These Open Houses are NOT Structured Meetings.
They are for Ratepayers to provide their feedback on what they think should be in the bylaw regarding some of the issues which had many folks who own properties and RV's very upset.
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
LSCA Announces July 27 2017 Council Meeting
LSCA Announces July 27 2017 Council Meeting
"Please be advised that the July 27, 2017 County Council Meeting will be held at the New County Administration Building (56521 Range Road 65) at 9:30 am."
From looking at their "LSAC July 27 2017 Agenda" and their "Project Status Updates" on the Administration Building, we the ratepayers still have not been told since May 26 2017,
Saturday, July 22, 2017
LAND USE BYLAW AMENDMENTS "REALLY???? MONTHS BEFORE AN ELECTION????"
Open Houses: July 30th 1-3 Gunn Hall and Aug. 30th 5-8 - Darwell Hall
LSARA Posted on June 23 2017
"WHAT THEY TOLD YOU THEN and WHAT THEY SAY NOW"
Then:
Bill Hegy, Lac Ste. Anne County mayor, said "council’s remaining agenda for its term is not so large that it requires additional Councillors".
“It’s not like we have been discussing things like we have in the past with the land use bylaw,” Hegy said.
Employee Benefits
Employee Benefits
When most of us consider what "perks" we may have with our employment, we may consider things like additional health care spending accounts, training allowances, coffee provided.
What most of us would not consider a "normal perk" would be for our employer to hire legal defense on our behalf due to assault!
LSAC Election Is Coming in October
We need to carefully consider how we, as Ratepayers wish to be represented.
If you are considering running in one of the seven divisions, you must complete a Registration of Notice of Intent to become a Candidate. This must take place prior to accepting funds or using for the purpose of campaigning.
Friday, July 21, 2017
YOUR VOICE DOES MATTER! WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
LSAC Backtracks on Tree Clearing on Agricultural Land
They say there was an error in the recent add that was placed for the Planning and Development Open Houses.
"There is no plan at this time to change any regulations in tree clearing. Please note that this reference was made in error. The County apologizes for the confusion this reference may have caused."
Thursday, July 20, 2017
LSAC Council and Administration to Take Possession of the New Administration Building
LSAC Council and Administration to Take Possession of the New Administration Building
Council and Administration has placed an announcement in the Lac Ste Anne Bulletin indicating their intent to move into the New Administration Building and open the doors to the Public on July 26th, 2017. As per the notification, all staff from Administration will not be available to the Public during the move while they vacate three offices. This brings forward a number of questions that LSARA had asked but has yet to receive a response.Monday, July 17, 2017
Landfill User Fee Update
So, you think that the debate surrounding the landfill user fees was over? Think again.
Recently, a County Ratepayer, one that
has paid their fee to use the landfill, observed a truck inside the Transfer
station on 777 or the Onoway location for those not familiar with the road
numbers.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
LSAC Council Approves New Boundaries
Thursday, July 6, 2017
ALBERTA MINISTERS in Premier Notleys NDP Cabinet Busy Looking for the Next Photo Opportunity
ALBERTA MINISTERS in Premier Notleys NDP Cabinet Busy Looking for the Next Photo Opportunity
Today, Onoway was host to not one, but two MINISTERS in Premier Notleys Cabinet. One, O'Neil Carlier is the Minister of Agriculture & Forestry. He is also the MLA for Whitecourt Ste Anne. The other is none other than Shaye Anderson, the MLA for Leduc-Beaumont and the Minister of Municipal Affairs.Wednesday, June 28, 2017
LSAC Council Meeting June 8 2017
LSAC Council Meeting June 8 2017
Periodically, when time permits, all Ratepayers that have the availability should attend a County Council meeting.
They are very revealing as to how the county is run and who is running it.
The Municipal Government Act is very detailed in the responsibilities with respect to Councillors and to the County Manager. Currently the County has a Total land area of 3,004.71 sq. km. with County roads: 1,263 mi. / 2,033 km that we are responsible to maintain.
Tax Time
Council and Administration told you that there is a zero percent increase in your taxes. That would not be the truth. If you compare last year to this year, you will see a slight increase in mill rates. What you may also see is a reduction in actual assessment.
Friday, June 23, 2017
Remember When
WHAT THEY TOLD YOU THEN and WHAT THEY SAY NOW
BY- ELECTION: We Asked For One! In a contested 3-2 vote, council decided not to hold the by-election, which would fill the seats for Division 4, Sangudo and Cherhill, and Division 5, Lac Ste. Anne South, in the county.
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Let the Campaigns Begin!
The first candidate has been declared and he is in Division 3, George Vaughan, a long time resident of Rich Valley will be filing seeking nomination in the 2017 County of Lac Ste Anne fall election.
LSARA
welcomes all those that will be seeking nominations to provide their names and
we will publish them.
Saturday, June 17, 2017
How Are Your Road Conditions
How Are Your Road Conditions
Those of you who live in Lac Ste Anne County may be aware there is a calcium program that you can "buy" the service from the County for dust control. The cost is $420 per 100 meters to the Ratepayers. This does not cover all the costs. There is the staking by the county staff prior, then the gravel, the grading, the water truck and then maintenance.Increasing Our LSAC Debt by Leaps and Bounds
"I have often pointed out the fate of the city of Mainz"
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Municipal Election 2017
The Municipal Government Act contains information to guide council with respect to their duties. Section 153 of the ACT specifically defines the General Duties of Council. We thought it prudent to identify these duties and attempt to speak to whether in our opinion, current council meets these guidelines.
Friday, June 2, 2017
What are Lac Ste. Anne County's CORE VALUES????
It's NOT too Late to CALL IN a Professional Geotechnical Engineering Firm such as this one to Assess the Damage, the Cause and Provide Recommendations for the Proper Solutions as an Unbiased Opinion of the Heaving Floor Issue !!!!
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
FLOOR HEAVING ISSUE COVER UP !!!!! THIRD PARTY INSPECTION MUST BE DEMANDED!!!!
Lac Ste. Anne County has no idea what the real cause of the Floor Heaving is and wants to settle the issue with a Quick Claim Cover Up!!!!
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Straight from the LSAC Web Site
The County's New Administrative Home
Lac Ste. Anne County Council acknowledged the need to build a new administration office. Since that time, Council and staff have been touring other municipal offices to learn what's worked and what hasn't. They listened to suggestions during those tours, hired experts to help guide the process, manage the project, and develop a design that meets the County's growing needs.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.
