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Council had two delegations at the February 12, 2007 Council meeting.
Jack Heavenor from Downie
Timber Ltd. brought Council up to date on some current issues including
log supply, burning wood waste and taxes. Downie is the largest employer
in the city with 435 full time positions, with a $30 million+ annual
payroll. Downie Street Sawmill Ltd. is the last major sawmill operating
in the interior welt belt since the closure of mills at Donald and
Malakwa, and generates $100 million annually in economic activity. The
sawmill burner has been an ongoing issue with respect to air quality and
plans are in place to eliminate it in the future. At month’s end, Downie
will reduce burning by 75% as a market for the wood residue has been
established in the eastern U.S. and during the next four months
equipment will be installed to handle the remaining 25%. The expectation
is to close the burner in June, with the remaining residue either sold
or utilized by the Revelstoke Community Energy Corporation. Downie’s
future log supply is uncertain due to issues on the land base concerning
Mountain Caribou and biodiversity. As well, Downie is waiting on the
results of a welt belt study that is ongoing. They are hopeful that this
study will provide some relief with respect to their operating cost
allowances in the interior wet belt area. In the last five years
Downie’s assessed value has increased due to expansion and improvements
at their mill site, which has increased the property tax they pay to the
City. This increase has been higher than the city average and in 2006
the City reduced Downie’s tax by $80,000. Downie were also successful in
appealing the assessed value of their reman plant which brought an
additional $28,000 savings. They continue to seek further tax relief for
the current year.
Shelby Harvey from the
Air Quality Committee brought Council up to date on issues that have
been identified and the development of a work plan to resolve the
issues. Sub committees have been established to deal with these issues
that range from finding funding sources, public education, open air
burning and air emissions inventory, to name a few. We were also advised
of an upcoming workshop to be held in Kamloops on reducing vehicle
idling and green fleet operations and a commitment has been made to have
City staff attend. The City has also agreed to join ‘Idle Free BC’. This
is an initiative hosted by BC Climate Change with a mandate to build
awareness about economic, environmental and health costs of idling. Our
goal will be to implement an idle reduction program that has a minimal
impact on day to day vehicle use.
Public Works reported on
snow removal costs for the month of January which amounted to $400,500
and are likely the highest costs ever in a single month’s operation.
Staff has advised they will have a contingency plan in place for the
next November and December in the event of heavy snowfalls as the
remaining budget ($219,500) may not be adequate.
New hours of operation at
the Public Works office will come into effect after the snow removal
season. The hours 7:30 am to 3:30 pm will better reflect hours worked by
other Public Works staff. Notice to the public will be advertised in the
newspaper and posted at the Public Works yard.
Public Works staff have
received numerous complaints from residents in the vicinity of the
former City Trailer Park concerning motorized vehicles on the
Illecillewaet Trail. The issues raised include noise, dust and safety.
As the trail is used by walkers, motorized use is not compatible. The
trail will be signed prohibiting motorized vehicles and gates will be
installed in early spring to restrict motorized vehicle access.
The City is developing a
new Community Development Strategy which will identify economic,
environmental and social goals and priorities for the next five years.
Public input on this initiative will be gathered through a community
survey which will be delivered to each household. The survey can also be
completed online.
Please complete the survey and let us know your priorities for the City.
Completed surveys must be returned by Tuesday February 27, 2007. Further
information on this survey and the strategy can be obtained from Alan
Mason, Director of Community Economic Development at 837-5345 or
amason@cityofrevelstoke.com.
Submitted by Councillor Frew
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