IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

 

Land Use Bylaw Revisions 

Proposed changes to Clearwater County Land Use Bylaw caused significant up-roar and response on social media recently. As part of the County’s review of land use and development guidelines, the LUB was the first document considered for revision. First reading of the proposals had been passed earlier and 2nd and 3rd reading were up for consideration on Tuesday, May 12, following a Public Hearing scheduled for 9:00AM that day.

 

A few days earlier an article regarding some noteworthy changes to the original document had been posted on Facebook and an immediate outrage ensued. The issue went viral and very negative comments about Clearwater County were spread far beyond county borders. The main concerns focussed on 3 restrictive clauses: 1. Inability to sell home raised produce from a CRA parcel; 2. Restrictions related to Sea-Cans; and 3. Restrictions related to the parking of RV’s on residential parcels.

 

Due to Covid19, public participation in the Public Hearing was restricted to phone-in only and 16 people registered. People could, however, follow along on the live streaming on their computers. Unfortunately, within a short time, due to sound problems, the hearing was postponed. Once the Covid19 issues are resolved, and in person public engagement meetings can be held, the process will resume.

 

In the meantime, we encourage everyone to get a copy of the LUB with its revisions and review ALL parts of it. Comments/concerns can be raised on any part as the entire document is up for review. Your input is valuable and necessary to develop an acceptable document.

 

Clearwater County Reserves 

At the May 26th Council meeting a statement of reserves was presented. There were 29 categories of reserves listed with year end balances for 2018 and 2019, along with projections for 2020, 2021, and 2022. As of December 31, 2018 there was $95,284,282 total reserves. An additional $6,998,086 was added in 2019 for a December 31, 2019 balance of $102,674,528. Categories of particular note are:

 

Category                 2018                2019               2020               2021                 2022 

1. Tax Rate
Stabilization     $12,000,000    $12,275,730   $12,127,240    $11,377,336      $11,377,336 

2. Nordegg
Development     $3,897,259      $3,047,782     $5,992,898      $8,654,798        $9,414,798
 
3. Fire
Facilities            $5,934,706      $2,301,156      $351,156        $201,156              $351,156

 

Questions: With significant amounts in tax rate stabilization is there a need for any taxes to increase? What are the plans to recoup some of the debt in Nordegg development costs? With the significant decrease in fire facilities reserves due to the recent/proposed builds at Leslieville and Condor, where will the money come from for Caroline or other areas if necessary?? 

 

Leslieville Public Works Building 

 Concerns still continue to be expressed on the size and scope of the proposed Leslieville Fire Hall. Plans have consistently been suggested to include either a 5 bay or 3 bay equipment area with complimentary staff space. A 5 bay apparatus area would incorporate 10,000sq. ft., a 3 bay area 6,000 sq. ft., and a two story staff area 6,000 sq. ft.. 

 

As mentioned in our April Beacon, County staff has admitted that a 5 bay facility is NOT needed, but no verified justification has been given for the necessity of the immense staff space for 11 “on call” local fire volunteers.

Recent research on Office Space Standards for employees suggested the following sized areas:

· Break area (11-20 staff): 120 sq. ft.

· Meeting and training room (20 staff): 215 sq. ft.

· Additional meeting room (20-24 staff): 480 sq. ft.

· Washroom, shower, change room (4 @ 58 sq. ft. ea.) 232 sq. ft.

· **Laundry room with 2 washers and 2 dryers 120 sq. ft.

· **Overnight accommodation for 2 120 sq. ft.

· **Storage space (10 ft. X 20 ft.) 200 sq. ft.

TOTAL 1,487 sq. ft.

*** These 3 areas were not included in standard office space but estimates have been added to accommodate fire fighter needs. Also note that the first four standards above are for full time employees.

 

With these figures in mind, why is more than 4 times that amount of space necessary in the new proposed facility at Leslieville??? “Reasons” have suggested it is for training but that was provided at Condor. A second provision of that amount of space 11km. away is NOT NECESSARY. 

 

Financial reminders: The original 2018 budget for Leslieville was $2,157,938; the 2019 cost of the Condor facility was $4,303,000; and the now current proposal for Leslieville is $5,620,000 (2.6 times the original and $1,317,000 more than Condor.) How can the expansive plans for Leslieville be even remotely supported by a Council that has suggested they value fiscal responsibility?? 

 

SUMMER SMILES: 

 What did the pig say at the beach on a hot summer’s day?? I’m bacon.

Where do cows go on their summer vacation? Moo York. 

 

Coming Events: 

 Due to Covid19 the June meeting is cancelled. We’ll keep you posted about September. Have a great summerJJ