Town of Hanna Council meeting highlights, Jan 9

By Gwen Snell
Freelance Journalist

Town of Hanna Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday January 9, 2024 at the Hanna Council Chambers. Mayor Danny Povaschuk called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.

Delegation included RCMP Sargent Robert Welsman, Detachment Commander for Hanna who presented the policing statistics 2023/2024 second quarter (July – September 2023) and an update on the activities of the Hanna RCMP Detachment.  He noted that the report showed an increase in traffic offences, which was attributed to a higher number of impaired driving incidents. 

Sgt Welsman stated that the Residential Fire response was still an on-going investigation but it was determined that there were no outstanding risks to the public at this time. RCMP are continuing to work with the Hanna Fire Department and the medical examiner in that investigation.      

It was noted that there are concerns being raised regarding coyotes being sited within town limits.   Sgt Welsman spoke with an individual who had an encounter while walking his pet dog.  Conservation Services does not become involved within town limits so the RCMP will intervene is there is a risk to the public.  If there is increasing concern regarding coyotes then the detachment will certainly discuss further. 

With a fully staffed detachment, it was welcome news that Hanna has been approved for an additional position of Corporal.  This position will be posted and is expected to be filled within a reasonable time.

CAO Neill inquired as to the status of Victim Services for our detachment. Sgt Welsman reported that a new service will start as of April 1, but that rather than wait there is an individual currently being trained who would then transition into the new program.  Council thanked Sgt Robert Welsman for his presentation.

Public Presentation is provided to allow members of the public to present any concerns or inquires directly with council in a formal setting.  Carole Lenfesty presented her inquiries and requested clarification regarding recent town correspondence along with an overview as to her understanding of the MGA (Municipal Government Act).  She provided a written copy of her presentation to council at the conclusion of her presentation.

Chief Administrative Officer Kim Neill reported that administration has been working with MPE on several Engineering Project which included the Downtown Redevelopment Project, the Palliser & Pioneer Trail Road Rehabilitation and the Asset Management Project (FCM Grant Funded Project)  CAO Neill expressed his concern that there has been no communication to date regarding the application for Prairies Can application for funding in conjunction with the Downtown Redevelopment Project. Funding applications for both the Palliser and Pioneer Trail Rehabilitation, and the Pioneer Trail Bridge Replacement have been submitted but a decision is not expected until spring of 2024.   He also noted that the Airport Runway Lighting Project that was delayed has been completed by the contractor and the lighting system is in operation.

CAO Neill noted that Community Services Foreman Kevin Olsen had received concerns regarding the new fitness equipment at Centennial Place.  In response he has scheduled a question and answer session with staff, suppliers and Fitness Centre members. 

CAO Neill also provided highlights from Community Services Coordinator Michele Toews report, indicating that the Skate with Santa was a success this season and Santa was able to continue on his way following the event.   Toews report also included information regarding a preliminary meeting to discuss a regional housing strategy.  CAO Neill indicated to council that this meeting was preliminary and the intent was to establish a baseline of understanding.  The meeting included administration or staff from various organizations and partners within the community.

Director of Public Works Brent Olsen indicated in his written report that the department had a busy December which included a water main break in December that led to additional repairs.  Public works crew have been busy with road maintenance and sanding was also required for alleys following the rain on December 31.  Director Olsen indicated that the airport lights provide three levels of brightness and everything is working well.

Director Laurie Armstrong provided a verbal report to council.  She indicated that she received a report at the end of 2023 for a project that was approved in early 2023 and has two applications to date for 2024.  Mayor Povaschuk indicated that he had an inquiry from a new business wondering about recognition for those starting up with a photo opportunity.  Director Armstrong indicated that this was a program which was taken over by the Business Hub from the Town.  As the Business Hub is no longer in operation, this program to welcome new businesses may need to be reviewed again.  

Director of Emergency Management, David Mohl Indicated that he has met with the Special Areas Director of Emergency Management.  Special Areas will be taking the lead on applying for Emergency Management grant funding.

David Mohl then reviewed the Development Permit Report for the 2023 4th Quarter.  A total of 51 Development Permits were issued in 2023, which was similar to 2022.

Council also reviewed and accepted the Hanna Fire Department  4th Quarter Report for October – December 2023  and thank Fire Chief David Mohl for his presentation.   Fire Chief Mohl indicated that the department currently has a full complement of thirty members.   The area of recruitment and retention is a concern for many fire departments and he fells we are fortunate in our area to have continued interest for involvement.   He highlighted the training partnership (East Central Emergency Training Partnership – ECETP) which was established in 2005 with the Alberta Fire Commissioners Office Regional Training Initiative. This successful training resulted in another Basic Firefighting course being completed for 2023 and spring will be busy with two pump courses, two Hazmat courses and 1 Wildland Firefighter course this spring. 

Fire Chief Mohl also reported that Phase 1 and Phase 2  for the Burn Tower are now considered completed.  Phase 3 is the installation of exterior burn props.  These props have been built and will be shipped for spring installation.  Cost for phase 3 was reported at $581,840.

Hanna Fire Department responded to 131 calls in 2023.  Percentage of calls indicates that the highest number of responses are for medical assist (28%) followed by Motor Vehicle Accidents (26%)

Municipal Enforcement Officer (MEO) Tracy Raypold provided the Hanna Municipal Enforcement 2023 4th Quarter Report.  MEO Raypold reviewed her report and highlighted the statistics regarding animals, garbage, business licence, Municipal Government Act, parking, Land Use Bylaw, unsightly/snow, written complaints and proactive work.    It was noted that gaining compliance through the least restrictive measures is the goal. 

MEO Raypold reported that completion of the final scenario testing for the Community Peace Officer induction program is scheduled for February 2024.  Final testing is scheduled for April 2024 and once completed as Community Peace Officer Level 1 – appointment will be ready for submission to the Alberta Solicitor General Public Security Peace Officer Program.

CAO Kim Neill briefly spoke to the 2024 Operating and Capital Budget and the 2025 & 2026 Operating and 2025 – 2028 Capital Budgets.   He indicated that the document presented includes the changes and adjustments which were determined at the December 14, 2023 Special Council meeting.  Council adopted the 2024 Operating and Capital Budget and accepted the 2025 and 2026 Operating Budgets and the 2025 – 2028 Capital Budgets for information.

The accepted budget for 2024 has total Operating Expenditures of $8,811,791 with Capital  Expenditures of $6,919,455 for Total Expenditures of $15,731,246 with matching Total Revenues -  resulting in a balanced budget.  

Council approved the appointment of Fred Crowle to the Big Country Housing Authority Board as a Citizen at Large Member for a term ending October 31, 2025.  

Miss Rodeo Hanna 2024 Hailey Milligan was approved sponsorship in the amount $1,000 to provide financial assistance with travel costs incurred for Miss Rodeo Hanna to attend events representing the Hanna Indoor Pro Rodeo and the Town of Hanna.

Written council reports were included in the council package and accepted for information.

CAO Kim Neill highlighted that the funding levels are confirmed for the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) program as stated by the letter in correspondence from Minster Ric McIver. 

He also noted that Rebecca Schulz, Minster of Environment and Protected Areas raises concerns over the drought conditions within the province and is asking all municipalities to undertake a number of steps to address possible water shortages and drought conditions.

Council concluded their regular business at this time.  Full recordings are available for viewing at www.hanna.ca/tv

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