A year from now Albertans will be immersed in municipal elections, a timeline recognized by Cochrane town council, as evidenced by some recent comments during a regular council meeting. The phrase “we have other priorities in our last year together,” in some form, was heard a few times.
Since no one elaborated on what their priorities might be, the question was put to them by The Eagle this week.
As it turned out, the question was timely for a couple other reasons as well: council is about to have a mini strategic planning session to collectivitly discuss what they want to accomplish during their last year, and they are also reviewing a closely related guiding document, the Municipal Development Plan – a process that’s been ongoing for some time.
So for Cochranites looking to get a head start on rating the candidates in the election, here are the priorities of each council member in their words, in the order they responded. (Morgan Nagel didn’t respond).
Susan Flowers
“I'm really disappointed that it's taken this long to get the Big Hill Lodge replacement going, but I'm hoping that we can do something to say it's on track.
The age friendly project is underway and it's going to be coming to council, so I'm hoping that we can set some real solid goals to move forward and make sure that Cochrane is good for all ages.
We want to get James Walker trail done. So we want to keep pushing that too.
And the environment, it would have been nice to have more of an impact on environmental issues and that's why I brought forward the notice of motion about collecting the composting from restaurants.
We had a meeting last night just to get caught up on all the information they've gathered from the community, the Municipal Development Plan, and we're really trying to raise the bar on what's expected of developers.
I'd like to see some kind of deal made with (Cochrane Society for Housing Options) to get something going on affordable housing before the end of this term.”
Marni Fedeyko:
“Work hard to regain public trust in every possible way through transparency, accountability, engagement, communication, and actually listening to constituents rather than telling them.
Fix deficiencies we know to be problematic such as Colt, development standards, long term financial stability, and not hearing what residents truly want from the community they live in.
Before another tax increase, have thorough comprehension of service delivery standards, Key Performance Indicators for each department, budget to audit actuals that align, remove any spending on ‘wants’ rather than needs, and have a very clear understanding of where and to whom tax dollars are actually being spent.”
Alex Reed
“I would like us to broaden the definition of the infrastructure we need that we can charge developers for.
Secondly I would like to get that Conservation Task Force I had previously put a notice of motion forward established and making some recommendations before the end of my term.
Thirdly I would like to explore some kind of revenue generating project that would lower the tax burden on our ratepayers.
And finally I would like to set up the next Town Council for success by establishing some things anyone might wish to know before considering to run for public office as a lessons learned. This is in advance of the Mayor’s initiative to have a mini strategic planning session with all of Council to determine our collective priorities.”
Patrick Wilson
“Financial Development Analysis Tools in place, to guide future Councils evaluation of new development proposals cost/benefit to current residents (The indispensable path to managed growth).
Outside revenue sources clearly identified – we can’t meet our residents’ capital project expectations without revenue sources, in addition to solvent development decisions.
Timely and budgeted completion of our many large projects under construction (1A, 22, James Walker Trail, many more) and those about to begin (Horse creek Sport park, TransCanada Trail, many more).”
Mayor Jeff Genung
“I'd say seniors and affordable housing. And I say those two together, I know they're separate.
I'm kind of cheating on you by saying those two in one, but it's a housing need we have.
Big Hill Lodge, obviously, that's kind of sputtering to the start line with provincial funding and it's not like there hasn't been work done on it. I'd like to see that break ground in the next year and same with an affordable housing project.
Identify lands and begin plans for the next rec centre in Cochrane. The pressures continue to mount on our existing site (the SLS Centre). We're hearing it from many user groups that they're running out of ice.
Improve COLT. We've heard from the public about its shortcomings. It has been overwhelmed with riders. So we've proven the need. Now we have to put a service in that suits the delivery expectations of Cochranites.
Really want to see James Walker Trail started. What can we do as a group other than encourage our administration to continue to make it a priority and ensure that it happens in the timeline that they're suggesting it can.
And at least have a skeleton plan for a new library that gives this group and our community some certainty on where, what it looks like, how big it needs to be.”
Genung was asked how confident he is in getting council to work as a team over their last 12 months together.
“I'm 100 per cent positive we're going be able to do it. It will it be seven out of seven, pulling in the same direction. And I really want to encourage my colleagues to put the small stuff between us that might exist aside. Cochrane needs us to focus on these priorities that you're interviewing us all on. And if we don't, then we should all be booted out next election.”
