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Sparwood Council Facts
Spray Park
District Sparwood council April 22 awarded the Red Cedar Drive and Spray Park Surface Improvements to Bearspaw Construction for the amount tendered of $62,698.90. The project involves installing a wider apron, which will reduce or totally eliminate the mud and overspray, and includes sidewalks around the park and from Red Cedar Drive to Pine Avenue.
609 Douglas Fir Road
A request from Teck Coal Ltd. to extend their temporary permit for an office trailer located at 609 Douglas Fir Road was approved by council for an additional three-year period. At the end of the three-year period the structure must be removed.
Highway 3 and 43 Intersection Improvements
The District of Sparwood received only one compliant tender for the Highway 3 and 43 Intersection Improvements Project, which was considerably above the cost estimate. Council directed the Director of Engineering to work with McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. to separate the project into components for retendering and commence negotiations to modify the agreements to have this work completed by October 31, 2015.
Street Light Conversion
The District of Sparwood has approximately 800 street light fixtures that use a range of technologies to light public roads, walkways, and parking lots. A program to replace approximately 300 of the ornamental High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights to Light Emitting Diode (LED) fixtures will be considered in the 2015 capital budget process. LED fixtures can reduce the energy consumed by 40% -70% compared to standard HPS fixtures and have a longer service life.
Canada Post
Council received correspondence from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Elk Valley Local 729 requesting support to keep public post offices in the Elk Valley. A copy of an earlier letter to Canada Post from the District of Sparwood will be forwarded to the the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, Elk Valley Local 729 , City of Fernie, and MP David WIlks.
2% tax increase: Bylaws
Bylaw 1151 cited as âFinancial Plan (2014 â 2018) Bylaw 1151, 2014â was given first, second, and third reading.
Bylaw 1152 cited as âTax Rates Bylaw 1152, 2014â was given first, second, and third reading. The property tax rates for general municipal were set to provide an average two per cent increase over the previous year for residential tax levies.
Public Relations Committee
The following recommendations from the Public Relations Committee Meeting held April 8, were approved by council:
– The District of Sparwood will purchase a one-year membership to the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History for $200;
– The Public Relations Float Attendance at Parades Policy will be amended to alternate attendance at the Lethbridge Whoop-Up Days Parade and the Creston Valley Blosssom Festival Parade effective 2014 and that the float attend the Creston Valley Blossom Festival Parade for 2014;
– A funding request from the Sparwood & District Arts and Heritage Council for $660 to cover expenses for Art and Culture Week was approved. Funding will come from the Sparwood & District Arts and Heritage Council budget;
– The Public Relations Gifts and Gratuities Policy will be amended to include that if the mayor and members of council receive a formal invitation to a retirement celebration for a resident of the District of Sparwood, who has 25 years or service or greater, that a card and a bouquet of flowers up to a value of $50 be presented as congratulations.
Urban Forest Fuel Management
The District of Sparwood will be undertaking Urban Forest Fuel Management over the next two to six weeks. Trimming, thinning and collecting of wood fuels will take place on district owned properties located along Highway 3 east of the Highway 3 & 43 intersection and along Highway 43 adjacent to Sparwood Heights Drive.
Work will include the burning of debris piles during approved venting days. Additional debris pile burning will be completed in the Sparwood Heights area at the Disc Golf Course and the Westwood area. If anyone has any questions or concerns they may contact the Sparwood Recreation Department at 250-425-0552.
Building Permits
The Planning Department administers the Districtâs Building and Zoning Bylaws and oversees building permits for new construction, renovations, alterations, additions, and changes in occupancy of existing buildings.
Building permits ensure that the work is in compliance with all codes and safety standards.
The work will be inspected by the Districtâs Building Official. Our Bylaws can be found online at www.sparwood.ca/bylaws.
If you are unsure about whether a building permit is required, check with the Planning Department at 250-425-6271 or visit us at 136 Spruce Avenue.
Outdoor Fire Pits
It is that time of year again when people want to enjoy a fire in their back yard.
Please note that it is a requirement within the District of Sparwood that you must first obtain a fire pit permit.
These are available free of charge at the District Office and must be renewed every year.
Be a Sparwood Superhero!
April 26 starting at 9 a.m. – Letâs work together to clean up the litter in Sparwood!
Bags and gloves are available from the District Main Office (136 Spruce Avenue) or Recreation Centre (367 Pine Avenue) until Friday, April 25.
On Saturday, April 26 you can pick up your supplies from the East Kootenay Community Credit Union Sparwood Branch (124 Aspen Drive) starting at 9 a.m.
To register a group or as an individual, contact Nelson Wight at 250-425-6828 or email [email protected].
Brought to you by: The District of Sparwood, the East Kootenay Community Credit Union, Lilac Terrace, School District #5, Teck, and Acklands Grainger.
Sparwood Community Garage Sale & Lilac Terrace Fundraiser BBQ
April 26, 10 a.m. â 2 p.m. at East Kootenay Community Credit Union Parking Lot. If you plan to sell items, please register by noon on April 25.
Registration forms are available at East Kootenay Community Credit Union. For more information call 250-910-9222.
Upcoming meetings (in council chambers)
– Monday, April 28 – Committee of the Whole Meeting at 7 p.m.
– Monday, May 5 – Regular Meeting of Council at 7 p.m.
– Tuesday, May 20 – Regular Meeting of Council at 7 p.m.
District of Sparwood
