In our Dec. 11 edition of the Boundary Creek Times, this story erred in stating that council had opted for a $1,700 half page ad in Kettle Valley Express tourist guide. In fact council voted to not advertise in the publication in 2015.
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Service fees for water, sewer and garbage collection will be going up by four per cent in 2015. The increase will equal 6¢ per day.
At Monday night’s meeting of City of Greenwood council, administrator Robin Dalziel explained that a change in accounting will see vehicle use directly charged to the account that it is tasked to. So if the front-end loader does an hour’s work on a water line, the water account would reflect that.
Dalziel explained the water account needs the increase because it was in deficit for many years and the sewer hike is needed because of aging infrastructure. He said a wastewater management plan is on tap for next year and regardless of whether the consultant recommends upgrading or replacing the sewer plant, money will need to be set aside.
While council agreed to raise garbage fees by four per cent, there will be no increase to the cost of commercial garbage tags used by businesses.
The three bylaws were given three readings, with final adoption scheduled for the first meeting in January.
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Greenwood council opted to not advertise in the Kettle Valley Express adventure tourism guide for 2015. The cost for a half-page ad would have been $1,700. Both councillors Colleen Lang and Darla Ashton both spoke in favour of funding website development as a higher priority. The website issue was referred to the budget meetings, which Dalziel said would start early in the new year.
Administrator Robin Dalziel estimated there would be a total of $5,000 set aside for promotional advertising in next year’s budget. Council also voted to approve a $600 grant to Phoenix Mountain.
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Mayor Ed Smith read a short statement as his report: “I am comfortable the present council and staff can move forward as a team. We are going to move slowly, with well thought out plans in a positive direction. We have a few issues to clear up. Budget time is coming up so bear with us—we will inform you of things as we are able to.”
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Due to problems having the skating rink in the ball field and following discussions with the volunteers and email threads with council, a decision was reached to amend a motion of the Nov. 24 meeting to now give permission to give Ray Harrison, John Hunt and Don Edmundson to flood the skating rink instead of the ball field for the 2014 / 2015 season.
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The City of Greenwood and the Greenwood Board of Trade are sponsoring the 2014 Light Up Contest. The prizes are the same as last year from the city, with the addition of the business prizes from the BOT.
Prizes are $45 for first, $35 for second, and $25 for third. Ballots will be available at City Hall and most businesses. Voting will take place from Dec. 15-19. Winners will be announced at City Hall at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20. Free hot chocolate will be served.
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A B.C. ATV Club Jamboree set for next August was given approval in principal to occupy Lion’s Park. Smith said some 120 people are expected to attend. It will be hosted by the Greenwood ATV club with assistance from the Grand Forks club.