The District of Barriere held a regular council meeting on Monday, March 20.
District CAO Colleen Hannigan presented her report to mayor and council.
She noted the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is in discussions with Multi-Material BC (MMBC) with respect to joining their Multi-Material program. She stated the District has been advised by both the TNRD and MMBC to send a letter expressing their interest in being added to the MMBC wait list in order to have a future conversation about joining the program.
“Because we have curbside collection, we will not automatically be included in any agreement that the TNRD may make and would have to have our own agreement with MMBC should we also want to benefit from the program,” said Hannigan.
Hannigan also reported that Central Interior Pumps have laid well discharge pipes to the Barriere River and placed barriers to protect them along Barriere Town Road.
Hannigan gave an update regarding the Canada 150 celebration in Barriere July 1.
“It has been suggested that as part of the District’s contribution to the Canada 150 celebration, on July 1 at the fairgrounds that we supply the cake.,” said Hannigan, “AG Foods will make us 1,000 iced cupcakes at $.60 per cupcake.”
She also noted that both grant applications submitted by the NTFFRA to help with costs of the July 1, celebration were unsuccessful, so sponsors for event costs are actively being sought out at this time.
“Mayor Smith and I met with the TNRD CAO and Director of Community Services, and three members of the Barriere First Responders to discuss potential funding options that would assist the First Responders in the valuable service they provide in this area. After more statistical information is provided and more discussion occurs within the individual groups a recommendation will be brought forward to the broader political forum for discussion.”
Auditors were also at the District office this past week for the annual audit. A report to Council on that process will be forthcoming.
The District received four heavy duty filing cabinets from the Interior Savings and Credit Union offices for a nominal fee of $10/cabinet which included delivery and placement.
Mayor Smith presented her report from March 7 to 17.
“I spoke with Staff Sergeant Jim Harrison, who oversees the Barriere Detachment. I expressed our concerns regarding staffing in view of the fact two of our members are leaving. SS Harrison advised that there is a retired RCMP member living in Barriere who is in the process of coming on as a Reserve Officer and will help fill the void until such time as replacements arrive,” stated Smith in her report, “I was assured that July 1st and Labour Day would be well covered. The posting for the corporal position is out and will be closing shortly. The interview process will then begin but obviously there is no definite date as to when the new corporal will start.”
The Mayor attended a March 10 Committee of the Whole meeting where a presentation was given regarding the GeoPark, with a discussion about next steps.
On March 14 the Mayor participated in a meeting with TNRD reps Ron Storie and Sukh Gill, members of Barriere First Responders, Bill Kershaw and Colleen Hannigan for a discussion about emergency services. First Responders is hoping to receive some funding to enable them to continue. Everyone agreed that this is an important service but concerns regarding service area, sustainability, whether they should be a separate entity or be under the umbrella of the Fire Department or Search and Rescue was a major part of the discussion. Further discussions will take place in the future in this regard.
District of Barriere Finance Officer Nora Johnson reported to council regarding seasonal turn-off utility charges in the municipality. Council had previously asked staff to poll neighboring communities to determine what they charge when residents leave for extended periods and wish to temporarily turn off their utility services.
Staff contacted Clearwater, Ashcroft, Chase, Cache Creek and Merritt with the results presented to council. Council accepted the report for information to provide direction for the preparation of a policy addressing basic charges for utility accounts that have been turned off at the property owners request.
