Despite a packed agenda, city council managed to get through their first working meeting on Dec. 13 in good time. New councillors Linda Jean Nixon and Gary Starling were guided by four returning councillors and the returning mayor.
Aside from the decision on what to use their application for a B.C. recreation grant for (a skatepark or aquatic centre retrofits) there was little controversy at the first meeting.
Here’s some briefs on their first get together.
Arrow Heights traffic concerns
Despite some new signs and road markings in Arrow Heights, a letter from a resident continued to express concern about the situation there, warning children will be hurt. Council referred the matter to a subcommittee.
Committee appointments
City councillors received their portfolios, including standing committee and select committee appointments. The long list of appointments can be viewed by following the links from this story online. However, it may change. Coun. Chris Johnston was first on this council to say what has been expressed around the old council table several times in past months: the committee system needs to be revised. He called for a study and the possible elimination or amalgamation of the many committees. Some committees rarely meet and often have little business to conduct. There was no opposition to the study, meaning committee roles could soon be revised again.
Age friendly grant
Council supported an ‘age-friendly grant’ application to the UBCM for $20,000. If successful, the grant will support a new bus shelter at the Revelstoke Seniors’ Centre, a website for the Revelstoke Seniors’ Centre and funding to support new volunteer programs there.
After questions from council, city economic development director Alan Mason assured them the application was in sync with the age-friendly plan and in consultation with the seniors’ association.
Final RMR building gets “substantial completion”
All life and limb issues have been dealt with at the third building under construction at RMR, prompting the city’s planning department to issue substantial completion at the start of December. Planning director John Guenther noted occupancy has not yet been granted as final issues are being rectified.
Change of meeting time
City council meeting were moved up to 3 p.m. from 3:30 p.m.
Revelstoke Cable is back
After a long hiatus, Revelstoke Cable has started sending a camera to record city council meetings. Municipal politics junkies can now take in the entire meeting in the comfort of their living room.
Traverse hours extended
The Traverse Social Lounge earned an OK from council to extend their closing time from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. Provincial liquor board approval is yet required.
Get informed on your issues
And don’t forget that City of Revelstoke council agendas are now posted online on Fridays before the Tuesday meeting, so you can read all the background about issues that particularly concern you.