Reports from Mayor and Councillors
Councillor Piper:
Piper attended the SFU lecture on aging design and municipality and the focus was on the unprecedented demographic shift as residents are living longer and increasing in number with the baby boomers.
“The panel examined the role of urban and architectural deign, public policy, research, community engagement and development in the understanding and creating of municipalities that are responsive to the needs of older adults staying independent and engaged in the community for as long as possible,” she said.
Piper attended the 95th Annual Chilliwack Plowing Match in the mayors class and came in third place.
Councillor Reyerse:
Reyerse attended the Fraser Valley Regional Library Board meeting, where the 2016 Financial Statement was approved.
The third annual Food For Fines Program gives library goers a break on fines and also gives back to the community over the Christmas season, where 13 375 food items were donated to local food banks including the Agassiz Food Bank. Over $26,000 in library fines were waved, according to Reyerse.
Report from Mayor Leo Facio
There was a significant funding boost from the seniors advocate of British Columbia to improve care for seniors to the investment of $500 million over the next four years.
“At the end of 2014-2015 approximately 52,000 British Columbians were living with Alzheimers or dementia,” said Facio.
Facio put in a plug for the Women’s Health and Wellness Fair to be hosted on Friday Apr. 21 at the Kent-Community Recreation and Cultural centre.
At the Fraser Valley Regional District, Facio, attended a presentation given by the Homeless Count.
“There are 603 homeless individuals in the Fraser Valley...they are living in shelters, transition houses and service centers,” said Facio.
The homeless count is conducted every three years and provides a moment in time snapshot of homelessness.
In Agassiz-Harrison the number of homeless people accounted for was six.
Homeless males were at 64 per cent of the population, females were at 35 per cent and transition people were 0.4 per cent.
Causes and percentages listed by Facio:
Addiction 68 per cent; medical treatment 23.5 per cent; medical condition 49 per cent; treatment 25 per cent; mental illness 47 per cent; treatment 16 per cent; physical disability 29 per cent and treatment 10.3 per cent.
Facio mentioned the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge that was held on Sunday Apr. 9 at Civic Plaza and gave thanks to staff member Alanna Carmichael Community Services Manager and the Agassiz Legion Branch # 32 for their organizational efforts.
“It will be something special to honour those that have fallen in the First World War,” he said.
Facio answers Facebook concerns related to The Harrison Hot Springs Councillor Watch Facebook Site
A special meeting on Jan. 9 2017 with the people of the paid parking company was held, where fines, enforcement, signage, website information and start date was discussed. It was an open meeting.
“There was nothing hidden, and there was nothing pushed by anybody, we discussed it and we decided to move forward on it,” said Facio.
The Fraser Valley Regional District Boat Launch: It stated that it was mismanaged according to the site.
“I believe this is an insult to the FVRD who have been partners with the Village for many years and it stated that Facio will give away the boat launch to his bloody friends at the FVRD. I’m very proud to participate with 22 directors and staff at the FVRD who do outstanding work in the region. These comments do nothing to help anybody at all,” he said.
In 2013 the boat launch contract was put out and the FVRD business plan was chosen and contracts were awarded.
“This cut quite an amount of our own staff time and general maintenance. The Village is still responsible for capital projects. The previous contract over many years was either 50/50 split, or 60/40 split and I believe the small amount of profit to the Village was about $10,000, not $40,000 after the expenses and staff time. Looking back from 2011 to 2017 it’s at about $12,000 to the Village,” said Facio.
The 50/50 split residuals are in the contract according to Facio who went on to discuss capital expenses that will continue with maintenance. “A lot of damage is caused by boaters powering on and this is what’s costing the Village a lot of extra money,” he said. “All decisions are made by council, not just by Facio, as stated, council is the governing body of the Village as stated in the community charter. I am part of the council. I’m tired of these comments directed at staff and myself as are other smaller communities that rely on their staff who carry out multiple roles in their day to day programs — we’re very grateful to have the staff that we have.”
Facio addressed other concerns and false accusations involving water connections for votes, which he vehemently denied. “We will not steep to the depths of negative comments,” he said.
Reports from Staff
Report of Planning Consultant — Apr. 3, 2017
Re: Issue of a Development Permit — 480 Hot Springs Road
Recommendation:
That Development Permit DP 04/16 be issued to Andrew and Stephanie Baziuk for the property located at 480 Hot Springs Road, Harrison Hot springs for land legally described as Block 1 except: Parcel “A” (reference plan 22152) Section 13 Township 4 Range 29 West of the Sixth Meridian Westminster District Plan 9786.
The recommendation carried.
Bylaws
Report and Deputy chief Administrative Officer — Mar. 28, 2017 Re: Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 974
Three options were given:
Option 1: that the Highway and Traffic Bylaw be amended to prohibit the overnight parking of vehicles on Esplanade Avenue within the hours of 12 a.m. (Midnight) and 6 a.m.
Option 2: That the Highway and Traffic Bylaw be amended to prohibit the overnight parking of vehicles on Esplanade Avenue, St. Alice Street, Hot Springs Road north of Lillooet Avenue, Maple Street, Chehalis Street and Spruce Street within the hours of 12 a.m. (Midnight) and 6 a.m.
Option 3: That the report be referred back to staff for further information on overnight parking provisions.
Mayor and council opted for option 3.