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New Bootleg owners given one-time tax exemption
Kimberley City Council Report
By Nowell Berg
On October 12, City of Kimberley council held its regular bi-monthly meeting.
Councillors Kyle Dalum, Kent Goodwin, Nigel Kitto, Darryl Oakley and Sandra Roberts were present along with Mayor Don McCormick. Coun. Jason McBain accessed the meeting via video call.
The press and public were not in attendance. The meeting streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel. Watch the archive Here.
Bootleg Gap Tax Exemption
As part of the commercial deal to sell the Bootleg Gap Golf Course, the City of Kimberley agreed to give the new owners a one-time 50% property tax exemption. The cost to the city is $31,828.
The city provided the exemption so the owners would continue to allow public access to the golf course lands in the “off-season.”
Chief financial officer Jim Hendricks said, “Commencing in 2023, the new owners will be responsible for 100% of the taxes associated with the property.”
Coun. Roberts asked, “Is there any commitment to allow public access to continue after 2023?”
Hendricks said, “Yes there is a long-term commitment” by the new owners to allow public access in the off-season.
Building Permits
The Building Department reported to council that the number of “new dwelling units” has reached 63 so far in 2021. This is already 34% greater than the 2020 total (47 new units).
The number of building permits issued for new or renovated single family homes has reached 76 compared to 67 last year, a 13.4% increase.
The value of all building permits has surpassed lasts years totals by 41.6%. So far in 2021, the dollar value has reached $19.87 million compared to $14.03 million last year.
Troy Pollock, Manager Planning Services said, “It’s continuing to be busy year for us.” As for 2022, he said, “So far, looks like next year will be busy.”
He noted that two new subdivision phases will open in Forest Crowne and Marysville Views. The city “should expect to see quite a few permits [for dwelling units] coming there.”
Mayor McCormick commented, “With the new population we have in town, these units are really really important. It’s really good to see.” He added that after speaking with the developers, they indicated that “all lots [are] sold” in both subdivisions.
Council respectfully votes no to service animal statue
At the September 27 council meeting, Cindy Postnikoff, facilitator of Military Ames, asked council to consider allowing the addition of a granite service animal statue that would sit on a concrete base which would house a columbaria.
Coun. Dalum recused himself from the discussion as he is involved with Military Ames.
In a report to council, Nicole Halasz, Manager, Parks and Facilities, indicated that the city’s Official Community Plan does not allow a columbaria to be placed in a city park or on public land.
The other concern raised by Halasz deals with the location of the proposed statue. It would be “located on the water service and irrigation lines.” Halasz said that if council approves the statue then the location would have to be changed.
Mayor McCormick asked about the columbaria portion of the statue.
Chief administrative officer Scott Sommerville explained that typically dog columbaria are not situated in a park. “it’s usually private land.”
Prefacing his comments by noting they was “by no means any disrespect to Military Ames or Councilor Dalum,” Coun. Kitto said, “It’s not the right thing for the Memorial Park. We don’t inter ashes of servicemen in the park.” He concluded: “This isn’t the right place to be doing this.”
Supporting Coun. Kitto’s comments, Coun. Roberts suggested a “memorial plaque” be installed. She concluded, “I don’t want it [the park] to be a cemetery.”
Coun. Oakley added, “I am uncomfortable putting [a columbaria] in the park. I will vote against it.”
All councillors agreed, and reiterated the decision was “no disrespect to Military Ames.”
Just before the vote, Coun. Kitto added, “I don’t want this decision to be any reflection on what has been achieved there and what it means to the community and veterans.”
Council unanimously voted to not support Military Ames statue/columbaria proposal.
Kimberley city council meets twice monthly starting at 7 p.m. Due to pandemic restrictions, the public is not allowed to attend Council Chambers.
The next scheduled Council meeting: October 25. It live streams on the City of Kimberley YouTube channel.
e-KNOW file photos
e-KNOW
