No reduction in TNRD Library hours for Barriere

Highlights from Nov. 5, Thompson-Nicola Regional District Board meeting

A public survey was approved to review library hours of operation for the library branches in Lytton, Barriere and Clearwater. There will be no change to the number of hours the branches are open, but rather the hours will be adjusted to suit the needs of the community.

An additional $150,000 Federal Gas Tax– Community Works Fund component, allocated to Electoral Area “I” (Blue Sky Country), was approved to fund the completion of the Spences Bridge Community Water System Deer Lane Water Main Project.

The contract for the construction of the site works for the Deer Lane Water Main Project in Spences Bridge was awarded to Peterson Contracting Ltd., Williams Lake, for a maximum price of $171,294.38.

The Board approved $13,5000 each from the Federal Gas Tax – Community Works Funds allocated to both Electoral Area “M” (Beautiful Nicola Valley – North) and Electoral Area “N” (Beautiful Nicola Valley – South) to assist in completing upgrades to the concession building and infrastructure at Smith Pioneer Park.

On the recommendation of the Committee of the Whole, an Agriculture Advisory Commission will be created to comment on applications and matters directly relating to the regional agriculture industry. Staff have been asked to draft a terms of reference and gauge industry support as well as potential board appointments.

“The Region of BC’s Best” was chosen as the tagline message at the end of the TNRD vignette, as per the recommendation of the Committee of the Whole.

The following policies received minor amendments and were approved for inclusion in the Board Policy Manual:

1.1.1 Orientation Education Seminars & Strategic Planning Sessions

1.1.2 Correspondence from Directors

1.1.4 Remuneration for Accommodation

Prior to and Following Meetings

1.1.9 Board of Directors Meetings Throughout the Region

1.2.1 Anonymous Correspondence to Directors and Staff

1.3.1 Volunteer Recognition Program

3.1.2 Computer and/or Portable Devise Usage and Social Media

5.1.2 Bursaries

6.1.2 Recovery of Public Asset Process Costs

7.2.1 Exempt Staff Lieu Time

14.1.2 Local Assistants to the Fire Commissioner Policy

Policy 9.1.2 Dangerous Dog Control Policy was amended to include Areas “J” and “O” in the service.

Also, on recommendation of the Policy Review Committee, water meters are now mandatory for all current TNRD-owned water systems on condition that no funding contribution be required from service area participants and that 100 per cent funding be obtained from other sources such as grant programs, etc., for the purchase and installation of the meters.

On recommendation of the Policy Review Committee, Policy 4.2.1 Destruction of Accounting Records Policy was repealed and removed from the Board Policy manual.

Staff were also directed to develop and bring back to the Policy Committee for review an Establishment of Service Areas policy, which would extend the time frame for re-seeking assent from six months as set by legislation to one year, unless there has been a substantive change to the initiative and include guidelines as to what substantive changes include.

On recommendation of the Policy Review Committee, the next Committee of the Whole meeting agenda will include a discussion item regarding the inclusion of a question period during Regular Board Meetings.

 

Barriere Star Journal