VOLUNTEERS OF DISTINCTION: A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Mayor Christie addresses the various civic and commission board members at the event.

Mayor Steve Christie and Council members were in attendance at the Anna Maria’s Coffee Bar in the LMC on May 23 to honour and personally thank all civic board and commission members for their dedication and commitment to the City of Lacombe.

Councillors Kite, Bouwsema, Foster and Konnik take in the proceedings.

 "Our boards and commissions volunteers are one of our most valuable resources," said Mayor Christie. "I cannot say enough about the great people who give of themselves willingly, and who work hard with City staff for the betterment of our community."

Mayor Christie presents an award to retiring commission member Ed Koberstein.

 The celebrations included a special presentation by Mayor Christie to recognize the service of retiring board members. The retirees included:

Denise Orr
Civic Member
Arts Endowment Fund Committee
January 2006 – December 2011
Art Collection Selection Panel
Jan 2008 – December 2011

Troy Rider
Civic Member
Lacombe & District Recreation, Parks And Culture Board

Shelley Cota
Civic Member
Lacombe & District Recreation, Parks And Culture Board
March 2007 – December 2011

Ed Koberstein
Civic Member
City of Lacombe Police Commission
January 2008 – December 2011

Joyce VanSheik
Civic Member
Lacombe Library Board

Peg Benoit from Anna Maria's Cafe and her staff serve up some great food..

The event participants also enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and refreshments provided by the staff at Anna Maria's Coffee Bar.

Check out more picture on our Facebook Page: facebook.com/CityofLacombe.

Regular Council Meetings Highlights: May 14, 2012

Financial Services

2012 Property Tax Rate

Council adopted the proposed budget adjustment of $5,000 for special events to the 2012 operating budget as presented. Council then gave second and third reading to Bylaw 376 as presented.

2012 First Quarter Financial Report

Council passed a resolution to accept the first quarter financial report as presented.

Cemetery Services

Cemetery Bylaw and Policies

Council passed a resolution to approve the following policies – as amended – for immediate implementation:

·         Monument/Niche Plaques #56/171.03 (10PO)

·         Cemetery Fees Schedule.

Land Use Planning and Land Development

Land Use Bylaw Amendment 300.67

Council gave first reading to Bylaw 300.67, a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 300 by revising language regarding the security requirements for landscaping for developments not requiring a Development Agreement.

Council also directed Administration to hold a public hearing on June 11, 2012 at 6:30pm in the Council Chambers to consider Bylaw 300.67.

Community and Economic Development

City of Lacombe Parade Float

Council passed a resolution to approve City participation in all parades as identified, and to assign Council members to attend the various parades.

A major highlight for this year involves the City successful securing a spot (one of fifteen applicants accepted) in the Calgary Centennial Stampede Parade. The Calgary Stampede Parade draws between 400,000 – 500,000 people on site and over 2 million television viewers.

Council also directed Administration to make necessary preparations to facilitate attendance at each event.

Council and Legislative

Coffee with Council

Council accepted as information as presented the resident feedback and administrative follow up summary from the Spring Coffee with Council session.

As well, Council passed a resolution to hold the 2013 Spring Coffee with Council Session in early March to avoid conflicts with other community events.

Reports

Council and Administration reports were received as information.

Council moved In Camera to discuss a land and a legal matter.

Council went back into Open Meeting.

*The next scheduled Regular Council Meeting will be on May 28, 2012 at 5 p.m.

*The next scheduled Regular Council Meeting will be on June 11, 2012 at 5 p.m.

City Parks & Facilities Manager wins Operator of the Year Award

AARFP Past President Chris McKenna (left) congratulates  Parks and Facilities Manager Calvin Bennefield on his award.

We proud to announce that Calvin Bennefield recently was awarded the Bruce Fowlow Memorial Facility Operator of the Year Award at the 2012 Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel (AARFP) Conference, held from May 6 - 9 in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

This award is to recognize an individual member or members who are currently operating or managing a facility. Through their day to day actions, the award recipient shows leadership and commitment to recreation in their community.

Calvin addresses the AARFP conference in Fort McMurray.

 Calvin also received a Long Service Award for his membership with the association over the past 35 years (since its inception).

"It is only fitting that Calvin would be recognized at a provincial level for leadership while also enjoying the occasion of his 25th year with the City of Lacombe," said Community Services Director Brenda Vaughan. "Calvin’s unwavering commitment to community service combined with a keen willingness to seek out new ideas are key to ensure service to the public while keeping everyone safe."

"Calvin is certainly a worthy recipient and it is nice to see that his peers hold him in the same high esteem that we at the City of Lacombe do," said CAO Norma MacQuarrie. "Also noteworthy is the fact that Calvin has spent 25 out of his 35 years as a member of AARFP with the City of Lacombe."

The AARFP is a provincial organization dedicated to providing excellence in training and professional development for individuals involved in the operation of recreation facilities. The association is the major communication link between the Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel, members of the Association, government agencies and the communities they serve.

2012 Spring Coffee with Council best yet!

Council members and City staff  provide information and answer questions from residents at the Spring Coffee with Council session at the LMC.

The Spring Coffee with Council Session session, held at the Lacombe Memorial Centre on April 25, drew a record 60 engaged residents, who shared their issues, concerns and ideas with attendant council members.

"It is encouraging to see more people being engaged in the civic process," said Mayor Steve Christie. "We received a lot of good feedback from residents."

Mayor Steve Christie engages with a resident.

City managers were also on hand to share information and answer questions about civic initiatives.
The sessions provide Council with an opportunity to meet with residents in an informal setting, and gives residents a chance to meet and share a cup of coffee with their elected officials in-person and discuss whatever they want.

Feedback collected from the event will be presented for Council’s consideration at the May 14, 2012 Regular Council Meeting.

13th Annual Art Exhibit and Sale in Lacombe

Art lovers check out the offerings at the 13th Annual Art Exhibit and Sale, April20-22, 2012.

The Lacombe Memorial Centre was filled to the rafters with art, artists and greenery from Lacombe Florist & Gifts, as over 1600 people came through the doors to take in this year’s offerings. Many pieces of
purchased art work walked back out.

Councillor Wayne Rempel welcomes everyone to the event.

One of the highlights of the exhibit (thanks to Liquor Town & Lacombe Sobeys) was the Friday evening Wine & Cheese Reception and Designer Fashion Show. Onlookers enjoyed a glass of wine, and listened to talented musicians whilst viewing the artistic and creative fashion designs of Patricia Glanville from Square Root Architecture.  Bladez Hair Co. assisted the models in looking their best while To The Nines took care of their accessories.

Local models show off Patricia Glanville's fashion designs.

Saturday’s events included the Lettering Arts Guild Zentangular demonstration, while the Central Alberta Quilters sold raffle tickets and stirred up interest for those wishing to join their organization after viewing their exhibits. As well, nine writers from Lacombe Writers Group read to an appreciative crowd.

Artists took advantage of opportunity to showcase their best work before an
appreciative audience. The creative talents of over 70 artists were on display, with
mediums varying from wood, clay, fibre art, jewellery, burlwood & stone, hand forged metal, photography, encaustics, etc.

Molly Siebenga, last year's grant award winner, showcased her latest creations at the event.

 Our featured artist for 2012 was Marcia Schmidt of Westerose, Alberta. She gave three presentations throughout the weekend,  including “Straight Lines, Stick Men and a Bit about Me”.

2012 Featured Artist Marcia Schmidt (centre) getting set for a painting demonstration at the event.

 Nora Saar from Big Valley won Marcia’s Door Prize: A Good Man-Darin’ is hard to find.

Emily Birtwell, AES Entertainment Coordinator recruited local musicians Stephen Cregg, Rebecca Epp, Lann Lieurance, Melissa Loeppky, Robert Wilkes along with the Butcher Family, Catherine, Julia & Lydia to serenade the audience.

A family affair.

Two student artists were awarded with $250 grants.  Kelsy Badari from Ponoka (Man Escaping from Mirror) & Kayla Gremlich from Bashaw (Lion Scratch Art).

Haley Wasdal (centre) winner of the $1200 grant, with LEAC Chair Shirley Flinn (left) and Councillor Outi Kite.

The Gourmet Café was a big hit with many of the artists, volunteers and general public.  Peg Benoit created quiches, Asian and Greek platters that had vegetarian options for those hungry for more than art & music. Global Koffee & Teez sponsored the artists’ coffees.

Volunteers are the real heartbeat of this event. The Lacombe Arts Exhibit and Sale Committee would like to sincerely thank them for their invaluable contributions at the admission and information tables, and at the Gourmet Café.  We could not host this event without you! Peg Benoit from Anna Maria’s Cafe for donating 50 percent of the proceeds from the Gourmet Café to the Lacombe Arts Endowment Fund, and for providing such amazing food throughout the event.  Laverne Jones from Gallery on Main for her sponsorship, and all the area businesses who graciously put up our posters and cards to advertise the event. 

As well, many thanks go to our media partners, Sunny94 FM, Lacombe Globe  and CKUA Radio for doing their part to promote our event.

Artistic talent from across Central Alberta on display at the LMC.

 Lacombe is an amazingly rich cultural community, and we very much appreciate the support of all our volunteers, and all who attend the event and make it the success it is each and every year.

Check out more great photos from the event on our Facebook Page at facebook.com/City of Lacombe.

City Council gives first reading to 2012 tax rate bylaw

Municipal property taxes in Lacombe are proposed to increase an average of three per cent this year, following Council’s first reading of the 2012 municipal tax rate Bylaw 376 at the April 23, 2012 Regular Council meeting.

In addition to the proposed three percent municipal property tax increase, school taxes will increase an average of 7.22% for residential properties in Lacombe in 2012.

“By far the biggest percentage increase change is the school requisition,” said Corporate Services Director Michael Minchin. “As the result of a combination of rising equalized assessments and a freeze of the provincial school tax rate, the school portion on a typical home in Lacombe will increase by $44 from 2011 amounts.”

In addition to the school portion, most homeowners can expect to see an additional $63 on this year’s tax bill as a result of the three per cent tax rate increase which was included in the 2012 budget. Also, the Lacombe Foundation is seeking an additional $8,800 in 2012 from property owners. Homeowners will see an average increase of $1.00.

Combined, a typical home (assessed at $254,000) will see a total increase of $108 compared to last year.

In addition to the revenue raised by the 3% tax rate increase, the City’s new construction and growth is expected to generate an additional $209,000 in addition to the new growth revenue included in the 2012 budget estimates.

“The City had a very successful 2011 supplementary assessment which generated an additional $65,000 in new growth,” said Michael. “In total, the City saw new residential growth of 2.47 per cent and new commercial growth of 5.12 per cent (or 2.85 per cent total average growth) compared to budget estimate of 1.44 per cent.” 

This additional assessment helped offset part of the school tax increase for properties in Lacombe for 20212.

Bylaw 376 will be presented to Council for second and third reading at the May 14, 2012 Regular Council meeting.