Town of Oliver
Report on Committee of the Whole meeting
April 28th 2014
Business Arising from previous minutes: a previous presentation by a representative for the South Okanagan Transportation Advisory Committee, was brought forward for discussion. SOTAC representative, Robert Lintell, had advised Council the proposed shuttle service from Osoyoos to Kelowna would benefit from the financial support of Oliver and Osoyoos and further that Osoyoos had committed to $2,500.00 in support of the proposal. Councillor Mattes stated that he was not interested in committing to support merely because Osoyoos had. He expressed his concern that the Town could be using tax money to sponsor private enterprise. It was clarified that the money would actually be given to the SOTAC. Councillor Bennest stated that he supported the concept which he believed satisfied the Towns’ Conditional Grant in Aid criteria. He further stated that this would be a positive step for the South Okanagan, good for our residents and was of sufficient commercial value to Air Canada that they had expressed excitement. Councillor Schwartzenberger felt himself to be somewhat torn in the middle and while he had similar concerns to Councillor Mattes he also believed it was a good concept. There was further discussion regarding money being tied up with no ‘sun-set’ clause so Mayor Hovanes made a motion that Council offer a one-time Grant in Aid of $2,500.00 to the South Okanagan transportation Advisory Committee subject to a contract being awarded by July 1st 2014. The motion was passed with Councillor Mattes opposed.
Delegation: Bylaw Enforcement Issue – Wendy Cassel notified Town of her choice of not appearing before council.
Delegation: Bob Johnson owner of 5801 Sawmill Road appeared to speak against the Town’s proposed change of his zoning from Industrial Three (I3) to Service Commercial Two (CS2). There has been a business at that address since the 1920s. NOTE (The Area ‘C’ properties which were consolidated within Town boundaries in 2008 have different classifications and numbers and the Town wishes to have consistency in draft Zoning Bylaw 1350). In Mr. Johnson’s opinion the proposed change is not necessary and will be a serious hindrance to efforts to restart his Abattoir operation. He stated that there was a Mobile Abattoir Pilot Program underway in the Interior and a unit could be used periodically in Oliver which would enable him to revitalize his custom meat cutting operation for local livestock owners. He stressed that should there be another outbreak of ‘Mad Cow Disease’, it would be impossible, under present conditions, to slaughter cattle locally thus all livestock owners affected would have to travel to the Kootenays to have their livestock disposed of and suffer additional financial loss. (He noted in a subsequent discussion with ODN, that after he was obliged to stop butchering meat, most of the local livestock owners stopped raising cattle, pigs and lambs). After considerable discussion, staff were directed to work closely with Mr. Johnson and develop an acceptable compromise. Mr. Johnson asked that the Town come forward with a change which would allow him to operate his business
Business: Chief Financial Officer David Svetlichny CA, introduced Rob Collins of Grant Thornton LLP who presented an Independent auditors’ report. Mr. Collins reviewed the audit’s contents which can be reviewed in detail on the Town’s Web Site:
https://oliver.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=46276
and
https://oliver.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=46278
The audit concluded that: “In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Town of Oliver as at December 31st, 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards”.
Purchase of Dump Truck: Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell requested Council’s approval for an increase of $18,000.00 in the dump truck replacement budget and to award the contract to Premium Truck & trailer for $182,911.00 (excluding GST) The increase in cost is due in part to a 10% increase in the US exchange rate, additional money for a front snow plow balance system and an extended warranty of 5 years/80,000 Km. Councillor Mattes commented on the $10,000.00 value of the old unit and Councillor Bennest stated that it would be nice if the Town could find a 3 year old unit and pay less. Mr. Goodsell advised that it is possible that the old unit will sell for more and whatever the proceeds are, the money will be put in the vehicle replacement fund. He also noted that the old unit has been in use for 20 years. It was moved by Councillor Mattes, seconded by Mayor Hovanes and approved, that the request be moved to the regular meeting for adoption.