The District of Barriere Council meeting on Jan. 10, started with a public meeting to discuss the community sewer system facility being put in at the Glentanna subdivision.
There was a good turnout of residents from the neighbouring area, many of whom were on hand to ask questions.
Chad Meier was present, representing Cleartech Consulting Ltd., and Clary Developments Ltd.
A number of the public attending had questions regarding the system. John Mosimann asked Mayor Fennell if the Council had any input on the design and how recent is the technology being used in the design? The Mayor replied that while they have spoken with Clary Developments, the design is approved through the ministry and not by the District. The technology in this particular model is approximately five-years-old.
Mayor Fennell also stated that after it has been built, the District of Barriere will take over the ownership and maintenance of the facility.
Mosimann also asked what, if any, odor can residents expect? Meier responded that the venting will all be subsurface, approximately two feet underground, and in his experience with this type of facility there should be no odor issues.
Lorne Evans asked council what it will cost the District of Barriere to run this system? Mayor Fennell replied that the maintenance costs will be charged to the residents owning the units on the system.
Mike Smith inquired as to whether the end product of the system would be drinkable water?
“No,” was Mayor Fennell’s reply, “It will be classed B2.”
Mel Schmidt asked if the property would be fenced, and received the reply that although there is no current plan to fence it, a portion of it may eventually be fenced.
Leonard Wilco inquired as to whether there will be any potential health risks for children playing on the grounds? Meier responded, saying that they have done a full environmental study and there will be no danger.
Gene Bukowski asked if current residents, who already have a septic system, wish to hook up to this system, will there be a cost to do so? Mayor Fennell advised that there would be a cost, but at this time he has no idea what that would be.
Mayor Fennell advised council and guests that the second and third readings of the bylaw amendments would be read at the next District of Barriere Council meeting on Jan. 24.
The public meeting was then closed and after a short break, the council meeting continued with their agenda.
Council approved, contingent upon BC Transit Authority approving a Vavenby to Kamloops Transit Service Pilot Project, the expenditure, to a maximum of $4000, of 2011 Community Works Gas Tax Funding to be used towards the District of Barriere’s share of the cost (20 per cent).
Council also approved the Council Remuneration policy dated Jan 10, 2011, that the Mayor and council remunerations shall be increased each January 1 by the amount equivalent to the percentage of the Consumer Price Index for BC, which for this year is 2.2 per cent.
The next District of Barriere Council meeting will be on Jan. 24, at 7 p.m., preceded by the Finance Committee meeting at 6 p.m.