Commissionaires B.C. remain on the job in Armstrong.
The city awarded the commissionaires a new three-year contract to continue providing bylaw enforcement services.
“We put out a request for proposals, received two and used a scoring system to come up with the recommendation,” said Coun. Kelly Rowe, chair person of the city’s finance committee. “We’ve been using the commissionaires for some time (since 2008).”
According to a staff report, the commissionaires’ proposal received the highest overall score due mostly to the existing experience and training for commissionaires’ officers.
The contract starts Jan. 1, 2014, and runs to Dec. 31, 2016. The city has the option to renew the deal.
Budget changes
A new salt shed and phone system for city hall are among the city’s 2013 budget amendments.
“Each year, there are changes subsequent to the adoption (of the five-year financial plan) that require a budget amendment,” wrote chief financial officer Terry Martens.
“Rather than processing individual budget amendment bylaws throughout the year when these situations arise, it has been the city’s practice to consolidate all such amendments into one amendment bylaw at the end of the year.”
Council approved a public works department request for a new salt shed at a cost of $14,000, and will spend $8,500 on a new phone system for city hall as the current system is now obsolete and no longer serviceable should it break down.
Council also approved spending $12,000 from its roads and drainage reserve for the completed Heather Avenue drainage improvements.
Water loop
Council has agreed to a water loop agreement with Longview Resources Ltd. (Royal York Golf Course) and Emil Anderson Construction Co. Ltd.
The loop will service Van Kleeck Road to York Avenue.
“There is a clear benefit to the greater good of the water system which will see current residents of the Meighan Creek/York subdivision areas having a backup line into the neighbourhood,” said administrator Patti Ferguson. ‘
“Without it, the situation now sits that any problems that require shutting off the water on Okanagan Street, south of Van Kleeck, affects the whole neighbourhood.”
The water line is necessary to allow the proposed additional development of residential units at the golf course, and phase two of the Tim Hortons commercial property at Harding Road and Highway 97A which is also approved for a hotel/motel.
There are two phases to the loops. The partners pay for the planning of phase one. The city’s water operating budget will fund its share for 2013. Construction is slated to start in 2014.
Age Friendly funds
Following a presentation from Peter Rotzetter, the chairperson of Armstrong’s Age Friendly Community Committee, council agreed to a request for $5,000.
The committee is applying for a grant through the New Horizons for Seniors Program which is looking for pilot projects.
“We are speaking to a number of agencies seeking financial commitment as well,” said Rotzetter. “We are asking for $5,000 which would be matched by the grant if we are successful.”
Funding will be provided in the grant if the project addresses an identified need in areas such as expanding on continuing integrated services for seniors who experience, or are at risk of, social isolation, and determining existing programs and services that can support such seniors.
Time capsule
The city’s centennial committee has purchased a six-foot long time capsule.
The committee is mailing letters to clubs, organizations, schools and such asking them to consider contributing an item that best reflects their organization.
“The time capsule was identified as a priority early on in planning,” said Coun. Paul Britton.
The capsule is planned to be sealed and buried near the Catherine Schubert Memorial in Memorial Park, and will have a small slab of concrete placed over it and a plaque will be installed identifying it for future citizens.
The public will also an opportunity to place items in the capsule. Items can be dropped at city hall or the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.
