1. Airport: water to hangers issue. Council heard a delegation from aircraft hanger owners with regard to the connection of water lines to various buildings requesting service. Council resolved to have the Municipal Manager report back on detailed discussions in solving the problem.
2. Discussion held on exact wording of motion passed December 12th re costs involved in funding transportation for employees and others from social functions sponsored by town. Agreed to have staff report back with other experience in province and to ensure that the wording reflects council’s intent of providing safe transportation options similar to other community events.
3. Discussion of gas tax options at RDOS – Council decided to advised Mayor (Municipal Director) to hold firm on Oliver’s desires to receive funding for regionally significant water projects like the new well at Buchanan Road.
4. Council confirmed its intent to match funds with the Sister City Committee by paying out another $1000 to match monies raised in the community. The policy of how this will work in future years will be discussed later this month on the subject of grants in aid and line items funding community organizations.
5. Development Variance for new garage at 1037 Rockcliffe Rd owned by Robert and Freda McLean was approved
6. Council resolved to forward an application to the Agriculture Land Commission re the removal of land from the reserve near the Okanagan River to allow for further work on the ORRI project. Land in questions at the north end of Meadows Drives (87th). The river diversion project would see the flooding of more oxbow areas to enhance the fish habitat. The move would not affect the current east dyke but would create a new dyke east of all oxbows to control water levels. Owners of the property in question Georgina and Ron Forsythe have agreed to the plan to assist the ORRI project. This would allow the flooding of some of their lowlands – a stand of cottonwoods.
7. Council agreed with revised RDOS bylaws on the collection of agreed upon funds for the construction of the Venables Auditorium. $3.8 million dollars was raised by referendum and about $1.5 million dollars spent prior to the September fire. The remainder will be committed to the new structure.
8. Council endorsed a motion calling for a moratorium on the use of Smart Meters on home electrical inputs. Oliver joins a long list of other municipalities concerned about health risks and desires to work with the Union of BC Municipalities in getting more information on meters that emit radio waves.