Updates from Division One
Nooo! We can’t be into July already?
So what’s been happening in Div 1? First, I want to thank everyone who attended the SR1 Information Session held at the Bragg Creek Community Centre on the evening of June 17th. There were roughly 200 residents, politicians, the media and a panel of experts who brought facts and insights into why the Springbank Reservoir/ Dam proposal is full of holes and that the McLean Creek has to be given full consideration. Let the experts and their research and scientific analysis determine the health, environmental, cost/benefits, engineering, etc make the most sensible decision for residents of Bragg Creek, Jumping Pound, Redwood Meadows, Springbank and Calgary.
Council has passed a motion to hire a lobbyist on the County’s behalf to assist in advocating for the provincial government to, as stated by Richard Barss, acting executive director of Community Development Services, “to see the fulfillment of council’s endgame – the Government of Alberta pausing the SR1 project and reconsidering all possible options equally.” In the end, lets hope that common sense prevails and collectively all communities both up and down-stream are protected.
Flood Mitigation
With regards to flood mitigation, I justreceived news that Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP), under the Water Act has given RVC approval to move forward. Also, all land negotiations required to construct flood barrier structures have been completed. This now allows RVC to commence the tendering process. The only other approval that stands in our way is from the Federal level, Fisheries and Oceans. We hope to hear from them by mid-summer and if all goes according to plan, we could see construction begin in September.
FireSmart
I want to thank those of you who have or are about to take part in the free and confidential FireSmart property assessment being conducted by RVC Fire Services. It’s an important and often eye-opening realization as to what we may deem safe to be the opposite. I for one will be participating in an assessment of my own property and plan to share the results in a future communication, most likely in a vlog via my “Councillor Mark Kamachi” Facebook and YouTube channels. Please Stay tuned.
Councillor Sanctions
As you may have heard on the radio, read in the papers or online, or via the gossip channels, yes, in a majority vote of Council, three councillors were sanctioned for conduct that broke Council’s Code of Conduct Bylaw: Councillors Kevin Hanson (Div 3), Crystal Kissel (Div 9), and Samantha Wright (Div 8).
Two main issues surfaced. First, they made attacks against colleagues which were discourteous and disrespectful in a newspaper “Letter to the Editor”. Second, a more serious offence, they released privileged andconfidential legal information to anunauthorized party without the consent of the rest of Council.
As a councillor, my job is to work with my colleagues, administrative staff and residents to make this great municipality the envy of all others, and to do it respectfully and courteously. Whether we agree or disagree with decisions, we operate democratically and holistically for RVC. These councillors chose discoursethat was unbecoming of public officersand it has not only affected Council and our CAO but me personally. In the end, with all of the distractions created by the actions of these councillors, the sanctions had to be implemented. It was not an easy decision.
See you in September
I’m looking forward to the August break from council meetings but rest assured, for those of you who know me, I will always be at your service. So play it safe, drink your milk and get some sun. See you around.
— Cheers, Mark
checkMarkk.ca
mkamachi@rockyview.ca
