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Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Nov. 6 District of Sparwood council meeting.
Delegation
WildSafe BC – Elk Valley
Kathy Murray from WildSafe BC provided council with an overview of the Elk Valley program, including wildlife attractants, human/wildlife conflicts, wildlife activity, communal garbage options, and a short history on problem bears.Ā In 2017 there was one bear destroyed in Sparwood that had been attracted to an apple tree on Pine Avenue.Ā Ā Council referred Ms. Murrayās request for continued financial support of $2,000 per year towards the program to staff to be included in budget discussions.
Business
Council Meeting Schedule
Council approved the 2018 meeting schedule, which included the cancellation of the January 2, July 3 and August 7 regular meetings and Committee of the Whole (COTW) meetings for July, August, and December.Ā All other regular meetings of Council are scheduled for:
ā¢ the first Monday of each month at 1 p.m.;
ā¢ the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m.; and
ā¢ COTW meetings for the last Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
Corporate Strategic Plan
Council approved an amendment to theĀ 2015-2018 Corporate Strategic PlanĀ to include a new strategy, Livability and the Environment, to address the adverse effects of mining activities to the environment and livability within Sparwood. This amendment sprang from the October 16 meeting where staff were asked to research enforcement tools for mine trucks that drop coal dust within the community.Ā Ā NoticesĀ were published online and in the Free Press to encourage mine workers and contractors of their responsibilities to wash their trucks before leaving a mine site and travelling into the community.Ā The Bylaw Enforcement Officer reported at the meeting that there has been a noticeable improvement in service trucks being washed before coming into the community.
Putter’s Grill Concession Lease
Council authorized the renewal of an amended lease agreement between Michele Dwyer and the district for the operation of the Leisure Centre concession for 2017-2018 at the rate of $500 a month. The changes to the lease agreement included a restriction of outside food being brought into the facility during events that charge admissions; replacing the word ārestaurantā with āconcessionā; and removing a clause pertaining to the purchase of equipment.Ā Ā Authorization to execute lease renewals for 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 at the monthly rate of $500 was approved, subject to the agreement between the district and the lessee, Ms. Dwyer.
Bingay Main Coal Project
Members of council were authorized to attend an Open House for the Bingay Main Coal Project in Elkford on November 15.
Centermount Coal Ltd. is proposing to develop the Bingay Main Coal Project located approximately 21 km north of Elkford. The project would be an open pit coal mine with a production capacity of one million tonnes per year.Ā Ā The BC Environmental Assessment Office is holding a 32-day public comment period (November 2 to December 4). A copy of the draft Valued Components Selection Document and information regarding the environmental assessment process are available atĀ www.eao.gov.bc.ca. Copies of the draft document are also available for viewing at the Sparwood Public Library.
Bylaws
Cemetery Management Bylaw
Cemetery Management Bylaw 1017, 2017 was given second reading and referred to Staff to draft an enforcement strategy related to adornments at the Rivercrest Cemetery. The purpose of this bylaw is to consolidate the two existing bylaws, update the fees and charges, prohibit pets within the cemeteries and regulate the use of adornments in the Rivercrest Cemetery. Please contact Sue Mortimer atĀ [email protected]Ā to share your feedback.
Officers and Officials Benefits Bylaw
Officers and Officials Benefits Bylaw 1038, 2012, Amendment Bylaw 1176, 2017 was given first three readings. This amendment will limit the annual vacation entitlement for exempt staff to a maximum of five weeks; allow for up to four unused sick days to be carried over to the following year (to a maximum of 10 days available at any one time); and amend sections related to use of personal vehicles and training eligibility as these sections are now covered by policy.
Zoning Bylaw Amendment
Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981, Amendment Bylaw 1213, 2017 was given two readings and a Public Hearing scheduled for 1:00 pm on December 4, 2017. This amendment will remove offices as a principal use from the M-1 Light Industrial zone in the Zoning Bylaw. Offices will still be a permitted as an accessory use in the M-1 zone.
If you believe you will be affected by this amendment and wish to share comments with council prior to their decision, you will be provided an opportunity to be heard at the December 4, council meeting or you may submit your comments in writing or email to the District of Sparwood.
OtherĀ News
On-Street Parking Regulations
Reminder to residents that the Districtās Off-Street Parking Regulations came into effect on October 1. TheĀ Sparwood Traffic, Parking and Highway Regulation Bylaw No. 472, 1987Ā prohibits on-street parking from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 1 to March 31 inclusive. Residents should note that:
ā¢ Parking on the street during snow plowing, snow removal, snow hauling, or sanding operations is prohibited;
ā¢ It is an offence to push, place or throw or allow to be pushed, placed or thrown any snow or ice upon a highway or lane;
ā¢ That no advance warning is required under the bylaw andĀ section 189 (1) (n)Ā of the Motor Vehicle Act and offending vehicles will be towed.
Please make appropriate arrangements for parking your vehicles.
Council wants to hear from you
Do You have concerns or questions about what is happening at the District of Sparwood?
Mayor and council will be on hand during the Celebration of Crafts on November 17, from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Sparwood Leisure Centre.Ā Ā This is a great opportunity to come out and talk to your elected officials. So, make sure you come down and visit our booth while finishing your holiday shopping at this wonderful local event!
Remembrance Day Garbage Pickup
The District of Sparwood Public Works Department will be closed on Friday, November 10, for the Remembrance Day Stat Holiday. Garbage pickup scheduled for that day will be picked up on Thursday, November 9, instead.
Upcoming meetings
Regular Meeting – Monday, November 20 at 7 p.m.
Committee of the Whole Meeting – Monday, November 27 at 7 p.m.
District of Sparwood
