councillor budget requests (cbr's)

COUNCILLOR BUDGET REQUESTS (CBR's)

CBR DESCRIPTION DEPARTMENT CAPTIAL DRAFT CAPITAL

BUDGET

2015-CBR-8 Range Road 214 and Township Road 550Capital Planning & Construction/

Transportation & Agri Services- -

2015-CBR-7 Chancery Point and Cartwright Way Planning & Development Services 41,000 41,000

2015-CBR-1 Mission Street Transportation & Agri Services 500,000 500,000

2015-CBR-2 Crosswalk at Woodbridge Way Transportation & Agri Services 140,000 140,000

2015-CBR-3Withdrawn by Councilor - Curbs in

Broadmoor VillageTransportation & Agri Services - -

2015-CBR-5 Crosswalk at Gilmore and Glenbrook Transportation & Agri Services - -

2015-CBR-6 Crosswalk at Galaxy Way Transportation & Agri Services - -

2015-CBR-4Withdrawn by Councilor - Park at the West

End of Village DriveRecreation, Parks & Culture - -

2015-CBR-9 Rural Community Capacity Building ProjectCorporate Planning &

Intergovernmental Affairs-

681,000 681,000

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Budget Year: 2015

Change Request Type: Councillor Budget Request

Acct. Reference:

Change Request Stage: Council Review

Publish Date:

Rank:

FTE/Hours:

Start Date:

Estimated Completion Date:

Department: 930 - Mayor & Council

Contact Name(s): Dan Schilbe, Ian Gray

Goal(s):

Best alignment to Strategic Plan Goal 8: Provide a climate of safety for individuals in homes, neighbourhoods and public places.

Initiative(s):

Not applicable.

Description:

Councillor Paul Smith - Range Road 214 and Township Road 550 intersection in Josephburg requires some type of traffic control (lights / roundabout). Traffic speeds through this area are unsafe to residents. Some traffic control is required for the safety of our residents in this area.A traffic light or a roundabout could be a solution in this area.

Justification:

CPC/TAS Response:The intersection of Highway 830 (Range Road 214) and Township Road 550 is a provincially controlled intersection and has been under review, discussion, and consideration with Alberta Transportation and Strathcona County for several years. The analysis has determined that there is a concern with the current intersection configuration and that safety and traffic operation could be improved. The primary traffic operation concern is the placement of the stop signs along Highway 830, where there is up to four times the traffic volume compared to Township Road 550. By forcing more drivers to stop at a stop sign when there is no perceived need, there is an increased likelihood that the stop will be ignored and therefore an increased likelihood of a collision.

Several options were analyzed and modeled thoroughly by Alberta Transportation including, Traffic Signals, Roundabout, 4-way stop, and reorienting the stop signs from the north/south on Highway 830 to the east/west direction on Township Road 550. Based upon Alberta Transportation’s analysis, they recommended that the appropriate, warranted, and most cost effective option was the reorientation of the stop signs. This thorough analysis was presented to residents in 2012; the response from residents was that the reorientation would not work and that signals would be preferred. To date, Strathcona County has not had confirmation of Alberta Transportation’s intent for this intersection.

Change Request SummaryChange Request: 2015-CBR-8 - Range Road 214 and Township Road 550

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Budget Year: 2015


Acct. Reference:


Publish Date:

Rank:

FTE/Hours:

Start Date:



Contact Name(s): Stacy Fedechko

Goal(s):

Best alignment to Strategic Plan Goal 7: Build strong neighbourhoods/communities to support the diverse needs of our residents and Goal 8: Provide a climate of safety for individuals in homes, neighbourhoods and public places.

Initiative(s):

Not applicable.

Description:

Councillor Dave Anderson - Missing linkage between Chancery Point and Cartwright Way. This area is not maintained throughout the winter, yet is used by the general public on an ongoing basis. This area becomes quite treacherous and at times according to residents, becomes impassable.By adding pavement to this area rather than the existing grass, this will allow for residents to get through the area easier.

Justification:

Change Request SummaryChange Request: 2015-CBR-7 - Chancery Point and Cartwright Way

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Budget Details

Cost Centre Object BBW Factors Position Description2015

Budget2016

Budget2017

Budget2018

Budget2019

Budget

Expense

6560 - Environmental & Open Space Planning

Transfer to Capital Reserve

SLC - Service Level Change

Auto-1316 Business cAse 41,000 0 0 0 0

Total Expense 41,000 0 0 0 0

PDS Response: There is an existing PUL connecting two cul de sacs (Chancery Point and Cartwright Way) in Cloverbar Ranch. The PUL is a mowed grassed connection approximately 4 m wide and 67 m long with bollards at both ends. The utilities within the PUL include a Shaw Cable line, a pressurized water main, a Telus line, and stormwater gravity main. There is a water valve near the centre of the PUL and a utility box and Shaw pedestal on the west end of the PUL by the existing sidewalk (Chancery Point). Site photos were taken August 12, 2014. At that time there was little to no evidence of pedestrian use within the PUL. The grass was healthy with no indication of a worn path.

Due to the width of the PUL and the utility conflicts, it is proposed a 1.5 m wide asphalt multi-use trail would be placed in the existing PUL. This would deviate from our standard 3 m wide asphalt multi-use trail. This would require a number of design and construction safety measures, such as hydro-vacing the utilities to ensure location and depth of coverage. The trail would be built to comply with the Design and Construction Standards. Appropriate access/crossing agreements would be completed, if necessary. Site furniture (benches, waste receptacles and signs) would be installed as per DCS requirements. Landscaping and/or rehabilitation would be required once the trail was constructed. Decreasing the width of the trail may limit the snow clearing opportunities.

Service Level: Increase in service level (potentially three season to four season use, if trail width accommodates snow clearing equipment).Timing: To comply with the expectations of the OSRFS and the Trails Strategy, a trail prioritization was completed. This project scored 30 out of 90 points (low).Analysis: The Walkability Program under the OSRFS has been the highest priority for residents and Council.Risk Factors: Risk level is low, largely due to the alternative linkages within the neighbourhood. Providing an asphalt trail within an existing PUL may provide four season safe access for residents of all ages and abilities in an area that is currently being used three seasons in a state of mowed grass vegetation with minimal slopes.Barriers: Barriers to successful project completion will be utility restrictions and/or adjacent resident concerns.Alternatives: Alternatives are available, existing sidewalk access and existing trail use would continue.Cost Estimates: Based on 2014 construction unit rates with respect to anticipated site constraints (based on our experience with similar trial alignments along PULs).Cost/Scope Changes: May occur if pipeline access/crossing agreements restrict the trail design, impacting the construction.

Change Request SummaryChange Request: 2015-CBR-7 - Chancery Point and Cartwright Way

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Budget Year: 2015


Acct. Reference:


Publish Date:

Rank:

FTE/Hours:

Start Date:



Contact Name(s): Ian Gray

Goal(s):


Initiative(s):

Not applicable.

Description:

Councillor Vic Bidzinski - Traffic and speed down Mission Street. This effects the safety and quality of life for residentsReconfigure the entrance at Broadmoor to be the same as the entrance at Glenmore and Broadmoor

Justification:

TAS Response:Mission Street, including the entrance of Mission Street from Broadmoor Drive has been analyzed and is found to be operating at or below the anticipated design expectation for both vehicle speeds and volumes. Engineering analysis and warrants would recommend that alteration or reconfiguration of the intersection at this time would be premature and may cause undesired traffic management issues, such as short cutting. Through the analysis process it was shown that the intersection is functioning at up to 15% of the design capacity and operates safely and efficiently for the type and volume of traffic. Mission Street is classified as a collector road and is designed to accommodate up to 8000 vehicles per day. Broadmoor Boulevard is an arterial road and carries a significant amount of commuting traffic. Traffic counts on Mission Street show on average 2270 vehicles per day, well within the expectation for a collector road.

Reconfiguring the intersection would restrict traffic crossing from Mission Street into the Broadmoor Business Centre on Sioux Road directly across from Mission Street. In addition, school bus routes would have to be revised as the intersection is used as a bus route, which would greatly impact the effectiveness of commuting school traffic. Finally, a reconfiguration of the Mission Street intersection would negatively impact traffic on Main Boulevard as many commuters would be forced to use it as an alternate route.

Should reconfiguring be completed at the intersection of Mission Street and Broadmoor Drive, the project would cost approximately $500,000.

Change Request SummaryChange Request: 2015-CBR-1 - Mission Street

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Budget Details


Budget2016

Budget2017

Budget2018

Budget2019

Budget

Expense

4122 - Traffic Management Transfer to Capital Reserve

ONE - One-Time Item

CBR 1 - Reconfigure Intersection at Mission Street Auto - 1322 Capital Business Case

500,000 0 0 0 0


Change Request SummaryChange Request: 2015-CBR-1 - Mission Street

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Budget Year: 2015


Acct. Reference:


Publish Date:

Rank:

FTE/Hours:

Start Date:




Goal(s):


Initiative(s):

Not applicable.

Description:

Councillor Vic Bidzinski - There is a need for a crosswalk light on Woodbridge Way situated between Lakeside Legion Manor - Harbour Park and Wells Point Lane.For the safety of residents, especially for seniors and children crossing Woodbridge Way which is an extremely busy road. Crosswalk lights. This will increase the safety of residents, which is one of Council's main priorities.Capital Business Case Auto-1327

Justification:

TAS Response:A recent review of traffic, including parking along Woodbridge Way, identified areas for improvement in pedestrian and traffic safety in the area. As a result of this review a plan is being prepared that will move parking from the unlit, east side of Woodbridge Way to the street light lit west side. By relocating parking to the lit west side of Woodbridge Way, drivers who park and become pedestrians are better seen at night and have improved personal safety. It was also noted in the review that drivers are illegally parking too close to the marked crosswalk in question, thereby reducing the visibility of pedestrians and reducing safety. The recommendation has been made to place “No Parking” signs near the crosswalk and notify the RCMP and Enforcement Services should drivers fail to obey the traffic laws.

Woodbridge Way is a two lane collector road with average traffic volumes and average pedestrian volumes; engineering analysis follows Policy SER-009-021 “Installation of Traffic Signals and Pedestrian Crossings” and shows that this marked crosswalk is the appropriate level of control and safety measure at this time and installing a lit crosswalk at this location at this time is not warranted. More cost-effective solutions to improve the visibility of the crosswalk in addition to the already planned improvements, such as revitalized paint and signs, may be more suitable options.

Should a lit crosswalk be installed, the cost is expected to be approximately $80,000. If Council wishes to increase the level of safety beyond what is warranted, we would recommend the construction of curb extensions that provide a shorter crossing distance, better parking control, traffic calming benefits, greater pedestrian visibility, improved overall safety, and would cost approximately $60,000.

Change Request SummaryChange Request: 2015-CBR-2 - Crosswalk at Woodbridge Way

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Budget Details


Budget2016

Budget2017

Budget2018

Budget2019

Budget

Expense

4122 - Traffic Management Transfer to Capital Reserve

ONE - One-Time Item

CBR2 - Construct Crosswalk at Woodbridge Way - Capital Business Case Auto-1327

140,000 0 0 0 0


Change Request SummaryChange Request: 2015-CBR-2 - Crosswalk at Woodbridge Way

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Budget Year: 2015


Acct. Reference:


Publish Date:

Rank:

FTE/Hours:

Start Date:




Goal(s):

Best alignment to Strategic Plan Goal 7: Build strong neighbourhoods/communities to support the diverse needs of our residents; Goal 8: Provide a climate of safety for individuals in homes, neighbourhoods and public places; and Goal 11: Facilities and activities are available, accessible and used by residents.

Initiative(s):

Not applicable.

Description:

Councillor Dave Anderson - Crosswalk at Gilmore Avenue and Glenbrook Boulevard. With the recent revitalization of Gilmore Park there has been a renewed interest by families to use this particular park. Many of the families that use this park have to negotiate their way across Glenbrook at either the Baseline or Georgian Way intersections. Many families have expressed that the addition of the crosswalk would reduce the distance that they have to travel to get to the park and also create a safer way to cross than using the busier intersections with young children.By adding the crosswalk we are giving families yet another way to utilize the revitalized park and giving parents the peace of mind of having a functional crosswalk in the area.

Justification:

TAS Response:A recent pedestrian and traffic study has been completed for this intersection, and along the Glenbrook Boulevard corridor, the analysis and recommendations of this study is not yet completed. At this time, the engineering warrant for installing a pedestrian crossing as per Policy SER-009-021 “Installation of Traffic Signals and Pedestrian Crossings” is not complete, therefore the engineering recommendation is not known. The study did however identify traffic safety concerns related to vehicle speed and will enact Policy SER-009-040 “Traffic Calming” as a community engagement project.

As the intersection is an unmarked crosswalk, pedestrians have the right-of-way and as a result, drivers are required to treat the crossing no different than a marked crosswalk. If the analysis of the pedestrian study recommends crossing control, it will be implemented as soon as possible. Should the crossing not meet the warrant thresholds for a marked crosswalk, it will be considered and reviewed again during the traffic calming project. Installing unwarranted pedestrian crossings can lead to driver complacency and therefore, not provide the desired safety benefits that this type of traffic control device is expected to.

Change Request SummaryChange Request: 2015-CBR-5 - Crosswalk at Gilmore and Glenbrook

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Budget Year: 2015


Acct. Reference:


Publish Date:

Rank:

FTE/Hours:

Start Date:




Goal(s):

Best alignment to Strategic Plan Goal 1: Strategically manage, invest and plan for sustainable municipal infrastructure (part of an annual maintenance program) and Goal 8: Provide a climate of safety for individuals in homes, neighbourhoods and public places.

Initiative(s):

Not applicable.

Description:

Councillor Dave Anderson - The crosswalk at Galaxy Way is not identified as well as it could be. Several residents have expressed concerns that due to the high level of traffic entering and leaving the mall, they are unable to cross this intersection safely.Acknowledging that the costs are high to put in a lit controlled signal at this intersection, it is my proposal that a 2x3 foot green crosswalk sign be added to both sides of the crosswalk at this location.

Justification:

TAS Response:A recent review of the crosswalk at the mall access crossing Gatewood Boulevard identified that the line paint was faded and that the existing crosswalk signs can be improved. The line painting has recently been upgraded and new larger diamond grade reflectivity crosswalk signs are being planned for installation this fall. The painting and sign installation is captured under the annual maintenance program and will require no additional funding.

The requested “Green” crosswalk sign is non-regulatory and currently an unapproved device within Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act. While some municipalities have chosen to use this sign, Strathcona County’s Design and Standards recommend only the use of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Device’s approved signs.

While the larger signs and renewed paint markings will improve the understanding and visibility of the crosswalk, drivers are required to obey all traffic laws, such as yielding to pedestrians. As such, it is also recommended that the RCMP and Enforcement Services monitor the crosswalk for infractions as well.

The cost for the four upgraded signs is captured in the annual maintenance program budget and no additional funding is required.

Change Request SummaryChange Request: 2015-CBR-6 - Crosswalk at Galaxy Way

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Budget Year: 2015


Acct. Reference:


Publish Date:

Rank:

FTE/Hours:

Start Date:



Contact Name(s):

Goal(s):

Best alignment to Strategic Plan Goal 3: Increase public involvement and communicate with the community on issues affecting the County’s future and Goal 12: Define and strengthen the community’s identity and heritage.

Initiative(s):

Not applicable.

Description:

Two full-time community coordinators (one for North and one for South). Hire outside consultant to help facilitate a rural community strategy. Note: Attached report goes into recommendations in greater detail.

Joint request from Councillors Riddell, Delainey and Smith - Lack of active community capacity building in the rural area. Societal changes driving loss of rural infrastructure, participation in events and volunteer recruitment and retention becoming more difficult. Need to address issue to support and strengthen community capacity in the rural area. If individuals feel they have a personal and shared stake in their community, then they are more inclined to participate and feel vested in the process.

Note: See attached reports Rural Community Capacity Building Project for additional details

Justification:

Administration recommends a two phase approach to accommodate the request from the Councillors.

Phase One includes an effort to consolidate the services/programs offered to rural citizens currently. This would involve several different departments such as RPC, FCS, Facility Services, EDT and coordinated by CPIA. The effort made to catalogue what currently is provided in the rural will assist in determining whether what is being done can be adjusted to capture what it is the Councillors are looking for.

Phase Two would involve sharing the findings with Council along with a strategy to either use existing resources to accomplish the desired outcome or to pursue extra resources. Phase Two could also involve a discussion with the rural public to determine whether the adjusted list of services/programs provided resonate with them.

Change Request SummaryChange Request: 2015-CBR-9 - Rural Community Capacity Building Project

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Rural Community Capacity Building Project

NOTE: Council Budget Request Co-sponsored by Councilors Smith,

Delainey and Riddell

It needs to be recognized that our societal structures have changed significantly over the last number of

years, with the negative result on rural community leagues and associations loosing participation in

many events and activities and many have even lost their relevance within their own communities.

Today's needs are not the same any more as once our parents or grandparents desired. These needs

also change and differ among age groups such as children, youth, adults and seniors. Seniors seek

activities that are close by while families with children are more mobile and transient.

Voluntary associations like community leagues, church organizations, Ag. Societies and local clubs are

finding it harder and harder to attract and retain volunteers, with many of these closing down due to a

lack of interest. Volunteer capacity to run these associations is dwindling dramatically and the trend

continues on a downward spiral There is also a direct connection between many of these organizations

and the local government that makes decisions on their behalf. Mark Warren asserts "revitalizing

democracy requires effective connections between well-organized communities and our political

system." This deep sense of alienation is often misdiagnosed as apathy. (Neighbor Power by Jim Diers).

Yet my experience has been that individuals still want a sense of community and to be able to

contribute.

Other elected officials on council have also expressed their desire to help these organizations succeed as

demonstrated in a couple of recent Program Requests submitted my our Mayor, Roxanne Carr (Request

# 29) that asks for a status of community halls and Councilor Smith's request (#33) that asks for a

formation of a community group collaboration fund. I have tried to address service delivery and

community capacity building through the opening and expansion of the mandate of our two rural liaison

offices. Yet we still see the closure of some of our most treasured assets in the rural community such as

Antler Lake Hall and the near miss we experienced on the South Cooking Lake Hall and Senior's Centre.

I believe a comprehensive strategy to support and strengthen community capacity in these areas would

represent an investment in the rural community and address a unique need to provide social

connectedness over a large land mass. The strategy would provide enhanced and varied opportunities

for residents to become more active and subsequently healthier within their own community. This

strategy would also recognize that Strathcona County is a specialized municipality and that solutions

need to be tailored for this specific demographic. One particular demographic we have and one that

continues to grow is seniors. It has also been stated that they are not as mobile as their younger

counter parts and have specific needs and challenges. Strathcona County has developed an Older Adults

Plan (2009) and many of the goals within this plan directly relate to this initiative such as the following:

GOAL #1- Services for older adults are coordinated and emerging needs are identified and addressed.

GOAL #3- Opportunities for social connection are encouraged and facilitated.

GOAL #4- Older Adults are provided with a variety of local choices for new learning opportunities and

new skill development.

GOAL #9- Opportunities exist for meaningful paid and volunteer work for older adults.

GOAL #11- A variety of opportunities are available for social, recreational and cultural activities.

GOAL #12- A spectrum of health and wellness programs is available to older adults,

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Halls are the local community gathering places and many have other amenities attached such as

playgrounds, walking trails, tennis and basketball courts and riding arena, just to name a few. I believe

these assets need to be looked at and operated in the same way as our other recreation facilities are

now. Currently, our own initiative the OSRFR only deals with rural community halls as pieces of

infrastructure and does not deal with the "human aspect" or nature of running these halls and their

programs. It speaks to revitalizing the halls (improvements and maintenance), but that strategy only

deals with an inventory of assets with little guidance on replacement or investment. I propose this new

strategy would deal with the community capacity building or "human aspect" of these associations as

well. We need to move beyond our thinking that they are just for rentals for weddings and family

reunions or locally hosted events (Turkey Dinner, Harvest Hoedown, Fun Horse Show, etc.) but places of

learning, recreation and fitness, fun and celebration, and socialization. One example of a learning or

educational opportunity could be linked to our current initiative to provide rural, high speed internet to

the region, with community halls having the capacity to handle larger streams of data.

Another added benefit to this initiative would be to strengthen our rural communities' economic

development. "Community engagement requires dialogue between citizens, government, businesses

and not-for-profit organizations. Public engagement has been important for many communities that

have success with community economic development. In many successful communities, citizens are

active participants in the decision-making process." (Rural Community Economic Development by

Wayne Caldwell). This resource also outlines many different models of community engagement. No

matter the process chosen, a well-planned community engagement process can open doors for a

diverse group of citizens to get involved. I believe that if individuals feel they have a personal and

shared stake in their community they are more inclined to participate and feel vested in the process.

Another aspect in which municipal governments play a role is ensuring that we foster welcoming and

inclusive communities; especially at the time we are now with an influx of immigrants and temporary

workers coming into Alberta to address labour shortages. These individuals must feel confident that

their municipality of choice is a caring place where all citizens can reach their full potential, even if they

live in a remote, rural location. The AUMA has developed a toolkit called "Welcoming & Inclusive

Communities" where we could draw on some of their ideas and resources.

In conclusion the strategy I propose would address the following benefits: community capacity building,

health and wellness, educational opportunities, economic development and supporting an inclusive

community.

RECOMMENDATIONS: First and foremost I would like 2 full-time coordinators hired (one for the North

office and one for the South) with specific community capacity building skills and experience. I would

task them to help build a strategy with key goals and initiatives (through an outside consultant) to reach

a vision for our rural community halls and community groups. They would also coordinate current and

future activities at these halls, review current contracts and license agreements and coordinate ongoing

maintenance activities (such as fire extinguishers, water testing, portable washroom facilities, safety and

fire inspections, building code updates, etc.) through our administration, taking the burden off of our

volunteers.

The second piece of this recommendation would be to hire an external consultant, looking at additional

opportunities to partner with other organizations such as the IVC and Green Hectares, to gather

community input to help create a strategy and vision for our rural community halls and groups. Questions

that need to be pursued are: How do we want them to look and function. What key goals and initiatives

need to be in place to address the strategy and its' vision?

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"Strong communities are those that rely on their own resources, including the assets that each person

possesses. Our mission is guided by our shared vision that each member, from the youngest to the most

senior, has a need to be cared for and nurtured and at the same time each one has the ability and the

responsibility to contribute back to the community". (Neighbor Power- Building Community by Jim

Diers).

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councillor budget requests (cbr's)

Documents