Leslie’s council update — 6 February 2010
Hello everyone:
What a beautiful, sunny day! When you come back from skiing, remember to stop by the library -- they're celebrating their 60th anniversary this weekend, and there are snacks, fun activities and prizes.
A REMINDER ABOUT ACTION REQUESTS
I was chatting with someone the other day who wanted the Town to fix something, and I discovered he didn't know about the Action Request feature on the Town's website. So, although I've mentioned it before, I thought I'd take a moment to remind you about this great feature. On any page of the Town's website (www.banff.ca), you will see the words Action Request in black lettering on a white strip at the very top of the page. If your neighbourhood garbage can is full, your neighbour isn't clearing his/her sidewalk, or you want to find out who to talk to about your assessment, or you have any other request for service or information, just click on that link and fill out the form. You don't have to worry about which town department to send it to -- the person who receives your Action Request will make sure that it goes to the right person. And you'll get feedback about what action has been taken.
MONDAY COUNCIL MEETING
As usual, council will meet at 2 pm on Monday, and you're all welcome to come to any part of the meeting that may be of interest to you. You can see the entire package at this link:
It's a brief agenda. The two highlights are:
Operating and Capital Budget
Council is being asked to give final approval to the 2010 budgets. You can see the whole report starting on page 16 of the package.
On the operating budget, staff has been working to bring the proposed tax increase down. Largely because of the staffing freeze that council proposed and passed during the budget process, they feel comfortable with lowering the overall budget and suggesting a tax increase of 2.55% rather than 3.1%. I think this is a good effort at responding to the community's input.
The capital budget is being brought back just as it was when council last saw it. It includes starting the wayfinding project in 2010 -- I have asked and been assured that we will start with the most essential directional signs, to help our visitors find our parking, washrooms and other services.
FCSS Strategic Plan
Starting on page 32 of the package, you can read about the activities of Family and Community Support Services. I'm always amazed by the wide range of programs and services offered by this small budget area for seniors, young adults, young families, and so on. It's a short, very readable report, and I encourage you to take a look at it to see what's being offered in Town.
THE FINE PRINT
As always, this post represents only my personal point of view, and does not purport to reflect the opinion of the Town of Banff or of Town Council.