Annexation presentation September 2013
Purpose of this information session • Outline the annexation process • Review City of Grande Prairie’s position • Outline County of Grande Prairie’s position • Questions
Map of proposed annexation area
Background • City has filed an annexation application with the Municipal Government Board. • The Board will be holding a preliminary hearing on September 20, 2013. • Hearing will be at 10:00 AM at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Center (GP Inn).
Background • The City is proposing to annex 15,608.98 acres (6,316.73ha or approx. 97 quarter sections) of land from the County. • In 2010-2012 the City consumed 157.58 gross acres of land, which averages out at approx. 52.53 gross acres consumed per year.
Background • As per the end of 2012, the City had 6218.80 remaining developable acres within their existing boundary. • The City maintain these 15,608.98 acres, plus the existing 6218.80 acres within their boundary (total of 21,827.78 acres), will be a 30 year land supply.
Background • This annexation represents a very long term land supply for the City • This makes this annexation special and unique and therefore the conditions must reflect the special nature of the annexation
Annexation application process No General Agreement (landowners and or/ large number of public do not agree Preliminary hearing process Merit hearing process Documentation preparation (done by MGB) Cabinet Approval Process
Application process • There are 3 parties to this annexation that all have equal standing: – City – County – Ratepayers
Application process Preliminary Hearing • A preliminary hearing will be held by the MGB on 20 September, 2013 at 10am. • Meeting will be held in the Salon Ball Room in the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre, 11633 – 100 th Street, Grande Prairie. • Purpose is to identify those persons wishing to make submissions about the proposed annexation, determine the issues to be raised, establish a document exchange timeline, and set a date for the start of a merit hearing.
Application process • MGB may also issue directives respecting the type of information it expects to receive from the affected parties. • The merits of the proposed annexation will not be argued at the preliminary hearing. • If you plan to attend the preliminary hearing and/or make an oral or written submissions to the MGB, you MUST advise the MGB office by 4.30pm on Friday, September 13, 2013.
Application process • If you have any concerns regarding this proposed annexation, you MUST participate at the preliminary hearing and merit hearing stage. • The MGB will consider a lack of objection or participation from affected landowners as an approval.
Municipal Affairs Contact Richard (Rick) Duncan Case Manager Municipal Government Board (780) 422 8652 Richard.duncan@gov.ab.ca
Annexation process Questions?
Review of City and County Positions • City sees this as meeting their land needs for the next 30 years • County views this as a very long term annexation (special and unique) • The County is looking for conditions that reflect their position that the annexation will give the City land that meets their needs for 80+ years (special and unique)
Taxation transition for non-farmland properties City’s position County’s position Non-farm property (residential, Non-farm property commercial, industrial, other) (residential, commercial, consisting of 15 years using the industrial, other) consisting of County mill , plus an additional 50 years at the County mill 5 year transition from County to rate. City mill rate.
Taxation transition for farm properties City’s position County’s position Farm property consists of 25 Farm property consists of 50 years using the County mill rate years at the County mill. plus an additional 5 year transition from County to City mill rate. Farmland exemptions will Farmland exemptions will continue for a period of 30 continue for a period of 50 years . years .
Triggering Events City’s position County’s position The City will place additional Development opportunities restrictions on what you can do should remain the same as if in on your land with regard to: the County. • Limiting the number and type of subdivisions • Limiting the type and kind of development • Triggering mechanisms will result in increased taxes
Transportation City’s position County’s position The City have refused to The County want pavement upgrade or allow the County to over the next three years of: • 1.5 miles of RR64 upgrade these roads. • 1.5 miles of RR55 • 1 mile of RR54 • 5 miles of RR70 • 0.8 miles of 140 Avenue • Construction of 84 Street
Transportation
Landfill City’ position County’s position • Free garbage service should Ratepayers will pay for garbage disposal after 5 years. be extended for 10 years . • The City should pay the County for service if the Clairmont Landfill is used.
Business License City’s position County’s position The City shall waive business The City should extend this to license fees (for business’ 10 years . existing at the time of annexation) for a period of 5 years .
Debentures City’s position County’s position The City agrees to resume the Required as per section outstanding debenture 135(1)(b) of the MGA payments for existing debentures located within the annexation area.
Revenue recovery to the County City’s position County’s position 5 year declining balance for 10 year declining balance for compensation for loss in property tax compensation for loss in property tax revenue. revenue. The City refuses to compensate. Compensation for completed infrastructure upgrades at a depreciated rate. The City refuses to compensate. Compensation for engineering projects. The City refuses to compensate. Compensation for Rural Addressing. The City refuses to compensate. Compensation to cover costs of annexation.
Other issues • Board orders do not include other issues such as: – Lifestyle issues – Service delivery
Lifestyle City’s position County’s position The fate of existing bylaws The County has not seen any (such as bylaws for hunting, evidence of the changes to City OHV use, ATV use, burning, RV bylaws to accommodate your parking, firearm use and current lifestyle. animals) still remains unknown.
Service delivery City’s position County’s position The City will maintain the roads The County is not confident of to the same or better standard the City’s ability to provide the that the County currently does. same level of service the County currently provides to its ratepayers.
Service delivery City’s position County’s position The City will maintain the same level The County will not be providing any of service for : contract services to the City in these • Plowing areas. The City will have to provide • Senior snow plowing additional manpower and equipment • Gravelling to provide the same service. • Grading • Sanding • Salting • Dust control • Weed control • Mowing • Problem wildlife
What next… • If you as a landowner supports all or part of the County’s position, your involvement in this process is of utmost importance. • Submit letters to the MGB. • Attend the preliminary hearing. • Attend the merit hearing.
Annexation QUESTIONS?
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