The District of Barriere held their general council meeting on May 7, with two delegations noted on the agenda. The first was a presentation of the 2011 financial statement by Carol Patton, C.G.A.
The second was a presentation by Harley Wright representing the Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society. Wright gave Council members an update on the activities of the Society, showing some pictures of some of the area’s that have been logged.
Council members passed a motion to award Eco-Tek a phased contract for the Solar Aquatics System and Septage Receiving and Treatment Facility to a maximum amount of $30,000 for the completion of the first phase.
They also passed a motion to re-submit the 2011 funding application for the Strategic Initiatives Grant, for dual production wells and a reservoir.
Council members passed a motion to post 30 km speed limit signs on Barriere Town Road adjacent to the Ridge building, due to the large number of children using the playground facilities. All citizens are asked to be aware of this coming change.
Two bylaws received their final adoption - the Financial Plan bylaw No. 90; and the Tax Rates 2012 bylaw No. 91. Also passed was the Development Variance Permit (DVP-12-02) Application regarding encroachment onto District owned lands at 4264 Dunsmuir Road.
Council members then began discussing the issue of water meter installations. After some discussion on a variety of options, Council members passed a motion to install one pit meter (water meter) at each mobile home park unless the owners specifically request that individual meters be installed on each mobile home within the park.
There was also some discussion around options should property owners:
a) not want anyone entering their home,
b) be afraid of the effects of radio-frequency on their health, or
c) have a valid health issue related to sensitivity to radio-frequency and a doctor’s certificate to that effect.
After the discussion, Council members approved a motion that the District would fund the alternative pit location for situation “c” only. For situation “a” and “b”, property owners would have to pay the cost of installing a pit meter (which would be approximately $1500).
In the case of a property owner that outright refuses to allow a meter to be installed, Council members approved a motion that those owners would be levied a $300 per month charge for non-compliance. Other cities have similar charges - Kamloops with $315 per month; and Sparwood with $457.60 per month.
Council members then moved on to discuss the Zoning Bylaw Review process, with the resulting motion: that the District advertise and hire a 10 week (or equivalent) position, preferably with research and planning skills, to assist the Working Group with the preparation of a draft Zoning Bylaw document (approximately $10,000); that staff draft and post a request for proposal for the public consultation facilitation component of the Zoning Bylaw review process ($10,000); and that staff explore and bring back to Council, the costs of a professional/legal review of the final draft prior to the document being brought back to Council for formal consideration. Council also moved that these funds be taken from the Gas Tax Reserves.
District staff were directed by Council to draft a Bylaw Notice Enforcement bylaw and bring it forward to the next regular Council meeting for consideration. This bylaw deals with ticketing for a variety of offenses.
Mayor Humphreys made the following proclamation: “Whereas Child Find B.C., a provincial member of Child Find Canada, is a non-profit, registered charitable organization, incorporated in 1984; and whereas the mandate of Child Find B.C. is to educate children and adults about abduction prevention, to promote awareness of the problem of missing children, and to assist in the location of missing children; and whereas Child Find has recognized green as the colour of hope, which symbolizes a light in the darkness for all missing children; and whereas Child Find’s annual Green Ribbon of Hope Campaign will be held in the month of May and May 25 is National Missing Children’s Day; therefore be it resolved that I, Mayor Humphreys of the municipality of Barriere, do hereby proclaim May as Child Find’s Green Ribbon of Hope month, and May 25 as National Missing Children’s Day. I urge our citizens to wear a green ribbon as a symbol of hope for the recovery of all missing children; and to remain vigilant in our common desire to protect and nurture the youth of our Municipality and Province.”
Council members approved a grant of $250 for the North Thompson Fish and Game Club for their 3rd Annual Family Fishing Derby that will be held on June 17.
Barry Thorn asked Council how the new water meters will be read - Mayor Humphreys responded that they will be read remotely. Carol Patton asked about the ticketing bylaw and what types of things can citizens receive tickets for - noise, unsightly yards, and not complying with watering restrictions are some of the ticketable offenses.
Council approved a motion to allow staff to approve requests from residents regarding filling pools.
Staff will also draft a policy regarding Council members and staff remote access to District files.
The next general meeting will be on May 22, at 7 p.m.