The following items were discussed at the District of Kent regular council meeting, on Feb. 12, 2013.
Grants-in-aid
Groups who made formal grant-in-aid requests to the District of Kent should be receiving confirmation soon whether they'll be granted funds.
Council and staff was to meet this week to discuss this year's requests. Last year, $25,000 was budgeted for such requests, but $31,750 was awarded.
The deadline for applying for grant-in-aid was Nov. 15.
Clipping success
A pilot project to collect grass clippings in Agassiz was a success, staff told council last week. Clippings have been allowed to be dropped off at 6950 Cheam Ave. for the past six months. Because the project went so well, council voted unanimously that the location and service be maintained going forward.
UV treatment
Kent Council is going ahead with an ultraviolet disinfection system for its wastewater treatment. They unanimously awarded a contract to Tritech Group Ltd in the amount of $262,422. In Oct. 2012, all bids received for the job exceeded the available funds, and were rejected. On Jan. 24, Tritech sent an alternative pricing proposal. Of the total, $127,000 is being paid by grant funding and $136,000 will come from unappropriated surplus and will be included in the 2013 financial plan.
UV treatment takes up less space than chlorination, staff told council, and is safer.
"A chlorine leak can be quite dangerous," Mick Thiessen said.
Grit classifier
The District is replacing its Wastewater Treatment Plant's grit classifier, at a cost of $22,907.
A grit classifier is a standalone unit that is part of a pretreatment process. The district's current unit was reaching the end of its lifespan when it failed on Jan. 15 this year. It needed to be replaced as soon as possible, staff told council, and quotes received ranged from $22,907 to $65,000. The new unit will be built by Steeltec in Chilliwack.
Bylaw amended
Council adopted an amendment to the Highways, Traffic and Parking Bylaw which clearly outlines the need for permits for temporary use or alteration of District property, highways and rights of way.
The bylaw also contains a fee schedule, and rules regarding the growth of trees or shrubs onto roadways.
In addition, it is now legally noted that "every owner or occupier of real property" adjacent to sidewalks or footpaths will remove all snow and ice within a reasonable time frame, or no later than noon the day following a snowfall.
Age friendly
Council approved the Age Friendly Plan, which will seek out to connect local seniors with the various services available to them, while encouraging participation in activities.
The District recently polled the community to determine the most important issues for seniors locally. They also received a $15,000 grant from the province.
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