UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS
- Youth Advisory Commission Meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 12:05 pm via Zoom
- Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers
- Committee of the Whole Meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers
- Socio-Community & Economic Effects Advisory Committee Meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers
DELEGATIONS
RCMP – Elk Valley Detachment
Sgt. Trevor Tribes, of the Elk Valley RCMP Detachment, presented the quarterly crime statistics on offences responded to by the detachment. The report reflected an increase of 68 calls for service over the same period in 2019.
For more information, see the report.
BUSINESS
Statement of Financial Information (SOFI)
Council approved the 2019 SOFI report which includes:
- A list of Council remuneration and expenses paid;
- A list of remuneration paid to employees who earned more than $75,000;
- The total remuneration to all employees;
- A list of suppliers who were paid more than $25,000; and
- List of grants disbursed that were more than $25,000 in 2019.
For more information, see the staff report and SOFI report.
Chamber of Commerce Business Signage
Council authorized deferment of lease payments from the Chamber of Commerce for the highway business sign lease agreement in the amount of $5,400 plus tax. The Chamber has a lease to own agreement with the District for the two business signs located on Highway 3 which they sell advertising on the signs to local businesses. With the challenges businesses are facing due to COVID-19 closures, the Chamber had requested 2020 lease payments be forgiven so that they could pass the savings onto the local businesses who advertise on the signs.
For more information, see the staff report.
Asset Management Program Grant
Council authorized the submission of a grant application for up to $62,500 to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for the Municipal Asset Management Program for developing an Asset Management Plan for the District’s infrastructure assets.
For more information, see the staff report.
OTHER INFORMATION / ANNOUNCEMENTS
Outdoor Fire Pits
It is that time of year when people want to enjoy a fire in their back yard. Please note that it is a requirement within the District of Sparwood that you must first obtain a fire pit permit. These are available FREE of charge from the District Office and must be renewed every year. Failure to obtain a permit may result in a fine up to $200.00
For more information call 250.425.6271.
Mosquito Control Program – June update
Larval surveying and monitoring for the annual mosquito control program has been ongoing since late April. Program biologists have been controlling developing larvae in ditches, ponds, and marshes with biological larvicides. Property owners are encouraged to eliminate water holding containers and standing waters to prevent mosquito development.
The goal of the program is to reduce adult mosquito annoyance for residents and visitors. It will not eliminate mosquito populations and area residents should expect to observe some adult mosquitoes in some places and at certain times of the day.
To lessen adult mosquito annoyance, check window screens and practice the 4 Ds:
- Drain mosquito sources.
- Dress in light loose-fitting clothing.
- Dawn to Dusk, minimize outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.
- DEET or other repellents may be used. Always read the label before using any repellent.
To report instances of mosquitoes, please fill out the online form at www.sparwood.ca/mosquito, contact the Engineering Department at 250.425.6271or email sparwood@sparwood.ca. Please include your name, instance location, and contact information.
Notice of Annual Meeting
Presentation of the 2019 Annual Municipal Report will take place at the Regular Meeting of Council to be held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 in Council Chambers. The Annual Report includes the audited financial statements and other information required under Section 98 of the Community Charter, such as progress respecting the objectives and measures established for 2019.
The report is available for public inspection at the Municipal Office, during regular work hours, and on the District’s website at www.sparwood.ca/annual-reports. Hard copies are available upon request at no charge.
2020 Tax Notices
The 2020 Tax Notices have been mailed out. If you are a new owner and do not receive a tax notice by June 10, 2020, please contact the District Office by phone or email to obtain a duplicate copy. Notices are mailed to the current owner shown on the Assessment Roll. Depending upon the date of purchase, the District may not have received the new owner’s information and the tax notice will be mailed to the previous owner.
The deadline for paying your 2020 property taxes without penalty is Monday, July 6, 2020. Even if a bank is paying the taxes through a mortgage, homeowners who qualify must still claim the Home Owner Grant. Failure to claim the Grant by the due date will result in a penalty.
For any further information regarding your Annual Property Taxes, Home Owner Grants, the Tax Deferment Program or ways to pay, please contact the District Office at 250.425.6271, by email at sparwood@sparwood.ca or visit our website at www.sparwood.ca/property-taxes
Unsightly Properties
The District of Sparwood will be focusing on unsightly properties throughout the summer as part of its bylaw education and enforcement program. Properties that have derelict vehicles, accumulations of garbage, old furniture and machinery, uncut grass and (noxious) weeds, vegetation which interferes with the visibility of street signs, sidewalks and public utilities will be investigated upon receipt of a complaint or through proactive enforcement.
Anyone seeking to report a possible unsightly property can call Bylaw Enforcement at 250.425.5367, by email at bleo@sparwood.ca or fill out a Service Request form available on our website at www.sparwood.ca/service-request.
For more information on applicable fines and property maintenance, please review the District of Sparwood’s Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw at www.sparwood.ca/fines.
Post Date: June 4, 2020 | Category: Council Newsletter