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Joint User Agreement with SD5 approved by Fernie
By Erin Knutson
The City of Fernie unanimously approved the Joint Use Agreement (JUA) between School District No. 5 (SD5) and itself after considering amendments to the original contract at the August 27 city council meeting.
Director of Parks Facilities and Recreation Brett Logan presented the updated agreement to the mayor and council, which SD 5 drafted and approved in June.
“The updated agreement outlines timelines, shared goals, and city programming,” he said.
According to Logan, it clearly states the details of the joint usership, which would be relevant until 2029, with a five-year term attached.
“The agreement maximizes resources and sets clear expectations for both parties regarding the use, scheduling, and maintenance of the included facilities,” he said.
The goals for the new JUA as outlined in Logan’s report:
- Update the agreement within Schedule B to mirror the language in the Municipal Facilities and Parks User Regulation and Fees Bylaw No. 2484, 2023, and include SD5 rental rates.
- Include language that clarifies the maintenance of sports fields to reflect the city’s Outdoor Sports Field Policy and communication between the parties to share closure information with users.
- Change the rental administration past practice of city staff facilitating the intake, approval, and payments of rentals for SD5 facilities.
- Include the priority of use for city facilities to reflect Bylaw No. 2484.
- Negotiate another five-year term.
Councillor Tracey Audia Kelly, CAO Michael Boronowski and Mayor Nic Milligan discussed updating some of the figures or existing fees associated with joint usage without changing the current bylaw and possibly taking the matter further to be heard at the 2024 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention in the fall.
Concerns over the loss of the Max Turyk Community Centre, negotiating maintenance, and working on the field conditions of Prentice Park were also crucial points for discussion as Logan presented the motion.
Councillor Kyle Hamilton, seconded by Councillor Kelly, accepted the motion to approve the JUA, which all approved.
“We look forward to implementing this proposed JUA and the expected improvements to the department’s overall service and Prentice Park efficiency,” said Logan.
e-KNOW file photo
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