Sparwood Council Facts

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Posted: May 25, 2018

The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the May 22 District of Sparwood council meeting.

BUSINESS

Financial Information

Council approved the Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) and accepted Report of Council Remuneration, Expense and Contracts for 2017.

These reports include lists of:

remuneration and expenses paid to elected officials;
remuneration and expenses paid to employees paid more than $75,000;
amounts paid to suppliers more than $25,000;
grants paid more than $25,000;

and consolidated totals of remuneration and all payments and grants paid during 2017. These reports are available on our website.

To learn more please see the SOFI staff report and SOFI report or the staff report and Council Remuneration, Expense and Contracts report.

Carbon Action Revenue Incentive Program

In 2008, the district signed the BC Climate Action Charter which is a non-legally binding commitment to make corporate operations carbon neutral by 2012, to measure and report on corporate emissions, and to work toward creating a more compact, complete, energy efficient community.

The Carbon Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) is a conditional grant program that provides funding to BC Climate Action Charter signatories equivalent to 100% of the carbon taxes that they pay directly. The district’s corporate GHG emissions in 2017 were 875 tonnes, which is 18% more than the emissions reported in 2016. Research confirms that diesel usage in 2017 was significantly higher than 2016 due to snow removal and hauling, and gas consumption at the Leisure Centre was higher than 2016 due to the colder winter temperatures.

Public Works Equipment Purchases

Multi-Purpose Hooklift Truck

Council approved the purchase of a multi- purpose hooklift truck from Freightliner for $270,827. This truck will be used as both a dump truck and plow truck. The existing dump truck will be disposed of by surplus sale following delivery of the new truck. Please see the staff report for more information.

Sweeper Truck

Council approved the purchase of a sweeper truck from Vimar Equipment for $274,852. This unit will replace an existing street sweeper which will be disposed of by surplus sale following delivery of the new unit. Please see the staff report for more information.

Headworks Equipment

Council approved the purchase of headworks equipment from Mequipco Ltd. for $116,630. This replaces the existing automatic bar-screen at the wastewater treatment plant, which is over 30 years old and requires constant cleaning and maintenance.

BYLAWS

Deer Feeding & Wildlife Attractants Amendment

Deer Feeding and Wildlife Attractants Bylaw 1078, 2011, Amendment Bylaw 1225, 2018 was adopted. This bylaw removes section 5.2 which conflicted with existing language in the Utility and Solid Waste Management Bylaw related to residential garbage collection.

Automated Vote Counting System Authorization and Procedure Amendment

Automated Vote Counting System Authorization and Procedure 1219, 2018, Amendment Bylaw 1226, 2018 was given three readings. This amendment was required to amend the ballot form that will be used for the automated vote counting machines during the 2018 general local election (October 20, 2018)

OTHER INFORMATION

Off-Road Vehicle Restrictions

The district would like to remind citizens that Off-Road Vehicle Bylaw 1182 prohibits the operation of any off-road vehicles on ALL public property including parks, trails, walkways, roads, and greenbelts.

The Bylaw Enforcement Officer or Peace Officer is authorized under the bylaw to seize or impound an off-road vehicle operating contrary to the bylaw. In addition to impoundment fees of $50 per day and towing costs, violators could be charged up to $500 in fines.

If you witness a contravention, please notify the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at [email protected] or 250.425.5367. You will be asked to provide a description and any evidence (photo or video if possible or witness statement) you may have when you call. Information received by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer has led to a decrease in trail abusers and fines being issued. Let’s everyone do their part to keep Sparwood’s parks, trails, walkways, roads and greenbelts in pristine condition for the enjoyment of all.

Congratulations Sparwood Secondary Class of 2018

Your graduation is a great achievement, but this is just the beginning. Your future will be filled with goals, dreams,

challenges, and opportunities that will bring you fulfilment and help you make a positive difference in the world. May you celebrate your graduation remembering special memories from your past and exciting dreams for your future.

We wish you good luck as you start a new chapter of your lives.

Congratulations Graduates!

A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear

Bears have recently been seen in Lodgepole Mobile Home Park and Sparwood Heights. Foraging in communities is a learned behaviour that threatens the safety of both bears and residents.

By managing attractants such as garbage and fruit trees, we can minimize human-bear conflicts. Garbage cans placed out the night before your scheduled pick-up day can become a bear attractant. Once a bear gets a taste of garbage it will seek out garbage on a regular basis, often forgoing natural foods. Please secure all garbage and do NOT place garbage cans out prior to 5:00 AM on scheduled pick-up days. Violators are subject to a $100.00 fine.

For more information and safety tips, see our website at www.sparwood.ca/bear-aware. If you see a bear, please phone the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service toll free at 1-800-952-7277.

2018 Tax Notices

The 2018 tax notices are in the mail. If you are a new owner and do not receive a tax notice by June 8, please come into the District Office to obtain a duplicate copy. Notices are mailed to the current owner shown on the Assessment Roll. Depending upon the date of purchase, the district may not have the new owner’s information and the tax notice will be mailed to the previous owner.

The deadline for paying your 2018 property taxes without penalty is Wednesday, July 4, 2018. Even if a bank is paying the taxes through a mortgage, homeowners who qualify must still claim the Home Owner Grant. Failure to claim the grant by the due date will result in a penalty.

Persons 55 years or older or disabled may apply for deferment of their taxes. For detailed information, visit the tax deferment website at www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/rpt and click on the Annual Property Tax link and select Defer Your Taxes, or stop by the District Office and we will be happy to assist anyone who wants to take advantage of this program.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Presentation of the 2017 Annual Municipal Report will take place at the Regular Meeting of Council to be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 18, in Council Chambers. The Annual Report includes the audited financial statements and other information required under Section 98 of the Community Charter, such as progress respecting the objectives and measures established for 2017.

The report will be available for public inspection by 4 p.m. on June 4, at the Municipal Office, during regular work hours, and on the district’s website at www.sparwood.ca. Hard copies are available upon request at no charge.

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