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Kimberley City Council Report
By Nowell Berg
City of Kimberley council met at its bi-monthly meeting October 11. Here is a summary of city business conducted at the meeting.
All councilors and Mayor Don McCormick were present for the meeting.
Municipal property rate to rise in 2017
Council unanimously passed a motion “to adjust the annual municipal property rate tax in each year of the [2017 – 2021 Five Year Financial] Plan by an increment equal to Kimberley’s MPI.”
The MPI is a Municipal Price Index the city uses to project future property tax increases. The MPI is much like the CPI (Consumer Price Index) except the MPI uses a bundle of indicators specific to Kimberley.
According to city chief financial officer Jim Hendricks, the 2017 MPI is set at 2.02%. In subsequent years the rate is projected to fall below two per cent.
Property tax rates are set by city council each year.
2016 building permits set torrid pace
While September building permit activity was quite slow, Mayor McCormick commented on the “big increase” in the value of building permits in 2016 compared to 2015. At the three-quarter mark of the year, the value of building permits is almost $2 million greater than last year ($9.95 million and $8 million, respectively), a 25% increase. The mayor said, “its really good” in terms of strengthening the local economy.
Cemetery fees set to rise January 1
City council unanimously passed the first three readings of a bylaw amendment to increase cemetery fees starting January 1, 2017. The increase on most cemetery fees will be “implemented over a two year period.” Council supports the idea of having the cemeteries paid for by user fees.
The rate increases stem from a funeral compliance report written by Mr. Sean Siset, Manager Compliance, Consumer Protection BC. In that report, Siset stated, “the City of Kimberley’s fee structure for its cemeteries was outdated and required increases to keep up with industry standards. The cemetery operational budget has been running at a loss four out of the last five years.”
Fee increases will be phased in over the next two years.
Nordic Club gets city support
Frank Ackerman, Kimberley Nordic Club (KNC) spokesperson, asked council to support the club’s efforts to bring international cross-country race events back to the city. He indicated that such races can bring “between 400 and 700” racers and support staff that would have a “significant economic impact” for the city.
The KNC wants to obtain International Ski Federation (FIS) certification to host Canadian and international Nordic races like the Western Canadian Championships and NorAm races. To obtain FIS certification, the KNC would have “to go through a formal ‘homologation’ process that requires two site visits by a Cross Country Canada (CCC) consultant, some new trail expansion and trail widening in most areas that will be designated race trails.”
The estimated cost of upgrading trails and infrastructure is $70,000 which the club hopes to raise through grants.
Ackerman asked council for support in preparing funding applications, i.e. Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Infrastructure Grant and BC Rural Dividend Fund. The KNC would like Kevin Wilson, Economic Development Officer, to assist with preparing grant applications for these two funders. As well, Ackerman requested the city provide a letter of support that can be used in these and other grant applications.
Councilor Darryl Oakley asked chief administrative officer Scott Sommerville if it was appropriate for Wilson to help the KNC. “Yes, this is what [Wilson] is for, to help with economic diversification,” Sommerville said.
City council unanimously voted to support the KNC’s request. In the near future, residents may be able to take in international cross-country ski racing here in Kimberley.
Kimberley Soccer requests funding for Purcell Park Athletic Fields
Kimberley Soccer Association (KSA) made a presentation and request to council. The KMSA is seeking just over $25,000 in funding from council to complete the washroom facilities at Purcell.
To date KSA as spent $38,000 in grant monies along with $60,000 in in-kind support from local businesses and individuals to construct the washroom facilities. Due to increased costs, KSA is short of funds to finish the washroom building. They are urgently trying to raise the money so as to have the facility “locked in” before winter.
Since the city would own and maintain the facilities at Purcell once completed, KSA President Danny Drouin stressed “the importance of this facility for our youth soccer programs and the community as a whole. Neither can the importance of protecting all the hard work that has already gone into this facility that will become a great asset for the City of Kimberley.”
Drouin presented a written quote from Tyee Homes to complete the necessary exterior work so the facility can be closed and secure for the winter season.
After brief but positive discussion from councilors, Mayor McCormick suggested the issue be sent to city staff “for consideration” and to look at funding options.
No decision was made to grant the financial request from KSA.
Bears, coyotes and skunks at large around town
In the monthly Animal Bylaw Report, Kim Tuff, Bylaw Enforcement Officer, noted there were several bears in town feeding on apples and preparing for hibernation. Tuff responded to six bear issues in September.
Coyote encounters are on the rise, especially in the centre of town. Tuff received five complaints about the animals wondering around town, however, they are only a risk to “cats.”
If you’ve smelled skunk perfume around that’s because there are a number that make their home within town limits. Tuff responded to five complaints about skunks.
As for deer, Tuff’s observations suggest does “each had two offspring” this past year. This will lead to an increase in “human – deer encounters next spring.” Tuff’s report also noted “doe’s are becoming very aggressive, targeting children and dogs.”
Wildlife proof garbage bins and sewage treatment plans
Responding to a question from Coun. Oakley about wildlife proof garbage bins, CAO Sommerville indicated the city is looking into that option as part of a proposed 2017 purchase of a new garbage truck. The city is looking into the cost of providing wildlife proof garbage bins for each residence.
In the meantime, Sommerville said the city will be ticketing residents who “put garbage out too early.”
In a follow-up question, Oakley asked about the status of the new sewage treatment plant. Sommerville responded that the city is in early engineering stage and looking a various options along with preparing grant applications.
One of the key options the city is exploring deals with whether to conduct “preliminary treatment in neighbourhoods” then moving sewage down the line to the main facility.
Sommerville indicated the project would take three to four years to construct and would be the “biggest in the last 30 years” for the city.
Kimberley city council meets twice monthly. All meetings start at 7 p.m. and are open to the public. Check the city’s website here for a meeting agenda. Click on the 2016 folder and follow the link.
The next council meeting is Monday, October 24.
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