December Council Update

December is here!

It's hard to believe this is the last council update for the year.  So enjoy and have a Merry Christmas!

Best,
Tara

Council Meeting: Dec 9th

View Agenda and Public Hearing Agenda HERE

4a - Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative

• This was a presentation from the group ( a very cool conservation group - site -http://y2y.net/) that shared their concerns about the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan.  They highlighted their concerns that the regional plan being developed doesn't protect the eastern slopes.

5a - Road Closure

• This is in regards to a road allowance on our SW boundary near Jumping Pound.  The developer would like to close the road allowance so they could purchase it and bring it into their residential development.  As administration doesn't see a need for a road to ever be here, on the surface this makes sense.  The challenge is that this road allowance is used by some of our rural neighbors to access their lands.  So what we've done is postpone the first reading so that the developer and the rural neighbors and the town could sit down and have a discussion.  I think it can be worked out in a way that respects our neighbors.

5b - Change of Land Use

• Quick decision on this.  The developer along River Heights drive asked to change the land use of the first lot.  This lot has some utility connections and an emergency access through it as well as the big entrance sign.  The town will then own the site for a $1.  

7a - Public at Large Appointments

• Council appointment 3 members to the Cochrane Environmental Committee and 1 each to the Library Board and Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.  All of these committees are served by volunteers.

7b - CPC Motion re: The Willows Phase

• This led to a fun discussion.  The CPC (Cochrane Planning Commission) flagged a concern for council in regards to parking.  The Willows is a new development coming on board in Riversong.  Some 20+ townhomes will be facing onto Riverheights Drive and as the intention is that there will be no parking along the drive, their parking access with be through the back lane and they will have the 2 parking spots on their own property.  The difference is no immediate parking for extra vehicles or visitors along the street although there is street parking within easy walking distance.  This type of layout is new to Cochrane so there is some concern that this will lead to extra parking problems.  Staff has reviewed this and while new to Cochrane it works in other communities.  But this will be monitored and we may have to adapt if parking issues to appear.  I think as this is a new build and new owners will be buying into this situation by choice that the owners will be prepared to deal with a different type of parking situation if they need more than 2 spaces.

8a - Budget 2014 - Approval of the Budget

• This was the formal approval of the budget.  The budget was debated in November and the papers have reported on it but the highlights was that council cut @$200K and kept the 2014 tax increase to .34% which for the average homeowner will be 60 cents a month.  
• Some big changes to the budget was cutting money to save for transit, cutting support for some FCSS projects (FCSS van, community kitchen) and a cut to the SPUR funding.  This could be looked as a move away from supporting social projects and I hope it's not and more reflecting of a case by case decision.  
• The biggest issue I have with the budget is that council didn't approval a 1/2 bylaw position.  With the current 4 officers + staff sgt we're not able to get the evening and weekend coverage that we need and with traffic being a bigger issue and 2 new schools being built, I think this is a needed position.  I pushed for a full time officer to be added but lost out and not even the 1/2 bylaw position was added. Since the impact to add a needed full time bylaw officer works out to only 33 cents a month on the average tax bill, I think more people would prefer the extra officer than the 33 cents a month in their pocket.  Hopefully in spring budget adjustments this can be looked at again. 

9a - Motion on Notice - 

• This was a debate on returning council meetings to evenings that I brought forward.  My argument has always been that evening meetings best serve the needs of the public to attend and also best serve members of council - most of us have full time jobs.  The points on the other side is that it can be hard on staff and that having 1 council meeting during the day was better for some public members.  This passed 5-2 and council is returning to evening meetings in January.  Hopefully this is settled for 4 years!

10 - New Website Update

• Ta da! cochrane.ca has been updated.  The website looks to be much more functional and I really like the different engagement tools that allow residents to sign up for updates and the Let's Talk Cochrane.

And that's a wrap!
 

Traffic & Schools - Driving us crazy!

Recently, I've heard from more than one frustrated parent about traffic while picking up their kids at school.  In particular, concerns about how much worse having the new francophone school along Quigley is going to make things even more busy and potentially dangerous - for kids and drivers.

As part of the approval process for that school to be build (and the land is owned by the school board so it's their call) the province had to go through a development process that included a traffic impact study.  The study looked at the expected student size, student drop off / pick up, current use, crosswalks, usage, etc and determined that the traffic and "pedestrian networks" will continue to function.  The only change is to add another cross walk.  So in short, the traffic engineers say it'll work.  I don't think any of them live on Quigley. 

It's frustrating and as we grow, so will traffic, in all town areas.  Another reason why it's so important that people follow the rules.  Like not speeding.  Which is a consistent concern along that roadway in particular.  It's one of the reasons I pushed for another bylaw officer in this budget, but I wasn't able to get enough support.

What the community really needs to offset the pressure is other road access to West Valley/West Terrace.  The plan for that is to have access to the north across the tracks and connect with Horse Creek Road.  A good plan.  But an expensive one. 

The plan to put this crossing in play is another 4-5 years out.  This crossing is not only needed for vehicle use but I was disturbed to learn how many kids from Heritage Hills cross the highway and the tracks to get to school!

We need to speed this up.  But it's challenging.  Not only are railway crossings expensive but will involve working with CP Railway.  And not to say bad things about them, but we're not they're highest priority.  This is one of my priorities in this term.  To find a way to make this crossing happen sooner, rather than later.

As Cochrane grows, so will our traffic challenges.  That's one of the reasons that we're researching traffic in Cochrane and trying to come up with useful changes that we can make to improve traffic flow.  Traffic will never be perfect - but we can make getting around easier - and safer.

1st Week In!

Wow!



This is my first update since the election.  So thank you Cochrane for your confidence and I look forward to working for you again.

It's hard to explain what it means to me to be elected again.  When you're first elected, I always feel it's because people think you have good promise, but to be re-elected shows that your community feels that you've delivered. So as humbling as it was first being elected 6 years ago, it's even more so now.  Thank you Cochrane.

It's been a busy time since the election.  (And that's a nerve wracking day in itself!)  The new council participated in an orientation that helped our rookies get the basics and allowed us to start from the same page.  Having had some time to get the flavor of the new council, I must say I'm excited to see the next four years.

Monday night, Council was sworn in with a brief ceremony that includes an oath of office.  My family attended and my two year old made a lot of folks smile with his demands that his dad, "sit down!" and "shush".  It was nice to have them there.

After the ceremony there was a quick break and then council had our first meeting.  In this meeting council decided who was going to serve on which committees.  I'll be moving to work on the planning commission again, (I think this is like my 5th term since we moved here) and also on the Cochrane FCSS board, which I'm looking forward to as I've never worked with that board before.

Following that, we received the budget and the highlights are below.  There will be an open house on Nov 18th and Council will debate the budget on the 22nd and 23rd.

Questions or priorities for next years budget, please let me know - this is when your feedback is most valuable!

2014 Budget Summary


Cochrane Town Council’s inaugural meeting included a presentation on the draft 2014 budget.

The Town’s draft budget for 2014 is $39.9 million. Service levels are maintained from 2013, with a proposed property tax increase of 1.49%.

Proposed tax increase of 1.49% works out to $2.63 per on an average single family dwelling ($428,200 assessment).

User fee increases proposed:
• Wastewater consumption rate proposed increase 5.3% ($2.40 per month)
• Waste & Recycling Collection rate proposed increase 3.9% ($0.70 per month)
• Storm sewer rate increase of 3% ($0.11 per month)

The draft budget includes no increases to:
• Fire tax (even though Fire net cost of service increased by 4%)
• Sewer base rate
• Water consumption or base rate
• Eco Centre fees

Council will deliberate the budget at two special meetings in November: Friday November 22 and Saturday November 23, 8:30am - 4:30pm. As with all Council meetings, budget deliberations are held in Council Chambers, Cochrane RancheHouse and are open to the public.

Full budget documents are available on www.cochrane.ca/budget.

An open house is scheduled for Monday November 18, 6-8pm at the Cochrane RancheHouse where residents can get more information and give their feedback.

CEAC - Candidate Forum

Tonight the Cochrane Environmental Action Committee hosted a candidate forum and shared their video "When two worlds collide." 

Due to a work commitment at Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation I wasn't able to attend but I wanted to share the comments I'd prepared and shared with the organizers.  As is standard this year, candidates were given questions in advance to prepare for.  Here are my responses to two of the questions and I understand candidates had 5 minutes to respond.

Thanks CEAC for hosting this and sorry I couldn't attend.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Question 2:

How do you plan on addressing the necessary infrastructure changes (for example, increased water license, re-negotiated sewage pipeline to Calgary, provision for transit, improved wetland and riparian land conservation and management to protect against flooding, etc.) that will be required to support Cochrane’s growing population in an environmentally responsible manners?

With a growth rate of 4% Cochrane is growing swiftly and not only are we facing pressing demands due to growth but there are also key infrastructure needs to be met for our existing residents and communities. 

Our water supply is a key issue that needs to be addressed.  This is not an environmental issue alone, as some may identify it, but a basic human need.  Cochrane’s existing water license and water plant have the capacity to provide for a population of between 30,000 – 35,000 people, depending on water conservation.   

But while that population in Cochrane is probably at least a decade out, we need to start planning for the future now.  One of the pathways of the Cochrane Sustainability Plan, is that “we treat water as a precious resource.”  This is very true in southern Alberta.  Not enough people in Cochrane or in Alberta, realize how little water we actually have available in southern Alberta to provide to our fast growing populations. 

Part of the solution for Cochrane’s water supply is to look at purchasing additional water licenses or to look at partnering with the region, through the Calgary Regional Partnership, to access a regional water system that would give us access to water though Calgary’s large water license. 

Finding more water is part of the solution, but we also need to find ways to reduce our water use.  Cochrane has taken steps in this direction through initiatives like water meters, low flow toilets and the turf buy-back program; a program that encourages replacing high water use lawns with naturescaping solutions.  This program may be the first in Canada and I was pleased to champion it.  We need to continue with initiatives like this to encourage water conservation, but I would also like to see us looking at other options like grey water use.  Like in so many things, Cochrane can be a leader in finding solutions.

Protecting wetlands and riparian areas, where we can in our urban situation, is also key to protecting our water supply and Cochrane’s new Wetland policy takes strong steps forward in finding ways to do this.  

Of course our infrastructure needs are more demanding as our population grows, but that is one of the reasons why I’m against urban sprawl.  Not only is urban sprawl bad for the environment, permanently removing green spaces, valuable agriculture and riparian lands, but it’s financially expensive to service and maintain.

As water needs, sewer and transportation issues become more pressing, I will continue to look for solutions that will protect our natural resources and limit our impact while ensuring  that we not only have the resources we need today, but in the future.

 

Question 3:

How will you promote and encourage youth involvement in the sustainable development of the Cochrane community?

I am a passionate advocate for greater community engagement for all of our citizens, including our youth.   Just because you’re not 18 or don’t pay taxes, doesn’t mean that there isn’t a role for you in Cochrane’s decision making.  Better decisions are made when the community is involved.  I see involvement in the sustainable development of Cochrane as the same as engagement in all our town policy making.

My own political involvement began as an 8 year old gathering signatures to save our local pool and I was fortunate in my mentors when I became involved in politics at the age of 17.   It’s this life-long belief in youth engagement and my desire to support youth as I was supported, that drove my involvement with the Youth Task Force.  There were strong recommendations that came from the youth – and this was a youth driven and youth led task force – but the one that will have the greatest impact led to the Mayor’s Youth Council.  This youth council, which has representatives from the schools and other youth, meets on a regular basis with the Mayor to share information.  I fully expect the next mayor to see the value in this!

As an organization, we need to continue to expand on our outreach initiatives and communicate with people where they’re at.  Whether that is on social media, at the dog park or at our recreation facilities.  To connect with the youth, we need to listen to them on how they want to be engaged with and follow their direction.

On a personal level, I’ll continue the work that I do, in making myself available to the schools for meetings with students and in taking seriously the interactions that I have with youth.  It’s a great reflection on Cochrane that we have 2 youth candidates involved in this election.

CAMPAIGN QUESTIONS

Through the forums and newspapers, council candidates get asked a lot of questions.  These are my answers:

Campaign Question 2:

Why should I vote for you? (Seniors on the Bow forum.  90 sec response)

WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE FOR ME?  I always find this an awkward question to answer.  I could say experience. I could say my platform.  I could point out the achievements of the last 6 years.  I could say it’s my commitment to public engagement.

On Monday, I met with 4 of the grade 6 classes at Manachaban.  They asked a lot of good questions but I left them with one.  What makes a good politician?  Their teacher e-mailed me back their answers and they really inspired me.  I'll share the poem.

POLITICIAN

Politician
Open
Learn
Interested
Try
Intrigued
Care about the town
I help the town
Amazed
Never give up!

Why vote for me?    Vote for me because I commit to being the grade 6’s idea of a politician

CAMPAIGN QUESTIONS

Through the forums and newspapers, council candidates get asked a lot of questions.  These are my answers:

Campaign Question 1:

Who are you and why are you running?  (Question from the Seniors on the Bow Forum - 2 Min Response)

My name is Tara McFadden and I’ve been privileged to have worked for you on Town Council for 2 terms.  I also work full time for the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation.  I often say that I have the two best jobs in Cochrane because I get to work for causes that I believe in.  In my personal life, I’m a mother, wife and daughter.  And as much as I can, my spare time is spent on horse back

My reasons for running are the same as when I first ran.  It’s because of my family.  I want to be a part of ensuring that Cochrane remains a family orientated community with small town values and a high quality of life.  When I’m making my decisions, it’s from what I think is best for our families.

I’m running because I have goals I want to achieve.

I want Cochrane to be a leader in good governance and so I will continue to be a champion for POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY.  To govern well you have to communicate well.  As an organization, we’ve improved our public engagement but we can take it to the next step.  And we can do this through stronger communications that will demonstrate our commitment to transparency. We need to expand public involvement in our decision making, to find new ways like Citizen Juries to engage the silent majority and to communicate to people where they are.  Public engagement is one of my passions and it’s why I’ve created my own council updates that I e-mail out after ever council meeting to provide updates.  We need to make communications a priority and we need to reflect that in our organization.

I will continue to be a voice for Environmental Stewardship.  As a community, we value our environment and we need to ensure that as we grow, we conserve our green spaces and wetlands.  We need to promote Smart Growth because we all want to live in a community that is beautiful, safe, affordable and easy to get around.  And we need to manage our WATER RESPONSIBLY.  I was pleased to have been a leader in creating the Turf Buy Back program which is a Canada first in encouraging residents to replace their high water use lawns.

I will also be an advocate for strong FINANCIAL Management.  We need to keep our taxes affordable while providing the services that we need.  I am proud to have been part of creating the 10 Year Financial Plan which lays out our need list and our want lists, and creates a plan for how we can afford them.  And we need to attract businesses that benefit Cochrane, that not only balance the tax rate but provide meaningful employment.

And I will champion for our Recreation and Culture needs.  The new aquatic centre has been much discussed, and we can in a financially responsible way start construction on that in 2015.  We need to continue to support our Arts & Culture communities.  And we need to expand our pathways, to connect not only our communities but to connect to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park and the TransCanada Trail.

I’m running because I have dreams for Cochrane that I want to see filled.

From the Trail.... Oct 5th.

It's been a busy - but amazing week.

The week kicked off with a visit to the classroom on Monday.  I was invited to speak with the four of the grade

I spoke with four of the grade six classes at Manachaban on Monday.  It was a really good experience and the kids had good questions.  Like their parents, their was a lot of interest in the plans for the new pool but they also wanted some new stores and a new one - to expand the skate board park.

At the end of talk, I left them with a question, "What makes a good politician?"  On Tuesday, their teacher e-mailed them back the responses.  There were pages.  And one of the answers was a poem.  I've shared it:

POLITICIAN
Politician
Open
Learn
Interested
Try
Intrigued
Care about the town
I help the town
Amazed
Never give up!

Tuesday was door knocking after work.  (still have to do that)  And then preparing for Wednesday's forum at the Seniors on the Bow.  The forum was a good night, with 11 of the 13 candidates for council attending, all 3 mayor candidates and the school board trustee candidates.  I think they announced over 140 folks in attendance.

The rest of the week, when not working, has been door knocking.  And fixing the occasional sign that some miscreants feel the need to mess with.  It's been a great time meeting folks in Riverview and Sunset Heights. 

Tomorrow we have another forum. 

Sunday Forum:

Frank Wills:  7-9 PM

 

Hope to see you there!