By Andrea Arnold
Mayor Owen Torgerson started the November 22, 2022 council meeting with CAO Eric Depenau administering the oath of office for both of the new councillors, Donnie MacLean and Hugo Mulyk. Following their declarations, all members of council were asked to sign a Council Code of Conduct. This is different from the last term in that it is mandatory this year, not optional. The code of conduct will be posted on the website following this meeting.
Each of the incoming councillors were given an opportunity to speak. Councillor MacLean extended her thanks to council for intrusting her with the position again.
Councillor Mulyk expressed his thanks to council for having trust in him and giving him the opportunity to work with council. He is thrilled to be there and is looking forward to the term.
Mayor Torgerson read a letter of congratulations from MLA Shirley Bond.
Prince George Regional Advisory Committee appointment
Council appointed Councillor Mulyk to the Prince George Regional Advisory Committee, and Mayor Torgerson as alternate.
Community Hall rental fee waiver
Council approved the request to waive the Community Hall rental fees for the December 20, 2022 Community Christmas Party. The decision is subject to the Firm Foundations Christian Outreach complies with the requirements of Policy No. 12, Rental of Village Facilities and Property; and providing the Village with a copy of a Communicable Disease Mitigation Plan, as per Administrative Policy No. 2021-02.
Temporary Use Permit Transmountain Work Camp
Mayor Torgerson asked that members of council forward their thoughts and comments regarding the referral of Temporary Use Permit No. 269, Transmountain Work Camp to CAO Depenau no later than Friday, December 9, 2022. The permit is the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George’s decision, and they have asked for the Village’s input. No vote or resolution is required.
Meeting with paramedics
An invitation to meet with the Ambulance Paramedics of BC prompted a motion to have administration contact Troy Clifford to arrange a meeting in mid-December. This meeting is a followup to the conversations that were held during UBCM. Council approved the motion.
Building Permit Values July – October
ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION VALUES
July
Building Permits: $110,000
Plumbing Permits: $2500
New Solid Fuel Appliances: 0
Total: $112,500
This total reflects a removal of an existing manufactured home and a newer replacement.
August
Building Permits: $638,000
Plumbing Permits: $10,250
New Solid Fuel Appliances: $ 0
Total: $648,250
The majority of the above total reflects a commercial addition and one new single family dwelling.
September
Building Permits: $90,000
Plumbing Permits: $5000
New Solid Fuel Appliances: $6000
Total: $101,000
The above total reflects a new secondary suite and one new accessory building.
October
Building Permits: $136,000
Plumbing Permits: $2500
New Solid Fuel Appliances: $0
Total: $138,500
The above total reflects two new accessory buildings for single family dwellings.
PERMIT FEES COLLECTED
July
Building Permits: $130
Plumbing Permits: $100
New Solid Fuel Appliances: $0
Total: $230
August
Building Permits: $3498
Plumbing Permits: $406
New Solid Fuel Appliances: $0
Total: $3904
September
Building Permits: $728
Plumbing Permits: $200
New Solid Fuel Appliances: $130
Total: $1058
October
Building Permits: $1004
Plumbing Permits: $100
New Solid Fuel Appliances: $0
Total: $1104
PERMITS ISSUED
July
Building Permits: 1
Plumbing Permits: 1
New Solid Fuel Appliances: 0
The above permit numbers are down from past years.
August
Building Permits: 5
Plumbing Permits: 4
New Solid Fuel Appliances: 0
The above permit numbers are average for the month of August.
September
Building Permits: 2
Plumbing Permits: 2
New Solid Fuel Appliances:1
The above permit numbers are about average for the month of September.
October
Building Permits: 2
Plumbing Permits: 1
New Solid Fuel Appliances: 0
The above permit numbers are about average for the month of October
Council meeting schedule
Council approved the presented council meeting schedule.
Grant Writing Support
Council directed staff to apply for the maximum amount of $8000.00 for the NDIT Grant Writing Support Program for 2023.
Council also directed staff to request Grant Writing Financial Support in the amount of $8000.99 from Valemount Community Forest for 2023.
Development Variance Permit 22-03 – 1170 9th Avenue
Councillor MacLean recused herself as the property in question is in her neighbourhood. Council gave initial approval to development variance permit 22-03 for 1170-9th Ave. The request is to decrease the interior side setback for a principal building from 2m to 1.52m.
Development Variance Permit 22-04 – 1471 8th Place
Council gave initial approval to development variance permit 22-04 for 1471 8th Place. The request is to decrease the interior side setback for a principal building from 2m to 1.52m.
Seniors Housing Development
Both Councillor MacLean and Councillor Mulyk recused themselves for both this item and the following one, as they sit on the board of the Valemount Senior Citizens Housing Society. Council authorized CAO Depenau to sign the amended Memorandum of Understanding between the Village of Valemount and the Senior Citizens Housing Society. The MOU was used as an alternative to a Council resolution to “provide land in principle” to the society for the purpose of developing a seniors’ facility to provide housing and services to Valemount. BC Housing required the MOU to show that the land had been secured in order to grant funding to the society. In the original MOU, the term was set for 30 years. BC Housing is requiring that this term be amended to the preferred term of 60 years.
Seniors trail and sidewalk agreement
Council authorized CAO Depenau to sign the Trail and Sidewalk Works Agreement between the Village of Valemount and the Senior Citizens Housing Society. The agreement outlines the conditions around the contribution of funds and construction of the trail/sidewalk. The VSCHS would contribute 33 per cent of the estimated cost of Phase 1 of the trail and sidewalk. Councillor Pete Pearson asked the question about the amount of 33 per cent, if it was today’s amounts or future amounts. CAO Depenau reported that although it was based on today’s costs, there is a healthy contingency in place.
Council moved to an In-Camera meeting for consideration of one item per Section 90 (1) (a) of the Community Charter to discuss matters related to personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality.
