Dear Editor, The Rocky View West Recreation Board (RVWRB) is an advisory board consisting of resident volunteer members who are appointed by Rocky View County (RVC) council. There are two other members – one from RVC (at this point, Coun. Kevin Hanson) and one from Rocky View Schools (trustee Judi Hunter). I have been a member of this board for more than 10 years and am the current chair. The board is responsible for considering any issues within the district involving recreational/cultural amenities and activities, including funding requests, and consequently makes recommendations to council. On March 12, Couns. Kim McKylor and Mark Kamachi brought a motion to initiate the sale of land currently designated as Municipal Reserve (MR). A second part to the motion stipulated all of RVC's share of the proceeds be fully dedicated to the Springbank Community Association (SCA) for the construction of a community centre – putting it ahead of any other funding requests or district requirements. County procedure dictates the municipality's share would be split, with 50 per cent going to the Regional Recreation Account and the remaining 50 per cent divided evenly between the local district board and all other district boards. After consulting with voting board members, I submitted a letter of concern to be heard by council. This submission simply recommended council utilize the standard process for the sale of an MR parcel, which would include following regular procedure in terms of the distribution of the sales proceeds. We believe it is unfair to all other funded groups to not follow procedure. We question why McKylor and Kamachi have put the SCA at the front of the line? It is important to mention, to date, no RVC motion has been found that in any way promises or even connects this parcel of MR to the SCA. The association’s minutes indicate that in 2004, former councillor Brenda Goode reported to the SCA that a piece of MR had been secured and this "could be used for a new hall." Nothing has been found in County or SCA minutes that supports a promise or dedication by RVC. RVWRB's submission was not heard at the March 12 council meeting, because McKylor argued there was no need to hear from the public as she had prepared an amended motion. However, while explaining her amendment, McKylor named me personally and called into question the governance of the RVWRB. Her statements violate several sections of the County’s Code of Conduct, and certainly do nothing to encourage community engagement and volunteerism by residents. It is completely unprofessional and unfair to call out a resident volunteer in a public forum, particularly when that person is not present and able to represent themselves against such an attack. I have sent a letter to McKylor, copying Reeve Greg Boehlke and CAO Al Hoggan in advance of the March 26 council meeting. I have asked for a public apology to be written into council minutes. I have yet to receive a response. Pam Janzen Division 2
