Town to improve access
Council members approved a plan to upgrade public access to Town chambers on Kootenay Street.
This will involve replacing the sidewalk and installing a new concrete ramp (and railing) up to the building, which also houses a medical office. In addition, a single door will be made into an automatic door.
Hollow Street project awarded
Council has awarded the Hollow Street road and utility upgrades project to VVI Construction Ltd in the amount of $1,015,896.
However, due to a budget deficit of $102,000, council approved transfers from water and road capital reserves, plus the sewer equipment reserve.
Councillor Jack Bennest commented that the Town is usually closer in knowing what projects cost.
Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell said this was a “worst case scenario” where everything was higher than what was estimated.
The project staging area is at the corner of Main Street and Veterans Avenue.
More people complying
Corporate Officer Cathy Cowan reported that more residents are installing their proper house numbers as part of the address change initiative.
She noted people are coming into the Town hall and signing compliance agreements to this effect.
Larson gets no pay
Council heard from newly elected MLA Linda Larson, who said she will continue to sit on council without remuneration. She will do this until tendering her resignation.
The money saved will be used for the cost of a by-election this fall.
Council sticks with old motion
The Town has been asked to endorse the pursuit of a citizen’s initiative petition against BC Hydro’s “smart metering” program.
The StopSmartMeters.ca Society wants council to get behind the cause. But council chose to receive and file the request because it already sent a letter to the BC Utilities Commission supporting a moratorium (or an opt-out option) on smart meter installation.
