Find out what we have been up to! Find out where we are headed and join our Association. Lots of HOT TOPICS! Hope to see you all there. Please share.
Friday, May 26, 2017
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
Find out what we have been up to! Find out where we are headed and join our Association. Lots of HOT TOPICS! Hope to see you all there. Please share.
BUILDERS LIENS ON LSAC ADMINISTRATION BUILDING FLOOR HEAVING a "DISASTER"
BUILDERS LIENS ARE WHAT IS GOING TO CHAIN US UP IN COURT...
What builders liens you say? Well the ones that are registered on the New Administration Building!
Five of them that are noteworthy as they are NOT utility right of ways!
$2,415 owed for wages, $4,107 owed for wages, $6,540 owed for wages. Two for actual work done, $208,515 and an additional one for $173,568. The total of these liens is $395,055!!!
Thursday, May 25, 2017
WHATS IN IT FOR ME?
As our directors and executive of the Lac Ste Anne and Communities Ratepayers Association continue the work of growing our membership, one of the questions we get is "WHATS IN IT FOR ME?"
We really wanted to save that answer to share it with you at our next meeting on Saturday May 27th at 11 am at the Golden Age Hall in Darwell. We also realize that we have to dangle the carrot for those that are maybe not as informed as some others. If you've been with us for most of the journey, you know that LSARA has and continues to work very hard on behalf of YOU, the Ratepayers.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
INFORMATION and PRIVACY
Transparent - As an adjective has a number of definitions.
The first one describes allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen. The second one, identifies being open to public scrutiny.
On April 27th, LSARA sent an email to Council and Administration. The letter was based on requests for information on items that we have questions we have as an executive and additionally many Ratepayers have asked us.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
The Internet Highway of Information, The SUPERNET
The information superhighway is what we use to perform work
from a distance, communicate with our family and friends, stay abreast of the latest
news, play games and for social interaction. YOU as a Ratepayer have invested
many tax dollars into the Supernet.
Monday, May 22, 2017
LSARA Is Hosting Our Next Public Informational Meeting on May 27th in Darwell
Some of you may wonder what Lac Ste Anne & Communities Ratepayers Association has been up to. Some of you are maybe even wondering why you should join. Some of you have taken the time to maybe read our posts, the articles and attended a meeting. Some of you have put forward your $10 a person $20 per family to help us pay for the halls so we can keep you informed. To help pay for postage so we can continue to communicate with Council, Administration and the Municipal Government.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
CALL YOUR COUNCILLOR
Council and Administration is holding their regular scheduled meeting tomorrow morning. Some very troubling trends continue with administration and council.
Did anyone look on the Lac Ste Anne County website to see if the agenda was posted in a reasonable time frame prior to the meeting? I can tell you that LSARA directors were watching for it to appear. Finally this morning, (may have been last evening) the agenda is posted. So, as a Ratepayer, if there was an item you felt concerned with on the agenda, if it is only posted the day before, does this provide you the opportunity to arrange to attend? We think not. That is likely the reason, they don't want us there.
Saturday, May 6, 2017
What LSAC and Alberta Municipal Affairs Don't Want You To Know
What is In-Camera?
In-Camera is a term meaning “In Private”
It's Time the Ratepayers Demand Transparency
Remember people
"We are the ones that Pay for this Representation"
THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED FOR THE ISSUES THAT WE ALL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
Friday, April 28, 2017
Why you should consider joining the Lac Ste Anne and Communities Ratepayers Association.
Let's begin by thanking those of you who already have joined.
Have you noticed how we carefully chose our name? How we ensured that we included everyone that resides in the County of Lac Ste Anne as well as those that may own or rent property but not live full time ? We were very focused on ensuring that we leave no one behind that may have concerns, so we included everyone. If you are over the age of 18, we want you to become a member.April 27 2017 Lac Ste. Anne Council Meeting
Lac Ste. Anne Council Meeting Highlights April 27 2017
By Anita Blais LSARA Member
Once again, it was difficult to discern what was going on for a number of the agenda items. For both of the following agenda items, a member of council made a motion to go with “option 1”: a lease agreement with the George Pegg Bontanic Garden Society and a maintenance agreement with the Birchwood Estates Community Service Society.
Monday, April 17, 2017
LSAC Council Meeting April 13 2017
LSAC Council Meeting April 13 2017
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
LSAC Council Meeting
LSARA REMINDS YOU – LAC STE ANNE COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 13TH, 9:30 AM
Your attendance is very important as we believe as Ratepayers we have the want and the need to make change. Change begins with YOU. Being present is the first step.
Monday, April 10, 2017
RE-POST MARCH 26 2017
This is a re-post of our original Post of March 26 2017 of our concerns that will finally be discussed in LSAC Council Chambers on April 13 2017. LSAC Updated their Administration Building Project Status Updates on their Web Site after our Post on Friday April 7 2017. The Update to the Building is Back Dated As March 15, 2017 and Reads as Follows:
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Time To Bring the Hammer Down and Get Our House in Order!
Since our last meeting, our Annual General Meeting, LSARA executive and administration has been very busy. We filled some directors positions at the meeting and are now actively working on our membership drive. We have folks that are perusing documents for us to ensure that we aren’t missing anything. We have help for communication efforts.
FEAR and SILENCE Mayerthorpe Freelancer Article
Fear and Silence by Joseph Quigley of the Mayerthorpe Freelancer Hits Home Right Here in LSAC
This article is talking about the people who are afraid to voice their opinions.These people could be people who live in our County. They could be Ratepayers, Business Owners, Previous Councilors, County Administration or Staff. Their positions could be from the labor position all the way to the top chair, the President. All these people may have one thing in common. They may have very real concerns but for one reason or another they are afraid to voice their opinions.
Friday, April 7, 2017
RV Bylaw is a TRAILER WRECK
April 5th was the County Council Planning Commission Meeting held at Council chambers in Sangudo. Some of our members were able to attend and provide a report for the Ratepayers Association to publish.
In the Council Meeting, Council decided to Reduce the RV Permit Fee from $500.00 to Zero as a temporary solution to appease the Ratepayers until they have a chance to figure this mess out.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Mayerthorpe Freelancer Article LSARA Meeting
Ratepayers Dispute Rejected Petition
By Joseph Quigley Mayerthorpe FreelancerTuesday, April 4, 2017 9:50:29 MDT AM
The ratepayers of Lac Ste. Anne County are disputing the denial of their petition to have Alberta Municipal Affairs investigate their county government.
The Lac Ste. Anne Ratepayers Association (LSARA) presented to its members about the dispute during its annual general meeting on March 21.
The Lac Ste. Anne Ratepayers Association (LSARA) presented to its members about the dispute during its annual general meeting on March 21.
Barrhead Leader Article LASRA Meeting
Storm Brewing on the Lake
Tuesday, Apr 04, 2017 06:00 amBy: Rick De Vries Barrhead Leader
A petition filed with Municipal Affairs by residents of Lac Ste. Anne County has failed.
Concerned with decisions made by their elected officials, Lac Ste. Anne County Ratepayers Association (LSARA) president Christine Yeoman said the purpose of the petition had been to ask the ministry to perform an inquiry into the affairs of the county.
Monday, April 3, 2017
A LETTER to LSARA
A few weeks ago, Tuesday, March 22nd, 2017, I did something I’ve not done for a while. I attended a meeting!
Over the years I’ve endured tedious nit
picking, belligerent bellyaching and a variety of egotistical promotions and
promises. Now, at 76, I am more
particular about how I spend my time.
The couple of hours I spent at the A.G.M.
of LSARA held in the Gunn Community Hall was time well spent.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
LSAC Fails to do Their Due Diligence Again
LSAC IS OUT OF CONTROL
First LSAC Implements a User Fee and a Solid Waste Utility Bill in order to deal with complaints of the use of RV's as Accommodations in Residential Subdivisions which have Bylaws against such use with No Public Input.
Then with public outcry they realize that their plan for a cash cow turns out to have more implications and complications than they would of encountered by Enforcing their Bylaws in the First Place.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
County office completion pushed back
LSAC has had no updates This Year on their Web Site in regards to the Status of the Administration Building and the Costs to Date.
lsac.ca Administration Building Information
The 2017 Draft Budget that was Voted Unanimously to be Released for Public Input on February 23 2017 also Has Not Been Released.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
MUNICIPAL INSPECTION UNDERWAY
The provincial municipal inspection of Westlock County is finally underway.
Alberta Municipal Affairs has contracted Strategic Steps Inc. to conduct the inspection and the inspectors arrived at the county March 10.The public will be invited to speak with inspectors in person at drop-in interviews scheduled for April 11 between 2-5 p.m. at the county office. Those not able to attend can fill out an anonymous survey at StrategicSteps.ca until April 20.
LSARA Fourth Public Meeting Presentation
Ensure Our County is on the Right Path for the Immediate Future
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
STOP THE MADNESS STAND UP AND ATTEND TONIGHT!
45 % OF THE ELECTORS IN LAC STE. ANNE COUNTY ASKED ALBERTA MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS FOR AN INQUIRY OF LSAC
"When a petition is received, my ministry takes such matters very seriously, and our staff follow legislated processes to review those petitions. That has been the case and remains so with respect to your petition. We have also applied the same diligence in responding to your subsequent requests for further information about the petition."Sunday, March 19, 2017
Lac Ste. Anne County Targets RV Owners with Large Annual Fee
SMACKS OF NOTHING MORE THAN A "MONEY GRAB"
During the last week of February, 2017 approximately 300 Property Owners in Lac Ste. Anne County unexpectedly received letters from the Lac Ste. Anne County (LSAC) Administration notifying they would be required to apply for an RV authorization if; (1) parking an RV on vacant residential land, (2) parking more than 1 RV on a property with a residence, (3) having multiple RVs on site for more than 72 hours.
Friday, March 17, 2017
2013 LSAC Election Results In Perspective
WHY YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Many of us have found ourselves debating rising taxes, utility fees, permit fees, budgets, grants, and costs of all kinds. They can be confusing and others just make no sense at all. They are simply numbers and figures but are quite decisive regarding our future and the quality of life we can expect.Tuesday, March 14, 2017
THIS IS A MEETING THAT YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS GUNN HALL LAC STE. ANNE
LAC STE. ANNE COUNTY ACCOUNTABLE AND LISTEN TO THE
VOICE OF THE ELECTORS
IF YOU WANT CHANGE WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
MEETING AT GUNN HALL LAC STE. ANNE
MEETING AT GUNN HALL LAC STE. ANNE
ATTEND AND SHARE THIS PUBLIC MEETING WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Saturday, March 11, 2017
2017 LSAC Budget Presentation Draft
Council and Administration Say " 0% TAX INCREASE" It does NOT add Up!
"In 2016, a $1.1 million decrease in County non-residential revenue, primarily a result of losses in linear assessment led the County to a Property Tax Increase.""The current projection is that Lac Ste. Anne County will lose an additional $725,000 in non- residential revenue in 2017; a total of nearly 20 per cent in two years."
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Rural Governments out $18M in Property Taxes from Energy Companies
That Will Cause Municipalities to make some Difficult Choices
"They're going to have to make some future budget decisions based on the fact they just have reduced ability to collect,""Whether it's the oil and gas assessments that are dropping or real estate assessments are dropping, it's going to have us adjusting our tax rates, no doubt about it, or [adjusting] our service levels," Kemmere said.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
County Advances Zero per cent Tax Increase 2017 or Do They
LSARA IS WAITING PATIENTLY FOR THE LSAC DRAFT 2017 BUDGET
County Advances Zero per cent Tax Increase
View the Complete Article @ Mayerthorpe Freelancer.com
Lac Ste. Anne County is planning to proceed with a zero per cent municipal tax rate increase in its 2017 budget.
County council voted unanimously during its Feb. 23 regular meeting to approve publicly advertising its 2017 draft budget, which features a zero per cent municipal tax rate increase. There was no motion to finalize the draft version of the budget, which will come after the residents have a chance to respond to the draft.
Ross Haven to Terminate Fire Services with LSAC - County council gets first look at draft 2017 Budget
County council gets first look at draft budget: Lac Ste. Anne County administration presented council with a draft of the 2017 during the council meeting on Feb. 10 2017.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
No investigation into Chestermere city council
Is this a common occurrence?
Lac Ste. Anne Ratepayers Association is about to Find Out Why.
Stay Tuned for an Update to our Petition submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. It's Coming Soon!
Lac Ste. Anne Ratepayers Association is about to Find Out Why.
Stay Tuned for an Update to our Petition submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. It's Coming Soon!
"Since 2012, 19 municipalities have submitted similar petitions, with five of them leading to inquiries."
Thursday, February 16, 2017
New municipal affairs minister looks to soothe rural Alberta
New Updates to our "Petition Review" is almost done and will be Sent to the Minister for his Comments. Stay Tuned!
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Municipalities Request a Municipal Affairs Governance Review of LSAC
Alberta Municipal Affairs Stepping up in Lac Ste. Anne County
Municipal Affairs visits Mayerthorpe council
By Joseph Quigley
Mayerthorpe town council received a visit from a municipal dispute resolution manager from Alberta Municipal Affairs.
Last April, the urban municipalities, including Mayerthorpe, Onoway, Alberta Beach and the summer villages of Lac Ste. Anne County, requested that municipal affairs conduct a governance review of the county. But after the urban mayors of the county met with the previous municipal affairs minister Danielle Larivee, she said she could not initiate such a review on behalf of a neighbouring municipality.
County seeks answers on governance review request
County seeks answers on governance review request
Councillors Pat Hagman (left) and Glen Wilcox during Mayerthorpe Town Council on Nov. 14. During the meeting, council discussed a requested meeting by Lac Ste. Anne County to talk about the request Mayerthorpe and other urban municipalities made to the province to conduct a corporate and governance review of the county
By Joseph Quigley
Tuesday, November 22, 2016 4:19:25 MST PM
Lac Ste. Anne County is in dispute with its urban municipalities about whether a meeting regarding a prior request for a governance review of the County should be publicly accessible.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016 4:19:25 MST PM
Lac Ste. Anne County is in dispute with its urban municipalities about whether a meeting regarding a prior request for a governance review of the County should be publicly accessible.
LSAC 40 Page Full Color Magazine
For those of you that did not get a copy of this Lac Ste. Anne County Activity Report here it is.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Petition to the Minister Update History
Since submitting this latest Petition it seems inconceivable that over Sixteen (16) Months Later we are still waiting for the Names, Reasons and How "558 EXCLUDED ELECTORS" were removed from our 2543 Signatures on the Petition Submitted by` the Electorate of Lac Ste. Anne County by the Alberta Municipal Government Municipal Affairs.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
The Petition
The Petition to The Minister Of Municipal Affairs is the TOP DEAD CENTER of the Lac Ste. Anne Ratepayers Association Focus and our first most requested "HOT TOPIC" to be released.
With 2543 Signatures Submitted from the Electorate of Lac Ste. Anne County this is a Hot Topic that needed to be addressed as we feel the residents of Lac Ste. Anne County Deserve an explanation as to why our Alberta Municipal Affairs REFUSED the WISHES of the Electorate when we requested them to conduct an "Inquiry into the Affairs of the Municipality of Lac Ste. Anne County" as per Section 572 of the Municipal Government Act of Alberta Canada.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Who is Actually in Control
Alberta's 'revolving door' of municipal affairs ministers raises concern
Half-a-dozen people have been at the helm of municipal affairs portfoilio in the past 22 months
CBC News Posted: Oct 22, 2015 4:13 PM MT Last Updated: Oct 22, 2015 4:13 PM MT
"The province has now seen six different people at the head of the portfolio in the past 22 months.
Danielle Larivee, the MLA for Lesser Slave Lake, is the latest to take over the role, being appointed by Premier Rachel Notley."
Sturgeon County Listens to Their Ratepayers
STURGEON COUNTY COUNCIL LISTENS TO 200 COUNTY RATEPAYERS AND SAYS “You’re right, the process has to be slowed right down, and (we should) say no to deciding to build it right away,” he said, to applause.
SUREAL spokesperson Brian Reed questioned "“Why are we not firing those people who cannot do their jobs correctly and hiring people who are competent?” he said, to applause.
View Complete Article @ www.stalbertgazette.com
View Complete Article @ www.stalbertgazette.com
Is LSAC one of Canada's Fastest Growing Regions?
LSAC Administration Must Know Something That We Don't
"As one of Canada's fastest growing regions, Lac Ste. Anne County offers tremendous opportunities for career advancement."
Grow your Career at Lac Ste. Anne County
Category: Career Opportunities
As one of Canada's fastest growing regions, Lac Ste. Anne County offers tremendous opportunities for career advancement.
Monday, February 6, 2017
What is the Cost to the Ratepayers
AND HERE WE ARE!!!
'When somebody is in need, they need medical assistance. People don't really care which department responds'
By David Thurton, CBC News Posted: Jan 04, 2017 7:37 AM MT Last Updated: Jan 04, 2017 10:43 AM MT
Onoway Regional Fire Rescue Chief Dave Ives says his department and Lac St. Anne County need to work together to improve emergency response times. (CBC)
Sunday, February 5, 2017
LSAC Villages in Feud with County over Firefighting
AND WHERE ARE WE NOW
Firefighting dispute divides Alberta's Lac Ste. Anne County
What is a Hot Topic
At the Lac Ste. Anne and Communities Ratepayers Association we receive numerous notifications of how the residents of Lac Ste. Anne County feel about the many concerns that they have.
LSARA takes all their concerns seriously and deals with them as best as we can as an Association. At the top of the list are what we consider the "HOT TOPICS".
Third LSARA Open Public Meeting
PUBLIC MEETING SANGUDO
For All Those Who Missed Our Last Meeting
HERE IS WHAT WAS DISCUSSED
Sangudo January 24, 2017
Welcome to all of you to our Third open public meeting of the Lac Ste Anne and Communities Ratepayers Association. The previous two meetings have been held on the East end of the County so we wanted to ensure that we embraced our neighbors to the West and provide a brief of the same information we have provided previously.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
LSARA Informational Public Meetings
Lac Ste. Anne and Communities Ratepayers Association recently held our 3rd Public Informational Meeting introducing the Non Profit Association and Clarifying the Need for such an organization. This meeting was held in Sangudo at the Community Hall on January 24th.
The Purpose of these initial meetings was to determine if the Residents and Ratepayers of Lac Ste. Anne County and the surrounding Communities actually "Care" about what is happening in our County presently and the effects decisions of today have on our future.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Mayerthorpe Freelancer LSARA Sangudo Meeting
Ratepayers association pitches to Sangudo
Lac Ste. Anne Ratepayers Association president Chris Yeoman (right) speaks to a crowd of 42 people in Sangudo about what her executive is trying to achieve with the recently-formed society. Brad Javorsky, member of the executive of the association, sits beside her.
Lac Ste. Anne Ratepayers Association president Chris Yeoman (right) speaks to a crowd of 42 people in Sangudo about what her executive is trying to achieve with the recently-formed society. Brad Javorsky, member of the executive of the association, sits beside her.
Monday, January 30, 2017
MGA Review
The Municipal Government Act (MGA) is the law under which all Alberta municipalities are empowered to shape their communities. Learn about the review of the MGA and what we heard from Albertans during our consultation sessions and written input received.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
LSAC Boundary Changes
County Takes Next Step For
Boundary Changes
By Joseph Quigley
January 10 2017
Lac Ste. Anne County Councillor Lorne Olsvik said he supported making electoral boundary changes prior to the next election, before council voted to begin the process for new boundaries (Joseph Quigley | Mayerthorpe Freelancer).
