Permissive Tax Exemption
It is within the council’s mandate to either grant or deny permissive tax exemption requests for properties (or a portion of a property) within the village of Nakusp. In previous years the council has not accepted any new permissive tax applications and has held the status quo of grandfathering eligible properties, which total 1.87 per cent of the annual municipal tax revenue. The 2014 council is faced with three choices regarding permissive tax exemptions; allow the current six applicants a further one-year exemption and accept no new applications, or allow the current six another year and accept new applications for consideration or request that all interested community groups submit an application for consideration. In a report submitted to council by Chief Financial Officer Robert Richards, council was advised to consider the second option and roll forward the current permissive tax exemptions and accept new applications.
Councilor Ulli Muller wondered about the status of the old Fire Hall and the Kinsman building
“If those two buildings are taken over by non-profits,” he asked, “they are still our buildings. Would there be a tax exemption?” Chief Administrative Officer Linda Tynan responded that once council signs a lease with the non-profit organizations the building’s existing tax exemption would become null and void, requiring the submission of an application for tax exemption.
The Community Charter reads that Permissive Tax Exemption applications must be advertised by in the community starting in July and applications must be submitted prior to October 31.
Osprey and Hillclimb
Osprey Community Foundation fund holder, Kelly Silverthorn, has requested that council manage a grant of $3000 from his fund to be dispersed to the Nakusp Springs Hillclimb Society’s proposed 2014 event. Council is involved because the Osprey foundation can only disburse grants to qualified donees, which include charitable organizations and municipalities, and the Hillclimb Society is not a registered charity.
“When Osprey hands the money over to council,” Tynan clarified, “it will be under the condition that it will go back to the foundation if the 2014 hill climb event doesn’t happen.”
Hot Springs and Chalets budget Variance
Council received the updated Hot Springs and chalet budget variance, dated for May 31, 2014, outlining current data on expenditures and operational information for the previous five months.
The Cedar Chalets are a new addition to the village’s responsibilities and has undergone some operational changes and upgrades. For example, as of June 1 reservations and bookings have moved to the front counter of the hot springs and an online booking option will soon be available.
Tynan admits that there has been a learning curve for the village, however. “We have been getting some very good reviews from the Chalet,” he stated.
Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Whistler
Premier Christy Clark has sent letters to BC’s Mayors and Regional District Chairs inviting reps to join her and her caucus colleagues at the UBCM convention in Whistler. The event is dated for September and council has begun considering issues and initiatives they will present on behalf of the village of Nakusp.
Councilor Tom Zeleznik brought forth a proposal from NACFOR asking that he meet with the Minister of Forestry to discuss, “NACFOR land base and opportunities to increase land base from the immersion of forest liquescence’s to area based tenures and discuss land base issues with respect to mountain caribou areas.”
Mayor Karen Hamling backed the request saying she was working with the previous minister, Patrick Bell, to expand the area of the community forests because “We had lost a lot of tenure” when the caribou area was allocated.
Recycling Information Session Proposal
What will happen to the RDCK bins? What are we to do with the glass? Why didn’t the village buy blue bins? Why do I have to buy blue bags?
Councilor Guy Duchaine proposed a resolution that staff organize an information meeting for the public to address questions on the new recycling program. Duchaine was motivated to propose the public information session based on conversations he has had with community members.
“Everyone is happy we are participating,” said Duchaine. “It is a great thing,” but added it would be prudent for council to make themselves available to address community questions.
“I think (a public meeting) is a great idea, because I have had more questions on this issue than any other issue,” said Duchaine in expressing his support.
Council passed the resolution and will begin making plans for the community meeting.
