Mayor Hovanes called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm requesting adoption of the agenda as amended with resolutions from the 4:00 pm Committee Minutes.
Chair of the Committee of the Whole, Councillor Doerr reported on the agenda amendments those being; a resolution regarding the South Okanagan Advisory Committee request for financial support to develop a shuttle service from Osoyoos to Kelowna and a resolution directing staff to work with Bob Johnson regarding proposed zoning changes to his property. (Details of both items can be found in the Committee of the Whole Report elsewhere on ODN)
Water Matters: The March 2014 Water Quality Summary Report submitted by the Town’s Engineering Technologist was received by Council. (Details can be found on the Town’s Web Site) https://oliver.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=46278
Mayor Hovanes asked the Town Manager, Tom Szalay P. Eng., if the Twinning Project at the north of Town was now completed. Mr. Szalay reported that other than some pavement repairs the water system is up and running.
Delegations: Oliver *Lion Joanne Bray announced the Lions Foundation of Canada Annual Purina Walk for Dog Guides. This is an opportunity for all dog lovers to get out for a healthy walk while supporting the Lion’s Foundation in their efforts to breed, raise and train 6 types of ‘Dog Guides’. These animals cost approximately $25,000.00 to train but people in need can have a dog at no charge.
You can get pledge sheets on-line at www.purinawalkfordogsguides.com or from a Lion or Lioness and get pledges from friends. Supporters receive prizes for raising amounts over $150.00. There will also be beverages and snacks available by donation during Registration which starts at 11:15 am in Lions Park and the walk starts at 11:45 am (please note this time is 15 minutes earlier than previously announced)
The Lions Foundation longest standing program is ‘Canine Vision Canada’ for Canadians, over 12 years old, who are blind or visually impaired since 1985. There are
‘Hearing Ear Dog Guides’ are available for individuals 10 years of age and older who are deaf or hard of hearing.
‘Autism Assistance Dog Guides’ are trained for children 3 to 18 years of age to provide safety, companionship and unconditional love. These Dog Guides provide calming relief for children in high anxiety situations and reduce the stress commonly experienced in public places.
‘Service Dog Guides’ are offered to people 10 years or older with medical or physical disabilities to develop independence and a sense of safety by having the Service Dog help their handlers with everyday tasks and situations. These dogs are also trained to bark or activate and alert system when help is needed.
‘Seizure Response Dog Guides’ are trained to recognize the early warning signs of a seizure enabling individuals to be protected and treated proactively before a seizure incapacitates them.
‘Diabetic Alert Dog Guides’ is a new program for people 10 years and older who have Type 1 Diabetes with Hypoglycemic Unawareness. The dogs are trained to detect sudden drops in their handler’s blood sugar through scent thus alerting the person to ingest something sweet. The dogs are also trained to get help within the home and activate alert systems.
In closing Joanne mentioned two specific cases where Dog Guides have helped people live a safe and happy life; this is a great program so please come out and support the Lions on the 25th May.
Bylaws: Chief Financial Officer, David Svetlichny, presented Tax Rates Bylaw 1349 for Council’s approval and three readings. For 2014 the average Oliver residence, based on an assessed value of $282.857 will see its municipal tax increased by $11.71. The good news is that this increase will be offset by a reduction in the garbage/recycling fees of $10.00 which means the actual increase will be $1.71.
An average commercial property assessed at $192,548 will see a municipal tax increase of $34.55.
There will be other changes on your tax notice which are not controlled by the Town; these are tax increases imposed by the RDOS, the Library, the Hospital, Schools and Police. Full details of this report are available on the Town’s web site.
Councillor Bennest noted that the RDOS increase was for Capital expenditures on the Frank Venable Auditorium and in 2015 there would be a further increase for operating expenses.
It was moved by Councillor Mattes and Seconded by Councillor Schwartzenberger that First, Second and Third readings be given; the motion was carried.
Adoption of The Municipal Ticketing Amendment Bylaw 1289.03 and Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw 1321.03 was moved by Councillor Doerr, Seconded by Councillor Schwartzenberger and carried.
Adoption of Solid Waste Services Amendment Bylaw 1292.01 was moved by Councillor Doerr, Seconded by Councillor Mattes and carried.
The Civic Addressing Bylaw 1320.02 was presented for adoption; Councillor Mattes noted that there were no additional changes being made to addressing and Councillor Doerr moved adoption which was seconded by Councillor Bennest; the motion was carried.
Business: The 2013 statement of financial Information previous discussed at the 4:00 pm Committee meeting was brought forward for adoption and carried.
The agenda continued with a motion to release a Closed Resolution to the public regarding Fire Hall building expansion and purchase of a ‘Boom Truck’ to enable the department to access buildings beyond the elevation of their ground ladders. (Information is on the Web site)
The purchase of the new Dump truck was brought forward from the 4:00 pm meeting and Councillor Doerr moved and Councillor Schwartzenberger seconded the motion to increase the budget amount and award the contract to Premium Truck and Trailer Inc. The motion was carried.
There was email correspondence from Anna Warwick-Sears, Executive Director of the Okanagan Basin Water Board regarding the danger of invasive Mussels in Okanagan Lakes.
Councillor Bennest made the motion to send correspondence to Premier Clark/Minister Polak and Federal Ministers Shea/Blaney on the urgency of action to prevent invasive mussels. (Invasive Mussels reproduce very rapidly are capable of blocking water intakes and commandeering food sources normally supporting our native water species. Articles have been published detailing serious issues in the Great Lakes)
The Fire Department Monthly Report for February was received and Councillors gave their reports. Mayor Hovanes adjourned the meeting at 7:35 pm
Reporter Pat Hampson