The Aug. 27 meeting of Greenwood Council began with the presentation of a certificate of appreciation by Mayor Nipper Kettle to Less Williams for his years of service to the community in organizing Founder’s Day.
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Council was told that not all property owners who are affected by the ground squirrel infestation were in favour of trapping the animals.
“One proponent declined to participate, feeling the costs were too high,” said Administrator Robin Dalziel. “The reality is we will be dealing with this issue again.”
Staff was directed to contact the affected property owners again to ensure that the appropriate course of action is followed in the spring to deal with the ground squirrel problem.
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Both the Greenwood Public Library and the Greenwood Board of Trade (BOT) were awarded their annual grant-in-aid from the city. The library received $6,004 and the BOT got $3,000. Both grants are line items agreed to by council in the budgeting process last spring.
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Chair of the ballpark committee, Ed Smith presented council with a set of preliminary plans for the ballpark concession stand.
He said there had recently been rumors that the old concession might be renovated instead of putting up a new building.
Calling that a step backwards he asked,“Is everybody clear that we are not going to be doing that?” He invited council to review the preliminary drawings and make comment on them as soon as possible saying that once that is done the drawings and comments will be sent back to the architect after which council can put out an invitation to bid.
The mayor confirmed the money is available for the projects, but said the cost of the new building would ultimately dictate council’s decision.
Smith suggested using the existing concession building for storage.
Councillor Darla Ashton joined Smith in saying that once the building is under construction, they will proceed with planning for phase two – “prioritizing the things we want to do in that existing green area.”
Smith cautioned council that now was the time to make comments and changes to the plans. “Don’t make changes later–changes are costly,” he warned.
Kettle offered to have council and interested members of the public look at the plans and have them back to the committee before the end of last week.
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Council directed staff to report back to the next meeting on the costs of the animal control service under the new contract with the Commissionaires, who took over effective Sept. 1.
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Dalziel told council he was told by phone by Greenwood Demolition Derby organizers that there will not be a derby this year.
Ashton said there still needs to be a resolution found for the neighbours—either clean the area up or move the site. Staff was directed to write a letter to organizers asking where they are planning to hold the demolition derby.
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The administrator’s report included the news that Mrs. Linda Moore had submitted her resignation in late July and finished her last day of employment on Aug. 16, 2013. She had worked for the City of Greenwood for over 20 years. Dalziel said the position had been advertised in August and that eight applications had been received.
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The administrator said that several property owners have been contacted in regards to unsightly premises and many have improved their appearance. “I have been contacted by Estrella Dombrosky who has indicated her formal appeal of the City’s intentions in regards to the property at 256 N. Kimberly Avenue. Correspondence with them will be continuing to see what can be done to reach an appropriate resolution.”
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Installation of the playground will be put off until next spring. Kettle said that other things take priority, though Ashton complained that city crews were picking up rocks in the sewer yard but they can’t get playground work done. “It is frustrating, very frustrating,” she said.
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Councillor Lee Cudworth made clear his opposition to having chickens in the city. Ashton, however, was in favour of allowing hens but wanted more specific regulation on coops and a more aggressive animal control bylaw enforcement program in place. It was agreed to send the bylaw back to staff for more information.