Village of Midway council met for its regular meeting Monday.
Public Works update
Council welcomed Public Works Foreman John Boltz to provide an update on infrastructure projects.
Boltz reported there had been issues with the community hall sump pump which were subsequently discovered to be caused by a problem with the float, while clothing had, again, been discovered in the sewer system.
This necessitated both pumps on 13th Street and one main pump in the maintenance yard to be pulled and the system cleaned.
All equipment not currently in operation was stored in one of the storage hangers in preparation for snow plowing, which has been ongoing since late November. Crews have been forced to move snow piles around to make room for new snow, Boltz explained.
Public Works’ new truck presented several issues during plowing but those problems were solved and the truck is now operating properly.
Boltz also told council that there had been issues with the unit heater in the ambulance bay, though it is functioning normally again. He suggested the heater would need replacing at some point in the near future.
FortisBC has finally completed a relocation of its hydro pole on 12th. Street Public Works is now awaiting Telus and FortisBC to remove equipment from the old pole so that it can be removed.
Boltz attended a public works forum in Castlegar in December and reported that it was extremely informative and resulted in works foremen from around the region agreeing to convene on a regular basis to assist one another in various aspects of their jobs.
Used command vehicle purchased
Penny Feist reported that the village has purchased an incident command vehicle, a 2010 Dodge 3/4 ton 4x4 Crew Cab Command Unit for $13,000. The original asking price by the Minburn County Fire Department in Vegreville, AB was $20,000, which was lowered by the MCFD as a gesture to the MVFD. The vehicle will be picked up in Edmonton by Keith Martin, who will drive it back to Midway on Feb. 4.
Arena Manager’s Report
Bob Peters asked council for permission to draft a proposal to Boundary Central Secondary School for the establishment of a hockey academy, much like those which have been held in both Osoyoos and Grand Forks.
Peters also noted that the annual men’s and ladies hockey tournament is scheduled for early February and the arena will play host to the pee wee house playoffs at the end of February.
Peters is also planning a volunteer fire personnel tournament for Jan. 30 and a one-day season windup tournament in March.
Community Church lease approved
The Boundary Community Church (BCC) was informed that the village would be billing the church for cleanup of the community hall if it is not left clean. For its part, the church had voiced its concern that they were finding the hall in poor condition following the change in janitorial personnel.
Some council members noted they had received complaints about the hall cleanliness, and some questioned if the village was losing renters due to the church’s perceived neglect of cleanup. Council agreed that there needed to be more cohesion between the BCC, janitorial staff and the village regarding cleanup responsibilities, but fell short of rescinding on the BCC lease agreement for 2016, instead suggesting that council revisit the matter prior to 2017.
Business license system retained
The current business license bylaw is still being addressed, with council considering the initiation of a perpetual licensing system. However, village staff has, for now, been instructed to continue with the status quo for 2016 business licensing.
Yes to advertising
Council agreed to advertise in the Royal Canadian Legion 2016 Military Service Recognition Book, choosing the black-and-white business card size for $260.
No to accommodation tax
The village has decided against supporting the municipal and regional district tax recommended to them last year. The tax adds two per cent to all hotel and motel guest bills, with the money going to promote tourism within the Boundary.
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The next regular council meeting will be on Monday Feb. 1 at 7pm.