Hinton public meetings in 2023
46 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
REGULAR COUNCIL
Council is reviewing the 2024 draft capital and operating budgets, including potential waste management fee changes. The agenda also includes a second reading for a non-residential tax incentive bylaw and presentations from local groups.
- Second reading of Non-Residential Tax Incentive Bylaw No. 1162-2
- Beautification Highway 16 - 2023 Capital Project
- NRED Program Grant Application
- Proposed $20.36 bi-monthly recycling fee for the 2024 budget
- Presentation by H.E.L.P (Hinton Employment and Learning Place)
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING - 07 Dec 2023 - BUDGET
Council is meeting to discuss and provide direction on the 2024 draft capital and operating budgets. The capital budget draft is valued at $7,138,285, while the operating budget draft is $36,190,420. Approval is required by January 1st to comply with the Alberta Municipal Government Act.
- 2024 Draft Capital Budget of $7,138,285
- 2024 Draft Operating Budget of $36,190,420
- Proposed 5.35% municipal tax rate increase for the operating budget
- Beaver Boardwalk Rehabilitation project estimated at $2,400,000
- WTP Upgrade / Replacement placeholder at $24,900,000
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Town of Hinton Council will meet to consider a non-residential tax incentive bylaw and two road closure bylaws. The meeting also includes an appointment to the Beaver Boardwalk Oversight Committee.
- Non-Residential Tax Incentive Bylaw No. 1161
- Road Closure Bylaw No. 1174 (Second and Third Reading)
- Road Closure Bylaw No. 1175 (Second and Third Reading)
- Appointment to the Beaver Boardwalk Oversight Committee
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing draft versions of the 2024 Capital and Operating budgets. The meeting aims to provide direction to Administration for final changes before the budgets return to Council for adoption.
- Draft 2024 Capital Budget of $7,138,285
- Draft 2024 Operating Budget of $37,012,637
- Proposed $450,000 Land Acquisition Reserve Fund
- Proposed $135,000 for Fleet Replacement Pickups
- Proposed $66,500 for a Utility Trainee Vehicle
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the 2024 draft capital budget, which has a projected cost of $7,202,785. Members are providing direction to Administration to make changes before the documents return to Council in December. The meeting also includes discussions on the 2024 draft operating budget.
- 2024 Draft Capital Budget totaling $7,202,785
- Beaver Boardwalk Rehabilitation project ($2,400,000)
- Switzer Dr. Asphalt Resurfacing & Intersection Improvement ($3,000,000)
- Gregg Avenue Waterline project ($1,745,000)
- Hardisty Avenue Water and Sanitary project ($1,600,000)
REGULAR COUNCIL
Council and the Committee of the Whole are reviewing various 2024 civic agency funding requests and budget items. Discussions include automated traffic enforcement contracts and potential traffic safety improvements for the Athabasca Avenue business district.
- Proposed 2024 funding for Hinton Mountain Bike Association ($22,000 operational, $7,000 capital)
- Proposed 2024 funding for Hinton Historical Society ($55,000)
- Proposed 2024 funding for West Yellowhead Trail Society ($50,000)
- Discussion on renewing Automated Traffic Enforcement contract with Global Traffic
- Consultation proposal for Athabasca Ave. Business District parking lot traffic safety
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing $478,800 in funding requests for local boards and agencies for the 2024 budget. Additionally, administration is proposing a one-year contract renewal with Global Traffic Group Ltd for automated traffic enforcement services.
- Proposed $478,800 total for 2024 civic agency funding requests
- Proposed $100,000 funding for West Yellowhead Trail Society contingent on project approval
- Proposed $75,000 funding request for Hinton Historical Society
- Renewal of Automated Traffic Enforcement contract with Global Traffic Group Ltd
- Discussion of Athabasca Ave. business district traffic safety improvements
REGULAR COUNCIL
Council will consider appointing two residents to the Beaver Boardwalk Oversight Committee. The meeting also includes a presentation from the Hinton Mountain Bike Association regarding their 2023 successes and 2024 plans.
- Appointment of two Hinton Resident at Large representatives to the Beaver Boardwalk Oversight Committee
- Presentation by Hinton Mountain Bike Association
- Discussion on Healthcare Professional Attraction and Retention
- Notice of motion regarding train horn noise at the Drinnan crossing
- Proclamation for Family Violence Prevention Month
2024 BUDGET MEETINGS OCT 24 & 25, 2023
The Committee of the Whole met to receive initial 2024 budget documents for information. Administration presented preliminary details on capital and operating projects to seek guidance on finalization.
- 2024 Capital Budget presentation including a $10,929,856 subtotal of projects
- Proposed $470,000 replacement of Bush Buggy 20 for Fire Rescue
- Proposed $3,100,000 for Switzer Dr. Asphalt Resurface & Intersection Improvement
- Proposed $1,000,000 for Recreation Centre roof replacement
- Proposed $12,000 for Forestry Hose and Equipment Replacement
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING - COUNCIL
The Council held an organizational meeting to appoint public members to various local boards and committees. They also approved the 2023-2024 Council meeting schedule and finalized councillor committee assignments.
- Appointed Nora Allen and Aric Johnson to the Hinton Municipal Library Board
- Appointed eight members to the Hinton Youth Advisory Council
- Appointed George Shantz and Beth MacCallum to the Beaver Boardwalk Oversight Committee
- Approved the 2023-2024 Council Meeting Schedule (Option 1)
- Approved 2023-2024 Councillor Boards and Committee Appointments
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Council will address several action items including community grant awards and franchise fee reports for FortisAlberta and ATCO Gas. The meeting also includes presentations from the Hinton Historical Society, the Municipal Library Board, and the Chamber of Commerce.
- Community Grants Fall Intake Awards
- FortisAlberta Electric Franchise Fee report
- Atco Gas Franchise Fee report
- JUPA - Evergreens Catholic School Board discussion
- Diwali Financial Request
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing eight community grant applications and a proposal to change how taxes are assessed for manufactured homes. The meeting also includes presentations from the Arts Society of Hinton and the Hinton Golfing Society.
- Review of 8 community grant applications totaling $45,838.42
- Proposed bylaw to designate manufactured home park owners as the assessed persons for taxes
- Arts Society of Hinton presentation regarding $76,020 in revenue and $140,050 in expenses
- Hinton Golfing Society presentation regarding 2024 projected budget of $1,534,073
- Discussion of FortisAlberta and Atco Gas franchise fees
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Hinton Town Council will review several funding requests for the Affordable Housing Project and discuss the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Level of Service Policy. The meeting also includes presentations from the West Yellowhead Trail Society and Community Futures West Yellowhead.
- Affordable Housing Project: $30,000 request for parking power plugs
- Affordable Housing Project: $53,000 request for project overage
- Affordable Housing Project: $25,000 request for exterior lighting
- Affordable Housing Project: $20,000 request for chain link fence
- FCSS Level of Service Policy CS 7202 discussion
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several presentations and administrative reports. Key discussions include a proposed main street strategy for the visitor economy and feedback from a public survey regarding the redesign of Erith Park.
- Presentation on Reimagining Mainstreet from a Visitor Economy Lens by Dr. Walter Jamieson
- S.T.A.R.S. presentation regarding current $20,000 fixed rate pledge of support
- Erith Park Design Engagement Report based on a survey of 902 respondents
- Affordable Housing Request for Additional Funds
- 2024 Budget Survey Results and Analysis
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Town of Hinton Council will discuss the resignation of Councillor Brian LaBerge and the upcoming municipal by-election scheduled for November 16, 2023. The agenda also includes reviews of protective services policies and a grant application for the water treatment plant.
- Resignation of Councillor Brian LaBerge
- Protective Services Fire and Rescue Services LOS Policy PS-2306
- Protective Services Municipal Enforcement LOS Policy PS-2307
- Traffic Bylaw No.1179
- Hinton Water Treatment Plant - Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) Grant Application
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing draft Level of Service policies for Protective Services. These include a new Fire and Rescue policy (PS-2306) to replace a 2010 version and a draft Municipal Enforcement policy (PS-2307).
- Draft Fire and Rescue Level of Service Policy PS-2306
- Draft Municipal Enforcement Level of Service Policy PS-2307
- July 2023 Sanitary Sewer Backup Engineering Report
- Fire and Rescue 2023 operating budget: $476,254.00 revenue and $1,618,040.00 expenditures
REGULAR COUNCIL
Council will formally accept the resignation of Mayor Marcel Michaels and take steps to organize a 2023 municipal by-election. The meeting also includes discussions on signage standards, youth advisory council bylaws, and an electric vehicle maintenance van purchase.
- Acceptance of Mayor Marcel Michaels' resignation
- Appointment of a Returning Officer for the 2023 Municipal By-Election
- Setting the 2023 Municipal By-Election date
- Green Square Sign Capital Project
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Maintenance Van purchase
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing proposed amendments to the 2011 Signage Standards Manual to address aging standards and new project needs. Discussion includes potential changes to post materials for wayfinding signs and creating new standards for interpretive signage. The Committee is also considering immediate updates to trail and wayfinding sign categories.
- Proposed amendments to the Town of Hinton Signage Standards Manual
- Review of post material alternatives including log, painted pipe, and concrete
- Creation of new 'Park and Trail Interpretive Signage' standards
- Draft Hinton Youth Advisory Council (HYAC) Bylaw Update
- Draft Traffic Bylaw 1179
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a report regarding the Town of Hinton Library's service levels and reserve policies. Administration recommends requesting that the Library Board use $104,774 from existing reserves to offset 2024 operational costs due to previous budget surpluses from unused wages and benefits.
- Proposed use of $104,774 from Library reserves for 2024 operations
- Review of draft Library Level of Service Policy
- Review of draft Library Reserve Policy
- Discussion of draft FCSS Service Level Policy
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Town of Hinton Council is meeting to discuss the 2024 budget timelines and a professional review of the Council Procedure Bylaw. The agenda also includes a request to waive a late payment penalty and a discussion regarding the Beaver Boardwalk Bridge.
- Review of Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1153 with a proposed $3,500 + GST expenditure
- Discussion of 2024 Budget Timelines
- Ratepayer request to waive a late payment penalty on Roll No. 70441000
- Beaver Boardwalk Bridge presentation by Councillor Stuart Taylor
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing options to rescope the Green Square Capital Sign Project and reviewing research on a potential magic carpet lift for Collinge Toboggan Hill. The meeting also covers 2024 budget timelines and various administrative reports.
- Rescoping of the $15,000 Green Square Capital Sign Project
- Feasibility research for a Magic Carpet Lift at Collinge Toboggan Hill
- Phase 2-4 Trail Connectivity Public Engagement Results
- Robotic Lawn Mower for Cemetery discussion
- 2024 Budget Timelines
REGULAR COUNCIL
Council is reviewing a request from the Hinton Curling Club to pay a flat $10,000 rental fee for the Bill Thompson Arena. This fee is lower than the standard policy rate of $30,084.29 to help facilitate the 2024 Alberta Boston Pizza Cup. The meeting also includes discussions on recycling depot hours and a notice of motion regarding the Beaver Boardwalk Bridge.
- Proposed $10,000 flat rental fee for the 2024 Alberta Boston Pizza Cup Men's Curling Championship
- Revision to Recycle Depot hours of operation
- Notice of Motion: Beaver Boardwalk Bridge
- Delegation: Curling Alberta
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Town of Hinton Council will review recommendations for the 2023 Community Grant Program spring intake. The meeting also includes discussions on a revised taxation bylaw and a review of council procedures.
- 2023 Community Grant Spring Intake funding recommendations totaling $29,898
- Review of Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1153
- 2023 Amended Taxation Bylaw No. 1178-1
- Rescinding Town Employees on Volunteer Fire Department Policy 067
- Tax Recovery for Designated Manufactured Homes
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a proposal to rescind Policy 067 regarding town employees on the volunteer fire department to implement a new pay directive. Additionally, the committee received a presentation on the development of a Destination Management Organization (DMO) and its proposed 2024 budget.
- DMO update presentation by Natalie Charlton and Erin Reade
- Proposed 2024 DMO budget with $405,700 in total expenses
- Proposal to rescind Town Employees on Volunteer Fire Department Policy 067
- Introduction of Volunteer Firefighter Pay Directive PS D2305.1
- Closed session regarding Hinton Golf Course Lands and manufactured home tax recovery
REGULAR COUNCIL
Council is reviewing a proposal to provide land at 50% of appraised value to Exquisicare for the development of two small care homes. The project would provide long-term care for seniors and requires land at either Boutin Lands Area II or 190 Maurer Drive.
- Proposal to offer Boutin Lands Area II (assessed at ~$371,000) at 50% value
- Potential alternative site at 190 Maurer Drive (assessed at $574,000)
- Exquisicare presentation regarding senior care home development
- Discussion on physician recruitment and retention
- Review of Public Communications Policy AD-1204
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole will review the RCMP quarterly report for the period ending March 31, 2023. Administration will also present reports on the Public Communications Policy, financial status, and physician recruitment.
- RCMP Quarterly Report (Jan-Mar 2023)
- Public Communications Policy AD-1204
- Financial Report (January - April)
- Strategic Projects Team – Council Priorities 2023 Discussion
- Physician Recruitment and Retention
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Council will consider a request to fund a condition assessment for the Hinton Water Treatment Plant. They will also discuss an additional $50,000 budget request for the Valley Tri Sport Court project.
- Water Treatment Plant Condition Assessment and Contingency Readiness report
- $50,000 additional budget request for Valley Tri Sport Court asphalt overlay
- Whistleblower Policy AD-1203
- Request to rescind Policy No. Corp.008
- 3rd Annual Wicked Woods Disc Golf Tournament
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole reviewed reports regarding the long-term management of the water treatment plant and fencing options for Forest Heights Drive. Administration also proposed a new structured approach for the Town's political advocacy efforts.
- Proposed $200,000 allocation for water treatment plant assessment and contingency readiness
- Three fencing and planting options for Forest Heights Drive with costs ranging from $5,493.76 to $60,627.00
- Discussion of four water treatment plant operational options, including transfer to the Town or a third party
- Proposed advocacy topics including a helipad, water treatment, and water distribution funding
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Town of Hinton Council will meet to consider a 2.9% increase to the 2023 tax rate and review a budget adjustment report. Additionally, Council will consider an in-kind request for the Bikez 4 Kidz event.
- 2023 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1178 (proposed 2.9% increase)
- 2023 Budget Adjustment Report as at April 30, 2023
- In-kind request for Bikez 4 Kidz (ShowMobile use valued at $1,150.00)
- Senior Week Proclamation
- National Public Works Week Proclamation
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a budget adjustment report and proposed 2023 taxation rates. Administration is seeking direction on whether to implement a 3.9% or 4.744% tax rate increase to fund municipal operations.
- 2023 Budget Adjustment Report identifying $336,725 in operating cost implications
- Proposed 3.9% increase to residential and non-residential tax rates (Calculation 4)
- Proposed 4.744% increase to residential and non-residential tax rates (Calculation 5)
- $250,000 emerging item for Water Treatment Plant requiring Council approval
- Closed session discussion regarding Land Development
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Hinton Council is reviewing the Phase 1 Trail Connectivity Plan and a proposal to appoint specific members to represent the Town at the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta. The meeting also includes discussions on water and sanitary upgrades for Hardisty and Switzer Drive.
- Trail Connectivity Plan Phase 1 approval
- Appointing Council representation to the FCSSAA
- Hardisty and Switzer Drive Water & Sanitary Upgrade discussion
- Public engagement for Trail Connectivity Plan Phases 2-4
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Town of Hinton Council is meeting to consider the adoption of the 2022 audited financial statements. The agenda also includes discussions on cemetery fee bylaws, a new welcoming and inclusive community policy, and RCMP retroactive costs.
- Adoption of 2022 Audited Financial Statements
- Third reading of Cemetery Fees Bylaw 796-5
- PA and Speaker System in the Bill Thomson Arena
- Welcoming and Inclusive Community Policy
- RCMP retroactive costs report
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing draft policies regarding whistleblower protections and community inclusivity. Administration is also presenting reports on RCMP retroactive costs and the Chief Administrative Officer's status report.
- Draft Whistleblower Policy (MD-2420) for consideration
- Draft Welcoming and Inclusive Community Policy (AD-1201) for consideration
- Report on RCMP Retroactive Costs
- Chief Administrative Officer Status Report
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Hinton Town Council is meeting to consider icon designs for a metal silhouette beautification project and several sponsorship requests. The agenda also includes discussions on cemetery fee updates and operating budgets for local organizations.
- Metal Silhouettes Design Public Consultation
- Cemetery Fees Bylaw 796-5 Schedule A
- Hinton Golfing Society Operating Budget
- Finishing Mower Deck Capital Funding
- Wild Mountain Music Festival Sponsorship Request
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a proposal to move $330,804 from a Switzer Drive asphalt project to CCTV utility inspections. They are also receiving an information report regarding development and fencing concerns near Forest Heights Drive.
- Proposed repurposing of $330,804 from Switzer Drive resurfacing to CCTV utility assessments
- Information report on Forest Heights Drive development and a $30,000-$35,000 fence cost estimate
- Discussion of Bylaw No 796-5 regarding Cemetery Fees
- Discussion regarding MD 2564 - Royal Canadian Legion Taxation
- Review of joint use of facilities
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Town of Hinton Council will consider the 2023 Budget document and a public hearing for Road Closure Bylaw No. 1176. The meeting also includes discussions on a new one-off financial request policy and various operating agreements.
- Public hearing for Road Closure Bylaw No. 1176 (Highway Street)
- Review of Budget 2023 document
- Draft One-Off Financial Request Policy CS-7201
- Hinton Mountain Bike Association Operating Agreement
- Hinton and District Chamber of Commerce Agreement
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing an update regarding the dissolved Hinton Wheeled Park Association and a proposal for Erith Park redesign. Additionally, administration presented a draft policy to manage unanticipated one-off financial requests from community groups.
- Update on Erith Park Lands & All Wheel Park proposal
- Proposed public engagement for Erith Park redesign
- Draft One-off Financial Requests Policy XXX
- Proposed $750 limit for Chief Administrative Officer in-kind contributions
- Closed session regarding Mutual Performance Discussion
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Council will review a Trails Level of Service Policy and Bylaw No. 1177 regarding a borrowing line of credit. Additionally, the meeting includes a presentation from STARS regarding a request for a $20,000 fixed-rate annual funding commitment.
- Trails Level of Service Policy CS-7201
- Bylaw No. 1177 Borrowing Line of Credit
- STARS $20,000 fixed rate funding request
- Forest Heights Fence presentation
- West Central Airshed Society membership
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the RCMP Q3 report and seeking consensus on policing priorities for the 2023-2024 year. Proposed priorities include traffic, property theft, and community relations. The meeting also includes a discussion on a draft one-off financial request policy.
- RCMP Q3 Report and 2023-2024 policing priorities proposal
- Draft One-off Financial Request Policy discussion
- Closed session regarding Land Development
- Review of 2022 crime statistics including increases in theft under $5,000 and mischief
- Discussion of proposed priorities: Traffic, Property Theft, and Community Relations
REGULAR COUNCIL
Council will discuss Road Closure Bylaw No. 1176, which proposes closing a portion of a road right-of-way adjacent to Highway 16. The closure is intended to allow a developer to incorporate the land into a subdivision plan. A public hearing for this bylaw is proposed for March 21, 2023.
- Road Closure Bylaw No. 1176 (First Reading)
- Foothills Recreation Management Association funding discussion
- Tactical Plan 2022-2026 update
- Proposed public hearing for road closure on March 21, 2023
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the 2022-2026 Tactical Plan, which outlines administrative initiatives to meet strategic goals. The meeting also includes a presentation regarding the Foothills Recreation Management Association (FRMA) partnership and its 2022 program results.
- Review of the 2022-2026 Tactical Plan for referral to a Regular Meeting of Council
- FRMA presentation requesting continued Town support of its $20,000 annual donation
- FRMA 2022 funding report totaling $419,102.52 from various partners and revenue
- Proposed 2023 FRMA operating budget of approximately $450,000
- Closed session regarding mutual performance discussion
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Town of Hinton Council will meet to discuss several action items, including RCMP and Municipal Enforcement Services and the Beaver Boardwalk Community Oversight Committee. The meeting also includes presentations from the West Central Airshed Society and a Business Retention & Expansion report.
- RCMP & Municipal Enforcement Services report
- Beaver Boardwalk Community Oversight Committee Terms of Reference
- Beaver Boardwalk Community Oversight Committee vacancy
- Gregg Avenue Sidewalk addition
- Youth Advisory Council vacant positions
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Council is reviewing bids for the Maxwell Lake Bridge Ramp project to select a construction scope. Administration recommends Option D, which includes north and south ramps plus extensions, for a total of $389,116.00.
- Proposed $389,116.00 contract for Maxwell Lake Bridge Ramp project (Option D)
- Proposed $349,476.95 contract for Maxwell Lake Bridge Ramp project (Option C)
- Proposed $316,794.74 contract for Maxwell Lake Bridge Ramp project (Option A)
- Confirmed $140,000 Prairies Economic Development Canada grant
- Planned temporary closure of the bridge and boardwalk during construction
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a report regarding the Town's current trail maintenance standards and a phased connectivity plan. Administration recommends returning the Trails Level of Service to the February 7 meeting and the Connectivity Plan to the April 18 meeting for further discussion.
- Trails Level of Service and Connectivity Plan (MD-2643)
- Proposed $75,000 operating budget for Phase 1 of the Trail Connectivity Plan
- Amending Beaver Boardwalk Community Oversight Committee Terms of Reference (MD-2665)
- Service Level Review Recommendations (MD-2736)
- RCMP & Municipal Enforcement Services (MD-2799)
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Hinton Town Council will consider a second and third reading for an amendment to the West Area Structure Plan Bylaw No. 1117-1. The agenda also includes an initial funding report for the construction of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Cell 8.
- Amendment to the West Area Structure Plan Bylaw No. 1117-1 (Second & Third Reading)
- Initial Funding Report for Construction of MSW Cell 8
- Presentation by Habitat for Humanity regarding affordable housing
- Presentation by PAR999 Holdings Inc. regarding the West Area Structure Plan
- Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) application letters of support
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing options for delivering economic development services following the elimination of the Economic Development Officer position. The committee is also discussing how to establish guidelines for processing one-off financial requests from organizations.
- Economic Development delivery options including a proposed $175,000 in-house officer or $90,000 shared resource model
- 2022 Economic Development budget utilization of $127,036
- Proposed 2023 allocation of $203,000 for a strategic projects director
- Proposed 2023 allocation of $70,000 for destination marketing
- Development of screening criteria for one-off financial requests