By Andrea Arnold
Public Hearing
The Valemount public hearing on December 14, 2021 was called to order by Mayor Torgerson.
21-06 for 23 Cedar Street – temporary residential structure proposal
21-07 for 1280 Juniper Street – temporary residential structure proposal
21-08 for 1975 Hillside Mine Road – temporary residential structure proposal. Neighbouring property owners Maureen Brownlee and Ron Baer wrote stating they support the proposal and have no objections.
The public hearing was closed and the council meeting on December 14, 2021 was called to order by Mayor Torgerson.
Community Forest Update
Valemount Community Forest Manager Craig Pryor presented the Valemount Community Forest/Valemount Industrial Park bi-annual update to shareholders. The report states the many projects that VCF have completed this year, and what they have planned for the next months. This includes logging in areas that will be used as future ski runs. In regards to the Old Growth deferrals, they do not see an issue with the current logging contracts they have in place. The industrial park received many upgrades. There is a diverse group of 15 businesses leasing land within the park. One of the future upgrades is the Telus tower and fibre optic access. Mill update Phase 1 is complete and Phase 2 needs electrical updates. Testing has started with the first log going through October 26. They are working to minimize dust and sawdust disbursement. Log suppliers are lined up and a market for chips is being explored. Council received the delegation for information.
Fire Department Co-ordination Service Establishment Bylaw
Council moved to provide notification to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George by way of certified resolution (as follows), indicating that the municipality consents on behalf of the electors to adoption of Regional District Bylaw No. 3235, 2021. The amended bylaw states that the maximum amount which may be requisitioned annually for the purpose of providing a fire department coordination service shall be $156,250. This will result in an increase of approximately $0.25 on a home valued at $100,000.
Council resolved that the council for the Village of Valemount hereby gives its consent to the adoption of Fired Department Co-ordination Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1990, Amendment Bylaw No. 3235, 2021, by the Board of Directors of the RDFFG, and that the Regional district be so advised.
Accounts payable
November 2021 Accounts Payable report was received
Building Inspection report
Estimated Construction values – $28,000
Permit Fees Collected – $356.00
Permits Issued – 2
Bylaw Services report
Six new files were opened in November. Currently there are 10 files open: one animal control, one good neighbour bylaw, one open air burning bylaw, one noise bylaw, two solid waste disposal, and four zoning bylaws.
Holiday office closure
The office was scheduled to be closed beginning at 12:00pm on Thursday December 23, 2021 and will reopen Monday January 3, 2022 at 8:30am. However, School District 57 and other municipalities have amended their closure dates, so the Village is also amending, and will reopen on Tuesday January 4, 2022. Payments will be accepted throughout the closure by mail and online. They will be posted before January 1, 2022.
Columbia Basin Trust Neil Muth Scholarship
Council agreed that the Village of Valemount contribution of $500 to the Columbia Basin Trust Neil Muth Scholarship fund be extended for an additional five years.
2022 Deputy Mayor Appointment Schedule
Council approved the 2022 Deputy Mayor appointment schedule.
Expression of gratitude
Council moved to recognize and thank the members of the following committees for their time and commitment to the Village of Valemount Committees of Council: Valemount Housing Committee, CBT Adjudication Committee, Clean Air Task Force, and the Tourism Valemount Committee.
Council moved to formally extend thanks to Ms. Jennifer Robinson for her commitment and accomplishments as marketing coordinator for the Tourism Valemount committee.
Ski run proposal progress
Council moved to provide a letter to the District Manager of the Ministry of Forests Lands and resource Operations (FLRO) of Prince George regarding public support of community ski runs in the proposed area of Valemount Glacier Destination Resort.
Temporary Use Permits
21-06 for 23 Cedar Street – temporary residential structure proposal granted final approval
21-07 for 1280 Juniper Street – temporary residential structure proposal granted final approval
21-08 for 1975 Hillside Mine Road – temporary residential structure proposal granted final approval
21-09 for 1460 7th Avenue – temporary residential structure proposal granted initial approval
Bylaws
Council adopted the Village of Valemount Wood Burning Appliance Regulation Amendment bylaw No 848, 2021 as presented. It will now be enforced through the Bylaw Notice Enforcement and Dispute Adjudication System.
Council approved the adoption of Bylaw Notice Enforcement and Dispute Adjudication Amendment Bylaw No. 850, 2021 as presented. Education will continue to be the main tool used to prevent issues, but where needed enforcement will be used as a last resort.
Council adopted the Village of Valemount Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No 845, 2021 as presented.
- Solid waste collection fees – increase of 4%
- Water user fees – increase of 5%
- Sewage user fees – increase of 5%
- Water fill station fees‐ increase from $7.55/cubic m3 to $10.00/cubic m3
- Sewage receiving station fees – increase from $22.64/cubic m3 to $30.00 cubic m3
- Remove Street Vendor Business License Fee of $25.00
- Increase Impoundment fees from $20/day to $50/weekday and $98/weekend & stat holiday
- RV rates – 50% of residential fees
- Certificate for Title Search updated to actual fee charged ‐ $20 from $15
Council moved to approve the Village of Valemount Council Code of Conduct Policy No. 85, 2021. This was created after noting that there was no current municipal legislation in place to address conflict of interest among the members of council. The document was drafted to address not only conflict of interest but also other aspects of good governance practices.
In-camera
Council moved to an in-camera meeting for consideration of four items per Section 90 (1) of the Community Charter to discuss matters related to: (c) labour relations or other employee relations, (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality; (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.
