COMMITTEE
New HVAC for Doctors’ Office:
There is nothing worse than sitting in a hot waiting room especially if there are small children involved. Fortunately Oliver Town Staff took the initiative and ordered a replacement unit for the Doctors’ office which is attached to Oliver’s Council Chambers.
The existing HVAC unit is 14 years old and has been repaired several times before. The Town’s building maintenance account will be increased by $8,000 taken from General reserves to cover the cost of replacing the unit.
Fairview and Gala Park Concept Plan:
Council had an opportunity to review conceptual drawings of improvements suggested for the vacant land at the corner of Fairview Road and Similkameen Avenue. Included in the presentation by Steve Underwood of True Consulting was improvements to the strip of Town land extending along the east side of Gala Street and across from SOSS.
In addition staff advised that the alley below Gala between School Ave and the north end of Okanagan will be modified to address the problem of water run-off at the rear of the properties backing onto the alley.
The total cost of the two concepts stands at $360,000. Council wants to hear from the residents so a Public Open House will be held to solicit suggestions and ideas.
Roundabouts:
Following the lead from other communities, Oliver may soon see a roundabout at Fairview and Similkameen in an attempt to reduce the speed of vehicles entering the school zone.
Council heard from Mr. Underwood that the Province will contribute $20,000 to $25,000 to enable a community to install its first Roundabout. According to ICBC the benefits include reduced speed, reduced injuries, safer pedestrian movement in cross-walks and smoother traffic movement. While the initial plans appear to cost more than expected, the province will fund a public education program.
Staff were directed to explore other grant options with ICBC and approach SD 53 about using some of their land.
REGULAR COUNCIL:
Public Hearing:
Zoning Bylaw1350 and OCP Amendment Bylaw 1070.02 were on the agenda for Council to receive public comment and Council approval. One concern raised was Downtown parking and provision of dedicated bicycle space in relation to the number of vehicle spaces. It was suggested that a limit of one parking space per downtown property must be included.
Based on the needed changes, Council postponed adoption.
Oliver Ambassadors:
Oliver Ambassadors Kelsey Launier and Cheryce Martine were in Chambers to introduce the new candidates (Kaylee Lesmeister and Anatasia Levant) for the Oliver Pageant and announce the 3rd Annual Kiwanis & Lions Duck Race to be held at the upcoming Sunshine Festival. First Prize for the winning Duck will be $100, second prize $50 and third Prize $25.
Oliver’s past Ambassador Juliana Martine is our candidate for BC Ambassador and she will be publicizing Oliver’s wineries at the BC Pageant via her digital photography and will be dressed as Honest John Oliver while making her presentation on Oliver to the BC Judges. You can support Juliana by visiting her Web Page and voting online.
Development Permit/Variance Hearings:
551 Skagit Avenue was a source of concern for Council due to the apparent conflict between the variance requested and the Agricultural Land Reserve Regulations applying to the adjacent property. The request was considered to put development advantages before the need to maintain buffer zones between Ag land a development opportunity. Council postponed a decision until the developer can appear at an up-coming Committee Meeting to answer some questions posed by Councillors.
Oliver’s 2013 Annual Report:
Corporate Officer Cathy Cowan presented the 2013 Annual Report and read a synopsis to Council. The report details all the activities conducted by the Town during 2013 and lists all important expenditures. Each department supplies details of money spent and on what project. Anyone who wishes a copy of the report; they are available at the Town Office or online at www.oliver.ca. We encourage residents to take the opportunity to read this report.
An added note of congratulations must be given to Oliver’s Finance Department whose Annual Financial Report for 2012 was recognized for its quality. The Government Finance Officers Association awarded the Town the ‘Canadian Award for Financial Reporting’; Corporate Officer Cathy Cowan, Chief Financial Officer David Svetlichny and Deputy Financial Officer Heather Piotz received the award on behalf of the Town earlier this year
Business:
Gary Schweitzer was awarded the cleaning contract once again for janitorial work at the Fire Hall and Public Works facilities. Mr. Schweitzer’s bid was noted as being lower than last year.
Helene Urcullu was appointed as the Town’s Parks and Recreation Member at Large; Council noted that there were several really good candidates and that staff should record their names for possible future appointments.
Correspondence:
What is actually allowed on the Hike and Bike Trail? Council has received a letter about motorized vehicles using the paved portions of the trail system. Several complaints have been received over the years about motor cycles on the trails and Council wants talk to the Ministry of Environment regarding overall signage and prohibition of motorized vehicles without interfering with the equipment used to trim the verges.
A recent complaint from the Seniors’ Center and Baldy View residents about storage across the road in the Transwest Helicopter compound will be reviewed by staff and brought forward in 60 days to a Committee Meeting. It was noted that Transwest has been approached and they are in the process of constructing of another building which will house the equipment.
Reports:
Council will enter into a Union of BC Municipalities ‘Community Works Fund’ agreement which will enable the Town to take advantage of money available for future local projects.
Council discussed the upcoming UBCM Conference in Whistler; at this time the Mayor will be accompanied by Councillor Schwartzenberger and representing Oliver at meetings with ministers responsible for policing (we are close to 5,000 people and will soon be required to enter into a contract which means a significant additional cost); the minister responsible for Infrastructure and the minister of Highways regarding road conditions.