Notes from Council – Page 5 – Christopher Northcott

Notes from Council, March 31, 2023

Christopher Northcott on March 28, 2023

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

The Vulcan District Recreation Board now has a full complement of members-at-large. While I mentioned Josh Umscheid and Troy Dobson in a prior write-up, I want to thank Joanne Kettenbach for her willingness to serve on this board. The board has now met twice, being well-versed by Chris Gauthier, the Town of Vulcan’s Community Services Manager, on the programming that is offered. At our meetings we review these programs, including the demand for them, their revenue generating potential, as well as how much the County should contribute on behalf of our ratepayers. The Town of Vulcan is offering a lot of great programs within established budgetary constraints.

Notes from Council, February 28, 2023

Christopher Northcott on February 24, 2023

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

Applications remain open for the third member-at-large on the Vulcan District Recreation Board. Details can be found on my website as well as on the County website. Applicants must be resident within the district.

The first meeting of the Vulcan District Recreation board was on February 2^nd. Town of Vulcan Community Services Manager, Chris Gauthier, provided a budgetary overview of available programs. Given that the Summer Games are funded from a County-wide expense account, the proposed programming budget is very close to what the County is already estimating for the district. The new recreation board model allows County input from the rural ratepayers into what programs are funded by the recreation levy. This board will also advise County Council on joint use facility arrangements and capital purchases where fifty percent of the County funds come from the Vulcan district.

Notes from Council, January 30, 2023

Christopher Northcott on January 30, 2023

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

Vulcan County Council has appointed two new members-at-large for the Vulcan District Recreation Board. I want to thank Josh Umscheid and Troy Dobson for their willingness to serve in this capacity. A third position on the board remains open and County Council would like to fill it. If you live in the Vulcan Recreation District, the new recreation board consists of three Public Members who are resident in the district and will assist three councillors with reviewing the ongoing development of programs and funding supports. Further details, can be found on my own and on the County website, including the application: https://christophernorthcott.com/appointments-to-vulcan-district-recreation-board/ . The first meeting of the board is February 2^nd, 2023.

Notes from Council, December 31, 2022

Christopher Northcott on December 22, 2022

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

With drifting snow across County roads, grader operators are doing their best to respond to complaints in a timely manner and keep traffic moving. Please notify Operations if you require a road to be plowed or have noticed significant drifting. You can call 403-485-6090 and leave a message if it is not answered in person.

Notes from Council, November 30, 2022

Christopher Northcott on November 30, 2022

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

November is a busier month for County Council. In addition to the two regular meetings there is always the Rural Municipalities of Alberta conference and meetings to review the interim budget for the forthcoming new year. For 2023, the County is forecasting a significant increase in its linear taxable assessment and consideration is being given as to how this might lower certain tax rates. Decisions will be finalized come Spring.

The November 5^th fundraiser for the District 20 Fire Association was a great success, raising over twenty four thousand dollars for rural fire protection. Donations received toward the event were generous. Ryan Fleetwood was in fine form in his capacity as the auctioneer. Those in attendance—a full house despite the weather—enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the association members. Their support for the auction broke previous records by a wide margin.

Notes from Council, October 29, 2022

Christopher Northcott on October 30, 2022

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

On November 5^th the Champion Fire Association will be having their annual fundraiser at the Champion Community Hall. There are tickets still available. Beef and bison will be served. Ryan Fleetwood will auction a unique selection of items. It will be an enjoyable evening as we celebrate our rural fire protection service.

County Council will consider Second Reading of the Linear Tax Incentive Bylaw on November 2^nd. At the October 19^th meeting, I proposed a Notice of Motion outlining the reasons why Council should consider delaying this item until our Municipal Development Plan (MDP) has been updated. It includes a letter from Division 6 resident, Leslie Warren, as well as excerpts from the 2012 Vulcan County MDP, the 2021 Vulcan County and Village of Lomond Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP), and the 2021 M.D. of Pincher Creek MDP; you can find it on my website.