Let's talk about the Public Notice that was placed by LSAC Council and Administration in the August 28, 2017 edition. In the notice, they indicate that there are two portions of land, SW-01-57-07W5 and NW 36-06-07W5M that they are considering a "SPECIAL DEAL" on.
They have quoted
Section 70 of the MGA without providing it to you.
Disposal of Land
70(1) If a municipality proposes to transfer or grant an
estate or interest in
(a) land for less than its market value, or
(b) a public park or recreation or exhibition grounds,
the proposal must be advertised.
(2) The proposal does not have to be advertised if the
estate or interest is
(a) to be used for the purposes of supplying a public
utility,
(b) transferred or granted under Division8 of Part 10
before the period of redemption under that Division, or
(c) to be used by a non profit organization as defined in
Section 241(f)
We think it's important you see the MGA reference I order
to understand how this all works.
Let's review a bit of history of the Sangudo Speedway.
The track was first built by Volunteers and opened in May of 1991. The
campground that is in the same area, was opened and run by the Lions. In 2007,
the Hamlet of Sangudo dissolved and became 'owned' by Lac Ste Anne County.
Literally, everything that was previously owned by the Hamlet, became County,
including the Speedway. Fast forward 10 years, the Speedway is still being run
by volunteers, however now some of those volunteers want to turn it into a "For profit" under their venture, "Doing it Right Track Promotions
Ltd".
Looking on Sangudo Speedway
Facebook page, the Track Director is listed as Nancy Herlien. Lists the track
as a "sports club, Edmonton, AB" Brad Ellis is also a track organizer,
volunteer. Best guess, as no information was supplied with respect
to"Doing it Right Track Promotions Ltd" and no information is readily
available , Nancy and Brad are involved in this company.
They were the
representatives that approached Council and Administration "requesting special
consideration".
They wish to turn Sangudo Speedway into "For Profit".
Their pitch was that they don't get the same volunteers every year so they have
to change up some documents for the current non profit. While we can all
appreciate the difficulty in attracting and maintaining a volunteer base, why
should this "COMPANY" be dollar dealt a lease on this land? Be able to collect
gate fees, concession, potentially camping fees?
Is Lac Ste Anne County running
a business by managing the County Assets for the greater good of ALL Ratepayers
or are they in the business of providing opportunities below fair market value?
The questions that come to mind are pretty straight
forward.
- What , (if anything) does the County currently charge for the use of the land, track, concession in question?
- Does the Sangudo Speedway "COST LSAC" money to operate and maintain currently?
- Who is "Doing it Right Track Promotions Ltd" and why should this Limited company be the beneficiary?
- How do all the volunteers feel that have put their time and efforts into the track see this virtually free lease?
- How long is this lease and what does "below fair market value " mean?
- What are the "TAX CONCESSIONS" ASSOCIATED WITH THIS "SPECIAL DEAL"?
Fair to say that if no one writes a letter or sends an
email, council and Administration will feel free to do as they see fit with
respect to "below market value".
At the end of the advertisement, it is indicated that written comments may be provided to
Attn: Trista Court,
General Manager of Community and Protective Services
PO Box 219
Sangudo, AB
T0E 2A0
Email : tcourt@LSAC.ca
You decide whether or not you feel Council and
Administration should be entering into these types of agreements. Just don't
wait. Deadline for all submissions, September 6, 2017 @ 4:30 PM
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