Councillors Bill Bulger, Ian Duncan, Stephen Mitchell, Jane Macridis and Janice Callihoo were in attendance.

Mayor Glenn Taylor officiated.

Delegations and presentations:

Hinton School of Dance presented by Tanya Shemanski and Tammy Powell.

The purpose of the presentation was to increase awareness about the school and how it contributes to Town Council’s 2011-2013 Strategic Plan. The school supports success in two of the key results areas:

1. Social well-being 

2. Community identity and image.

Hinton School of Dance’s prime service to Hinton is that it actively engages youth in the community by building confidence, self-esteem and team spirit while encouraging fitness and physical activity. The organization boasts a talented and certified faculty of five instructors which allows it to offer many dance disciplines such as ballet, jazz, tap, Irish, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, song and dance, and adult tap classes.

They represent Hinton nationally and internationally. In summer 2010, the senior students were invited to dance on Main Street USA at Disneyland and at California’s Adventure Park. Two of the school’s alumni recently auditioned for So You Think You Can Dance - Canada.

The school is planning to create dance programs to continue engaging local youth year round such as a summer dance camp for young kids in July. They also hope to expand programming to include Zumba (adult dance-fitness class) and Creative Movement (daytime programming for children four and under).

Action items:

Hinton Wood Products (West Fraser) recreation program request for partnership and funding, presented by Bernie Kreiner:

West Fraser (WF) is asking both the Town of Hinton and Yellowhead County to consider multi-year funding support for capital upgrade/replacement investments for their recreation program. They have simultaneously asked resource companies in the area for support of operating deficits, and received commitment from three companies in the coal sector to date. The recreation program involves approximately 350 campsite stalls in 16 locations, and 90 km in trails, mostly hiking. Usage of these recreation assets is approximately 20 per cent local (Hinton and nearby communities), 50 per cent Edmonton and area and 30 per cent other Albertan. Between $70,000 and $100,000 would ensure the assets are kept vibrant and decay/replacement is addressed.

Hinton Wood Products tax phase-in of sawmill upgrades, presented by Bernie Kreiner:

The recommendation is that council approve entering into an agreement with Hinton Wood Products for municipal property tax phase-in of $39 million capital investment in sawmill upgrades of machinery and equipment.

Kreiner stated that entering into this agreement is beneficial in Hinton’s support to Hinton Wood Products symbolically and perhaps economically, and any economic element helps the overall community in that it improves the long-term viability of this major in-town employer. This decision also follows a pattern of previous decisions made to support investments and renewals of the West Fraser forestry plant operations in Hinton. 

Motion was carried in favour.

Extension of completion date - Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre:

A recommendation was put to the Town of Hinton to extend the deadline to Oct. 31 for the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre upgrade under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program. It is also recommended that the town commits to finish the project on or before Oct. 31 and accept full responsibility for any costs incurred beyond that particular date. 

Motion was carried in favour.

Land use bylaw amendment #960-41:

This amendment request is for part of 131 Eaton Rd. (part of B 4, P 952 0513).

An application has been made to amend the land use bylaw for the development of single family residential lots and a low density, multi-family residential project. Re-districting is the first step in allowing a proposed subdivision to occur. Town administration supports in principle the proposed amendment to the land use bylaw. 

Formal adoption of landfill 2011 operating budget, presented by Dale Woloszyn:

The recommended budget was presented to the three councils for formal adoption. Significant changes included:

• $20,000 increased revenue projected as  per five dollar per tonne increase in  May of 2010.

• Decrease in operational expenses -   $45,000 operations contract effective   March 2011.

• Increase in tonnage by four per cent  from 2009 (increase revenue $28,000)

Community Sustainability Plan - Hinton and area:

About 25 organizations are listed as facilitating or implementing partners in the draft Community Sustainability Plan, and each is being asked to sign a partnership agreement by March 15. In May, council will see the final plan incorporating any Community Advisory Group supported feedback from the public.