Local Government Leadership Academy too expensive for council
Council balked at a budget request for them to attend the Local Government Leadership Academy in Kelowna, instead asking if there was a cheaper option available.
The cost for the mayor, all six councillors, and Tim Palmer, the city's Chief Administrative Officer, to attend the academy in Kelowna next month was billed at $11,000 for attendance fees, meals and accommodation.
"We ran to save money and I figure this is the first one we could save money quite easily," said councillor Scott Duke. "And also Tim's time – three days to go to this – and our time may be used better."
Instead, council asked staff to find out how much it would cost to bring a trainer to Revelstoke. A new report is expected at the Dec. 23 meeting of council.
The academy is held to teach elected officials their roles and responsibilities as councillors on things like priority setting, decision making, local government law, finance, citizen engagement, communications, media relation and community planning.
Odour control equipment purchased
Council voted to approve the purchase of odour control equipment for the sewage treatment plant.
The equipment, which will treat the odour inside the headworks, will be purchased from Advanced Air Solutions at a cost of $105,930 plus tax.
"The headworks has a big fan that blows out smelly air from building. That's what we're targeting," said Mike Thomas, the city's director of engineering.
The sewer smell issue in Southside has been ongoing for a number of years, with the odour ruining many outdoor evenings. Council budgeted $230,000 for the project earlier in 2014.
Now, staff will put out a bid request to install the equipment. The goal is to have the equipment installed by summer.
"I've walked up there with my dog on smelly nights and it's an issue we need to deal with," said councillor Aaron Orlando. "I think we can deliver a big win to the residents of Southside neighbourhood."
Fireworks at RMR approved
Revelstoke Mountain Resort was given approval to hold a New Year's Eve fireworks show at the ski hill, but not before receiving a scolding from the city.
The resort put on a show last year, but did so without permission, prompting a letter from fire chief Rob Girard threatening them with penalties for any future infractions. Fireworks are illegal in Revelstoke, unless council gives its consent.
Girard, in a report to council, said he would work with the resort to ensure all conditions are in place before the show.