Mayor Mulligan's Blog

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY KEY DEDICATION CEREMONY

2012-02-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

It brings me great delight to see the completion of another Habitat Project completed here in Lloydminster. Two families in Lloydminster are now homeowners, thanks to a total of $100,000 in funding assistance provided through the Saskatchewan Housing Association. This assistance speaks to the commitment the Saskatchewan Government has made towards ensuring that all families have the opportunity to improve their lives through safe, quality housing.

Projects like this cannot be done without the support of the community through volunteers hours, in-kind donations and the effort put in by the families themselves.

The celebration last night brought back the memories of my childhood, when I had the opportunity to have my first sleepover. It also reminded me of the pride I felt when I purchased my first home. Now these families have the same opportunity. This is the kind of reputation we want to have in Lloydminster - a caring community where no one gets left behind.

FLAT SARA VISITS COUNCIL CHAMBERS

2012-02-22T17:35:00.000-07:00

My job as Mayor of Lloydminster has provided me with many opportunities that I will never forget. The picture of me below with the "Flat Sara" doll is the latest. This project was inspired by Jeff Brown’s book,"Flat Stanley", and is designed to encourage children to share ideas and information with others.

"Flat Sara" is returning home to Blackfalds, Alberta with a few souvenirs from Lloydminster.

CBC Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada

2012-02-18T17:51:00.001-07:00

...excerpt from the Weekly Bean

Let’s Just Imagine… CBC Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada

As I sit here in the airport getting ready to return from the 2012 CBC Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada festivities, I can’t help but imagine what it would be like to host Canada and the World for Hockey Day 2013. For that matter, there are so many things we need to come together to imagine…

The facilities we saw in Summerside, a City of less than 15,000, or the great venues in Charlottetown, a City of just over 30,000. At the core of great cities is superb venues for the community to come together, host energy filled events and to have good people who wouldn’t normally connect doing just that. The spin-off benefit endures for years and years on events, business launches, friendship and general quality of life. However, it often starts with a place to congregate, a place to celebrate, a place where happy memories are created, fitness levels improved, and life’s problems left behind, at least for the moment. City Manager, Carroll, and I had just that opportunity February 8-11^th, as we witnessed, from a “behind the scenes” viewpoint, just what a major national event can do for a city, or in this case, an entire province.

Lloydminster is on the short list of two Alberta Cities being considered to host the 2013 CBC Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada. Do you want to see your favourite local hockey star of yesteryear, touch the Stanley Cup, attend a luncheon with Ron Maclean, or how about Don Cherry? 4 special days with countless opportunities of a lifetime for young and old in our community…here is our chance to come together to do something we will be talking about, and benefitting from for years to come.

There is very little cost to the City, as the gracious sponsorship of Scotiabank and CBC covers the greatest percentage of cost and we reap the many community benefits. Remember the January 12, 2010 Olympic Torch Relay experience and feeling? Well, multiply that by a bit and carry it over four days of events, and you have CBC Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada – 2013. The only question is whether it will be in Lloydminster. Who is in? Are you ready to host the country for a national treasure and create a legacy for Lloydminster and area? If you are, jump on board with the initiative and let’s all do our part to get this event to Lloydminster. Let’s just imagine…

Until next week…

Mayor Mulligan

1st Chamber Mix & Munch Hosted at Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre

2012-02-18T17:44:00.001-07:00

I joined the Golf & Curling Centre Team along and many other business leaders at the inaugural noon hour Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce - Mix & Munch, on February 16th. It was a super networking event with some new faces, great food and a fantastic turnout.

Golf & Curling Centre is ready to host your next event

Facility Manager, Kyle talking about the LG&CC renovations

Great turnout for the event

CELEBRATING TEAM SASKATCHEWAN

2012-02-18T17:41:00.001-07:00

Glenn and I attended the celebration February 15th, at the Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre, to honour Team Saskatchewan as they prepare for the Brier. Scott Manners, Tyler Lang, Ryan Deis, Mike Armstrong, Carl deConick Smith and coach Kay Montgomery were all in attendance. Even though my heart almost failed when I heard the Scott Manners team from the Battlefords Curling Club had just won the Tankard, I know they will proudly represent the City of Lloydminster.
We wish them the best as they represent Saskatchewan at the Tim Horton's Brier March 3 - 11.

Mayor Mulligan congratulates Team Saskatchewan

From the left, City Manager Glenn Carroll, Kay Montgomery (coach), Carl deConick Smith (5th), Mike Armstrong (lead), Ryan Deis (2nd), Tyler Lang (3rd), Scott Manners (skip), Mayor Jeff Mulligan

In attendance were many curlers and supporters who signed a Saskatchewan flag that the team will take with them to the Brier. The flag will be available for signing at the Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre until February 29.

AUMA President Sloan's Address to MLA Breakfast - February 16, 2012

2012-02-16T08:34:00.001-07:00

AUMA MLA Breakfast
President Linda Sloan
February 16, 2012

Thank you – once again – for being here this morning.

This event is an important opportunity for us to engage provincial decision makers in discussions about the issues that are most pressing for municipalities, and the Albertans who call them home. The future of Alberta is in this room and there is no better day to renew our relationship.

The citizens who elected Alberta’s Mayors and Councillors to office – the same citizens who elected you –depend on us to work together effectively and cooperatively to meet their needs. And we have succeeded. Since 1905, we have worked together to build Canada’s most successful province, with an economy and a quality of life that is the envy of the world.

It has not been without its challenges.

Since our partnership began, Alberta’s population has exploded from less than 200,000 to more than 3.6 million. Our province and its economy have become more urbanized.

Citizens have become more educated and more informed. The range of issues we are required to manage has expanded dramatically.

And, in a world where information has become literally instantaneously available, citizens expect governments to react more quickly than ever before.

Alberta’s provincial and municipal governments have worked hard to respond to those realities and increased expectations.

And we must continue to do so, because we need to do better. That’s what Local Matters – the campaign launched by AUMA last year – is all about. It remains our top priority today. Local Matters recognizes that the responsibilities of local governments have become both more numerous and more complex. It recognizes that municipalities – the order of government closest to citizens – have a direct and immediate impact on the quality of life Albertans experience in their communities. And it maintains that municipalities require the ability, the authority and the means to effectively plan over the long term and ensure the sustainable growth of their communities.

At the core, our message is something needs fixing. On one level, of course, I’m referring to the massive infrastructure deficit facing municipalities … the aging and over-burdened infrastructure that has communities struggling to keep pace with the tremendous growth this province has experienced in recent years.

But it’s more than just our sewer systems and roads that need fixing … it’s the funding model itself. Effective long term planning requires long term funding … funding that is predictable, reliable and sufficient. Without that, it’s not a plan. It’s a wish list.

Yet that is the position Alberta’s municipalities are in. Although property taxes and fees allow us to independently raise a substantial portion of the income required, we still have to rely on provincial grants in order to meet the full range of our obligations. And grants, by definition, are a variable and unpredictable source of income . . . a short term solution to a long term problem. It’s like using duct tape to patch a broken pipe; it does the trick in the short term, but it’s bound to fail eventually.

Alberta can no longer afford to take that kind of patchwork approach to our communities. We can – and must – do better. And now is the time to accelerate this essential issue.

In less than two weeks, AUMA will be taking its Local Matters campaign public.

We believe it’s important for Albertans to understand how essential services are paid for and how the delivery of local services is hindered by the limited sources of revenue available to municipalities. Local Matters calls for a fundamental change in the relationship between municipalities and the provincial gvernment … a change that reflects today’s realities.

Like the province, Alberta’s municipalities must respond to the tremendous societal, infrastructural and environmental demands associated with rapid economic growth. However, local governments have fewer funding option.We have done what is in our power to do. We have raised property taxes and user fees. We have reduced costs. But we’re running out of options.

To cope with the growing demand, municipalities have been taking on increasing amounts of debt … more than doubling their debt load between 2004 and 2009. We’re mortgaging Albertans’ future to meet today’s needs. At the same time, municipalities are becoming increasingly reliant on funding from provincial grants. In 2004, provincial transfers accounted for 10% of local governments’ revenue. By 2009, that number had doubled, which means a full 20% of critical infrastructure and core municipal services are being delivered with short term sources of income.

That not only hampers our ability to plan effectively for the long term, it also fails to acknowledge the strength and capabilities of Alberta’s local governments. We’ve come a long way since the Municipal Government Act was drafted in 1967.

Municipalities are transparent and accountable. We understand exactly what our communities – and our citizens – need. We already collect revenue, we plan and we make informed and thoughtful decisions about local services and expenditures. It’s time to provide local governments with the authority they need to meet their responsibilities … it’s time to modernize our approach to municipal funding. When citizens pay taxes, they should know who they’re paying them to … and why. They should be able to follow a clear line from the money they pay … to the government responsible for delivering the service … and all the way back.

We’re not saying a new funding model will completely eliminate the need for grants. Grants will still be required to fund joint government initiatives and to provide assistance to municipalities with limited tax capacity. But the vast majority of infrastructure and services that fall within the jurisdiction of municipalities should be funded using local dollars. The time has come to negotiate a new relationship between the provincial and municipal governments … a more mature relationship … built on cooperation, mutual respect and accountability.

Let’s work together to develop a better funding model … a model that sees the funding flow directly to the order of government responsible for delivering the desired outcome, so we can truly plan for the future.

Let’s build that funding model within the context of a sound governance framework … where the responsibilities of municipal governments are clearly-defined … where there are clear authorities to match those responsibilities … and where municipalities have the independent financial capacity to meet their responsibilities.

Albertans need strong, capable government at all levels – federally, provincially and locally. Because local matters. The roads and streets in our neighbourhoods matter; policing and fire-fighting in our communities matter; the parks, rinks and playgrounds in our communities matter. The quality of life in Alberta’s urban communities – home to 85 per cent of all Albertans – depends on municipalities’ ability to govern locally, to deliver local services locally, and to plan for the long term in order to meet the needs of citizens, today and into the future. Renewal of the provincial-municipal relationship and a new municipal funding framework will make those things possible. It will provide the kind of results that today’s Albertans expect and deserve.

We’re not saying it will be easy or that we have all the answers. We recognize this is a complex issue and there are no quick fixes. But we have some ideas, and we’re inviting our provincial colleagues to come to the table. We have asked each of the party leaders to make a public commitment to begin a collaborative process within 60 days following the election.

Let’s talk about how we can ensure municipalities have predictable, reliable and sufficient sources of income to meet the needs of their citizens. Let’s collaborate on a new model that recognizes the municipal order of government as effective, responsible and fully capable of governing in the interests of its citizens.

The AUMA and its 277 member municipalities across Alberta are ready to work with the province on this critical issue. Together, we can fix this. We can build a stronger, more successful and more sustainable future for all Albertans.

CBC Scotiabank Hockey Day - 2012

2012-02-12T12:20:00.001-07:00

As we begin to prepare the bid for hosting the CBC Scotiabank Hockey Day - 2013, as a shortlist candidate (there are only two Alberta cities being considered now), here are a few pictures from Summerside, PEI and this year's event. It was a fantastic experience, unparalleled community event, and would generate positive momentum for years to come if we were fortunate enough to be awarded CBC Scotiabank Hockey Day - 2013 - LLOYDMINSTER.

Lord Stanley's Cup during a School Visit
Thanks to Phil Pritchard

Ron, just minutes before the launch of CBC
Scotiabank Hockey Day

Ron & Don Cherry at the Banquet

Sounds good, doesn't it!

Coach's Corner Set in Summerside, PEI

Talk to your City Politicians???

2012-02-12T11:58:00.002-07:00

Silly Political Season Has Come Early…

They call it “Silly Season” in politics. That time leading up to an election where normal decision making, normal communications, normal trust relationships & normal workflow are anything, but, NORMAL.

People begin to posture that they are going to focus all assessment of City Council performance through a “we will throw you out of office at the next election” lens, your political colleagues have multiple games going, basically, telling most people whatever the heck they want to hear to garner support and votes, and random names are rumoured to be running for City Council and/or the Mayor’s role. In fact, some of the existing City Councillors are rumoured to be considering a run for the Mayor’s position in the upcoming 2012 fall Civic Election, others are thinking of seeking another term as Councillors, while others are weighing the commitment to four more years.

Yes indeed, “silly season” may have arrived early this year. The next election is for a 4 year term, which is a significant commitment. The Mayor is considered full time, and generally, the position requires a 50 hour work week to satisfy the job requirements. The City Councillors are expected to contribute 33% of the Mayor’s work commitment, which would be about 12-15 hours/week, which can be two full days per week, on average. Perhaps, it is this increased commitment and impact on one’s life that has caused the “silly season” discussion and antics to start earlier.

So, how do you communicate with your elected officials? Do you interact at Public Forums, Town Hall Meetings, Social Media, email, telephone, regular face-to-face meetings? Should City Council assume you are aligned if once every 3, now, 4 years, you re-elect them? Some believe that is the validation that enables Councillors to speak, decide and strategize on your behalf, without any further consultation. Others utilize largely the same small group of associates on a regular basis to vet their ideas or assumptions on business arising at City Council. My concern is that we are not, yet, sufficiently engaging the public in our decision making. Very few members of City Council are broadly accessible through a wide range of channels, and most of City Council lives within the southwest quadrant of the City. Fortunately, many work in other areas of the City and most are mobile throughout the community on a regular basis. To avoid reacting to special interest pressure, or to fall into the trap of thinking on your behalf in a vacuum, we need to know how you wish to be engaged as we move towards the end of this term and the onset of a 4 year term for the next City Council.

Until next week…

Mayor Mulligan

Bobcats Video from CBC Hockey Day in Canada Team

2012-02-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

If you want to feel a little community pride, just watch the short video produced about your Lloydminster Bobcats! Really makes you appreciate the community that we live in...
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hockeydayincanada/video.html?id=2193493313

Cassie Campbell-Pascall from CBC Hockey Night in Canada joined my family,
members of the Bobcats, as well as Councillors Saunders & Sauer when they visited Lloydminster

Super job by CBC and thank you to the Lloydminster Junior A Bobcat investors/owners, the fans, volunteers, billet families, and our dedicated players. Let's go deep in the playoffs and build on this success story before the year is over.

Mayor Mulligan

Nasty Folks..

2012-02-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

To be re-printed in the Weekly Bean...

January-February…people get nasty!

In my 35 years of professional life in Alberta, there are two things you can count on…

. people get nasty to one another in late January-early February; and

. very few people really understand what Conflict of Interest is, or means.

Just this past week, I had a group of individuals, basically, barking negative comments my way as I stopped in to lend a hand, on my own time, at a family member’s business. First of all, what I do on my own time, be it, exercising, helping a charitable organization, walking, painting, eating, or helping a family member succeed in business, is not precluded because one holds an elected office. However, this group of people believed they should publicly criticize the time I spend with my family to lend a hand in their new business.

Was that just nasty January-February, low sunlight, post-Christmas bill, long time since a long weekend “syndrome” behaviour that I should shrug off by considering the foregoing and the source(s)? They even threw out the Conflict of Interest conclusion they had come up with at their coffee club? Conflict of Interest, because you washed dishes, hung a shelf, fixed a piece of equipment; after giving more than 50 hours per week to your first priority as Mayor??? Hardly, better check your definitions before you become judge & jury. So you don’t have to look around, here are a few definitions of Conflict of Interest…

. conflict of interest is an interest which, in view of the circumstances, could reasonably be expected to affect independence or impartiality of the person with the interest

. contrary to the obligation & absolute duty to act for the benefit of the public or a designated individual, exploits the relationship for personal benefit, typically pecuniary

. can be defined as any situation in which an individual or corporation is in a position to exploit a professional or official capacity in some way for their personal or corporate benefit

Nowhere do the foregoing definitions suggest that spending time with family, leveraging your business experience by helping them out, or getting your hands a little dirty in the trenches, is a problem. After 32 years as an executive in the financial services industry and over 2 years in government, I am well versed in Conflict of Interest and Pecuniary Interests. In the rare instance where one potentially existed, I was quick to identify it and disclose it in writing to my colleagues. There is nothing more important than your reputation and integrity in both the aforementioned careers that I have chosen. Understanding these important rules is critical. Fear not, I am in the clear when washing dishes, folks…

Until next week…

Mayor Mulligan

Six More Weeks of Winter...

2012-02-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, according to Bear the calf, who took part in "Ground Beef Day" this morning, along with Heather Klages and myself, after seeing his shadow we declared six more weeks of winter. If this is winter, bring it on!

Move over Punxsutawney Phil and Wiarton Willie, Bear is the new Ground Beef Day star!
Pictured with Heather Klages and Mayor Mulligan

Canadian Pacific Transload Facility for Lloydminster

2012-02-01T23:55:00.004-07:00

Quick Facts about the Infrastructure Operations Centre

2012-02-01T16:58:00.004-07:00

Infrastructure Services Operations Center

For full background and information follow this link: http://www.lloydminster.ca/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=40

The population for the City of Lloydminster has been growing at a phenomenal rate for decades and so have the demands on our public services. We have been providing these services from a series of antiquated, low quality, undersized and energy inefficient structures. To plan for our future and the future of the City of Lloydminster, we are building a new facility to house all our infrastructure services:

• Public Works;

• Fleet Maintenance;

• Parks;

• Engineering;

• G.I.S. Services;

• Planning & Development;

• Building Maintenance

Our new building, the Infrastructure Services Operations Centre, will serve as the hub of municipal work and will bring together Infrastructure Services under one roof. Capitalizing on the synergies developed by bringing these teams together will enable us to provide high quality services through communication, innovation and dedication.

The facilities have been designed to accommodate a 20 year growth pattern based on the programming study and historical growth trends and the building is designed to last over 50 years.

The site itself allows for further physical expansion of all the buildings beyond the 20 year period, as do the structural, mechanical and electrical systems. During the conceptual design, various municipalities across Alberta were surveyed and/or visited in order to determine the anticipated growth for both the long and short term requirements of use.

Throughout all stages of the design process due consideration has been given to the project’s approach to sustainability. As part of the mandate from the Infrastructure Services Building Committee, sustainable design initiatives have been incorporated both as a common sense approach, resulting in long term operational cost savings but also as a public stewardship initiative to lead the way for the public at large to embrace practical and sustainable design features. Savings in energy consumption of up to 30% and water usage of up to 40% will be realized.

What we have Today (built in 1966 Population approx. 6,838)

· 9.5 acre site

· 16,000 sq ft shop

· Offices in various locations, including temporary trailers and basements

· 2 mechanics bays

· Outdoor sand/salt storage

What we will have Tomorrow

· 26 acre site

· 47,800 sq ft Office Area

· 44,800 sq ft Mechanics, Shops, Warehouse Area

· Warm storage building to house 8.3 million dollars in Fleet assets

· 8 mechanics bays

· Enclosed sand/salt storage

Quick Facts:

Construction Start: March 2012

Construction Duration: 18-24 months

Occupancy: Fall 2013 - Spring 2014

Location: 52 Street west of 62 Avenue

Planned for 20 year growth

Designed for > 50 year life

Sustainable Design Features:

o Reuse water

o High efficient mechanical

o Solar shades

Yielding:

o 30 % energy savings

o 40 % water savings

Services:
The Infrastructure Services Operations Center will develop synergies and enhance customer service by housing the following teams under one roof:
·      Public Works
·      Fleet Maintenance
·      Stores
·      Parks
·      Engineering
·      G.I.S. Services
·      Planning & Development
·      Building Maintenance

Project Costs:

Main Building                                                                                $22,000,000 - $25,000,000
Warm Storage                                                                                  $4,000,000 - $5,000,000
Sand/Salt                                                                                          $2,000,000 - $2,500,000
Wash Bay                                                                                              $800,000 -$1,000,000
Site (Site Work, Grading, Servicing, etc.)                                        $5,200,000- $6,500,000
Total anticipated project cost:                                                                   $34 - $40 Million

One Busy City!

2012-01-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

excerpt from "A Moment with the Mayor"

Lloydminster…on the move!!!

Yes sirree…hold on. It is going to be a whirlwind ride in the next year as we launch an exciting 2012 with our neighbouring communities for this entire region.

CBC Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada 2013 – If you haven’t heard, Lloydminster is on a short list of two cities to host this event in February 2013. With the CBC Hockey Night in Canada team (including Ron Maclean) here in Lloydminster for 4 days, surrounded by events every day, combined with national coverage and exposure for our city, this is a priceless opportunity that will come our way once in a lifetime. The next milestone in the bid/review process will be the end of March where the Organizing Group will submit the final proposal to CBC executives.

Lakeland College – 2013 Women’s CCAA National Volleyball Championships – Lakeland College has been awarded the 2013 National Championships, to be hosted here in Lloydminster, in conjunction with the College’s 100^th Anniversary Celebrations. What an outstanding achievement and we look forward to hosting a 1^st class event!

2012 Allan Cup – Just around the corner (April 16-21) is the 2012 National Senior AAA Men’s Hockey Championship to be hosted here in Lloydminster. The event is practically sold out already. Great job by the organizing group and I know they will be looking for volunteers to make this a super experience for all of our visitors.

Health Services Summit – During recent meetings with both Saskatchewan & Alberta Deputy Ministers, thanks to the Chamber of Commerce, we have moved forward the idea of a Lloydminster Health Services Summit to map the future of health services delivered from Lloydminster. This will be no easy task, however, we will continue to push this initiative and work with all stakeholders to address this important service area.

The world is much more global today and, as such, working with our neighbours is the only way we will achieve major wins into the future. The City of Lloydminster Council is active in many organizations, boards, and initiatives to build these positive relationships. The formation of the Lloydminster Economic Development Corporation, Vermilion River Regional Alliance, Inter-municipal Liaison Committee, Lloydminster Planning Development Commission, SK & AB Mayor’s Caucus Groups, together with emerging initiatives monthly are just a few examples.

Yes, Lloydminster and region has a very bright future; thanks to so many committed people working together on our behalf. See what you can get involved in this year…

Until next week…

Mayor Mulligan

Proclamations & Recognitions Draws Large Crowd to City Hall

2012-01-24T22:57:00.002-07:00

It was busy Council meeting on Monday. The parking lot was full, as one of our Councillors couldn't find a parking spot. This was a result of a proclamation signing and recognizing in the Good of the Order, three members of our Community that have dedicated countless hours to make Lloydminster a better place to live.
Prior to the Council Meeting being called to order, I signed a proclamation to Celebrate Family Literacy Day.

During Good of the Order, we recognized Helen Morlidge for 20 years of dedication and commitment to the Lloydminster Public Library Board, Kevin Lider for 30 years of service to the Lloydminster Firefighters and Ken Marchand for his contribution to Police Services over the last seven years in Lloydminster.

Councillor Park and I presenting to Mrs. Morlidge

Scott Land & Lease Celebrates 25 Years in Lloydminster

2012-01-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

It was a pleasure to join the team from Scott Land & Lease today to Celebrate the Grand Opening of their new office and 25 years in Lloydminster.

Howard Parkyn pictured below, was the first Scott Land team member hired 25 years ago for the Lloydminster office. We wish them continued success in Lloydminster and look forward to celebrating more milestones with them in the future.

Ribbon Cutting

L-R Myself, JR Houghton, Howard Parkyn, Greg Scott, Todd Plandowski and MLA Lloyd Snelgrove

Presenting picture on behalf of Mayor & Council to President of Scott Land & Lease Greg Scott

Shop Local makes a Great Place for Business...

2012-01-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from the Weekly Bean...

Great Place for Business…

On the heels of being named the #2 Place for Entrepreneurs in Canada in both 2010 & 2011, combined with recognition by Alberta Venture as one of the 10 Best Communities for Business in both Alberta & Saskatchewan, we are seeing positive business growth throughout Lloydminster every day.

Professional services, automotive, oilfield related industries, restaurants, hotels, and retail services are all flourishing in our city, thanks in large part, to our commitment to shopping local. When I hear of people talking about heading out of town to shop, supporting businesses in other communities, I cringe.

Local businesses, both locally owned and those that are larger firms with a local presence, are the people who create employment, positive economic impact, sponsor minor sports, seniors, culture, and most of all, build new premises for their businesses, resulting in new revenue for the City.

Take a look around at the next local event you are at and note the businesses that have provided financial and human support to make it possible. We should be supporting these businesses, so they can give back to our community. Saving a few dollars by making a deal out of town, may not always be in your best long term interest and certainly does nothing to make Lloydminster a better place to live, work and do business.

If there is a service or business that you think Lloydminster could benefit from having in our City, get the word out to Lloydminster Economic Development Corporation or the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce. They will make some noise and see if there are interested entrepreneurs that will jump on the opportunity. If it is about price or value, talk to the business owner or manager and let them see what they can do for you right here in Lloydminster. Let’s SHOP LOCAL and continue to make Lloydminster the envy of every other business region!

Next City Council Meeting – January 23^rd, 1:30PM

Until next week…

Mayor Mulligan

A Great News Day for Lloydminster

2012-01-16T00:03:00.000-07:00

I was privileged to attend Servus Credit Union Friday to bring greetings on behalf of the City for the launch the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives 2012.
The Alberta launch was kicked off at 11:00 am and I joined employees from both Servus and Synergy CU's to celebrate and recognize the contributions the co-operative sector makes to social and economic development around the world.
The event ended with a simultaneous cake cutting happening across the province with the other 10 locations that joined in the live webcast.
We look forward to another successful year for Co-operatives in Alberta!

My next stop was Lakeland College for the press conference to announce that Lakeland was selected to host CCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship in March of 2013.

We are very fortunate to have dedicated staff, students and coaches at our College who are willing to take the lead in hosting events of this caliber. As we know, Lloydminster has been successful not only at a College level but at a City level as host to some great sporting events and we look forward to welcoming the teams to our city in 2013.

The only thing to remember ladies is don’t lose that last game.

Member of the Ladies Volleyball Team

Glenn Charlesworth, Aaron Rawlake, Austin Dyer, myself

City Hall Touch Points & Activities

2012-01-08T06:26:00.001-07:00

...excerpt from the Weekly Bean.

Busy times ahead…

They sometimes say; “be careful what you wish for!” No kidding, here in Lloydminster. There may be down time or slow periods in other communities, but not here in the Border City.

This month will see a delegation of community leaders, organized by the Chamber of Commerce, heading west to Edmonton to build positive relations with Deputy Ministers within the re-shaped Alberta government. We will be launching a new information sharing session process, whereby, City Council & Management will invite groups into City Hall to provide background and insight into emerging initiatives to support our strategy development. This month we (City Council) will be sitting down with representatives from the SPCA and several other groups to listen and learn.

Group Jaw with Jeff sessions will be re-initialized this month. I am pleased to report that many of the priorities addressed in 2010 & 2011 were introduced in these community focused dialogue sessions with the Mayor. Later this spring, we will be introducing an opportunity for the public to meet one-on-one with the Mayor, for 20-30 minutes, on a subject of their choice. The meetings will be scheduled on random Fridays throughout the year. The Mayor’s Office will need the topic to be discussed to be confirmed at the time the appointment is set up. Stay tuned for further details…

January 12^th will see me participating in two press conferences. Lakeland College has a very special announcement and Lloydminster has been selected as a launch site for the International Year of Co-operatives celebration which will be hosted at the Servus CU Resource Centre. Speaking of co-operation, many of our neighbours will be joining us at an upcoming Vermilion River Regional Alliance AGM, on January 18^thin the County of Vermilion River, to explore areas where we might work together to build an even stronger economic region.

Next City Council Meeting – January 23^rd, 1:30PM

Until next week…
Mayor Mulligan

HAPPY NEW YEAR LLOYDMINSTER!!!

2011-12-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

Out with 2011…In with 2012!

2011 was not just a big year for Lloydminster. When you glance at the province, country and around the world, it is hard to believe how much can happen in twelve short months. Two controversial world leaders were killed and one passed away. Closer to home, Premier Wall was given a clear endorsement, while Premier Stelmach was pushed out of office by his own party MLA’s, and through it all, the Prime Minister reached a higher approval rating.

The U.S. economy looks worse upon closer inspection and eastern Canada struggles to recover. Alberta and Saskatchewan emerge as two “have” provinces and we continue to see positive economic growth. When scanning the geographic and economic horizon, I am thankful every day to call Lloydminster home!

Each year, as I step back to reflect on the year that was, I learn a great deal about my team, my family and myself, but only for a few minutes before the next year comes rumbling over the hill! This year saw outstanding progress in Lloydminster. Several capital projects were completed, more roadwork & infrastructure work was undertaken than ever, and most importantly, we witnessed positive trending within the staff that has transformed the service style and service levels that residents are benefitting from with each interaction. City of Lloydminster relationships with key community stakeholders are increasingly based on trust, openness and shared objectives that are delivering value to our city at every turn.

I am proud of the City of Lloydminster Team for their commitment to transforming our CULTURE, SERVICE, and PUBLIC IMAGE, thank my family for permitting me to dedicate the kind of time it takes to serve in public office, and have grown to appreciate all that the Lloydminster region has yet to offer us if we work together.

More than anything, with a bright future ahead for the City of Lloydminster, we anxiously await the arrival of 2012 with its unique challenges, amazing rewards and infinite opportunities. Let’s celebrate the New Year and may it bring each of us closer to our shared goals in harmony.

Happy New Year!

Mayor Mulligan

Sometimes a Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words...and then...

2011-12-27T22:37:00.001-07:00

Golf in Lloydminster on Christmas Day 2011

KURT & KLAGES COOKIE CONTEST - December 21

2011-12-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

I fulfilled my duty yesterday morning. I arrived with an empty stomach at Lloyd FM for the "Kurt & Klages Cookie Contest". I can assure you that my stomach is no longer empty and I am feeling the sweet pain of judging this event, after eating nearly 40 cookies!. There were some great entries, unfortunately, we could only choose two winners. First place went to Pat Smith for her Sugar Cookies (just like Grandma used to make) and the runner up was Jocelyn Pletz for her Soft Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies (Check out the presentation that Jocelyn has become famous for!)

Official Judges for the Cookie Contest
It seems MLA Snelgrove has more time on his hands now...

Pat Smith - Winner

Jocelyn Pletz - Runner Up

In studio conducting the scientific tests!

Congratulations to all of those who dropped off entries!

Merry Christmas from the Mayor's Office...

2011-12-18T15:19:00.001-07:00

Christmas…A Special Feeling…

Can you feel it? Yes, that special feeling of friendship, caring, togetherness and family that is in the air during Christmas. Doesn’t it feel good?

Whether I am reading to a class of elementary students and seeing Christmas through their innocent and hopeful eyes, or visiting a senior centre for Christmas tea, or simply standing in the corridor at City Hall, there is a very warm feeling during the Christmas season. People ask you how you are doing, maybe where you are going for the holidays; they might ask you over for a visit, or extend an invitation to join them at their church on Christmas eve.

Why is it that we only take the time to care, listen and share in such a warm way in the weeks leading up to Christmas? I am going to challenge myself and my team to live this way year round, set an example in our leadership, and remember what the Christmas celebration represents…pure joy, health and happiness. For the brief time we are blessed to be here and for the even shorter period that we are in a position of trusted community leadership; let’s honour the Christmas spirit with our actions each and every day.

From the Mulligan family and all of us at City Hall, please travel safely and have a very Merry Christmas with your friends and family.

Until next week…or maybe next year…
Mayor Mulligan

SPCA Jail & Bail...Huge Success!

2011-12-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

This past Friday was the Annual SPCA Jail & Bail fundraiser. Councillor Altman and Councillor Park took part in the event and I went down mid-day to see how all the folks in "lock-up" were doing. Here is an update from the President of the Lloydminster SPCA Board, Trevor Ollen:
__________________________________________________________

Hi everyone and thanks again for all of your support.

The SPCA Jail & Bail was a tremendous success and with your help we were able to raise $33,611 this year! This is a much needed boost here at the shelter and the funds raised this year will go a long way in providing animal care in the region.

Merry Christmas from my kennel-mate Brie and I.

All the best this holiday season!

Sincerely,
Trevor

Let's Focus on Positive Energy!!!

2011-12-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this quote (below) last evening and it definitely inspired me... Does it resonate with you? We need to focus and deliver more positive energy to one another.

When a man is wrapped up in himself he makes a pretty small package ~ John Ruskin ... unwrap & serve this week : -)

We are only able to enjoy this life, briefly; and the honour of community & business leadership for an even more brief period. Create the positive energy you love to be around!

Mayor Mulligan

Everyone Working on Doctor Recruitment!

2011-12-11T14:41:00.001-07:00

Great article by Katie Ryan at the Lloydminster Source...

More doctors heading to Lloydminster

By Katie Ryan
Prairie North Health Region’s doctor recruitment work is netting results for Lloydminster.
Seven new family physicians are in the pipeline to work in the city in 2012, said PNRH CEO David Fan. The first family physician is scheduled to arrive from South Africa in January, he continued, and another physician from the United Kingdom is to arrive in February.

“I have five more who are slated to land in May 2012,” Fan said over the phone Tuesday morning, noting prior to independently practicing in the city, each physician will have to undergo the Saskatchewan-based International Medical Graduates assessment process. “That will take a couple of months before they can start practicing.

“Everything takes time but I think there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.
“I am just hoping the general public will be patient with us now that we have really identified this as a number one priority for us and we have been working at it quite hard. We are beginning to see some results.”

The primary health care review, commissioned by the health region and Lloydminster Region Health Foundation earlier in April, offered six recommendations for PNHR to act on, including the recruitment of at least nine physicians to satisfy the family physician to resident ratio.

“We already have over the past year, recruited at least three new family physicians in the community, so with another seven more it will exceed the nine as a target,” said Fan, who updated PNHR board members on the new medical staff appointments during the Nov. 30 meeting. “Now in the meantime, who knows if there will be somebody leaving. The reality is that there are always people coming and going, and hopefully we can get enough coming rather than people leaving, so the net gain should be a good thing.

“In other words, the recruitment process never stops, so we will keep going,” he added. “With the seven coming through, it will position us quite well.” Working with the Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Committee, which works with both local clinics, the health region and LRHF on recruitment and retention initiatives, has been a boon to the health region’s strategy to hire new doctors, said Fan.

“They have been very helpful to us in terms of providing the soft landing, basically showing the potential physicians around, showing them the housing options, schools and just generally providing the welcoming part of it,” he continued. “I think that’s very critical to convincing potential physicians that Lloydminster is a place to come to live and to work.”

A variety of specialists have also been recently recruited to work in the Border City. Among the seven specialists who have agreed to move to Lloydminster to practice medicine are a general surgeon, who will land in Lloydminster in January said Fan, a pediatrician and an orthopedic surgeon in September, as well as a radiologist in July. Where the new specialists or family physicians will set up their practice has yet to be confirmed. In October the health region opened the Prairie North Health Centre in Lloydminster to provide “turn-key operations” for family physicians and specialists who are new to the community.

“They have the option to join the Prairie North Health Centre or they could negotiate with other clinics to their liking,” said Fan. “If they want to use (the centre) as a starting base, they are more than welcome to do that. And that’s precisely what it’s meant to do, to give them a starting point. But if they want to stay long term, that will be just fine with us too.” Since the Prairie North Health Centre opened a few months ago, Fan said it’s been used for family practices and to house specialists in transition to a more permanent setup.

Social Media - Anonymous Uninformed Assassins?

2011-12-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

excerpt from the Weekly Bean...

Social Media - Anonymous Uninformed Assassins?

I have long been a strong proponent of the use of Social Media to reach out to the public, create positive change and to build inclusion. Recently, I have watched the world of the INTERNET, Social Media as we now refer to it, become increasingly caustic and negative.

In particular, Facebook, has gone from a place to connect with “Friends” casually, bring people of common interest together through Fan Pages, and a network designed to educate and inform; to a platform for personal attack and cyber-bullying. Often times, Facebook dialogue looks more like a school clique or a gang, with unfounded comments designed to damage reputation, question intent and mislead others who are willing to erroneously take their “Friends” comments at face value.

I have seen people on Facebook suggest salary increase %’s that were grossly inaccurate, indicate the City of Lloydminster is deep in debt, and completely misquote City Council Meeting proceedings that they were not in attendance at. Why? What could be gained, except to momentarily impress their Facebook Friends, encourage more slanderous commentary, or negatively impact community leaders for personal gain with totally fabricated information.

Facebook is not going away soon, and it will have a pervasive influence on politics and leadership for the next few years, without a doubt. Now, how will it impact our community, citizens, leaders and future elections? If I sound like I am loving the Weekly Bean…”A Moment With the Mayor” right now…I am!

Until next week…
Mayor Mulligan

Politically Correct...Right...

2011-12-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

excerpt from the Weekly Bean...

Politically Correct? What the heck will that achieve?

That’s right…I can’t believe the number of people who are in the background applauding the positive change imparted on the City on one hand, and simultaneously calling for political correctness as we enter an election year.

Political correctness, by its very nature, creates bland, staid and stoic scripted responses, that are seldom action oriented. In fact, if you want no one to move, no one to be made to question the status quo, and everything to move slowly towards nothing but more of the same, observe the strictest of political correctness. There will be no friction, no movement and no enduring benefit to our community.

I find it interesting that many people offer counsel to maybe be a bit more political correct, followed by their list of things to change and improve. How on earth do you get people to question the way we are doing things and open their minds to a potentially better way, if we use terminology (politically correct) designed to honour long standing average traditions that have long outlived their usefulness.

Political correctness might get you re-elected once or twice, however, it will not create enduring benefit and define a legacy of positive achievement for all. You won’t always like what I have to say, and maybe even how I say it. I know this City Council will be judged by what it achieved and the momentum we created for our municipality, not for its level of political correctness.

Until next week…
Mayor Mulligan

Vermilion-Lloydminster MLA Snelgrove not seeking re-election...

2011-11-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

PCs will seek new candidate

At a meeting of the directors of the Vermilion-Lloydminster Progressive Conservative Association on Monday, November 28th incumbent MLA Lloyd Snelgrove informed them he will not seek re-election for the PC party in the next Alberta provincial election. President Glenda Elkow stated "We are very sad to see Lloyd go. He has been an excellent ambassador for our constituency and represented us and Alberta extremely well." Association Secretary Don Whittaker indicated "We have been blessed with excellent MLAs in this area and Lloyd has been one of the best".

MLA Lloyd Snelgrove commented that "It has been a tremendous and humbling opportunity for me to represent this area for the past 11 years."

In January, the Vermilion-Lloydminster PC Association will launch a nomination process to seek a new candidate in anticipation of a spring election.

For further information
Glenda Elkow
President, Vermilion-Lloydminster PC Association
Phone: (780) 871-1853

Where are tomorrow’s…’er today’s LEADERS?

2011-11-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

excerpt from the Weekly Bean...

At a recent AUMA conference we listened to keynote speaker Mike Lipkin ask us if the decisions we were making and the initiatives we were leading would be the foresight people marvelled at 50 to 100 years from now? This really caused me to think about where we are at, what we are doing and how does what we are doing stack up to some of the things we enjoy today because of great visionary leadership here in Lloydminster 50 years ago.

I was in awe of the youthful enthusiastic leadership that built the Centennial Civic Centre, Lloydminster Exhibition, the City Hall-Clock Tower, Fire Hall #1, several local Churches, and many other landmarks. Heck, what about the Yellowhead Highway, Fisher’s Department Store, the May Theatre, initial Husky Operations, and countless oil related innovations?

Again, what struck me was the relative youth of the key community leaders who came together to make amazing things happen. Today, we seem to wait for someone to step to the front, or believe it is respectful to let the elder statesmen (and women) take the lead. Quite the opposite is called for. We need the leaders in their 20’s, 30’s & 40’s to seize the opportunity to shape the future of Lloydminster; starting tomorrow!

Many of these multi-million dollar initiatives take years to gain momentum and many more to actually bring them to life. If we want our kids and grandkids to walk with pride in their city, referring to the vision and passion their parents had for this community, we need to continue to dream big, act passionately, and share the load for the many great things we can do by coming together. If new ideas that will transform the future of Lloydminster take 10 years to become a reality, we need young leaders to rally behind the one’s they are most passionate about and demonstrate the same commitment of our parents and grandparents when they were the extremely busy “Movers & Shakers” of this City.

Government never makes amazing things happen…people do!

So, 50 years from now…will they be talking about your great vision and leadership?

Until Next Week...

Mayor Mulligan

Anyone seen this Cowboy?

2011-11-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

Last evening Kathy and I were guests of the Grace United Church for their Annual Time & Talent Auction. Great meal, super company, but most of all, an important fund raiser for upcoming church initiatives. The Grace United Church plans to expand adjacent their current location and we couldn't be happier to see this initiative in the downtown core of our city.

Why the hat? Well, Shep started a fund raiser where you buy a "Ring Man" a hat, then you can buy your way out of it and pass it on. Guess who was the first to be "gifted" the opportunity to engage in this fun fundraising idea? I was kind enough to buy it off my head and pass it to Gary Young, who I believe made a donation after wearing it for a while and made Ken Kay an honourary Ring Man.

Congratulations to the organizers for a very nice evening and for bringing together good community folks to support the Grace United Church. Highlight of the evening, without a doubt, auctioning off a table cloth made by 104 year old Mrs. MacKay, who joined the lucky bidder Gwen Mohrbutter for a picture.

Mayor Mulligan

Volunteers & Community Boards

2011-11-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

...excerpt from the Weekly Bean

Calling all Leaders!!! Hello...Can anyone hear me?

Just this past week, I joined with City officials to meet with representatives from the Alberta Association for Police Governance to consider our options for effective oversight of the complex role of policing. While we still have a great deal of work and research to complete before embarking on a specific direction, the real essence of this article was the comments from the AAPG representatives about volunteer Board Member recruitment.

The representatives joined us from Fort Saskatchewan and Camrose, and were perplexed when we described the difficulties often encountered in recruiting Board Members for various city & regional organizations. They indicated that it was not difficult to identify and secure commitment from solid forward thinking community leaders to step forward to serve on their respective Police Commissions. This is a far cry from what we are experiencing here in Lloydminster.

While we acknowledge the economic environment, employment situation, age demographic and generally super busy lives of most residents, there are countless volunteer leadership appointments that must be filled to ensure that Lloydminster moves forward in a healthy, happy, and progressive manner, serving all sectors within our community.

If you, or someone you know could bring expertise, passion and commitment to any of the following organizations, please contact the Office of the Mayor @780.871.8327. We need to identify good community minded people for many emerging appointments:

. Lloydminster Economic Development Corporation

. Lloydminster Housing Authority

. Lloydminster Handi-Van Society

. Lloydminster Library Board

. Barr Colony Heritage Cultural Centre Board

. Lloydminster Community Grant Advisory Board

. Vic Juba Theatre Operations Board

Until next week…
Mayor Mulligan

FIRE FIGHTING TRADITION IN LLODMINSTER CONTINUES

2011-11-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

This is a great story of the level of commitment and service that the Gustavson's have made to the City and the citizens of this community. We look forward to the tradition continuing and thank you for your dedicated service.

http://www.meridianbooster.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3374085

Leadership & VISION

2011-11-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

excerpt from the Weekly Bean..."A Moment with the Mayor"

Putting it out there…Mayor’s Point of View

It has been an interesting & exhilarating two years in public office as the Mayor. At times, I have observed an element of emotional resentment from people when referencing leadership or VISION positions that I might communicate from time to time as your Mayor. Recently, the Honourable Alison Redford, Premier of Alberta, and very soon, Premier Wall, as is the case with all Chief Elected Officials across the three levels of government, are provided the latitude to articulate the directional vision highlights for their term of office.

Civic government is no different. In fact, it usually represents the campaign/leadership platform that successfully brought the Mayor, Premier, or Prime Minister to office. A quick scan of most Canadian cities websites and annual reports will bear witness to the Mayor articulating their vision as a guidepost for debate, management research, and general government operational benchmarks.

This doesn’t mean that the Mayor always wins or the decisions always go their way, however, it is normal practice for the Mayor to drive an agenda forward for debate and consideration. Case in point; the direction provided by Premier Redford in her Cabinet Minister mandate letters (November 2011). The content of these letters, ostensibly form the priorities for each cabinet minister and their entire ministry. Not one of these items was debated by Caucus or Cabinet prior to the Premier unilaterally establishing this direction. The actual deliverables, budget implications and implementation will undergo scrutiny, analysis and debate in the normal course of discharging government process. However, the original pronouncement of key directives fell squarely on the shoulders of the senior most elected official of this order of government.

I see my mandate, responsibilities, passion for a vision, or right to articulate it, similarly. Leadership calls one to share a vision and then to co-operatively engage those around them to own the road ahead.

Until next week…
Mayor Mulligan

Building the Future, Together!

2011-11-09T23:07:00.003-07:00

Long day today, but pretty special when you start with the Interval Home Board of Directors Breakfast, attend CFO-Ian Glassford (Servus CU) presentation, over to complete 2012 Pioneer Lodge Budget and finish with dinner with the good folks from the Lloydminster Region Housing Group! Another day in the life of the Mayor...a darn good life!

Now where might you find the Mayor over the next few weeks?

November 10 - Moose Jaw to join Mayor Hagel for the opening of the new Mosaic Place Centre
November 11 - Remembrance Day Ceremony at LCHS
November 14 - City Council Meeting (1:30PM) City Hall
November 15 - Chamber/County/RM/City Mixer at Lakeland College
November 16 - Lloydminster Regional Business Incubator/Accelerator - LEDC Offices
November 16 - Lloydminster Regional Housing Group Board Mtg.
November 18 - Vic Juba Community Theatre
November 20-21 - Elected Official Training - Edmonton
November 22 - Grace United Church Fundraiser
November 23 - Ron Syles - Sasktel CEO, brought to Lloydminster by Synergy CU
November 24-25 - Sakatchewan Regional Planning Meeting - Saskatoon
November 28 - City Council Meeting (1:30PM) City Hall

Christmas Season has started to kick in. Hope to see you around town celebrating and taking part in the festivities. Remember to stay safe, call a cab or a friend if you need a ride home.

Mayor Mulligan

e4 - Comprehensive Municipal Plan Update

2011-11-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

I have been asked a few times how we are doing with the e4 Project & why the website has not been regularly updated...

The e⁴ website developer will be making some changes/fixes to the website in the next couple of weeks. Updates will be available on the site at that time.

e⁴ Lloydminster is currently in Phase III: Preparation of Plans. On November 1^st the e⁴ Advisory Committee met with our consultants to review the draft Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP). In the coming weeks City Council will be reviewing the draft documents in preparation for a Public Open House, tentatively set for the last week of January. At that time the draft MDP and ICSP will be made available to the public at www.e4lloydminster.ca. Comments will be integrated into revised draft plans which will be brought forward to City Council for adoption.

e⁴ questions or comments can be directed to Melinda Evong, Urban Planner at mevong@lloydminster.ca or at 780-875-6184 ext 2308.

HRHS Raiders Football - 2011 League Champs!

2011-11-06T20:58:00.001-07:00

On a chilly, but bright afternoon in Lloydminster at the home field of Holy Rosary High School Raiders football team, history was made. A perfect season was capped off with a victory over Cold Lake and handle of LEAGUE CHAMPIONS was placed firmly on the shoulders of the 2011 edition of the Raiders!

While they were shocked with early scoring and had to come from behind, they gathered themselves to overcome the challenge as a TEAM! Lloydminster has a proud football history and with the addition of youth football to augment our solid high school programs, the future looks very bright on the gridiron.

Congratulations to the Coaches, Players, Parents and Fans on a dream season! You have been great ambassadors for Lloydminster.

Holy Rosary Raiders - 2011 League Champions!

Connection to the City of Lloydminster
Micheal Carroll-Linebacker is all smiles with (Dad) City Manager/CAO Glenn
& (Mom) Maggie Carroll.

Tanner Polischuk and Michael Carroll hoist the League Champion trophy!

This group of players came together from a broad cross section of backgrounds and demonstrated what hard work, sticking to a plan and supporting one another can achieve.

Mayor Mulligan

2011-11-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

Tough Decisions Ahead...
excerpt from the Weekly Bean...A Moment with the Mayor

We all wish there was a limitlesssupply of funding available to satisfy every need and request as we head to theall-important 2012 Capital & Operating Budget, however, that will not bethe case.

City of Lloydminster staff are hardat work, assessing priority projects, operational challenges and the best wayto build a service focused organization. The wall that is being built in front of them is a growinginfrastructure deficit, rising skilled labour costs and growing demands forenhanced service hours. Now that we havea Strategic Plan shaping up, better overall direction and alignment can beachieved, as we come together to establish priorities and our funding plans.

With only about one third of theannual cashflow requirements derived from property taxes, and the largestpercentage coming from provincial grant funding, of which we can only becertain of approximately 50%, we will be looking at those projects that we knowwe can fund in one lens and those that could be funded if grant programs ariseto address them in another lens.

Through it all, the budget process isa great opportunity to review the detailed analysis by our City of Lloydminsterteam, reach out to the community to validate their needs, and then dialogueopenly at the City Council budget table to arrive at a position that will seeus through the year ahead, in a progressive & efficient manner. I look forward to working hard on thisdirection setting exercise during our late November City Council Meetings.

Until next week…
Mayor Mulligan

Another Example....

2011-11-04T08:32:00.003-06:00

Here is a link to a story that appeared in the headlines this morning. I found it interesting, and sadly, quite relevant in many of the points raised, given recent discussions in Lloydminster.

Justin Trudeau fumes at Tory MP’s ‘bad Catholic’ taunt

Jennifer Ditchburn

Ottawa— The Canadian Press

Published Wednesday, Nov. 02, 2011 3:56PM EDT

Last updated Thursday, Nov. 03, 2011 9:23AM EDT

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/justin-trudeau-fumes-at-tory-mps-bad-catholic-taunt/article2222944/

CP Overpass to be Repaired on November 1st

2011-10-30T22:04:00.000-06:00

Media Advisory: TRAFFIC ALERT – HIGHWAY 16 EAST OF LLOYDMINSTER
Repairs to the CP rail overpass over Highway 16, east of Lloydminster are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, November 1.

Starting at 7:00 am, traffic on Highway 16 will be closed to all traffic from 40^th Ave. to the Husky Ugrader. Work is expected to take one day to complete subject to weather and contractor progress.

While the bridge is being repaired, traffic will be detoured as follows:

Westbound Traffic –South on Range Road 3280 (road to Husky Upgrader) to 12^th Street, West 1 mile to 40^th Ave and North on 40^th Ave back onto Hwy #16.

Eastbound Traffic – South on 40^th Ave, East on 12^th Street, turn North onto Range Road 3280 towards Husky Upgrader back onto Hwy #16.

Long combination vehicles in excess of 31 min length, and all wide loads will not be allowed on the detour. Long combination vehicles affected by this restriction and wishing to operate on Highway 16 in the vicinity of Lloydminster during the restricted period will be required to stage their trailers; there is no alternate routing in the Lloydminster area.

Wide loads will be required to find alternate routing.

Media contact:
Mike LoVecchio
Media Relations
Canadian Pacific
778 772-9636
855 242-3674 24/7 media pager

2nd Anniversary for City Council...

2011-10-28T13:00:00.000-06:00

Two years in office... An experience, a privilege, and much for our Council and City of Lloydminster teammates to be proud of. Making things happen in Lloydminster!

It has been an honour to serve...thank you for your trust.

Mayor Mulligan