PART 1 LSAC "ACTIVITY REPORT" TIME FOR TRANSPARENCY

WHY IS OUR LSAC COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION COVERING UP THE FACTS WITH FLUFF!

The Ratepayers have our 6th Informational Public Meeting on August 21, 2017 and we have a LSAC Municipal Election on October 16, 2017. 

Now more than ever has it become "IMPERATIVE" that you the Ratepayers attend our next LSARA Meeting. Why you ask?

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Vote! Vote! Vote!

Vote!  Vote!  Vote!

It is nice to see that more individuals are interested in running for council.

In a time where a change in leadership is essential for the well-being of Lac Ste Anne County, it would be nice to have some more competition for those divisions where the current Councillor appears to be the only one in the running!

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Letter to LSARA

Letter to LSARA

August 7 2017

As there are two sides to every story, the same can be said of the current RV situation. In 2005, we were looking for a property that we could use recreationally and eventually build and retire on. Prior to the purchase of our property, I called the county and spoke with a development officer. I explained our intentions and was advised that it was fine as long as we were not running a campground. We proceeded with our purchase and developed the land. If only I could turn back time and ask for that in writing.

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Land Use Bylaw Proposed Amendments Summary

Land Use Bylaw Proposed Amendments Summary

Over a week has gone by since the Open House for the Proposed changes in our Land Use Bylaw. Lac Ste. Anne County has not published any information on their Web Site regarding the Summary of these changes. This was requested by LSARA prior to the first meeting that took place so we would have an opportunity to review and understand the proposed changes and share the information with the Ratepayers.

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LSARA Brings to You "MEET THE CANDIDATES"

LSARA is proud to present 

"MEET THE CANDIDATES"

As the Candidates submit their Bio's LSARA will add them to this Post to inform the Ratepayers who is running and what they stand for. If you are a Candidate please submit your Bio, Picture and which Zone you represent in a "Word File" by email to lsaracares@gmail.com and we will ensure to add it to our Post as they are received.

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Letter From Lessard Landing Resident

New slogan for the
County of Lac Ste. Anne

“We only want you to come for the weekend”

I know there has been much debate over the contentious RV issue within the County. But now the very way of life that many residents enjoy could be coming to an end with the proposed land use bylaw changes.

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LSAC Land Use Bylaw Amendments Open House Update

LSAC Land Use Bylaw Amendments Open House Update

Lac Ste Anne County hosted an open house on July 30th at the Gunn Hall. The purpose of the Open House was to promote open discussion on a possible ByLaw Change, specifically speaking to the RV Issues.

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Good Leaders Have Ideas - Great Leaders ask Questions Excellent Leaders Listen

What are the benefits of public participation?

Public participation is not simply a nice or necessary thing to do; it actually results in better outcomes and better governance. When done in a meaningful way, public participation will result in two significant benefits:

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Homeowner Billed $27,000 for Fire Service Charges after Home Fire

Homeowner fights over $27,000 in fire service charges after home destroyed

Article By Joseph Quigley Mayerthorpe Freelancer

Monday, July 31, 2017 

The owner of a house lost in a structure fire in the Summer Village of Silver Sands is protesting a $27,056 bill placed on her by the municipality for fire services.

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LSAC Open House at Gunn Today Sunday July 30 1-3 PM

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.

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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, 

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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LSAC Council Approves New Boundaries

County Council has approved new boundaries that will take effect for the municipal election being held in October this year.

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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. 

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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.

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Tax Time

For those residents that don't have a monthly withdrawal set up or haven't already paid their property taxes in Lac Ste Anne County, they are due on June 30th.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Increasing Our LSAC Debt by Leaps and Bounds

This excerpt was recently shared with me by one of our LSARA Directors. 

"I have often pointed out the fate of the city of Mainz"

They had their technological boom with the invention of the printing press there. The politicians couldn’t wait to spend tax money assuming the business cycle would never end. So they spend the money before the taxes were due and borrowed against future tax revenues. The debt quickly became a Ponzi scheme issuing new debt to pay off the old as we are doing today. The interest kept rising so they just raised taxes. The rich began to leave and the city was quickly left with the people who didn’t really pay taxes. The bubble burst when they could not sell the next new issue of debt to pay off the last one.

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Municipal Election 2017

As we approach the election slated for October 16th , 2017 in our County, LSARA is beginning to focus on those that may be contemplating running for council.

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.

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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 !!!!

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FLOOR HEAVING ISSUE COVER UP !!!!! THIRD PARTY INSPECTION MUST BE DEMANDED!!!!

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!!!!

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Straight from the LSAC Web Site

Administration Office Information

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.

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PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

Hurry UP! Don't be Late! LSARA Is holding a PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING at Darwell on Saturday May 27th, 2017 at the Darwell Centennial Hall in Darwell at 11 AM. 

 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.

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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!!! 

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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.

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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.

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The Internet Highway of Information, The SUPERNET

Everyday we see more and more people trying to work with their internet providers. The rural customers are paying for HIGH SPEED and in most situations getting NO SPEED! 

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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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.

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LSAC Council Meeting April 13 2017

LSAC Council Meeting April 13 2017

Thank you to all of those who took the time out of your day and attended the regular scheduled Council meeting on April 13, 2017 in Sangudo. We always want to ensure that we have a very strong presence at any council meetings and this one was very well attended. We also encourage those who did attend the meeting, comment on our web site with their views and comments in our Visitor Posts section.

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LSAC Council Meeting

LSARA REMINDS YOU – LAC STE ANNE COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 13^TH, 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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Mayerthorpe Freelancer Article LSARA Meeting

Ratepayers Dispute Rejected Petition

By Joseph Quigley Mayerthorpe Freelancer
Tuesday, 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.

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Barrhead Leader Article LASRA Meeting

Storm Brewing on the Lake

Tuesday, Apr 04, 2017 06:00 am
By: 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.

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A LETTER to LSARA

John Reynolds April 3 2017

A few weeks ago, Tuesday, March 22^nd, 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.

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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.

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