Here are two of Chris Walker's interview clips from Cranbrook:
Councillor Shypitka and President of the Cranbrook and District Arts Council, Sioban Staplin discussing the 'Fire Hall'
Councillor Graham and Gerry Warner discussing 'Roads'
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
CBC at Max's
CBC Daybreak South made a stop in Cranbrook yesterday at Max's Place. Chris Walker and crew are in Invermere today.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Salmon gone from the Gallery
The next exhibit entitled 'Members Newest Work' will be going up this week.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
City of Cranbrook Budget Meeting Notes - March 4-2015
NOTES on the City of Cranbrook Budget Meeting - March 4, 2015
Absent: Isaac Hockley
CFO Charlotte Osborne guided City Council through the remaining items to be finalized in the budget.
- Road Program of $3,487,856 includes storm sewers and underground utility lines.
- The Irrigation Pump Station comes in at $1,750,000 and the City will apply for a Build Canada Grant for this project.
- Mayor Pratt asked that the two-tier system for Leisure & Recreational services be brought forward. After discussion it was agreed to drop the two-tier system of paying for these services. The loss of revenues would be $38,000 to the City. CAO Staudt indicated that the rates bylaw would need to be amended as the current payment schedule goes to 2016. Chris New will work on revising the rates schedule in order that Council could amend the bylaw at the earliest possible date. This could be by May 2015 or sooner.
- The tax levy increase could be brought down below 3% in 2015 by reducing the transfer to the Recapitalization Reserve by approximately $73,000. This would bring projected tax increases as follows: 2015 = 2.95%; 2016 = 4.88%; 2017 = 4.59%; 2018 = 4.16%; 2019 = 2.38%.
Carry Forwards:
- $150,000 for lights at the new Canadian Tire location
- $70,000 for the MCC study and funding will come from Sewer Fund Accumulated Surplus
- $49,000 land purchase comes out of Land Sales Reserve.
- $27,000 to replace the boiler at the Library, to come out of the Library Building Reserve.
- Idlewild Park Rehabilitation now estimated at $2.8 million versus $2 million. It is hoped the funds for this will all come from grants.)
- New equipment for pothole repairs created some discussion. CFO Osborne recommended putting it in the budget now. It can come to Council for approval after the research has been done. It is estimated to come in at $320,000 to $350,000 depending on the tenders received. This will be funded from Recapitalization Reserve.
Councillor Blissett queried whether another location could be identified for an outdoor rink, during the draw down of the reservoir at Idlewild Park as we will lose that skating rink capacity. Staff will look at an alternative location in town that would meet the public’s interim requirements for skating next year.
Reserve Funds for 2015 are projected at $18,508,281.
2014 Surplus Unrestricted Accumulated Surplus
General Fund $1,165,122 $6,171,272
Water Fund 534,371 2,033,933
Sewer Fund 205,330 1,679,367
Solid Waste 70,051 489,336
Airport 465,287 3,012,615
The Surplus figures total $15,826,684.
Staffing:
The City has 138 Full time staff, 15 Part-time staff, and 21 seasonal staff. The current cost of staffing is $12,582,604 from General Fund and $1,327,952 from Water, Sewer and Solid Waste. 2015 costs will require $12,835,160 and $1,360,429 respectively representing a 2% increase from the general fund and 2.4% from water, sewer and solid waste funds.
There were two Staffing Resources Requests:
- Reclassification of two positions from Truck Driver Labourer to Trades Assistant (Dept. of Public Works)
- Temporary Full-time position of Community Planner to be continued from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.
It was agreed to discuss these positions further at the next Council meeting during the Closed Session of Council, since it related to labour.
New Items:
“A” List items are:
- Key City Theatre - replacement building planning of $100,000 to come out of Surplus
- RCMP replacement building planning of $100,000 to come out of Surplus
- Master Municipal Plan of $11,666 to come out of Surplus
- Replacement of Arena floor covering for events of $70,000 to come out of Surplus
- Hydrant Testing of 600 units at $100,000 to come out of surplus
- The Water Fund will also contribute $11,667 towards the Municipal Master Plan that will come out of Surplus.
- The Sewer Fund will also contribute $11,667 to the MMP, to also come out of Surplus
“B” List items are:
Engineering:
- for a sidewalk in front of KIA of $30,000 to come out of DCC’s and contribution by KIA. This item was removed from the list and may be brought back in 2016.
Public Works:
- Mt. Baker Tourist Park entrance paving of $15,000 to come out of Surplus
- Mt. Baker Tourist Park washroom upgrades of $20,000 to come out of Surplus
- Elizabeth Lake washrooms at $60,000 to come out of Surplus
- Permanent Power Pedestals for Rotary Park at $25,000 to come out of Surplus
- City Hall parking lot at $60,000 to come out of Surplus
“C List items are:
- 134 - 11 Ave. S. rock retaining wall at $21,137 to come out of Surplus. Discussion ensued re expropriating the land with the rock wall to do the work. This item was removed from the list.
- UCT/ACT Park would like additional benches, and this would come out of Surplus.
A late item was added to the Budget Agenda. A motion was made to contribute $10,000 in support of Elkford’s deer translocation project. Other municipalities will have to come forward with some funding to support the cost of the whole project.
Councillor Cardozo thanked the Fire Department for fighting a recent blaze that affected relatives of hers.
Dear Government Spin Doctor, The Tyee
Dear Government Spin Doctor: A Journalist's Final Warning
One last shot at the tyranny of the talking point.
I know that your role, as a so-called communications professional, is to put the best spin on what the government is or isn't doing.
That means you often don't respond to the questions I ask; you help elected officials do the same thing; and you won't let me talk to those who have the answers.
While this may work out very well for you, it doesn't work out so well for my audience who, by the way, are taxpayers, voters and citizens.
So your refusal to provide me information is truly a refusal to provide the public with information.
One last shot at the tyranny of the talking point.
By Sean Holman, 23 Feb 2015, TheTyee.ca
Dear government spin doctor,
I am working on a story about how your job is helping to kill Canada's democracy.I know that your role, as a so-called communications professional, is to put the best spin on what the government is or isn't doing.
That means you often don't respond to the questions I ask; you help elected officials do the same thing; and you won't let me talk to those who have the answers.
While this may work out very well for you, it doesn't work out so well for my audience who, by the way, are taxpayers, voters and citizens.
So your refusal to provide me information is truly a refusal to provide the public with information.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Wayne Stetski Seeks NDP Nomination for Kootenay Columbia
On March 15th, I will be affirmed as the NDP candidate to run for MP in Kootenay Columbia. I am doing my part to ensure that the Harper Conservative government comes to an end at the next election.
Now, I know those sound like harsh words, and you know that I always try to be fair and measured in my approach. But Stephen Harper has inflicted such serious damage on our country that it is getting more and more difficult to recognize the Canada we know and love. He’s damaged our reputation on the international stage and he’s brought our record on protecting the lakes and rivers we love to a new low.
I may be fair and measured, but I am also resolute and determined. And I believe that this country and this area deserve so much better.
I believe that regardless of your partisan or political beliefs, people understand the vital importance of ensuring that citizens are fully represented. Since his election in 2011, the current MP David Wilks has said that he is not allowed to vote the way his constituents want him to in Parliament. He can only vote the way Stephen Harper tells him to, even when his constituents tell him that they strongly disagree.
I believe that democracy is poorly served by silencing a whole region in this way. I believe that the people of Kootenay Columbia deserve better.
We only get to choose one person to represent us in Parliament, and it is very important that we choose someone who will speak out loudly in the best interest of this area. And I am going to be that strong voice in Ottawa.
I want to invite you to join us at 1 PM on Sunday, March 15th at the Manual Training Centre to kick off my campaign. Everyone is welcome, you do not have to be a member of the NDP to attend, or to participate in the campaign.
I would also be happy to speak with you if you have questions; feel free to give me a call at 250 489 5047 or email me at wayne.stetski@gmail.com.
Wayne Stetski
Cranbrook BC
Cranbrook BC
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
City Budget Meeting March 4th
Special Council Meeting – 2015 – 2019 Five Year Financial Plan
MARCH 4, 2015
4:30 PM
Special meeting of Council is scheduled for budget discussions, as it pertains to the City of Cranbrook 2015 – 2019 Five Year Financial Plan.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 beginning at 4:30 pm in Council Chambers at City Hall.
The public is welcome to attend.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 beginning at 4:30 pm in Council Chambers at City Hall.
The public is welcome to attend.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Trans Canada Trail
The newly laid and compacted Trans Canada Trail, an extension of the Isadore Canyon trail east of town is a wonderful place for a not quite, spring walk. The trail is accessible from various places off the highway and in crossing the flat alkali areas of open meadow you may be lucky enough to see a Sagebrush Buttercup flowering among the cow patties.
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