By Andru McCracken
Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on February 11, 2020. Mayor Owen Torgerson and councilors Pete Pearson, Donnie MacLean, Sheri Gee and Hollie Blanchette were in attendance as well as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Wayne Robinson and Deputy Corporate Officer Carleena Shepherd.
Jill Joslin and Amy Gehrig made a presentation to council about a new food security and literacy program they are offering through Robson Valley Community Services (RVCS).
“RVCS is constantly searching for new program ideas that fill a need in the community.”
Joslin said the program was a result of a ‘resounding cry’ for information about food security and literacy.
They asked that council waive the rental costs of the community hall and asked for a letter of support for the program. Council agreed to a letter of support, but declined to waive the rental costs, instead asking staff to get more information.
Torgerson asked for travel expenses to the BC Mayor’s Caucus in April pending a cost breakdown.
Council received accounts payable for January 2020 and the building inspection report for the same period without discussion.
Council authorized the CAO to sign the Community Benefits Agreement with Trans Mountain Pipeline on behalf of the Village of Valemount.
Staff will apply to the Union of BC Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.
The village will apply to the Columbia Basin Trust – Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Program for plans for year-round washrooms at Centennial Park.
Council is seeking another member for the Columbia Basin Trust – Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Program adjudication committee.
Pipeline Temporary use yard
Council voted in favour of granting Trans Mountain a temporary use permit to establish a pipe bending and contractor yard south of the Dasol Restaurant with two conditions.
Pearson said he wanted to ensure that the camp tied into the hydro electric grid and not run generators due to the potential impact on air quality.
Torgerson added a further amendment limiting pipe bending hours from 9 am to 4 pm.
Municipal Ticketing Information
Council gave three readings to their municipal ticketing information amendment bylaw.
The bylaw proposes a $100 fine for idling a motor vehicle for more than 5 consecutive minutes.
“I think a hundred dollar fine is fair, but the education piece – we’re going to have to hammer that home,” said Blanchette.
The amendment will allow for ticketing with regards to a new anti-idling bylaw that received first and second reading at the last meeting.
Council gave their reports and then closed the meeting to go in camera on a matter related to labour relations.
