Financial Tools Infrastructure

Municipalities across the province are facing fiscal challenges keeping abreast with growth. Good and sustainable decision making requires prudent and discerning planning. We can endeavour to make the best decision we can based on the best data and plans we collect and develop; however, these decisions and plans mean nothing if the they are unable to be implemented.

To address this issue I wrote this resolution for Council's consideration.

Resolution to Address the Lack of Financial Tools Municipalities Have to Address Infrastructure Needs

Whereas Kindersley is a growing community with a growing commercial, industrial, retail, and residential base; and

Whereas the Town of Kindersley, having completed a number of assessments and plans including: infrastructure capacity assessment, long term financial plan, asset management, traffic study, landfill site assessment, and other planning tools like the new strategic plan, organizational effectiveness plan, culture and economic development plan, arts and recreation needs and operational assessment, as well as a new Official Community Plan and accompanying zoning by-laws; and

Whereas, based on the above assessments and plans, Kindersley’s growth may be compromised due to a lack of financial resources to sustainably support growth; and

Whereas the Town of Kindersley has identified as priority needs a new landfill site, a new sewage lagoon or treatment facility, new arts and recreation facilities to replace facilities almost 40 years old or facilities deemed unsafe or not cost effective and directed to be demolished; and

Whereas 130 urban municipalities are unable to accept or plan for new residents and new business because of a lack of resources to develop new infrastructure; and

Whereas infrastructure current funding available through the Build Canada Fund and matching funding from the Province of Saskatchewan are inadequate to address the immediate infrastructure needs of growing municipalities and regions; and

Whereas municipalities, especially towns, have limited revenue generating means; and

Whereas infrastructure funding by the federal and provincial governments are below the historical level in relation to GDP when most infrastructure was built.

Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Town of Kindersley strongly encourages the Government of the Province of Saskatchewan to amend current legislation and regulations to allow increased flexibility for borrowing monies to develop infrastructure. Items to amend include:

·         Increasing the amortization period for repayment;

·         Different considerations, or thresholds, for borrowing limits between those infrastructures that generate revenue and those that don’t;

·         Separating from municipal debt limit those infrastructures, such as utilities, that are self-sustaining; and

·         Provide approvals for increased debt limits for those municipalities who have developed asset management plans, infrastructure capacity plans, and long term financial plans;

And further be it resolved that the Government of the Province of Saskatchewan make such amends with all reasonable haste to facilitate ongoing and sustainable growth and competitiveness.

Photos

Photo by Jessica Pape

This past week Jessica Pape sent me some photos she took in and around Motherwell Reservoir. She has also given them to the Motherwell Walking Trail Committee.

Photo by Jessica Pape

Photo by Jessica Pape

Photo by Jessica Pape

Town Growth

This email crossed my desk August 26, 2014. 

"Good day gentlemen,
I'm contacting council today to ask all of you a question and am looking to have each individual email me separate responses.
In the attempt of educating myself and understanding the town of Kindersley operation I find myself coming back to the same question and am finding it difficult to answer myself so I'm looking for your assistance.
The question is improvement and growth in Kindersley and what has been the improvements and growth in the past 10 years. So now I ask can each of you give me a minimum of ten items that created improvement and growth in or community and how they have created improvement and growth. Excluding the water west project and roadways/sidewalks.
I appreciate your time and response"

 Response

Community growth is a multifaceted ongoing activity reflecting the confidence of a group of people living together. The question posed implies that municipal government is a driver of growth. I don’t think that municipal government activity drives growth or recession. Growth is the result of the decision of businesses, non-government organizations, and citizens, acting or reacting to their vision of the future. As a result, the growth that you see, or don’t think you see, is a result of everyone’s confidence and decisions about their individual life and life together with others.

New fire hydrant in Brookhollow Estates. Aug 27/14

Politics, at its fundamental level, is about discussing the question about what the good life is and how we live together.

What do municipal governments facilitate? There are 4 things municipal government facilitates: beauty, justice, fulfillment, and relationships. (as a note: I include economics under justice)

Beauty

Beauty isn't just about how aesthetically pleasing a community appears; though it is very important to live in a community that is inspirational. Beauty is also about hygiene: is the water, waste-water, and refuse treated appropriately so there are no health concerns?

New Bridge at Motherwell Reservoir. Sept 4/14

How our neighbours keep their yard, how our businesses and organizations keep their property are also beauty considerations. Beauty is the result of the collective effort, including establishing budget priorities, of people living together.

A jewel of Kindersley. Sept 4/14

The Town facilitates some of this but the appearance of the Town is fundamentally that of the community working together. So, if you are looking for signs of growth congratulate the Walking Trail Committee for the ongoing development of the Motherwell Reservoir Walking Trail, congratulate the Communities in Bloom committee for the ongoing work they do to beautify our Town including the new picnic spot at HWY #7 & HWY #21, thank Dean, the sponsor of the spray park, and congratulate Darren Olsen at Pharmasave for the renovations he is doing.

New picnic area HWY #21 & HWY #7. Sept 614

“Thank-you” also goes to the companies like CN who donate money for beautification such as a dog park or the company last year that donated money to plant trees around town. 

New exterior at Pharmasave. Sept 4/14

And let’s not forget Public Works and Parks for their work to keep everything clean and running. Ensuring the safe disposal of solid waste we are working with more than 20 other communities to build a new waste disposal site. As part of building the new facility we are assessing the current facility to transition it to a new purpose. Our lagoon is nearing capacity and we are starting the process to build a new facility to manage waste water.

New water pumps part of upgraded EK Water Line. June 24/13

We are also discerning how best to implement a new transportation plan, developing a culture and economic development plan, including the community initiative to build a new pool, gym, and arts centre.

Play Day at Kinder Kollege, Jan 28/14

Justice

At the municipal level justice is about upholding the other three pillars of community, such as homes being well-kept so there are no potential risks (falling buildings, mold, etc.) and conditions for rats like long grass, garbage lying about, and land use design. Justice is about sustainability: economic and social sustainability. Justice in the municipal context is also about enforcing federal and provincial regulations designed to ensure beauty, fulfillment, and relationships. As an example the National Building Code is enforced by the Town.

New Backwash Water pond supplying water for industrial use ensuring sustainability. Sept 4/14

Thank the COPPs for the dedication they make to ensure commercial and industrial doors are locked, that impaired drivers are identified and reported, and nuisance activity is reported or stopped. Thank our bylaw officer for having the ambition to become be a “Special Constable” to better serve the people of Kindersley.

Recently the Town adopted a new Official Community Plan that guides the relationships between different types of land use. To ensure that sustainable growth can be accommodated the Town is currently implementing our Asset Management Plan and Long Term Financial Plan which is built on the foundation of our infrastructure capacity assessment.

Fulfillment

I believe that everyone is searching for significance in their lives. As a result municipal government works with residents so there is appropriate space. As an example the WCEC contributes to people’s fulfillment by providing space for hockey, figure skating, yoga, boxing, walking, and more. Land is zoned so that industrial activity doesn’t interfere with residential living. Space is provided so that churches, mosques, and temples can be built. Further, parks are provided and commercial enterprises have space to flourish.

Joint Project Ducks Unlimited and Motherwell Walking Trail Committee. June 10/13

Gratitude needs to be extended to the West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre for their work to help people overcome their challenges and grow their capacity, thank Kindersley Minor Sports and their affiliated organizations and the countless volunteers who teach and coach so children, youth, and adults can continue to grow. Thank the churches and other civic groups that help people find meaning in their lives and allow them to contribute to Kindersley.

Air Cadets celebrated their 10th Anniversary this year. June 8/13

As part of the Town’s contribution to this process is the development, once a new Director of Community Services has been recruited, of a new Recreation Plan in conjunction with the culture plan currently under development. However, the success of these plans is dependent on community participation.

New retail businesses east of the C-Store. Sept 6/14

Another aspect of fulfillment is people's pursuit of their entrepreneurial goals. Recent examples include the expansion of a couple of local businesses who are constructing their own building, McDonalds' recent expansion, and the building of a new lot and building for a local car dealership not to mention Kindersley Mainline's expansion and Tisdale's renovation.

McDonalds new expansion. Sept 6/14

Relationships

Living together can be hard. The town frequently gets called to intervene in conflict between neighbours, and as a result bylaw becomes involved. Municipal government responsibility is to allow spaces for peoples to gather together for a host of reasons including: fellowship, learning, worship, and more. The Town facilitates space but civic groups and individuals can also create the space for gathering.  Most importantly, what goes on in the space is about relationships. How one land use, such as commercial, relates to another land use, residential, is important and good design is a part of that relationship.

Newmeyer infill development mixing downtown commercial and residential. Sept 4/14

How user groups, teams, and individuals relate to one another at the West Central Events Centre, Rotary Field, or any other facility, is the core of our community. Community is about relationships. Group 2, who completed the Phase 2 West Central Community Centre Needs and Operational Assessment, said that facilities influence our relationships.

RM of Kindersley working to build the parking lot at the fishing hole at Motherwell Reservoir. Sept 4/14

“Thank-you” to our emergency response personnel, to teachers for helping our children develop appropriate social skills, and for all of the volunteers who work together to make Kindersley a better place. Let’s not forget the restructuring of the schools by Sun West SD to allow greater investment in our children.

Installing infrastructure at Brookhollow Estates. Sept 4/14

 Conclusion

The Town of Kindersley doesn’t drive growth and it doesn’t cause retraction. The Town has a role to ensure growth is healthy and responsible and it has a role in ensuring sustainability. Here is a quick note: 130 municipalities have been told by the province that they can not have any new residences and commercial and industrial businesses because they don't have the infrastructure to support the growth. This is not the case in Kindersley.  Furthermore, the Town is but one component of our community. Kindersley is about us, you and me, working together creating a life for you, me, our neighbours, acquaintances, and friends. Kindersley is us working, playing, and creating together.

Moment with the Mayor: Water and Traffic

Hi Neighbours:

Recently Council turned down an industrial request for more water. Somehow some people have come to the conclusion that the Town has a water shortage. I want to assure you we do not have a water shortage. Further, we have enough water for the new developments that are taking shape. Let me clarify a little about the water. Currently our Haubrich Water Treatment Plant (WTP) runs at about 85% capacity. This means our staff our very diligent in watching water levels to ensure we have enough for all purposes including safety. The volume of water the Town receives is not a problem. The concern with the industrial request is that the flow rate requested would drain the system faster than it could be refilled. Water staff go in to work at 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM to ensure the water tower is filled and backwash (clean) the filters.

Once the backwash water resale program is fully implemented it will divert 18% water increasing the Haubrich WTP capacity. Further, we are looking at developing a mechanical waste water treatment plant with the intention of selling the discharge water for industrial purposes. This would also alleviate the burden on the Haubrich WTP.

On a different note: recently the Ministry of Highways recommended the Town limit access to HWT #7 to two points – one on the east side and one on the west side. Traffic Engineers from Associated Engineering have suggested something similar and have proposed a couple of options. The primary concern is safety but we also have to consider the effects on our local businesses, cost effectiveness, and traffic flow. Should Council accept the recommendations in principle then the Ministry of Highways will be facilitating a community meeting to discuss the traffic challenges. We have a traffic committee who are reviewing our traffic bylaws and other challenges such as truck parking; they should be reporting back to us at our next meeting.

Finally one more traffic note: one of the things Council is considering is removing the traffic light standards that are place downtown. The lights do not meet federal/provincial guidelines and the cost of replacing the current lights with compliant lights is approximately $1 million. The alternative is to have strategically placed “4-way Stops” downtown. This would be done to ensure safety and desirable traffic flow.

Please write or phone if you would like me to discuss a particular topic. If you have any questions or comments, drop me a line at the town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. You can also check out my blog at http://mayorjohn.blogspot.ca/. I appreciate your feedback.

HWY #7 & Ditson Road, Again

At what point does bad design end and bad decisions begin? Thankfully, to the best of my knowledge, no one was hurt but ...

Thanks to our CAO for the photos.

September 4, 2014

September 4, 2014

September 4, 2014

September 4, 2014

September 4, 2014

Motherwell Walking Trail Updates

This evening I was able to spend time with the Motherwell Walking Trail Committee. I was delighted to learn of some upcoming upgrades in the next few weeks.

• the parking lot is to be paved.
• this includes work donated by the RM of Kindersley to develop a proper base for the parking lot including a crown so water drains away
• thank you to the RM for their contribution

• bollards are to be installed to prevent vehicles, including ATVs, from accessing the walking trail.

• signs are to be installed indicating "No Unauthorized Vehicles Permitted"
• there is concern about the damage ATVs do to the land

• former Councillor Doug Elmhurst has donated 55 pictures taken during our four seasons to the committee

• new brochures are being developed and they will include some of Doug's photos.

• the committee has negatives of the dam being built
• does anybody know who can digitize negatives?

• the Committee is looking forward to working with the Wildlife Federation to develop the water so it can sustain fish life and build a pier

• the committee is still looking to aerate the water so the water quality can be improved to support fish

It was a good meeting and thank you to Ron Rogers and the Committee for inviting me.

Public Service Announcements: Health

Heartland Health was kind enough to send the office some advertisements of some workshops they are hosting. They are all important but I have to confess: the less I know the better. (you'll see which one I mean)

Information for Women About Incontinence and Vaginal Prolapse

PUBLIC EDUCATION SESSION -- VIA TELEHEALTH

Tuesday, September 16, 2014    7:00 to 8:00 pm

Contact your local Telehealth coordinator at 306-463-6150 ext 304  

or by email to adrienne.wendt@hrha.sk.ca to attend. 

RSVP by Friday Sept 12

October 2nd there is a forum Colorectal Cancer Detection and Prevention at 7:00 - 8:30 (this is the second leading cause of death by cancer). Call 306-463-6150 ext 304 by Sept 29 to RSVP.

And last but not least a Learning Series is being hosted by the Alzheimer Society starting Oct 7th over 4 consecutive Tuesdays from 7:00 - 9:00 via telehealth. To register call 306.463.1000 ext 304.

I hope this helps.

Spray Park Update

We got some bad news today regarding the spray park. The components were delayed enroute and it will set the project back by a week.

Water

It has been brought to my attention that there are some people who think the Town has a water shortage. The Town does not have a water shortage. We have sufficient water for all of our residential, commercial, and industrial needs; this includes the new developments coming on stream in the next year.

As a quick backgrounder: we pipe our water 55 kms from the South Saskatchewan River. It is pumped to Snipe Lake where it is stored in an underground reservoir and then pumped east to Eston and surrounding RMs and north to Kindersley and surrounding RMs. Our water is stored in a reservoir and then pumped from there to Kindersley where the Haubrich Water Treatment Plant processes the water and distributes to our neighbouring RMs on the water line and Kindersley. If I recall correctly water is pumped to Kindersley at 48 litres per second. The Haubrich Water Treatment Plant treats water at about 45 litres per second and then pumped to the Water Tower to be distributed in town. One of our operating procedures is if the stress on the Haubrich Water Treatment Plant is to high then the Haubrich Water Treatment Plant Manager calls industrial users and tells them to shut down.

The challenge that the Haubrich Water Treatment Plant faces is flow rate. For example: some users use a lot of water very quickly. The Haubrich Water Treatment Plant can only clean water at a certain rate. Thus if the Haubrich Water Treatment Plant can only process water at 45 litres per second, but some users want water at 60 - 90 litres per second, then there will be a problem in an hour. When water is consumed faster than it is produced the required water is drawn out of reserves; typically this is done during non peak times such as late in day and very early in the morning. Once the consumption is back to a level where production is greater than consumption, then the reserve is built up again. Kindersley has enough water, the challenge is some users draw water faster than it can be produced. We don't have a water shortage; it is a question of managing rates of consumption for sustainability.

We have taken steps to address our challenges:

• the backwash water project with Hollands; 
• once this project is fully implemented it will reduce demand on the Haubrich Water Treatment Plant about 15% or more.
• tiered water rates;
• a user pay philosophy to encourage conservation.
• developing a mechanical waste water treatment plant with a water product suitable for industrial purposes;
• this will reduce the amount of water treated by the Haubrich Water Treatment Plant.

We are looking ahead to ensure Kindersley is not one of the 130 communities around Saskatchewan that has been told by provincial authorities that our infrastructure cannot support any more growth. Recently I met a mayor whose community had to reject new housing and commercial and industrial development because their infrastructure could not support growth. Kindersley is in a good situation. Council and Admin are working together to implement our:

• Asset Management Plan
• 10 Year Capital Plan
• Infrastructure Needs Assessment
• Official Community Plan

We have the infrastructure to support growth but the real bottleneck holding up sustainable growth is housing. And, I want to assure you I am tired of saying this: "we are working on it."

One final note on this topic: last week I met with and gave a tour to a Ministry of Economy official about the growth in Kindersley. He too will now be helping us with housing in an indirect manner.

As Sir Isaiac Brock said: Surgite! (Onward)

September Schedule

This is my tentative schedule for September. Like the other months there will likely be changes.

September   2 – KHS NA briefing

September   2 – ALS Ice Bucket Challenge with Fire Chief Ron Hope

September   3 – Walking Trail Committee Meeting

September   5 – Mayor’s Hours

September   5 – KHS NA

September   8 – Great Plains College Welcome

September   8 – Great Plains College Luncheon

September   8 – Mayor’s Hours

September   8 – KHS NA Steering Committee Meeting

September   8 – Council Meeting

September 10 – Budget Meeting

September 12 – Mayor’s Hours

September 15 – Mayor’s Hours

September 15 – Joint Town & RM Council Meeting (tentative)

September 16 – HR Meeting

September 16 – Kramer Celebration

September 19 – Mayor’s Hours

September 22 – Mayor’s Hours

September 22 – Council Meeting

September 24 – WCMGC (Kindersley)
September 24 - Terri Clark Concert Volunteer

September 26 – Mayor’s Hours

September 26 – “Senses” Unleashed Dog Park Opening (tentative)

September 27 – Goose Festival Parade

September 29 – AON Reciprocal Symposium (SUMAssure in Banff – no charge to Town)

September 30 – AON Reciprocal Symposium (SUMAssure in Banff – no charge to Town)

October       1 – AON Reciprocal Symposium (SUMAssure in Banff – no charge to Town)

October       2 – AON Reciprocal Symposium (SUMAssure in Banff – no charge to Town)

October       3 – AON Reciprocal Symposium (SUMAssure in Banff – no charge to Town)