The District of Barriere Council Meeting of April 18 started with a public hearing regarding the rezoning application for the lot at 4740 Barriere Town Road. Over a dozen residents came out to ask questions regarding the proposed change.
Resident Robert Ames expressed concerns regarding the fact that there are several developments already in progress in Barriere, some of which do not appear to be anywhere close to being finished. Mayor Fennell replied that how fast developments are completed depend on the developer and not the District.
Mary McLellan asked if there would be any restriction on who could purchase lots? Gordon DeFehr, the developer, was on hand to answer questions and responded to this one; saying, no, there would be no restrictions on who could purchase lots in the development.
McLellan also asked if there would be any impact on the river, which is used by salmon. She was advised that the developer was having talks with Simpcw First Nation and the Ministry of Environment to ensure there would be no impact.
Several residents voiced concerns regarding fencing or trees along the edges of the property, to which Mr. DeFehr stated he will be happy to discuss options with his neighbours.
Bob George inquired about the flood plain level, to which Mayor Fennell replied that the development will be built above the 200 year flood plain level.
The public hearing then closed and council went on with the rest of their regular agenda.
Council has approved the resurfacing of Lodgepole Road, the funds for which will come out of two grants.
Mayor Fennell was please to announce that the lines have finally been painted down Barriere Town Road, and that in the near future the crosswalk between the post office and Interior Savings will also be repainted.
District CAO Colleen Hannigan was appointed the Chief Election Officer, and Tasha Buchanan was appointed the Deputy Chief Election Officer for the 2011 General Municipal Election, to be held Nov. 19.
North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association president Donna Kibble was present, and asked the Council to consider waiving/donating the fees for the building permits and inspection fees in support of the North Thompson Agriplex that the Association is building within the community. Council members approved donating the fees up to $5,000. If the fees end up higher than this amount, the overage will come back to council for further consideration.
Councillor Stanley reported that the ramps at the Bandshell are nearly done, and the septic system is currently being installed.
The next District of Barriere Council Meeting will be on May 2, at 7 p.m. There will be a Public Works Committee meeting on May 2, at 6 p.m., and a Finance and Audit Committee meeting on July 18, at 6 p.m.