New Zoning Bylaw given approval
Town staff presented Public Consultation Responses on Draft Zoning Bylaw 1350 accompanied by several pages of additional information to assist Council in deliberations. One recommendation from staff was to avoid “too restrictive a zone and have the option to add restrictions rather than be in a position where restriction had to be removed.”
One specific change was approved based on a request from the property owner of 5801 Sawmill Road regarding an abattoir.
Council approved the added definition of abattoir- ‘Abattoir means a use that provides for penning and slaughtering of live animals and preliminary processing of animal carcasses and may include packing, treating, storing and selling of the product on the premises’.
Zoning Bylaw 1350 and OCP Amendment Bylaw 1070.02 were brought forward for first and second readings with the added definition of ‘abattoirs’. Motion was passed unanimously.
BC Transit South Okanagan Transit Proposed Service Expansion
The Chief Financial Officer David Svetlichney presented a BC Transit’s initiative to expand transit services by adding a trip from Osoyoos to Penticton every Friday. The estimated cost in 2015 would be approximately $6,353 and would result in an overall budget increase from 2014 of $1,853. Council agreed to the propose expansion.
Oliver Sunshine Festival Parade
The Oliver Sunshine Festival Parade will be held Saturday July 12 and Council will discuss what transportation will be available for Mayor and Council so they can ride in the Parade and hand out candy to the children.
Public Hearing for subdivision at 570 Merlot Ave
The proponent wishes to maximize land use by subdividing her property and creating two additional lots without having to demolish the existing house.
Basil Baker 499 Park Avenue stated the need to maintain the ‘Single family concept’ and designation but it was noted that under the existing zoning owners are allowed to develop suites in single family homes.
Trudy Doepker of 506 Lakeview expressed concerns about building height and loss of view. It was noted that the height restriction for single family homes is 10 meters for the principal dwelling.
Staff considers this the most appropriate method of addressing the request because the OCP considers average lot size rather than individual comparisons. This amendment requires only some minor relaxations to yard set-backs and maximizes the use of the property and avoids all the issues regarding hazardous material remediation which could be associated with demolition of the existing home. Councillor Mattes was opposed, Councillor Bennest abstained and the motion carried.
Communications from the Public:
Council received and filed a request from Tuc el Nuit Elementary School for funding support in purchasing play-ground equipment.
Invitation from Minister for State and Tourism, N. Yamamoto to submit an application for an ‘Open for Business Award’ was received and filed.
Approved – Request for a letter of support from the Oliver Seniors’ Center grant application
‘Highway to Healing’ which provides money to needy families who must travel and stay beside their sick children requested that the town buy a block of tickets for the Michael Burgess concert. Council received and filed the request but some Councillors suggested they buy tickets personally in support.
Approved – Legion Branch 97 has requested a letter of support for its ‘New Horizons for Seniors’ Program Grant application.