SUMMING IT UP: Grand Forks City Council
By Andy George
Recreation Center Expansion Planning
Discussed first in the primary committee, with motions being made and approved later in regular council, the recreation center expansion seems an endeavour that Grand Forks City Council will endorse.
A new building is being considered adjacent to the skate park which will house:
1. a gymnasium – thought to be used for yoga and other group exercise programs;
2. standalone weight room – equipment will be moved from the aquatic center;
3. washrooms and offices – which are a current bottleneck in terms of operating costs and hours of operation.
The recreation committee has been looking at expansion for several months, due to a few substantial reasons. It isn’t uncommon for weight room equipment to generate line-ups and be overcrowded. In fact, heavy demand has become the standard in the current weight room facilities.
Councillor Gene Robert cited additional problems with the existing setup, “For the weight room to be open a lifeguard has to be on duty because there’s no bathroom facility on that side. So anytime somebody’s on the pool deck and has to cross, there has to be a lifeguard.”
Costs for the new facility – both capital and operating – have to be determined, and council was reluctant to estimate. It was noted however that Interior Health Authority might be a potential partner in the project because of therapeutic aspects.
The motion made was to invite John Mackey, director of facilities for the recreation committee to present a more detailed plan to council, including cost estimates and blueprints.
In the end, this will be a public decision at the next election. “It has to go to referendum because it’s a shared service between Area D and the city,” stated Mayor Brian Taylor.
Fringe Area Planning
Planning and decision making for the surrounding areas will be changing to a more encompassing system, allowing the City of Grand Forks and Area Directors to have more sway in the say.
“It’s kind of a complicated process, and a lot of the municipalities were having trouble with this. It deals with Section 26 planning applications and if an application comes forward under that, then the municipality gets to sit on the discussions,” was the description given by Area D Representative Irene Perepolkin.
It was moved to invite Mr. Mark Andison to council to come speak about the issue and provide clarification.
Water Main Troubles
The City of Grand Forks has the water main break under control. There are a variety of fixes that can be implemented, and they still have to find to exact location of the break someplace between city hall and International Forest Products Ltd. (Interfor) sawmill, but the water is flowing properly, has been continually tested and found clean of contaminants.
Grand Forks Water Demand Management Action Plan
The Water Demand Management Action Plan, authored by Urban Systems and speaking to conservation and water auditing, was passed with an addendum added by Councillor Cher Wyers on behalf of the water sustainability subcommittee.
Five items are to be attached to the action plan:
- that a more proactive assessment will be needed if and when the Interfor’s proposed co-generation plant project goes ahead;
- complies to city by-laws for backflow valves;
- the plan should also address winter water bleeding with an education program;
- explore an inventory of home oil tanks within city limits still in the ground;
- address contaminated sites within city limits and pursue reclamation projects.
Boundary Area Habitat For Humanity
Councillor Moslin shared with council the funding issues plaguing the seven-plex project undertaken by Boundary Habitat. They have applied for funding from the provincial government but have not been receiving communications about it.
It was asked that council make an information request to Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines and Housing, as to the status of Boundary Habitat’s application.
Health Care Steering Committee
A community group organized to explore issues surrounding Interior Health Authority has been struck. Councillor Thompson has volunteered to act as a council liaison and bring feedback from this group to council.
Garbage Collection
Beginning July 1, Christina Lake Contracting will be doing garbage collection for the City of Grand Forks. The service will remain the same as the previous contractor. As far as the organic waste collection pilot program, it will need to be phased in slowly, and more information about it will be given as it becomes available.
Fibre Optics Network Internet Connection
The public service fibre optics internet connection was approved to be installed. It will offer connections and wireless internet services to public servants at a number of essential services including: wells, reservoirs, waste water treatment facilities. It will also connect to value added services including: the weather station at Observation Mountain, City Park Campground, and City Hall in preparation for a voice over internet provider (VOIP) telephone system.
Fructova Heritage Council Meeting
Council accepted the invitation by Boundary Museum to host a council meeting at Fructova Heritage Site. It was determined that the July 18, 2011 meeting would be appropriate, and that the start time would be altered to 5 p.m.
Transit services would be looked into, in order to accommodate members of the public who would like to attend, but do not have available transportation.
Crimestoppers
West Kootenay/Boundary Crimestoppers requested funding for their community service. A letter of invitation will be sent to this group to make a presentation.