BC Hydro Power interruptions
Due in part to negative reaction to July’s planned outage, Council wrote a letter to BC Hydro regarding the timing of such an outage and reliability of the area’s power grid in general. Hydro’s response, while apologetic about the inconvenience of outages, claimed that the frequency and duration of Nakusp area outages are similar to those of other rural communities—5.2 outages per year at an average duration of 2.51 hours. They touted recent efforts at vegetation management, as well as current and future upgrades to local power infrastructure to improve reliability.
“I’m a little bit concerned,” reacted Mayor Karen Hamling, “Where are they getting these numbers?” Councillor Guy Duchaine noted that one recent outage was 11 hours. Council voted to have a meeting with BC Hydro regarding this matter.
Boat launch
Ongoing issues with the new boat launch were discussed, including a recent meeting with Columbia Power about those issues. Numerous complaints had been received, and some of the issues have been addressed. The walkway that was in the water has been fixed, and a grille has been placed over a hole that was a hazard.
However, two major problems remain that have not been fully addressed. Firstly, there are some large wires sticking out that many ramp users, including Councillor Duchaine, have tripped over. Secondly, because rising water levels in the spring prevented completion of the ramp, the currently receding water levels will soon make the ramp unusable.
Mayor Hamling expressed frustration with the apparent expectation from Columbia Power that being limited to summer use of the boat launch was acceptable until it could be completed at some uncertain future date. There was consensus that only year round access to the boat launch was acceptable.
“This was supposed to be state of the art,” insisted Hamling, “and it is not.” Councillor Joseph Hughes said council should speak to BC Hydro about their obligation in this matter.
Arena roof
Repairs to the arena roof are urgently needed, in particular the portion above the lobby. Council has heard from two different specialists about short-term fixes to seal the current roof (which is in need of replacement) until larger sources of funding can be secured. The plan at this point is to use a high-quality sealing process to extend the life of the current roof once some structural repairs are complete. Previous repairs were done with inferior products and without fixing some structural issues (such as the location of a vent) that are causing leaks to recur.
NACFOR
NACFOR has an operating profit this year of $102,233, of which half is to be distributed as community grants. It has proposed 25 per cent to Village of Nakusp applicants, 25 per cent to Area K (south of Arrow Park) applicants, and 50 per cent at Board’s discretion within the area defined as Area K, the Village of Nakusp and the Summit Lake Ski Hill.
CAO Linda Tynan noted that this distribution of funds differs from their business plan adopted in 2007. Mayor Hamling stated that the Village takes the financial risk for NACFOR operations, so it should have an explanation of the change. Councillor Duchaine said that the business plan should be changed first, then those changes could apply to the next fiscal year. Mayor Hamling suggested that advertising for grants could proceed, but a discussion with NACFOR was necessary about the percentages. A decision on the matter was tabled until such a discussion took place.
Other Matters
·2014 Permissive Tax Exemptions will remain in place for the same organizations as last year.
·Low water levels have left a small swimming area, but the log booms cannot be relocated simply.
·Arena compressor repairs are proceeding well and it should open on schedule September 6.
· Water treatment and micro hydro projects have had some setbacks but are on track for a November 8 final commissioning date.
·A village-owned 175-acre lot near the Nakusp Hot Springs has been brought into the village boundaries.
