News briefs from the March 9 Greenwood City Council meeting.
West Boundary Road Rescue
Council voted to back a letter from Larry Bowen, coordinator of West Boundary Road Rescue (WBRR), asking for support for their request for changes to provincial policy, which states, “Flagging is only authorized for ensuring the safety of the emergency services personnel involved in the removal of the subject(s). Once the subject(s) are safely extricated, flagging is no longer covered.”
Road rescue would like that changed so they are funded while flagging until a highways flagging crew is on scene. They also ask that coverage by WCB, accidental death and dismemberment, and liability insurance be expanded to cover road rescue groups until suitable traffic control, flagging from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is in place.
In the past WBRR has remained on scene providing flagging for the safety of RCMP and ambulance personnel.
West Boundary Community Forest
Councillor Lee Cudworth reported that the West Boundary Community Forest, jointly owned by Greenwood and Midway, has applied for a cutting permit that would yield two years worth of cut in 2015—for a total of 46,000 cubic metres.
Council looking at economic development
Greenwood will participate in two workshops hosted by Community Futures Boundary in Grand Forks.
On the morning of March 18 Richard Toperczar, regional manager of economic development, tourism and skill training, will facilitate an economic development visioning workshop. Another session on land and economic development will take place on March 19.
City reserves land for seniors’ housing
Council voted to reserve land for the proposed seniors’ housing facility in Greenwood. The former demo derby grounds as well as the lot lying to the north beyond the cul de sac have been identified. Any lands not used for the seniors’ facility shall remain property of the city.
Bocce pit goes back for more quotes
Council received a bid of over $29,000 for construction of two bocce ball pits at the ball park. When Mayor Ed Smith called for a motion to proceed with the project, resident Jim Nathorst interjected that the high project cost requires council to have more than one quote. Administrator Robin Dalziel explained that council has the option of rescinding the policy for individual projects. In the end, council decided to seek more quotes.
Legal suit against the city and council
During question period, Nathorst asked if the legal bills for the court case files by former councillor Barry Noll were covered by insurance or if the taxpayer would have to pay the cost. Noll alleges that he was libelled in a press release issued by council on March 10, 2014.
Mayor and council did not make any comment on the case.
Dalziel told the meeting that Municipal Bylaw 807 states the city will pay the legal costs for councillors under certain circumstances. He acknowledged however, that Bylaw 807 specifically excludes indemnity in cases of defamation.
In other council news:
The city passed a resolution to support the Kettle River Management Plan.
Council approved $1,800 to be budgeted for 2015 to cover costs of getting power back at the rink.
Council voted to establish a steering committee to oversee the changes brought by the fire training standards.
Council will hold a budget meeting on Monday, March 16 at 3:30 p.m. in council chambers. The next regular meeting of council will be on March 23 at 7 p.m.
