Council has directed administration to return by June 2019 with a draft implementation plan for the Tri-site concept that was presented Monday night. The advisory committee, comprised of members of the public, stakeholders and led by Coun. Susan Flowers, presented to council following their public reveal of how to plan and redevelop three key public service sites in Cochrane. "I would hate to see this sit on a shelf and gather dust," said Mayor Jeff Genung, with reference to his term on town council in the early 2000s when an arts/cultural centre was a hot topic. Fast forward to the end of 2018 and Genung said while he recognizes that it comes down to dollars and cents, the community needs a focused vision to work toward and rally behind and the time is now to figure out what would come first and the possibilities for private partnerships. "I think we really need to build something that we can rally around, that we're proud of as a community," said Genung, adding that he would look first to the build of the Seniors on the Bow Centre on the Fifth Avenue site, as well as the plans to expand the Boys and Girls Club. He also thinks the innovation centre/cultural hub/library on the existing library site is a good place to seek out potential grant dollars and be able to use the existing Community Revitalization Levy funds already secured by the town. The Fifth Avenue site could include a Cochrane Central Park and a flexible rodeo grounds, outdoor spaces, an outdoor amphitheatre, splash park and sports courts. The total number of buildings between the upper and lower benches is suggested at three, between three and five storeys in height and to include a seniors centre, seniors housing (possible home for the new Big Hill Lodge), an expanded youth centre, affordable/seniors housing, expanded social services, event centre and underground parking. The Esso Bulk site would include two buildings, two to four storeys in height, with town hall satellite offices, a transit hub, makerspace/art/artisan spaces. The existing library site would include opportunity for library expansion/inclusion of an integrated performing arts theatre and innovation hub, indoor/outdoor plaza spaces and opportunities for second-level housing. One of the biggest concerns brought up to date has been whether or not the sites can provide ample parking, as underground parking is a costly venture. The team said that more than 800 volunteer hours went into the plans, with multiple public engagement sessions and a public reveal that drew a turnout of 155 people. Learn more at letstalkcochrane.ca. Changing how the budget decided Coun. Pat Wilson gave notice of a motion he will be bringing forward in early 2019 – as he is looking to change how council votes on the budget in the years to come. "In the interest of increasing future transparency and public accountability, I move that administration be directed to implement a new council voting structure to future budgets. Namely, that all contested line items are formally voted upon and that the results of those votes are clearly displayed within the finished budget and on cochrane.ca alongside the posted budget." Wilson said he was prompted to bring the motion forward after being left with dissatisfaction over the 2.98 per cent tax hike, which he voted against. Pool subsidy Council approved an additional operating subsidy to the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre for $370,543 to cover the fiscal year deficit for July 31, 2018. The total $1.2 million shortfall for the facility, which includes the pool/curling club facilities, was projected earlier this fall. A year-end operating surplus of $393,000 is projected, primarily from supplementary property taxes, business licensing and franchise fee revenues exceeding budget. No break Two requests for tax penalty cancellations were refused by council on Monday night, on the basis that no exceptions are granted to residents who incur fines for late payments – regardless of the circumstances. Greg Keller requested a cancellation of $419.72 and Daniel Hasiuk requested one for $566.98. their reasons for request were not shared at council. Administration maintains that by granting either request, it "would open up the opportunity for all taxpayers receiving a penalty to come forward to council to ask for a cancellation of their penalty." Public appointees Several public-at-large members were appointed by council on Monday night. Lynda Gale and Stuart Ray to the assessment review board for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2019-Dec. 31, 2021. Deborah Spence to the Cochrane Planning Commission for the same length of term. David Helmer, Scott Shannon and Doug Townsend to the Subdivision and Appeal Board for the same length of term. Side yard setbacks Council voted to reverse the last council's decision to increase side yard setbacks in single-family residential areas. The setbacks were increased to 1.5 metres from 1.2 metres in an effort by the former council in an effort to increase space, provide more uniqueness in homes and improve street parking concerns. It was determined, through developer and builder-led presentations, that this intention was not happening and the the change would result in more costly homes that don't necessarily provide more square footage. Couns Marni Fedeyko and Morgan Nagel both voted in opposition – Nagel largely on the basis that he wanted to see larger lots and setbacks throughout town and Fedeyko on concerns over whether or not the reversal contributes to higher fire risks. While administration confirmed that the 1.2 metres met the requirements of the National Building Code, both opposing councillors were dubious that building closer together did not necessarily correlate to increased fire risks. Development Notification Signs Council gave the green light to new development notification signs in an effort to increase transparency and engagement.
