Notes from the March 25 Village of Nakusp council meeting.
Water works in the works
Significant issues with both the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and have taken a lot of staff time to try to resolve, the CAO’s report stated.
The STP is scheduled for completion on March 31, although it may not be fully commissioned by that time due to delays surrounding the resolution of outstanding issues. It will be substantially complete, said the report.
Ventilation and insulation in the STP building is under review, as it is expected that humidity will saturate the insulation, making it unsafe.
“There may also be a fire issue with the thin layer of plastic which covers the insulation,” noted the report.
Nelson-based company Aqua/9 Dot, who are working on the STP are also preferred for the WTP design and build, although nothing has been finalized yet.
Pole yard pondered
There was an inquiry regarding the zoning of the pole yard out by the Esso station, and it is something that will be brought up at the next council meeting.
“Council may or may not be aware that right now the pole yard is zoned as suburban residential,” CAO Linda Tynan told council, although the pole yard has always been industrial. Complaints against the operators of the pole yard escalated to the point that the operators had to go the RCMP. The issue of zoning will come to council in April after council’s March 25 in camera meeting on the subject.
Arena funding denied
No grant is coming from the Community Recreation Program for the Arena roof and build. The application for the $400,00 grant was denied.
Daffodils for April
April was declared Daffodil Month and April 27 Daffodil Day in support of the Canadian Cancer Society’s awareness campaign.
Breakwater business
BC Hydro has agreed to contribute $100,000 to replace the existing breakwater in Nakusp. CAO Tynan said that Ken France from the Nakusp Launch Club has said that some engineering needs to be done to see if this amount will be adequate.
“The Launch Club has indicated that they have some of their own funds which they would use towards this project,” the CAO’s report noted. “And agreement between the Launch Club and the Village of Nakusp would be required once the $100,000 is received from BC Hydro in order that the Launch Club be designated as the project manager of the breakwater replacement project, an that they would be responsible for any funds required over $100,000.”
Councillor Joseph Hughes brought up the point that BC Hydro is getting Nakusp to do the work:
“My only concern looking at other projects they’ve done on the lake recently is they did the other breakwaters. They didn’t pay the RDCK to do it, and now they’re just handing us a cheque and have us to do it where it really should be them.” Coun. Hughes was concerned that it would set a precedent for Hydro not taking responsibility.
Mayor Karen Hamling told council she had pointed out to Hydro that Nakusp’s marina was taking a beating protecting their wharf.
CAO Tynan agreed with Counc. Hughes that taking the funding is a bit of a dilemma, but because of the short timeline for getting the funding (the agreement needs to be signed by March 29), there isn’t much time to go into the responsibilities of Hydro. There was agreement around the table that it would be good to discuss responsibilities with the Comptroller in the near future.
Council voted to accept the $100,000 and also to make an agreement with the Launch Club.
Suite deal
Council approved a change in usage of suites in the lower front portion of the Western Pacific Marine building from commercial to residential.
Financial plan
The proposed 2013-2017 Financial Plan will be presented to the public for input at the April 8 council meeting. If you’re interested to see where money is planning to be allotted, come to the next council meeting. You will have a chance to ask questions and voice your opinion to council at the meeting.
Well well
Well Two tenders were authorized by council. For the pump and pitless unit supply and install, Martech Electrical Systems Ltd. was chosen, Arrow Lakes Ready Mix for the tie in civil piping, and Venture Mechanical Systems Ltd for the control building mechanical piping.
“All three were the lowest bid that was qualified,” said Tynan.
Marking heritage
Mayor Karen Hamling is working with Rosemary Parent to install Heritage Plaques on historical buildings around town. Columbia Power wrote a letter to council notifying them that they will be providing monetary sponsorship for the project. Letters will be sent to owners and renters of selected buildings.
