NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012
New Fire Rescue Vehicle
Council met with our fire chief,
Ken Westwater to discuss the proposed new rescue vehicle. The existing rescue vehicle is nearing the
end of its lifespan, and the Hythe Fire Department will be fundraising for its
replacement. Council has voted to make a
$30,000 allocation for the replacement in its 2013 budget.
Bylaw Enforcement Contract
Council met with senior officials
from Grande Prairie
County to discuss the
bylaw enforcement contract. In the
upcoming year, we will be shifting some emphasis from traffic violations and
parking to bylaw enforcement, including unsightly premises and derelict
vehicles. If you have any complaints,
please feel free to stop by the Village Office, and pick up a complaint
form. Or, if you wish, you can use the
County website at www.countygp.ab.ca (online services) to report occurrences directly.
RCMP Statistical Report
In November Council met with our
Beaverlodge RCMP detachment commander, Mike Bennett, to policing in Hythe. Council reviewed a statistical report, and
there was some discussion about a cost-shared administrative position at the
detachment office which the Village supports.
Subdivision & Development Appeal Board
Council gave three readings to a
bylaw updating our Subdivision and Development Appeal Board bylaw.
Residential Use of Commercial Buildings
A bylaw has been prepared that
would add more flexibility regarding residential use of commercial
buildings. Presently, in the area zoned
the Primary Commercial district, only apartments and residences that are an
accessory use for this business are allowed.
Council is considering expanding the ability for residential use. A bylaw has been prepared, has been given
first reading at the December 10th Council meeting, and is
advertised in this issue. A public
hearing will be held at the January 14th Council meeting to obtain
public input on this matter.
Christmas Light Up Contest
Village Council will once again
be doing the judging for the Christmas Light Up contest. The judging will take place after 7:30 p.m.
on Monday, December 17, 2012.
Grant Application re sewer lines in Hythe
Council approved a grant
application for additional funding to replace more sewer lines in Hythe.
Public Works Operation
Council has been meeting with our
public works supervisor at every meeting to discuss operations. During the first weekend of December we had a
heavy snowfall, and we appreciate the extra hours our crew put in clearing
snow. We have put an additional article
in this Headliner edition to repeat some
points we made earlier snow removal, and add new information. There are some things that residents and
motorists are doing that interfere with the process.
Betty Atkinson replaces Judy Amendt
We bid farewell to Judy Amendt,
who worked at the Village Office for nine years. Judy has retired and we wish her all the best
for the future. Betty Atkinson has
replaced her, and we welcome Betty to our team.
Windrows Policy when plowing
In December, Council reviewed its
policy on leaving windrows in the streets when plowing snow. This practice makes it easier for us to get
more streets cleared more quickly, and then pick up the windrows when after
clearing is done. Council has directed
staff to ensure that windrows are only placed on streets that are wide enough
to accommodate them.
Hythe Headliner Changes
Changes are coming to the Hythe
Headliner. Editor Gisela Everton is
leaving at the end of December, 2012.
Council approved in principle a proposal from a new firm, Next Chapter
Publishing, to assume the publishing responsibilities for the Headliner. There will be some changes in format, but the
paper will continue to be distributed in mailboxes in Hythe and the northwest
part of the County as it has been in the past. The Headliner will continue to be published
once every two weeks. Council thanks
Gisela for her past eight years of service as Editor.
Next Council Meeting
Council will be meeting on
January 14th and 28th next month. Meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. Village Council and staff wish all our
businesses and residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
OCTOBER 2012
Highway
Twinning
MLA
Wayne Drysdale met with council to review some staging options for the highway
twinning of Highway 43. Council felt the
best option was to proceed with the four-lane between Beaverlodge and Hythe
once the other sections on the priority list are completed.
Fracking
The
province is actively looking for options for fracking that don’t include using
potable water. MLA Wayne Drysdale noted
that carbon capture and storage had great potential as the carbon dioxide that
was captured could be used for fracking material. Council had been involved with proposed
exploratory drilling near Hythe that contemplated using potable water. Fortunately, that project did not proceed.
GPREP –
Grande Prairie Regional Preparedness Program
Council agreed to authorize the City of
Grande Prairie to participate in an application for the iVUS – Integrating
Unmanned Vehicle Systems – into Alberta Emergency Management project.
Regional
Water Line
Council approved a motion that supports the County of Grande Prairie as the
managing partner for an application for funding a Water Feasibility Study with
priority to investigate the option of the Ksituan River as a raw water source
to serve the immediate needs of the Central Peace Region and focus on the Peace
River as a long-term regional raw water source for the South Peace Region.
ATCO
Franchise Fee
Council approved a motion to keep the ATCO Power Franchise at 5% for 2013
calendar year.
Assessors
– Chris Gardner and Karen Nunnweiler
County Assesors noted that municipal affairs audit the assessment records and
systems that the County uses, so there is a separate audit for most assessment
concerns. The assessors would encourage
rate payers to talk to them directly about any assessment concerns.
Next
Council Meeting Schedule
The
next Council meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 26, and Monday, December
10 in the Village Office.
Feel free to contact CAO Greg Gayton at the
Village Office if you have any questions in regards to these items.
AUG/SEP 2012
Auditors
Council has
been satisfied with the work of our audit firm; and after reviewing a tender
from them once again appointed MNP as auditors for 2012 and 2013 fiscal years.
Bike Helmets
Under the
Provincial Regulations children under 16 years of age are required to wear a
bike helmet when riding a bicycle.
Please ensure that your children abide by this law. It is for their safety and protection.
Surveillance System
The
Village is putting in a surveillance system at the compost/wood burning area by
the maintenance yard. There continues to
be abuse with the dumping of household refuse in the area. The use of surveillance video will hopefully
put an end to this practice.
Tree Cutting
Due to
the wind storms this August many of the older trees around the Village needed
to be trimmed or cut. Rick’s Tree
Removal was hired to help with the clean-up.
We are continuing to monitor our aging trees, especially on the
boulevards.
Medivac
Options
The
County of Lac La Biche is pursuing the option of having the Canadian Forces
Base at Namao selected as the medivac landing site for Edmonton, rather than
the international airport south of the city.
The Village has written a letter of support regarding this matter.
Options are needed in Edmonton once the municipal airport is shut down for air
ambulance.
AUMA
(Alberta Urban Municipalities Association) Conference
Councillors Cheryl Phillips and Carol Descoteaux along with CAO, Greg Gayton
attended the AUMA Conference in Edmonton on September 26-28.
Tax
Comparison
We have compiled a 2012 tax comparison from several communities in Northern
Alberta with approximately the same population and assessment base. If you are interested in viewing the
information you can stop at the Village Office.
Road Repairs
There are some road repairs being done around the Village. More work is scheduled for the spring.
Bylaw
Enforcement
Council will decide whether it is worth while to continue on with the County
Bylaw Enforcement contract. It is
currently under review.
Next Council
Meeting Schedule
The next
Council meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9, and Monday, October
22 in the Village Office.
Physicians’
Incentives
Council
agreed to purchase the existing doctor’s equipment from Dr. Langer for Hythe’s
new doctor, Dr. Dressler. Council also
agreed to some tax incentives for the Clinic in 2012. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Dressler to
our community and wish him a long and successful tenure at the Hythe Medical
Clinic.
Pet Owners
Council encourages residents who are dog owners to
purchase dog licenses from the Village Office.
$15 for a life time tag. If you
are a dog or cat owner be a responsible one and ensure that your pet isn't
annoying or disturbing your neighbours. And please don’t let your pet run at
large.
Road Repairs
Knelsen Rock Products will begin their contract
paving repairs within the Village on September 10. Cost of these 2012 repairs will be
$127,390. The reconstruction sites are
at the intersection of 104th
Street and 101st Avenue; 99th Street
and 101st Avenue; west of 104th Avenue
off 99th Street;
and West on 98th Street
to 102 Avenue.
Council is aware that some of the main roads are in need of repair. Reconstruction of pavement will be held off
until the sewer main replacement are complete as many of the main roads will
need to be torn up for these upgrades.
This is all part of a long-term plan for main replacement. In 2011 we completed phase two of this
ten-phase project. Public works staff are
doing some road patching with cold mix.
We are dedicating one day per week to this activity.
Compost and
Garden Waste
The Village provides a compost depot near the
public works shop for your use. Remember to take your bags and/or containers
with you after disposing of your compost.
There have been on going issues with people dumping garbage at the
site. This site is for compost and
garden waste only.
Industrial
Area
Council approved work on the industrial area road
to improve the ditches, tighten the shoulders on the road (99th Avenue) and do some graveling. $7,500.00 will be used for upgrades to the
ditches in 2012.
Next Council
Meeting Schedule
The next Council meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. on
Monday, September 10, and Monday, September 24 in the Village Office.
JUNE 2012 Quad Usage There is still some
concern regarding off-highway vehicles and dirt bike usage in the Village. Please see that they are not used within the
Village boundaries. Children should not
be riding quads or dirt bike unsupervised at any time. Council has been discussing the matter with
our bylaw enforcement service. Contact the Village Office about the procedure
to lodge a complaint if quads or dirt bikes are a nuisance to you.
SPPARC (South Peace
Physicians Attraction and Retention Committee)
Council
has agreed to participate in SPPARC on a cost sharing per capita basis. This
committee works towards finding and retaining physicians in our region.
Pet Owners
Council
is encourages residents who are dog owners to purchase dog licenses from the
Village Office. $15 for a life time
tag. If you are a dog or cat owner be a
responsible one and ensure that your pet isn't annoying or disturbing your
neighbours.
Road Repairs
Council
has accepted a tender from Knelsen Rock Products for paving repairs within the
Village. Cost of the 2012 repairs will
be $127,390.
Water Rationing
In
late May there was a shortage of water in the town reservoir which caused us to
dramatically lower pressure for houses on the municipal water system. We have since made some improvements to the
system increasing the flow into the reservoir.
The water system has been returned to full pressure. Thank you to those
affected for your understanding and patience during that time. Please continue water rationing as noted in
our advertisement.
Noxious Weeds
The Village of Hythe is working closely with the County’s agriculture
department to control noxious weeds in Hythe. If you see any noxious weeds in
the Village (for example, oxeye daisy, toadflax, common tansy, Canada thistle,
or scentless chamomile) please contact the Village office during office
hours. We will forward the information
onto the County’s weed inspectors. For more information on noxious weeds in Alberta, see the
government website at www.invasiveplants.ab.ca. Dandelions are not considered a noxious
weed.
Access Policy
Village Council passed a policy
regulating vehicle accesses on to streets and back alleys. Anyone wanting to construct a new access is
required to obtain Council permission. Council will consider the effects of the
proposed access on drainage and traffic safety, and the need for culverts. All costs associated with the construction of
an access are the landowner’s expense.
Copies of policy #32-01 are available at the Village Office.
Compost and Garden Waste
Please
do not throw your compost, garden waste, or other debris in the back alley
behind your property, even if it is an ‘emergency access only’ alley, or in
your household waste garbage containers.
The Village provides a compost depot near the public works shop for your
use. After disposing your garden waste remember to take your containers and
bags.
Summer Council Meeting
Schedule
The
summer Council meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, Monday, July
23 and Monday, August 13 in the Village
Office.
APRIL / MAY 2012
Pancake Supper Volunteer Recognition
Evening on April 18th, was a huge success. The largest attended event yet. Thanks to
FCSS and all who made the evening such a success. Audrey Crichton was the recipient of the Ken
Brandsater Memorial Volunteer of the Year award. Leaders of tomorrow awards
went to Hayden Hollowell, Nicole Jones, Steavie Lind and Nathan Paquette.
Spring Cleanup
Bins are
in place across from the Hythe Firehall for our annual spring cleanup. Please
use these bins properly. One bin is for
household garbage and the other for recyclable electronics. Metals and old appliances should be taken to
the metals bin at town shop yard.
Budget
2012
This
budget features:
support to community groups through direct grants and insurance coverage – recreation facilities, our library, the tourist booth
higher levels of service in public works operations (snow removal, road repair)
municipal tax increases based on mill rate – 0% residential, 0% commercial
increased support for providing quality water and sewer
increased levels of service in bylaw enforcement plus a commitment to working regionally – landfill, emergency services, weed control
Dog Owners
Council
is encouraging residents who are dog owners to purchase dog licenses from the
Village Office. $15 for a life time
tag. If you are a dog or cat owner be a
responsible one and ensure that your pet isn't annoying or disturbing your
neighbours.
Road Repairs
Public Works will be patching a lot of
the streets this summer. However, some
areas will not be extensively fixed as they will eventually be torn up for the
sewer rehabilitation program. Please be
patient with us as we endeavor to do what we can within the constraints of time
and budget. Some intersections will be totally repaved. Council will be reviewing paving tenders at
the May 28th council meeting. $137,000.00 has been allocated for
these repairs.
2011 Village Audit
The
2011 Audit was done by Meyers Norris and Penny and council moved to accept
their 2011 Financial Statements. Copies of the statements are available for
review at the Village Office.
Water Rationing
We
are experiencing a dry spring, and the well systems that service the municipal
systems have limited capacity. So we
will be enforcing restricted outdoor use of water, effective immediately. Properties with an even numbered address can
use water outdoors on even numbered days, and properties with odd-numbered
addresses can use water on odd numbered days.
Hours allowed for outdoor use are from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 8:00
p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the evening. Thank
you for your anticipated co-operation.
Compost and Garden Waste
Please
do not throw your compost, garden waste, or other debris in the back alley
behind your property, even if it is an ‘emergency access only’ alley. We provide a compost depot near the public
works shop for your use.
Next Council Meeting
The
next council meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. on May 28th and June 11th
in the Village Office.
MARCH 2012
Hythe Fire Department Our fire chief Ken
Westwater talked to council about the Fire Department’s proposed level of
service. He explained the training each
fire department member will strive for in terms of fire fighting, rescue
technical skills and incident command expertise. Council supports our volunteers as they
increase their level of expertise. Fundraising
plans are underway to help with the purchase of a new rescue vehicle for
Hythe.
Highway Banners
Council
approved the purchase of new “Welcome to Hythe” banners along the Highway. They were put up in time for the Bantam D
Provincials.
Bantam D Provincial
The
Bantam D Hockey Provincials were held in Hythe March 23-25, 2012. Council appreciates the work of all the many
volunteers who came together to make this a special event to host. A special thanks to those who worked so
diligently to make our guests feel welcome.
Safety Codes Inspection
The
County of Grande Prairie has assumed the role of
inspection services and they will be performing all safety code functions for
the Village. This includes building permits, electrical permits, plumbing and
gas. Contact information is available at
the Village Office.
New Councillor
Brian
Peterson was sworn in to the position of Councillor and welcomed to his first
council meeting on Monday, March 26, 2012.
We look forward to having Brian’s input on Village Council.
Pancake Supper
The
Volunteer Appreciation Pancake Supper will be held April 18th the
third Wednesday in April to coincide with Volunteer Week in Alberta.
The supper will be at the Hythe Legion.
Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
Next Council Meeting
March
council meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. on April 10th and April 23rd
in the Village Office.
FEBRUARY 2012
Hythe Fire Department Our fire chief advised
council that the Fire Department is doing strategic planning. Training is a high priority for them to
ensure fire fighter safety and accountability.
Hythe is proud of the caliber of our Volunteer Fire Department. They are looking for more volunteers.
County of Grande Prairie
Council
approved a motion to enter into an agreement with the County of Grande Prairie
for safety code services. The County
will provide accredited services for building permits and for plumbing and
electrical permits to the Village.
Recognition Supper
On
Friday, February 17th council presented retiring Sergeant Robert Finley
with a gift expressing appreciation to him for his years of service to the
community of Hythe.
Hythe Public Library
Council
approved the appointments of Terry Fisher and Marcy Mack to the Hythe Library
Board.
Pitch In Canada
Council
approved participating in the Pitch in Canada Program designed to encourage voluntary action to: keep communities clean and beautiful and restore and maintain a healthy environment. This program fits well with out "Spring Cleanup" during the month of May. Pancake Supper
The
pancake supper will be held April 18th the third Wednesday in April
to coincide with Volunteer Week in Alberta. The supper will be at the Hythe Legion. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
Bantam D Provincials
Council
approved sponsorship of $1500 towards the Bantam D Provincials which will be
hosted at the Hythe Area March 23-25. We
welcome having the Bantam D players and their families here for their games.
Skid Steer
The
purchase of a Volvo Skid Steer was approved by council. Funds from an insurance claim helped pay for
this purchase.
Resignation
Council accepted the resignation of Councillor Krista Olson. Thanks Krista for the contribution of your
time to help the Village by serving on Council.
Nomination Day
March 26,
2012 has been approved as Nomination Day.
If you are willing to serve on Hythe Council, feel free to stop by the
Village Office and find out what is involved.
Next Council Meeting
March
council meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. on March 12th and March 26th
in the Village Office.
JANUARY 2012
Physician Recruitment A delegation met with
council to express concern regarding doctor recruitment and replacement. Finding Physicians for rural areas has become
very challenging. A committee is being
formed to look into this problem.
Grande Spirit Foundation
Pioneer
Home has signed an agreement with the Grande Spirit Foundation regarding finance. This is a six month agreement and they trust
the transition will go well.
Hythe Grain Elevator
Demolition
is well under way and clean up is being down.
Plans are to have it all clean up by the end of February.
Home Support
Effective
January 1, 2012 Home Support is now available through the County of Grande Prairie. If you can utilize this service contact Molly
Weleski at the FCSS department at the County 780-532-9727.
Alberta Environment
Hythe
received a good review from Alberta Environment regarding the water works
system inspection Alberta Environment did in November 2011.
RCMP Clerk
Five
participating communities (Wembley, Beaverlodge, Horse
Lake, County of Grande Prairie
and Hythe) have been contributing to the salary of a RCMP Clerk at the
Beaverlodge Detachment to free up officers for their other duties. Council is
looking at continuing our contribution to this endeavor.
Next Council Meeting
The
next council meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. on February 13rd in the
Village Office.