By Andrea Arnold
Mayor Owen Torgerson called the July 26, 2022 Valemount Council meeting to order.
Administrative reports
Council moved to receive the accounts payable report for 2022
Council received the building inspector report for April – June 2022 stating permit values
ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION VALUES
April, 2022:
Building Permits: $2000
Plumbing Permits: $0
New Solid Fuel Appliances: $0
Total: $2000 This total is for one minor commercial alteration/repair. Permit values are usually somewhat higher in April.
May, 2022:
Building Permits: $1,231,000
Plumbing Permits: $10,000
New Solid Fuel Appliances: $ 6000
Total: $1,247,000 The above total reflects 3 new single-family dwellings, a large accessory building and a substantial repair to a hotel.
June, 2022:
Building Permits: $1,809,000
Plumbing Permits: $16,750
New Solid Fuel Appliances: $12,000
Total: $1,837,750 The above total reflects 4 new single-family dwellings with 1 secondary suite and 1 conversion from a non-residential to single family dwelling.
PERMIT FEES COLLECTED
April, 2022:
Building Permits: $ 112.00 – one permit
Plumbing Permits: $ 0
New Solid Fuel Appliances: $0
Total: $112.00
May, 2022:
Building Permits: $3316.00 – 6 permits
Plumbing Permits: $400.00 – 4 permits
New Solid Fuel Appliances: $130.00- one new appliance
Total: $3846.00
June, 2022:
Building Permits: $11,512.00 – 7 permits
Plumbing Permits: $602.00 – 5 permits
New Solid Fuel Appliances: $260.00 – 2 new appliances
Total: $12,374.00
Council received the bylaw enforcement summary report for June. In June there were 13 new files opened and 20 files closed. The new files consist of violations in the following areas: one animal control, six good neighbour bylaw, one solid waste disposal, four zoning and one other.
Council received the Municipal Regional District Tax Renewal 2022 report. The report refers to Bylaw No. 852, 2022 regulating the imposition of the Municipal and Regional District Tax of 2% of the purchase price of accommodation for the whole Village of Valemount. The report states that in June, the Province of British Columbia approved the extension of the MDRT for the Village of Valemount until August 1, 2027.
Municipal Officer Appointments
Council appointed Eric Depenau as Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Officer for the Village of Valemount.
Clean Air Task Force update
Council appointed CAO Depenau to the Clean Air Task Force.
Council agreed that the Valemount Community Forest/Valemount Industrial Park be permitted to appoint an alternate committee member to attend Clean Air Task Force meetings in the absence of the VCF/VIP manager.
Council discussed the draft Air Quality Management Plan. Mayor Torgerson pointed out a couple of points. The phrase Highway 97 and 5th ave should be Highway 5 and 5th ave. This was corrected and the amendment was carried. Council approved the amended Air Quality Management Plan. He commented that he was a huge advocate of setting up sensors around the community to help determine which areas need the most help.
Temporary Use Permit 22-07 – 1280 14th Ave
Council gave initial approval for temporary use permit 22-07 for 1280 14th Avenue proposing a temporary residential structure for up to two years.
Remedial action
Council authorized staff to deliver a notice to the property owner (and each holder of a registered charge) via registered mail which states that all fire hazard trees (not standing) at 955 13th Avenue must be removed no later than September 2, 2022. If action is not taken by this time, Council authorizes staff to proceed with remedial action with regards to the hazards at the expense of the property owner, as per sections 77 & 78 of the Community Charter.
Bylaws and Policies
Council approved Policy No. 15, Leave of Absence as amended. The amendments are:
the first five paid sick days an employee takes in a calendar year will be deducted from the employee’s sick bank, casuals or other employees who receive compensation in lieu of benefits will have access to Employment Standard Act sick time, employees may borrow sick time not yet accrued, an outline of what proof of sickness is required when, sick leave now includes parents, children or spouse, point of clarification- sick time only adds up while an employee is actively working, and sick leave entitlements are pro-rated for part-time staff.
Payout of sick time upon retirement requires an employee to have worked for the Village for 20 years, with no age limit.
Council approved Policy No. 81, Appointments to the Board of Directors of Village-Owned Companies as amended. The total number of voting members on each board will be increased from six to seven, and the number of community members from five to six. This change will impact the Valemount Community Forest and Valemount Industrial Park.
Public comment – Note, this will be the last opportunity for members of the public to comment at a Council Meeting until after the General Local Election.
In Camera
Council proceeded to an in-camera meeting for consideration of three items per Section 90 (1) (c) labour relations or other employee relations, (j) information that is prohibited, or information that if it were presented in a document would be prohibited, from disclosure under section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and (k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public.
