In Attendance: Mayor Glenn Taylor, Councillors Bill Bulger,  Ian Duncan, Stephen Mitchell, Jane Macridis, Dale Currie and Janice Callihoo.

Action Items:

Water fluoridation bylaw #230, presented by Councillor Bill Bulger:

The Town of Hinton has been fluoridating its drinking water since October, 1967. The decision to add fluoride to the drinking water was last considered and reviewed by council with the assistance of public input by means of a plebiscite question put to the electors in 1967. Councillor Bulger asked that the issue of fluoridated water for Hinton be re-examined. Bulger has been hearing from members of the community and feels the issue should be looked into further by way of public feedback. A motion was carried to seek public input into the fluoridation of the town’s water supply. 

Presentations:

Road conditions along Switzer Dr., presented by Dale Woloszyn, C.E.T. public works planning and project manager:

Due to increased heavy traffic usage along Switzer Dr. some sections specifically from Hardisty Ave. to Government Rd. have deteriorated to a point where significant transverse cracks and pot holes are appearing. Upgrades for this section of road are scheduled for 2013. 

Woloszyn reported that in 2010 several complaints were received concerning the smoothness of the road. During the winter of 2010, Woloszyn said that the road developed lots of  transverse cracks wherein they applied a program called spray patching to fill them. He said he firmly believes in spray patching fixes as long as the weather co-operates during the process.

Board and committee governance review, presented by Dan Pagely, director of community, corporate and protective services:

Pagely reported that council has recognized it is in the best interests of the community to establish Council Advisory Committees that represent the voice and will of the community through full and transparent public involvement, to ensure the goals and visions of the community are achieved for a sustainable future.

Bylaw #1065 (the previous committee model) had its third and final reading and the motion was defeated. Bylaw #1070 (transition committee plan) saw a motion for first and second reading carried by council.

Town administration commented, “The new model that administration is proposing continues to honour the original purpose of the review, yet provides for a transitional plan that recognizes the contribution of current committee members. The new model also provides greater clarity in the area of creating a framework to address emerging community issues, as well as prioritizing actions within the Community Sustainability Plan.”

Basis of a P3 partnership for new cinema and performing arts facility, presented by Bernie Kreiner, town manager:

Subject to public feedback, Kreiner recommended that council approve being the head lease holder in this P3 arrangement for a replacement cinema and performing arts facility.

Kreiner said, “Ultimately, this is a risk versus reward decision where the town is bearing risks traditionally born by private sector operators. The benefit is in achieving a project at a scale that would enhance Hinton as a regional centre and meet well the performing arts community’s needs.”  

Councillor Mitchell moved that council refer the matter to public feedback until the next regular town council meeting on Sept. 6. The motion was carried.

Treaty of friendship with Wanouchi, Japan, presented by Dan Pagely:

The mayor, town council chairman and assistant director of the Municipality of Wanouchi, Japan visited Hinton from Aug. 18 to 20. The mayor is proposed a Treaty of Friendship be signed during the visit. At the Aug. 9 Standing Committee meeting, council directed the proposed treaty be revised. That was done and the Japanese mayor reviewed and agreed to version two of the treaty. Endorsement of the Treaty of Friendship from council was required before the agreement could be signed. A Treaty of Friendship was formed with Hinton on Aug. 21, 1998 cementing a friendship on the basis of education.

Mayor Taylor moved to amend the treaty because of wording issues, and he felt it seemed too formal for a treaty. Council approved the amendment.

Edson Centennial Parade

Mayor Taylor suggested that Hinton enter a float into the Edson Centennial Parade noting that other municipalities actually enter into each other’s parades. He moved that Hinton enter a float into the Edson Parade on Sept. 24, 2011.  The motion was carried.

Report Period from Mayor, Council and Town Manager

Bernie Kreiner reminded council of the Hinton Community Garden Centre’s grand opening on Sept. 3.  On Aug. 30 there will be a community blood donor clinic, and Kreiner urged everyone to go out and give.