes on motions as unanimously carried or carried. All motions should be recorded as carried or defeated.

However, I notice that Calgary posts unconfirmed minutes (in a timely manner) and their minutes record opposed votes (regardless of whether there is a recorded vote).

I know these are "only recommendations" but, since Council has told the Minister that they are implementing all recommendations, it is effectively cast in stone. They tend to take these reports as gospel, over and above the law. (They also adhere to the outdated "Land, Legal, Labour" rule for confidentiality recommended in a 2009 report.)

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2013 Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Municipal Inspection, page 41

Council decisions are preceded by a motion and the vote on the motion is recorded in the minutes. The expectation of a council is that there is debate on motions and that there will be motions that are not supported by all councillors. However, once the motion has been voted on the expectation is that all councillors will support the decision made by council. We identified an issue in the notes, specifically in recording the difference between motions that are “carried unanimously” versus a motion that is noted as “carried”.

When recording the difference between motions carried unanimously versus a motion that was not unanimous, it demonstrates the cases where Council was split on a motion. This provides a clear signal of when all Councillors are in agreement and potentially could create a perception of the Municipality that if a motion is not carried unanimously then it is not as important as one that is carried unanimously.

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Calgary Procedure Bylaw

56. The City Clerk shall:

(1) ensure that all Minutes of Meetings are recorded in the English language, without note or comment;

(2) record the names of the Members voting on a challenge to a ruling of the Mayor, Sections 80 to 82;

(3) record the names of the Members opposed to a motion;

(4) record the names of those who vote for and against a motion in the Minutes when a roll call or a recorded vote is taken;

Secretive Land Sales at Bargain Prices

There have been several sales of public land recently, at prices (per square foot) less than half of the assessment of nearby properties. The MGA says both assessment and sale prices must be "market value". There may be legitimate reasons for these low valuations, but since everything is done in secret we have no way of knowing. According to the CNP "Disposal of Municipal Property" policy:

2.6 If Council elects to sell the lands or improvements, the Chief Administrative Officer, or designate, shall have an appraisal done on the subject property to assist in establishing the fair market value price.
...
2.8 A notice will be placed in the local newspaper(s) for two consecutive weeks advising of the intended sale of the property.

Have you seen any notices? I think the appraisals are public information according to FOIP. There should also be an appraisal on the land being given to Chinook to settle the lawsuit.

CNP "Invest Here" section on one page

Below is the "Invest Here" section of the CNP website collated on one page (except for the Crowsnest Crossing page and 4 pages that are just links).

If you remove the duplicate, outdated and wrong material and put in proper links (instead of http:// ) it will be half as long. Not much left from 15 pages.

(Also, the spelling and grammar need fixing.)
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Crowsnest Pass Advantages
Crowsnest Pass, uniquely placed within pristine mountain vista views is situated in South West Alberta along highway #3, located within minutes east of the Rocky Mountains, BC corridor. The region is staged favorably towards investment and economic growth, attracting opportunities to build or start your business and offers a progressive place to start a career. Several other distinct advantages place Crowsnest Pass before other regions when considering where to set up your business. Advantages include:

No provincial sales tax;
A competitive tax regime;
Streamlined regulations;
A skilled and productive workforce;
A legally-mandated balanced provincial budget;
Outstanding medical and essential service programs; and
CNP promotes an enhanced quality of life including destination tourism opportunities as a natural environment for outdoors and wilderness enthusiasts alike.
The Crowsnest Pass Municipal Economic Development Office represents a collaborative resource for information working in stewardship towards economic business success for Crowsnest Pass; assisting small - medium through large-scale entrepreneurs and businesses alike in developing viable and sustainable solutions imparting successful enterprise to CNP.

http://www.albertacanada.com/business/invest/how-to-invest-in-alberta.aspx


Natural Environment captivated in Year Round Opportunity - Live, Work, and Play!
Crowsnest Pass offers the best Alberta has to offer, providing a quality of life second to none!

Live - Competitive residential tax base, new housing developments, extensive residential property inventory to choose from, preserved historic buildings set in Alpine setting amidst the Rocky Mountain backdrop...

Work - In a community that is offers diversity of services, is dedicated towards exceptional customer service & supporting small business, driving community business spirit, with exceptional resources & business leadership associations dedicated towards ensuring a successful environment for business...

Play - Set in a natural wilderness wonderland with breath taking views...with well groomed trails there are no shortage of year round opportunities to hike, ATV, Snow Mobile, ski both cross country & down hill, and it is a fishing & hunting mecca, with world class bird watching habitat environments, and the list goes on sure to please all ages and all interests!

We invite you to try us on...Crowsnest Pass will captivate & inspire you to stay- live, work and play to experience a better Quality of LIfe!

Strategic Assets - Crowsnest Pass
The strategic assets of Crowsnest Pass are the unique attributes it possesses that can be leveraged to generate specific economic value. These assets form the foundation of the regional value proposition and differentiatin strategy.

Regional Population - 5,565
Regional Workforce Population (25 - 54)
Regional Businesses - 430 retail, commercial and home based businesses
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Outstanding Health Care Services including a full service Hospital and 3 medical centers
Major Regional Resources - Coal Exploration & Production Facilitiies
Prime Highway Commercial Development - Crowsnest Crossing
Sentinel Business Park
Access to 3 Major Commercial Centers within 40 - 200 km radius
Access to United States Border
Major transporation corridor - Highway #3
Rail transport
Pincher Creek Municipal Airport
Calgary International Airport - YYC

Transporation Corridor
Highway #3 major access route borders southern Alberta and BC border for ease of commercial & truck transport
CP Railway
Pincher Creek Municipal Airport
Calgary International Airport
Major Courier and Express Routes for ease of shipping goods & supplies

 Site Selectors
Our Economic Development Officer is available to assist you in the site selection process and would be pleased to provide you with any additional information you may need.

Please contact:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Municipality of Crowsnest Pass

P.0. Box 600 | Crowsnest Pass, Alberta | T0K 0E0
P 403 562-8833 F 403 563-5474
E edo@crowsnestpass.com

 Crowsnest Pass is about prosperity.
Coal Expoloration & Production
Agriculture and Agri-buiness
Education
Emerging Technologies
Food Processing
International Trade
Logistics
Tourism

Retail, Commercial and Industrial Sectors
Retail - SMEs (small to medium enterprise)

Commercial
Housing Development
Industrial Sectors
Coal Exploration & Production

Economic Value Propositon - Staged favorably for Growth
Φ Crownsest Pass has recently been awarded the development of a World Class Hotel & Conference Centre staged for Crowsnest Crossing prime development site. The Alpine model hotel will be host to a 85 plus room and 150- 200 guest conference centre where the community is set to attract world class events, business forums, training & corporate business conferences which will attract world class tourism development opportunities! This project will attract interest of retailers, restaurants, and professional office buildings.

Φ Exit and entrance features are set to be constructed that will showcase Crowsnest Pass for visitation and tourism!

Φ We are currently recruiting a Grocer Retail Corporate that is dedicated towards providing shopper experiences that will increase retention of regional shoppers through competitive advantage.

Φ We are in process of inviting developers for future development opportunity of an adult & senior high density housing complex.

Φ We are currently in process of engagement of a Recreation Feasability Study in support of future development of a year round recreational multi-use facility.

Φ Our Pass Powder Keg Ski Hill is in development of attracting sponsorship for a Quad Chair Lift.

Φ We have second to none exceptional medical services including a full serviced Hospital and medical clinics (3) with the promiss of 0 waiting lists and one of the only areas ahead in strategizing for proactive medicine as our professionals are working collaboratively in providing exceptional Quality of Life Programs for the families and citizens of our community.

Φ Riversdale Mines Group has recently signed a 3-year Coal Exploration Agreement which is already creating economic activity & spin off for Crowsnest Pass.

Through an on-going committment to collaboration we are dedicated towards creating ongoing growth & opportunity development while ensuring investment readiness through application of local beautification & revitalization programs, business retention and expansion strategies, strong investment attraction programs, and an ongoing committment towards economic development & diversification strategies.

Our Municpal Council is dedicated towards ensuring Crowsnest Pass is economically viable & embraces sustainable growth for future generations to come...

By nature, we welcome you!

Differentiation Strategy
Crowsnest Pass creates a tourism experience that sets us apart - as we celebrate the value of making memorable visitor experiences...recently being recognized by Travel Alberta for outstanding Tourism Events & Attraction - Sinister 7 has received the Travel Alberta - Alto Award for their outstanding organization and delivery of venue for Crowsnest Pass, Alberta! http://www.sinister7.com/news_detail.php?pkPostID=27

Our tourism sector is dedicated towards creating excellent customer service and we are engaging in a Customer Service Excellence Program for our region at the benefit of creating valuable customer experiences for our guests.

We have a cache of Bed & Breakfast facilities that offer exquisite charm, friendly atmospheres and outstanding guest services while they are set in naturally beautiful back drops showcasing mountain cascade views. Experiences and vistas that you would be challenged to find at commercial hotel properties. Please view accomodations, B & Bs Crowsnest Pass, reviews can be fournd at Trip Advisor - http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1087557-d1853230-Reviews-York_Creek_Bed_Breakfast-Coleman_Crowsnest_Pass_Alberta.html

Tourism Update: We are working towards increasing our tourism capacity for 2015 through award & construction of a Best Western Hotel & Conference Centre staged for 2014 development at Crowsnest Crossing - Highway #3, Crowsnest Pass. - Please refer to Investor Opportunities - Investment Attraction page

We are home to such unique world class businesses like Cinnamon Bear - set along highway #3 as you travel east or westbound in the community of Coleman in Crowsnest Pass. There you will find the smells of home baked cinnamon buns and sweets that will sure to please and the coffee served is of Crowsnest own fare - a local entrepreneur coffee roaster. - also free Wifi available!

Also sure to please is Stones Throw Cafe set in downtown Blairmore community. Food sure to please any palate, friendly cafe atmoshphere, free Wifi served up with unforgettable hospitality!

We invite you to come experience the best Alberta has to offer - Be captivated by all that is naturally beautiful and by people who know that memorable experiences are what put us on the map!