|
Due to a technical problem with RCTV equipment, only part of the regular
City Council Meeting of October 25th was recorded, therefore I will
attempt to address the issues that might be of most interest to the
community.
Council reviewed an
application for an extension of hours for the Grizzly Sports Bar and
Grill and subsequently approved the amended hours of operation to
reflect the hours approved during the trial period (2:00 a.m. closing
limited to Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with an 11:00 a.m. opening).
Council supported sending
a letter to the Provincial Government requesting a review of the
Employment and Assistance Act to ensure welfare benefits meet the basic
needs of individuals and families. Council feels that some of the
changes are hurting the poorest people in the province and those that
are already struggling due to other social services being cut.
A recommendation from the
Protection Committee to continue with the Municipal Burning Program with
the issuance of permits and public education was approved. Staff has
been further directed to develop a bylaw which does not include permits
and where offences would be handled through Bylaw Enforcement.
The Public Works
Committee reported on a meeting with a group of residents concerned with
the new four-way stop sign on the corner of Eight Street and Victoria
Road. Although the committee sympathized with the delegation, they felt
that safety of the intersection was best achieved with the four-way
stop. To help address some of the other concerns raised by the
delegation, Public Works staff will contact the Downie Street Safety
Officer and Chamber Trucking to request their employees stop at this
intersection, as well, an advance warning sign and increased monitoring
of the intersection to ensure there is adequate snow removal and
sanding. The RCMP will also be requested to increase their monitoring of
the intersection.
The Planning Department
and Economic Development staff was asked to develop a land planning
strategy to determine options for location of appropriate light and
heavy industrial uses other than those at the north end of Westside
Road. A study by Urban Systems recently made recommendation for the
area, but it was felt that the community’s need for this type of land
had changed and a further review was required to determine appropriate
zoning.
A public hearing is
scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on December 6, 2004 to address a Zoning
Amendment Application that would allow a Licensee Retail Liquor Store at
1925 Laforme Blvd.
Councillor MacFarlane
reported that the Mackenzie Avenue Crossing Committee will continue
reviewing the options related to the cessation of the whistle. A new
option presently being pursued would have the CPR man the crossing with
a flag person, thus eliminating the whistle entirely. This option might
be least costly and achieve the best results.
The Community Connection
Food Bank reported that the food bank usage was up by 10 % over last
year. To aid in this cause, the Investors Group of Revelstoke has issued
a challenge to the financial and business community to meet or beat
their contribution of $400.00 to “Help us help those in Need”. It was
also reported that the Canada World Youth participants and Community
Connection Food Bank will be hosting a Halloween Food Drive. They will
be conducting a door to door collection of food between the hours of
1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on October 31, 2004. Suggestions for donations
are pasta, soup, rice, baby food, canned meats, fruits and vegetables,
cereals, snacks and toiletries. All cash and food donations would be
gratefully appreciated at any time.
Council also passed a
resolution requiring the owner of the property located on 217 Mackenzie
Avenue to remove, demolish, bring up to standard, or otherwise deal with
the said property, as it is unsafe and offensive to the community.
Community members packed
the Seniors Centre on October 21st to hear representatives from Brent
Harley and Associates present their findings on the Socio-Economics and
Land Use Assessment of the potential impact of the proposed Mt.
Mackenzie expansion plan. The audience was given an opportunity to pose
questions to the panel in an attempt to address questions and concerns
related to the proposed expansion. All members of the panel need to be
congratulated on how well they were able to answer the various questions
and to help the community proactively plan for the future.
The Chamber of Commerce
was also applauded for their successful Small Business Awards Banquet on
Saturday evening. The entire event was very well organized, well
attended and is a wonderful tribute to the business community.
On a sad note, Council
would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to the Woodman family at
this time of tremendous loss; may your precious memories help you
through these dark days and bring comfort to each of you. Words can not
adequately express how deeply the entire community has been impacted by
this terrible accident. Council would also extend compassion to the
entire RCMP force as they try come to terms with this tragedy. Our
thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Prepared by Councillor
Nelli Richardson
|
