Results of meeting Monday May 27th for the Town of Oliver
1. Hollow Street/Veterans Avenue Utility and Road upgrade – Go ahead given to this project with a contract for $1,015,896 being granted to a Peachland contractor (VVI Construction Ltd) bonding agent for Superior Excavating. There were no local bidders. This company recommended by True Engineering which will supervise the work on behalf of the Town. The lowest tender came in higher than the budgeted amounts so more money from reserves will be used if needed. Concern expressed by water councillors on the amount of money needed or may be needed from the water utility fund/reserve. Council agree to audit the costs at the end of the project and adjust the sharing formula to reflect true costs. The actual work of replacing old pavement, installing new water and sewer services is expected to be done this summer.
2. Proclamations – a brief discussion on whether to return to a policy of allowing the public/organizations/causes to have a day or week proclaimed as a special period. For about ten years the Town has not done this but still celebrated with the community civic events and special days. Council decided to stick with the existing policy.
3. Business Award – The town staff will continue to write an application for an “Open for Business” Award that will be made available from the BC Government for municipalities that are pro-active in helping and assisting business. Council had a discussion on the Oliver brag list which gave further info to help staff with the application. Tax incentives, hotel study, airport strategy, changing parking restrictions, rural-town-OIB cooperation and many other points will be mentioned in the application.
4. Challenge Penticton – Barb Haynes of the Challenge Family of international endurance races made a presentation to council Monday asking for continue support of this South Okanagan Event. 1288 athletes have registered to date and Challenge hopes to hit a target of 5000 within a few years. This is a week long event in the last part of August.
5. Fire Department – a letter from the City of Penticton requesting interest in joint purchasing for municipal fire departments in the Okanagan was received and a reply will be sent once council has heard from the Fire Chief.