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Council to consider service dog memorial in New Year
Kimberley City Council Report
By Nowell Berg
On December 12, City of Kimberley council held its last regular bi-monthly meeting for 2022.
Councillors Sue Cairns, Woody Maguire, Jason McBain, Sandra Roberts and Steven Royer were present.
Councillor Kevin Dunnebacke and Mayor Don McCormick were absent. Coun. Roberts filled in as acting Mayor.
A video archive of the meeting can be found on the City of Kimberley YouTube channel. Watch it here.
Jack Ratcliffe Commitment to Community Award
The third recipient of the Community Award is Carol Fergus. Mr. Ratcliffe, being the first recipient, was also in attendance to present the award.
Mike Redfern introduced the life-long Kimberley resident who has been part of the Centre 64 Board since the 1990s. Fergus was involved in almost all arts activities including, but not limited to, the theatre renovation and fundraising for seats and curtains, the accessibility lift, lot purchase for expansion, promoter of First Saturdays and key supporter of the Kaleidescope Fest, and participant in all the kitchen and washroom upgrades.
Redfern added Fergus is “the most vital volunteer I’ve ever met.”
In receiving the award, Fergus said that it was a “great honour, so special.” Having grown up in Kimberley, “My thought was always to give something back anyway I could, whether it was the church or arts. It’s my way of thanking Kimberley. It’s a great place to live.”
Military Ames – Service Dog Monument
Council received a presentation from Cindy Postnikoff and the Military Ames Society.
The organization was instrumental in getting Veteran Memorial Park built along with the installation of statuary, plagues and monuments.
The organization wants to add a service dog monument to the SW corner of the park.
In her presentation, Postnikoff said, “Military veterans are not a culture that celebrates sharing their feelings — these dogs teach them to feel again.”
The proposal would see the installation of a solid granite service dog statue along with a bronze plaque, “explaining how service dogs are medical devices that are saving the lives of our veterans.”
The project has received a $5,000 grant from the Kimberley District Community Foundation. Military Ames fundraising will generate $2,425.52 to complete the installation. Postnikoff reiterated there would be “no cost to the city.”
A public petition was also presented with “over 3,000” signatures in support of the project.
Acting Mayor Roberts told the gallery that “no decision” would be made that night. She added that city staff would be instructed to develop an “action plan” for the next council meeting that provides “options for moving forward.”
Coun. McBain said, “I support, in general, some kind of memorial.” His difficulty with the project was his “struggle” with the location. He noted that service dogs are part of a much broader community not just the military. He thought a memorial should be “more inclusive of service animals over-all.” He closed by saying he would support whatever council decided and would be in attendance at any unveiling ceremony.
A final decision rests with council, which will make it in the new year.
Water and sewer rates going up
Council voted to increase water and sewer rates starting Jan. 1, 2023.
Chief financial officer Jim Hendricks reported, “sewer rates will face a five per cent increase.” Residential rates will increase $5.22 per quarter per household, or $20.88 for a year. In total, this adds $100,800 in revenue.
Residential water rates will increase by two per cent, which means an additional $2.43 per quarter per household or $9.72 per year. Hendricks told council the increase will generate $47,000 in additional revenue.
The bulk metered water rate will also increase by 10%, and provide an additional $6,000 in revenue. Council has been raising this rate since 2018 “to a level where full cost recovery is being achieved,” said Hendricks.
A 10% annual increase would achieve the full cost recovery by 2028. Pushing the increase to 20% would achieve the goal by 2025.
Additional increases in water and sewer rates may occur in future years to cover unanticipated infrastructure renewal costs.
Kimberley city council meets twice monthly starting at 7 p.m. The next regular council meeting: January 9, 2023.
“May we all be good to one another and stay united as a community. Enjoy a peaceful, happy, healthy and prosperous 2023.” Nowell Berg
e-KNOW file photo
e-KNOW
