Letter from Elvira Adams Whitecourt, AB

Letter from Elvira Adams Whitecourt, AB

August 26, 2017

To the LSAC Councillors: Matthew Ferris and LSARA

RE:  RV’s on Vacant Residential Land

We have owned a lot in the Lessard Lake Estates for over 30 years.  A little history – the county was pretty happy to see the lots in this subdivision sold (the initial developer went into receivership) after several years in limbo they would finally receive some tax revenue.  The lots were mostly treed and only had services to the lot.

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RV or NO RV Another type of "Recreational User"

Letter to LASRA

When we purchased our land in 2013 the owner  had 2 RVS parked on bare land.  I specifically asked him is this ok and he said oh it is fine but feel free to call the county. (Thank god) I did call the county and was told under no circumstances could we just park our RV there.  

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RV BYLAW OPEN HOUSE Wednesday August 30th 5-8 PM Darwell Hall

RV BYLAW OPEN HOUSE 

Almost a month has gone by since the Open House for the Proposed changes in our Land Use Bylaw. Lac Ste. Anne County has not published any new information on their Web Site regarding the Summary of these changes or a reminder of this "Open House".

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LSAC Now Wants to "STRAIGHT TALK"?

LSAC Now Wants to "STRAIGHT TALK"?

Lac Ste. Anne Ratepayers Association has been seeking Open and Transparent discussions and Information regarding LSAC Finances since our formation in 2016. We have been told if we 'WANT IT" we must "FOIP IT". So FOIP it we did and we are still waiting for it.

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WHAT ARE THE COUNCILLORS RESPONSIBILITIES

DUTIES OF A COUNCILLOR

Why is it important, as a Ratepayer, to fully understand the Duties of Councillors?

In order to fully understand what the "Duties Of The Councilors" are, one must refer to Alberta Municipal Government Act as the Act (MGA) which is the legislative framework in which all municipalities and municipal entities across the Province of Alberta operate.

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County Considers $1 lease on Sangudo Speedway

Brad Ellis (left) and Nancy Herelein of Doing it Right Track Promotions present at the Lac Ste. Anne County Council meeting on Aug. 10. The business seeks to take over the management and lease of the Sangudo Speedway (Joseph Quigley | Mayerthorpe Freelancer)

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LSARA MEETING ANOTHER GREAT TURNOUT!!!

LAC STE. ANNE COUNTY RATEPAYERS AGAIN SHOW 

 "THEY DO CARE" 

Approximately 93 LSAC Ratepayers attended LSARA's 6th meeting. We were very pleased to have 8 of the current 15 Candidates vying for your vote present at the meeting. 

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LSARA Meeting Today 7 pm August 21, 2017 at the Gunn Hall

Hurry UP! Don't be Late! LSARA Is holding a PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING in Gunn Today 7 pm August 21, 2017 at the Gunn Hall.

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. 

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Part 4 LSAC "ACTIVITY REPORT" TIME FOR TRANSPARENCY

Another Report To Compare

Once again , to keep the comparisons fair, we utilized the Lac Ste Anne Activity Report from 2011/2012 to compare the Planning & Development Report. Tanya Vanderwell was the Planning & Development Manager and had prepared the report for the 2011 calendar year. Tanya was Recognized in the 2016 LSAC Service Awards and was Congratulated for 15 years of service, hard work, and dedication. Tanya's report clearly followed the direction set forward by the County Manager at that time, Len Szybunka. 

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Part 3 LSAC "ACTIVITY REPORT" TIME FOR TRANSPARENCY

Here We Go Folks With Our Next Comparison

This time the focus is the County Managers Report. In 2011/2012 it was know as the County Managers Report. Now in 2016 it is reported as "Message from your CAO". 

Len Szybunka spent many years as the County Manager  not entirely sure why it is that the title had to change for the position. Does this make the position any more important?

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Part 2 LSAC "ACTIVITY REPORT" TIME FOR TRANSPARENCY

Fluff or Transparency – The Reeve Report

When determining whether an article is Fluff or actually transparent or an attempt at, it behooves the writer to provide some quantifying information on both. For the purpose of these articles, we utilized the 2011/2012 Activity Report as there are some clear distinctions between how things used to be reported vs how they are reported now.

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NEED MORE CASH NOW??? JUST BORROW IT!!!

County to Borrow $1.9 Million for Paving Project

Mayerthorpe Freelancer Article

County Manager Mike Primeau said:

“It frees up money because there's a lot of this road included in future years. By getting it off the books, it allows us to look at the capital road plan and move projects up,” Primeau said. 

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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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