By Andru McCracken
Before their April 13 meeting, council had a moment of silence for the passing of Prince Phillip, the husband of the Queen of England.
Reading file
Councilor Hollie Blanchette reminded community members that vaccinations in Valemount are happening between April 20 and 23rd and that appointments could be booked at the following toll free number: 1-866-481-2175.
Councilor Donnie MacLean moved that council write a letter of support for Prince George’s call for the overdose crisis to be declared a national health emergency. Blanchette seconded the motion and it was passed.
Between the lines
Council authorized staff to negotiate a three-year contract with Yellowhead Pavement Marking Inc regarding municipal line painting, with the option to renew for another two. The company was the lowest bidder, coming in at $62,584.02 for five years of line painting.
Housing needs
Council authorized staff to apply for a $10,000 Housing Needs Assessment Program from the Northern Development Initiative Trust. Council also provided a resolution in support of the program.
CBT funding recommendations
Council approved all six projects at 100%, including $86,775 to Valemount Cares Phase 1. Valemount and Area Recreation Development Association received $40,380. Valemount Children’s Activity Society received $10,665 on the condition that their other funding application for the same project is unsuccessful. The Valemount Climbing Club received $28,450. Robson Valley Spay and Neuter Society received $5000. The Royal Canadian Legion Valemount Branch received $3000.
Clean Air Task Force
Council appointed Tom Jamin to the Clean Air Task Force.
Contaminated Sites
Council received a report on changes to the Environmental Management Act and the Stage 13 Contaminated Sites Regulation. They now require the village to submit site profile information for properties with a ‘history of specified industrial and commercial uses.’
Previously the municipality opted out of submitting profile information, but they are now required to.
Staff have put into place these new reporting requirements, and incorporated the appropriate forms into the relevant application processes.
The Funky Goat returns
Valemount’s Funky Goat food truck is applying for a permit to operate at its 5th Ave location, between the Rocky Mountain Goat’s newspaper office and the brewery for another three years. There will be a public hearing on May 11, 2021.
Proprietor and chef David Grant said he hopes to be running in the second week of May.
Council Procedure Bylaw
Council adopted their procedure bylaw, which contains some housekeeping items.
OCP first reading
Council gave first reading to the Official Community Plan Bylaw, the product of much consultation with the community.
“A lot of work has gone into this from everybody in the community and I want to thank everybody for all their work.
This is the first reading; really read through it if you have an issue with it, let staff know,” said Blanchette.
“It’s published right on our homepage,” said Torgerson.
Pearson acknowledged an email from resident John Grogan about process.
Bylaw Enforcement Officer Position
Pearson introduced a motion to have staff look into having a full-time bylaw enforcement officer.
The motion reads: “Whereas the Village of Valemount continues to educate and enforce Bylaw compliance within the Village; And Whereas the role of Bylaw enforcement is currently being handled by the Chief Administrative Officer in addition to his regular job duties; And Whereas the Village of Valemount would benefit from a dedicated Bylaw Enforcement Officer position; I move that Staff prepare a report for Council detailing costs, budget impacts and any possible funding opportunities available to hire a full-time Bylaw Enforcement Officer for the Village of Valemount and include a report on possible job description to warrant a full-time position.”
Council supported the motion.
Reports
Council then gave their verbal reports.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
