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Sparwood Council Facts
RCMP –Elk Valley Detachment
Cpl. Dave Williams presented the Third Quarter Mayor’s Report for 2011. The RCMP received 469 calls for service in Sparwood during the third quarter of 2011. This was an increase from 415 calls during the same report period in 2010.
Following a request from the RCMP, Sparwood Council provided a list of their top policing priorities for 2012 to be incorporated into the 2012/2013 RCMP Annual Performance Plan. The top priorities of council are speed reduction and enforcement initiatives, drug enforcement, underage drinking/bush parties, and a more robust use of Youth Diversion programming within the District of Sparwood.
Coal Miner Days Society
Council approved Special Occasion Permits to the Coal Miner Days Society for their comedy night and dance fundraiser on May 5, in the Curling Rink and a cabaret on June 9, in the Curling Rink during Coal Miner Days. Council also approved payment of the rent of the curling rink facility for the comedy night out of the Coal Miner Days budget.
BC Winter Games
The BC Games Society has presented the District of Sparwood, City of Fernie, and District of Elkford with the 2016 and 2018 Winter Games bid package for review. Council directed staff to send a letter to the City of Fernie and District of Elkford to see if they have an interest in placing a joint bid for either the 2016 or 2018 Winter Games.
Svec Fund and Lilac Terrace Expansion
The Director of Finance provided council with an update on the Svec Fund and Lilac Terrace expansion. In 1991 the district received $328,000 from the estate of Anton Svec to be held in trust for the operation of an intermediate care facility in Sparwood. The balance in the trust at December 31, 2011 totalled $730,000. While the fund is now available for any health care purpose in Sparwood, previous councils have taken the position that Lilac Terrace is the closest thing to what was formerly called “intermediate care” and that using the fund for its expansion would most closely fulfill the intent of the original donation. Originally Lilac Terrace was intended to be 48 units and actual construction approved was for 30. There is land available for expansion and Sparwood has committed $250,000 of District funds towards an expansion. Currently the District is awaiting the results of the Housing Needs Assessment before making the decision to move forward with the business plan.
Strategic Community Investment Funds
The Chief Administrative Officer was authorized to execute the Strategic Community Investment Funds Agreement for 2012 to 2014 with the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. The Strategic Community Investment Fund initiative was established by the province in 2009 to assist communities during the economic downturn.
Christmas Office Closure
Council approved closure of the District of Sparwood Main Office and the Planning and Engineering Services Office on December 24, 27, and 28. The offices will reopen for regular business hours on December 31, 2012. All essential services will be available during the holiday season including Public Works, Fire Department, and the Leisure Services Centre.
As-Built Inspections
Council approved the As-built Inspection for 1302 Whitewood Crescent. The home has now been substantially completed and complies with the design that was approved. The As-Built Inspection for 1305 Whitewood Crescent was approved by Council on the condition that a final inspection is completed by May 1, landscaping completed by August, and hard surfacing of the driveway completed by August 2013.
Council also approved the As-Built Inspection for 1322 Whitewood Crescent subject to the parking and basement finishing being completed by May 1, landscaping completed by August, and hard surfacing of the driveway completed by August 2013.
Highway 3 Climbing Lanes Project
Council accepted an Offer to Purchase from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure of .088 hectares of land west of the Transfer Station for $2,500.00. The Ministry will be installing a vehicle inspection site in conjunction with the Highway No. 3 Climbing Lanes Project on the Finning Hill. Removal of the trees will start soon with construction scheduled to begin near the end of May.
Committee of the Whole Recommendations
The following recommendations from the Committee of the Whole Meeting held February 27, were approved by Council:
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The Public Relations Committee meets with the Coal Miner Days Committee and bring back a recommendation to a future meeting on increased funding for Coal Miner Days.
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The CAO meet with the executive of CUPE Local 2698 regarding the Awards Banquet/Christmas Party and that policies related to these items be reviewed and updated.
Bylaws
Following a hearing to receive input from the public Council gave third reading to Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 869, 2002, Amendment Bylaw 1089, 2012 and Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981, Amendment Bylaw 1090, 2012 and referred the amendments to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for approval. These amendments are to change the land use at 6800 Highway 43 from Institutional to Industrial and the zoning from Agricultural Land, Parks and Recreation and Heavy Industrial to Light Industrial.
Fire Services Bylaw 974, 2008, Amendment Bylaw 1080, 2012 was given third reading. This amendment sets charges issued for false alarms as follows: First false alarm – no charge; Second false alarm within a calendar year – $60; Third false alarm within a calendar year – $120; Fourth and all subsequent false alarms within a calendar year – actual cost of responding including hourly charge for equipment.
A false alarm means the activation of a fire alarm system, resulting in the direct or in-direct notification of the Sparwood Fire Department and the attending at the address and the Fire Department does not find any fire damage, smoke in relation to the building, structure, residence or facility, or where there has been no emergency situation.
Emergency Measures Bylaw 911, 2012 was given first, second and third reading. This bylaw is required to delegate Council’s powers and duties under the Emergency Program Act and to provide for the declaration of a local emergency.
Daylight Savings Time
Remember to set your clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 11, at 2 a.m., or before you go to bed Saturday night.
EXTENSION DEADLINE – REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ANIMAL CONTROL I BYLAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER- CONTRACT MARCH 15 – 3 p.m.
The District of Sparwood requires a half-time Animal Control I Bylaw Enforcement Officer, under contract. Sealed Proposals, plainly marked on the envelope “Animal Control /Bylaw Enforcement Officer – Request for Proposals” will be received by the Director of Corporate Services of the District of Sparwood, at 136 Spruce Avenue, Box 520, Sparwood, BC VOB 2GO, until 3 p.m. on March 15, at which time they will be opened in public in the Board Room of the District Office.
Detailed instructions to proponents are included in the RFP Package, which may be obtained from the District at the above address or on our web page at
http://www.sparwood.ca/government/news/requestfor-proposals/animal-controlbylaw-enforcementofficer-contract
Upcoming Meetings (In Council Chambers)
– Monday, March 19, 2012 Regular Meeting
–Â Monday, March 26, 2012 Committee of the Whole Meeting
District of Sparwood