It is hard to believe that it’s now a year since I took
office. It has been a generally satisfying year with significant positive changes
at town hall.
Staffing
In the first Quarter of 2013, Mr. Allen’s resignation facilitated
the promotion of Jon Wilsgard to the position of Chief Administration Officer. Jon
assumed both jobs as CAO and Corporate Officer thus eliminating one position. I
believe Jon is capable of becoming a first rate CAO.
Mr. Love and Mr. Smith also moved on to other communities
affording Mr Wilsgard the opportunity to restructure the management team. Mr
Love’s position, the manager of strategic initiatives, became redundant and he
will not be replaced. The Manager of Planning position remains vacant.
The much improved staff moral under this new management team
is palpable.
Economic development
The tripartite funding agreement for Golden Area Initiatives
(GAI) comes to an end today. The disfunctionality of the GAI was recognized by both the town and the regional district and a new model of
economic development needs to be established.
Bruce Fairley has stepped up to the plate and formed a
committee with a project-based focus to economic development. I support this
initiative and hope that in the New Year they can garner the support of the
other stakeholders.
Financial Reporting
Many improvements have been achieved by the Chief Financial
Officer in the timing and level of detail in the financial information that is
now available to council to make informed decisions, and to the public in the
5-year financial plan that was given first reading on December 17th,
months ahead of last year. There is still more work to be done to improve the
transparency of the information and the readability of the reports, but I am
confident that this will be achieved.
Planning Department
With the departure of Mr. Smith and in the absence of Mr.
Mirehouse the planning department is now staffed by 2
young and keen individuals whom I am hoping will present a friendly and
enthusiastic face to both new and existing businesses.
With the New Year comes new challenges and opportunities
New Building Canada Plan
Expected to be introduced in 2014, the New Building Canada
Plan is a 10-year federal grant program to help communities repair and rebuild
infrastructure. How this plan is managed and how the town finances its matching
contribution will be critical to its impact on the town. Chris Cochrane has
identified the infrastructure in most need of attention and the NCBP will allow
us to address a large portion of the town’s infrastructure deficit.
Borrowing Bylaw
Loan Authorization Bylaw 1326 2013 for $5 million to cover
the town’s portion of the New Building Canada Fund (NBCF) grant application was
given first, second and third reading at the council meeting on Dec. 3rd
2013. The town is awaiting provincial approval, expected to be received in
January 2014, before proceeding.
I am of the opinion that the town could and should fund its
portion of the NBCP by reallocation of future budgeted general capital
expenditure, an allocation of reserve funds, and/or reallocation of tax
revenues. Town staff will be evaluating these and other alternatives in the New
Year.
The borrowing bylaw will require approval from the
electorate, but council has not yet decided if it will use the alternative
approval process or go to referendum. I am totally against borrowing given the
current state of the town’s finances and will continue to challenge the
borrowing bylaw in 2014.
Zoning Bylaw
Reviewing sections of the zoning bylaw has been identified
as a priority for the planning department in 2014. I’m hopeful that the
significant barriers to development can be addressed and a made-in-Golden
solution to the parking issues can be achieved. Resolving these thorny issues
will be a test for the young planner in 2014.
Reserve Funds
The Finance department will undertake, as a strategic
priority in 2014, a review and rationalization of the Reserve Funds. It’s not
just about saving money for a rainy day, but about making the most out of the
money we have.
Municipal Election
2014 is Municipal Election year.
I hope everyone has a happy and prosperous New Year.
