TOWN OF HANNA
PUBLIC MEETING
Monday, June 21, 2010

MAYOR MARY COLLINS

 

► Good Evening & Welcome

► To begin, I would like to introduce my fellow Council Members
John Kaster Sami Kemaldean
Darcy Limpert Caroline Siverson
Larry Stickel

► Council approved the 2010 budget in April. The two major projects are the new Regional Community Services Centre and the Fire Hall & Training Centre. You will hear more about these projects from my fellow presenters, so I will not say anything more except that I am pleased that we were able to obtain grants and donations as well as partner with Special Areas to allow us to provide the citizens of Hanna and area with facilities that will be functional as well as beautiful.

Other Capital projects or purchases this year include

► Gas detectors for the fire department

► The Public Works Department has purchased a ¾ ton truck, trench packer, line painter and road repair material for public works.

► The final mural for the Nickelback mural project

►  Subdivision of land for the museum, ball diamonds and new fire hall in the East Industrial Subdivision.

►  Finalize the purchase of the Sunset Ridge subdivision west of Palliser Trail.

►  Acadia Foundation has started construction of the Hanna Seniors Lodge at 603 Palliser Trail. The Town has assisted in the development of this property by relocating power lines, installing water and sewer to the property line and establishing grade elevations. The remaining twenty four (24) acres of land will allow for future residential and commercial development.

►  The Community Center will get an upgrade of the sound system, as well as an upgrade to allow the building to be used as a reception centre in the event of an emergency.

►  You will have noticed that the former Parks Shop (which some of you will remember as the old Curling Rink) has been demolished. Once the new Fire Hall & Training Center is ready for occupancy, the Parks & Recreation Department will be moving in to the existing fire hall. A cold storage building was constructed earlier this year to accommodate the many items the department needs to operate.

►  The CN Station renovation will be completed this year. The basement of the building houses the controls for the new main sewage lift station which will allow for future development in Hanna. The main floor is our new Visitor Information Centre and will feature a model railroad display donated by Mr. Vic Mohl. We held the Grand Opening for the building on June 16 and it was wonderful to see many Hanna residents in attendance.

Some of the projects are subject to grant funding or donations, however Council has determined that they are all necessary and worthwhile.
Along with the above, the Town must budget for increased operating costs for items including power, gas, telephone, freight and fuel. Town Council has recognized the value of having experienced, dedicated employees.

Tax and Assessment Notices were mailed last week and so I want to touch on a couple of things.

►  Assessments are based on current market values, so our overall assessment values increased by approximately 23,640,000 (21,160,000 for residential and 2,480,000 for non-residential). The assessment figures are provided by a Calgary firm, Regional Assessment Management Systems. The local assessor is Barry Kautz and he can explain the change to your assessment if you contact him.

►  The mill rates decreased from 2009, so if you did not have an increase in assessment, your taxes would have decreased for 2010.

Utilities Bylaw

►  In March of this year, Council passed a bylaw to make property owners responsible for the utilities for their properties. The bylaw has a provision allowing the Owner to make application to have the utility bill mailed to the Tenant, however if the tenant does not keep the account current, the Owner is responsible for payment. The intent is to ensure that the general taxpayer is not picking up the costs for lost revenues.

Lions Hall

►  Council has had on going meetings with the Hanna Young Lions regarding their lease agreement for the meeting room at the Fire Hall. With the Parks & Recreation department moving into the building and the Fire Department moving out, the lease agreement needs to be reviewed. The Town had to provide the Lions with 180 days notice to terminate the current agreement and the notice was given in June. We will meet with the Lions in September regarding the future arrangements.

Demolition Incentive

►  Council has continued a policy started last year to provide property owners with financial assistance to encourage redevelopment of properties through the provision of a rebate intended to partially offset costs associated with the removal of a principal building on a property within the limits of the Town of Hanna. The incentive is $2,500 for residential properties and $4,000 for commercial properties.

Elections

►  Hard to believe it has been more than two and ½ years since this Council was sworn in to office. Nomination day is September 20 and Election Day is October 18, 2010. Watch the newsletters, website and the Hanna Herald for more information as the dates get closer.

Centennial Celebrations

►  The celebrations for Hanna’s 100 Anniversary will be held on the August long weekend in 2012. A public meeting for the Centennial Celebration Committee is set for Wednesday July 14 at 7:00 pm in the Community Center. If you want to be a part of the Committee or have an idea for the celebrations, please be at the meeting or contact the Town Office.

Hanna continues to strive be a progressive community that is “Worth the Drive”.