Pictures & links for budget presentation 08

Value Based Medium

Woodhaven Middle School Values

Premier Ed Stelmach: La Vie Society Engaging the City — Moral Convictions in Public Life

Heritage Summer Index

"If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of free men we must live through all time, or die by suicide." Abraham Lincoln (Unverified quote received by email.)

Budget Submission 2008

PUBLIC SUBMISSION

2008-2010 BUDGET

TITLE OF PROPOSAL: Spruce Grove Community Networks

SUBMITTED BY: FACTS (Family And Community Twining Society)

DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL:

We propose to work with the City and community groups to form online community networks, to complement in person networking, so that more people can be involved in building community in areas such as City planning, heritage and community groups.

OBJECTIVE:

To partner with the City of Spruce Grove, and other community organizations to set up online networks that will provide opportunities for more people to be involved in community life.

DISCUSSION:

Background:

FACTS was formed as a result of the Tri-Smart proposal. This proposal advocated developing and using smart technology for economic and people prosperity. As a result to this proposal an initial Uniting for Children network was developed prior to FACTS being formed. With the formation of FACTS network development has focused on heritage networks as illustrated in our Tri-Heritage Summer program. FACTS has made various presentations to the City to form community networks with limited success. During this past year FACTS has be developing Google blogger networks. Using Google makes it possible for community organizations to put up a website at minimal expense (the time it takes to do it). The blogger networking system developed by FACTS allows for participation at various levels as follows:

Commenter – anyone with Internet access can comment and vote on any open network blog.

Contributor – individuals need to be invited to contribute to a blog by the blog coordinator. They can request to be a contributor.

Coordinator – can edit other people’s and posts and delete inappropriate comments. Bog contributors can become coordinators by an existing coordinator providing permission.

Consultants – have full access to several blogs and can start new blogs in their network. Consultants also provide training for contributors, coordinators and new consultants. The FACTSnet blog coordinator, coordinates all FACTS networks.

To move from a commenter to contributor, to consultant requires a three-hour training session at each level.

Proposal:

Based on MetroQuest and the Tri-Smart proposal FACTS is proposing that the City sponsor initial advertising, network development and training. Experience with Metro Quest’s online and group participation can be used to develop plans for advertising, and community participation. Concepts from the Tri-Smart proposal could be used to guide network development as follows:

January – April 2009: Initial training and network development

May – August 2009: Employing youth for network development

Sept.09 – Dec. 2010: Community participation and ongoing network development.

Jan 2011 - : Ongoing network participation and development

Network Development:

1. The first network blog to be developed could be an overall community network which could replace our Spruce Grove FACTS blog.
2. The next group of networks to be developed could be community planning networks, which would be a follow up to Spruce Grove (Metro)Quest.
3. Heritage planning needs to be part of community planning (see previous presentations to council Spruce Grove Heritage network(s) could contribute to heritage planning for the City and the tri-municipal region and the province. See our Tri-Heritage Summer program.
4. A revival of the Uniting for Children and Youth Network could follow.
5. Then a network of community organizations could follow (see the FCSS 2003 Community Resource List).

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

If we want to have an immediate impact, network development and getting community participation needs to be a priority. This part of the budget is flexible. The training sessions are not flexible. The office space for the project is to house a provincial networking and digital archiving center. Once the project is complete this should be self funded and provide a source of income. Once initial networks are developed participation in networks by City staff would be offset by the benefits gained from participation. Since the cost for participation of City staff, community organizations and the public is voluntary; it is not considered in the following budget estimates:

Training	5400
Employment of Youth	14000
Network development	6000
Advertising & promotions (see MetroQuest)*
Office space and equipment use	12000
Total	37400

* This budget item to be determined. It would be similar to the costs for MetroQuest.

FACTS is also applying for matching funds for all budget items except for advertising.

CORE STRATEGIES:

This project contributes to the Building Community objectives as follows:
1. To foster residents' civic spirit, pride and active community commitment in Spruce Grove.
Genuine network participation will go meeting this objective.
2. To contribute to a culture that cares for and respects all citizens - regardless of age, income or background.
Networks could involve all citizens. Some will need assistance to participate.
3. To maintain and enhance civic and community facilities, parks, open spaces and services that contribute to an outstanding quality of life.
Planning networks could facilitate community involvement in this network.
4. To support neighbourhood beautification.
Neighbourhood networks could contribute to this objective.

Planning Consultations (Task Force)

Re: Public consultations on City Planning, especially heritage planning

Further to MetroQuest and the decision to demolish the Little Church, and other factors, FACTS would like to present the need for public consultations on City planning. MetroQuest was a good start to dialogue on the issues involved but it did not provide a forum for dialogue on specifics like, building a replica of the Little Church or other options for that site. The Kinsmen and FACTS and others have expressed an interest in participating in this dialogue. The Little Church is only one of many heritage issues facing the City. In this presentation to council, FACTS would like to review some of these issues and recommend that a task force or some other means of public consultation on City (heritage) planning be initiated. Further more, we would like to suggest that demolition of the Little Church be held off at least until next spring to give the task force time to consider the options for use of that site. Also the mandate of the task force be to seek public input and dialogue from as many sources as possible on a broad range of issues involved in City planning.

Should we save the 1908 house (One of the first houses built in Spruce Grove)?

Please vote (see right hand column). Also see info. below including links to the history book (picture above from the history book).

This is one of two houses built that year, which were the first houses built in Spruce Grove. Farm houses were built earlier, in what is now Spruce Grove but these were the first houses built on surveyed lots - click on pages 49 and 50 from the history book for more information and map locating the house (number 2 on the map).

Bloggers in Spruce Grove

Go to our profile and then click on Spruce Grove to see all of us. The other community group using blogger is Horizon Stage see links at the right. We would like to see more community groups using blogger as it provides a common place for us to meet online. Contact us if you want help setting up a blogspot.

Voting, New Blogs, Posting, & Email List

You can vote on questions possed by the blog team or submitred by participants. The first question is "Will people use the site?". Please vote in right hand column.

We hope to have others post to this site and comment on our postings. If we get several people interested in a specific topic such as the Agrena Parking Taskforce, we will start a separate blog for them.

Also if you want to post something, ask question (questions can be made after each posting as well), or get on our email list send us an email facts@gaggle.net

City Budget Submission - Spruce Grove Heritage FACTS

DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL:

Further to last year’s budget submission and FACTS presentations to council, we are proposing that funding be allocated to heritage preservation, planning, programming, and website development.

OBJECTIVE:

To partner with the City of Spruce Grove, Young Lions Media and other community organizations to preserve, plan for and develop heritage resources.

DISCUSSION:

Heritage preservation and planning is a municipal responsibility that should not be delegated to non-profit organizations for the following reasons:

1. Municipalities can designate historical sites and buildings, which do not qualify as provincial sites (in Spruce Grove we do not have any that qualify).
2. Non-profit organizations come and go and change leadership, heritage planning and preservation are ongoing community responsibilities.
3. Community interest and consistent heritage programming also vacillates with non-profit involvement.
4. Previous generations volunteered for heritage planning and preservation. This is not the case with the Baby Boomer generation, which is more interested in their leisure etc., than passing on heritage to the next generation.


With the above factors clearly in mind, FACTS is proposing to develop partnerships and community websites so that we can work together with the City to plan for and preserve our heritage as follows:

1. That the City host Spruce Grove Heritage FACTS website. FACTS has a working prototype, which can be easily mounted on the City’s server.
2. That demolition of the Little Church on King Street be suspended until all options are explored. (See presentation to council on March 26th and ongoing discussions with the Kinsmen). The Centre could be renamed the Kinsmen Heritage Centre.
3. That the 1908 house on McLeod Avenue be preserved as a heritage resource. Either in its present location or the cost for moving it to another location be considered in the budget.
4. That we look into making architectural drawings of the McLachlan (Nelson) farm house for future reconstruction.
5. That we designate the central area of the City as a heritage area and plan for redevelopment accordingly.
6. That we designate the brick block on First Avenue as a heritage site.
7. That we look into preserving some of the Huber’s garage history as it is being renovated.
8. That we develop heritage signage and corresponding website.
9. That a comprehensive heritage plan be developed in conjunction with the Municipal Development Plan and through several public consultations.
10. That we investigate partnering with schools, and other community organizations to investigate joint agreements to preserve our educational heritage and develop generations together programming.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

If the City is to assume the overall responsibility for heritage planning and preservation, then City Staff need to be involved in the specific financial impact of this budget submission. The resulting financial impact will then be presented to council.
1. Hosting website
a. Initial software provided by FACTS through their agreement with Collaborative Information Networks. (Cost of updates will be presented for future budgets).
b. Installation – FACTS STEP employee and City Staff.
c. Maintenance – computer storage.
2. Investigating the options for the Little Church site – Public meeting space minimum.*
3. Maintenance of the Little Church site facility. *
4. Heritage planning and designating heritage sites (especially in the central area and 1st Avenue – major costs would be associated with moving the 1908 house). There would be costs for consultants, volunteers and City staff and facility use.
5. Architectural drawings of the McLachlan (Nelson) farm house – slightly more than drawings for the Little Church.
6. Heritage signage and corresponding website.
7. FCSS staff for generations together and youth programming need to be involved with community groups.

* These items need to be considered by FACTS and the City in consultation with the Kinsmen.

CORE STRATEGIES:
References to pages from the Strategic Plan show how this proposal relates to core strategies:

· Pg. 14 A Visionary (50 years in the future and as far back as we can go) Comprehensive Heritage Plan (developed through public consultation) should be included in the MDP. Pg. 27 specifically mentions, “Identifying community needs and desires”.
· Pg. 17 Our historical Central Area should be retained in its current state (where ever possible) and sustained for future generations. Public consultations (not just public hearings) should be required for any changes in this area of our City.
· Pg. 21 The Queen Street heritage park needs to be considered in relationship to this page.
· Pg. 39 Consider including heritage programming for youth and generations together projects.
· Pg 43 FACTS is in the process of seeking funding for a website and Digital Heritage Centre - this could be done in conjunction with seniors and youth resource centres.

Provide an opportunity for public discussion (the current system only provides for presentation).
· Pg. 17 On the historical street signage program.
· Pg. 19 As part of the community and facility needs review.
· Pg. 22 On including heritage in the review of the City’s involvement in special events.
· Pg. 32 Corporate Communications Strategy
· Pg. 33 Public consultation protocol & guidelines for community consultation events.
· Pg 42 Engaging property business owners and residents of Spruce Grove in heritage preservation and future planning for the Central Area.

ATTACHMENTS:

Please find our financial statement attached. This year’s statement is being audited and will be available by the first of May.

AUDIO-VISUAL REQUIREMENTS: Overhead projector

Representative of organization: David Ibsen Date: April 2007

Presentation to Spruce Grove City Council on September 24th, 2007

Questions will be submitted last in the presentation but are presented first so bloggers can get an overview.

Questions:

1. Could the city designate the 1908 house as a heritage resource in recognition of Spruce Grove being 100 years in its present location?

2. Could the city postpone demolition of the little church until a strategic plan for the site (rebuilding) is in place?

3. Could the city have sold the south end of the Queen Street property, and returned to their strategic plan for the North end of the property?

4. Would the city consider involving FACTS, other groups and individuals in developing a new communications and strategic planning process that includes long term planning, identifying community values, and ongoing community involvement (Will this be part of the budget – see FACTS submission)?

5. What involvement did the Community Health Council or the Capital Health Board have in developments on the Queen Street School site?

We would like written answers to these questions.

Introduction:

Although Spruce Grove has an excellent Strategic Plan, administrative and development pressure seems to be eroding that plan. Developments at 511 Queen Street are only one instance (see attached page from the Strategic Plan). The public concern for relocation of our tobogganing hill (Town Hall Meeting on September 12th) and demolition of our little Church are other instances.

Currently public involvement in Strategic Planning Process is a three year cycle (see page 6 – Strategic Plan 2005-2007). The plan outlines strategies and basic values of council but comes short with respect to long term planning, community values and ongoing community involvement in the planning and decision making process (see page 4).

· Add to the vision “for people who want ‘City in the Country’ living”.

· Expand on Provincial and Woodhaven Middle School values.

This presentation will illustrate the need for coordination and opportunities for public discussion with respect to Strategic Planning. We will look at the past, present concerns and future possibilities for improvement in the process.

Past:

With respect to the past, we will use central area planning and redevelopment as an illustration.

1. Residents had several concerns with respect to King Street Mall developments. Some of them were addressed, others such as Agrena Parking and population density were not.

2. Developments in Queen and Mohr Avenue (Granny Mohr’s house & the Queen Street School site) have been a concern for several years. The loss of playground and park space is still a major concern.

3. FACTS tried to alert City council of our concerns but we have had limited success, as the City abandoned their strategic plan (see page 21).

a. Medical complex (private deal – option to purchase balance of property).

b. FACTS asked for public involvement in site planning for the North end of property.

c. Doctors purchased and resold the land (Public not aware of resale).

d. Seniors condos being developed instead of supportive living facilities. (Basic decision made before public redistricting hearing - see response to FACTS questions).

Present Concerns:

1. Playground and small sliding hill for Queen Street area.

2. Little Church site (rebuilding – see FACTS presentation to council).

3. Agrena parking and loss of park space (a task force on the parking issue will be struck).

4. Other heritage planning concerns (need a 50 year plan - see FACTS budget presentation)

Future:

1. FACTS, as indicated in their budget presentation, would like to facilitate public involvement in strategic planning not only at the caucus but also through a website and specific groups looking into specific areas of planning, such as heritage and supportive living.

2. Will we see more medium to high density re-development in the central area (duplexes and fourplexes on single home lots and lots being combined for condos and apartments)?

3. Will we move toward a “City in the Country” with distinct values and community or just another city like Edmonton or become part of Edmonton (the mayor said we still want to be a “City in the Country, what does that mean)?

Conclusion:

If we had an opportunity to discuss a 50 year Strategic Plan, we may have playground in “Mohr Heritage House Park”, instead of more condos on Mohr Avenue. We may be building a supportive care centre at 511 Queen Street instead of more condos. On King Street we may have a mall that serves the community, instead of a mall that will serve more condos. FACTS would like the opportunity to facilitate public involvement to preserve our heritage resources (see our budget submission) and to clarify what kind of city we would like to become in the next 50 years, a “City in the Country” or something else.

“Little Church” Site Presentation

Options for keeping our landmark:
· Close the Church, except for storage, until funding for rebuilding is found.
· Investigate options for insurance?
· Investigate the possibilities for summer use of the attached facility until funding is found.
o School heritage visits
o Summer Heritage Projects
§ Digital Heritage
§ Heritage books
o Generations together and other FCSS programming
· Develop a plan to rebuild on site with the possible addition of:
o One room country school
o Building between the school & church
Public Consultation and Research on Long Term Use of the Site
· Access needs for school programming (Church site in walking distance of several schools).
· Access needs for generations together programming.
· Access needs for provincial heritage books reading rooms.
· Access uses of the facilities by others: FCSS, meetings etc.
· Access long term heritage needs in relationship to the elevator and other heritage resources.
· Find out general community support for heritage and the “Little Church” landmark.
Presentations and/or Public Discussions
Is the current system of Community Caucus – Strategic Plan, - Municipal Plan, Budget Submissions and ten minute presentations to council the best way to handle heritage planning, like the preservation and use of the “Little Church” site. If so, here are some concerns for future presentations.
· Designating Central Area and specific buildings as heritage resources
· Preserving the 1908 house
· Playground and Open Space in Central Area
· Heritage Signage
· Digital Archives
· Community Caucus
o Heritage Planning (50 years ahead and as far back as we can go).

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