February 28 - Council Highlights

From the meeting of February 28, 2022

Mayor’s Update

Mayor Pranger expressed her concern and support for Ukraine and the suffering for its people. “I hope and pray that President Putin sees the error of his decisions to invade and stops his War immediately. Our hearts are with our Ukrainian community members and for all those who are suffering in Ukraine”.

On February 18^th, was in attendance for the Celebration of Life service for Mr. Brian Sparkes, a lifelong member and contributor to our community.

2022 – 2026 Financial Plan “Open House”

The proposed 2022 – 2026 Financial Plan was presented to Council at its Special meeting, which includes a property tax revenue increase of 4.62% encompassing:

Contractual & Inflationary (Net) – General     1.99%

Contractual & Inflationary (Net) – Police        1.63%

Increased Capital Reserve transfer               1.00%

Departmental operating budgets were prepared with a focus on adjustments for contractual or inflationary cost increases and reallocation of existing budget funds where available. Taking into consideration of operations, utility, contract services and other departmental expense increases, the overall net expense budget adjustment for General operating is about a two percent increase.

Over a number of years, the District has been increasing the police budget by 2.5% as per the recommendation from the RCMP in recognition of the ongoing police wage adjustments and union contract negotiations. The recently settled contract came in at approximately 3.6% per year. There are two components of this category, the collective consolidation of all the increases as the contract goes back 4 – 5 years and that will add an additional 1.63% for policing services.

The additional tax levy of one percent to increase the General Capital Reserve contribution will once again be added for 2022. The increased funding would aid in addressing the current situation where the contribution from taxation is not sufficient in meeting the increasing demand for capital projects.

The full 2022 – 2026 Financial Plan as presented to Council continues to be available on our website at kentbc.ca/budget and there is still time to provide input prior to Council considering the Financial Plan Bylaw at its next Regular meeting.

Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery

Councillor Spaeti provided an overview on the Provincial consultation on emergency preparedness, response, and recovery for older British Columbians.

Presentations focused on last year’s emergencies, what was learned, and what is needed. Highlights included how naturally occurring retirement communities are forming their own block watch and working together to keep track of their neighbours. It was stressed that it is not just what it in your emergency kit, but who is in it that is equally important.

The number one resource that groups felt was important was the need for volunteers. The second recommendation was to have a pro-active registry. Knowing who can do what and what resources are available before you need them are extremely helpful.

The third recommendation is to use the Alertable App in your municipality. The District is in the process of implementing the Alertable App and more information will be coming soon.

Each community member should think of the older adults around them and think of the things that you can do in your community to support them in an emergency.

If you are interested in applying to be an Emergency Support Services volunteer, contact the Emergency Program Coordinator.

Local Resident Takes Gold Medal

Councillor Watchorn congratulated Mark Schwichtenberg on winning a gold medal in the BC High School Wrestling Championships. Mr. Schwichtenberg took gold in the 84 kg class. Congratulations on your accomplishment.

2022 General Local Government Election

The following appointments for the 2022 General Local Government Elections were released:

• Ms. Bev Kennedy as Chief Election Officer; and
• Ms. Barb Ten Bos and Ms. Clair Lee as Deputy Chief Election Officers.

General voting day is Saturday, October 15, 2022. Please visit our website at kentbc.ca/election for key dates and information.

Agassiz-Harrison Museum & Visitor Centre

Councillor Spaeti highlighted the 1,514 total volunteer hours of the Agassiz-Harrison Historical Society’s Board of Directors, 1,748 from Community Ambassadors for a combined total of 3,262 hours as outlined in the “2021 Report – Visitor Information Services”.

Mayor Pranger thanked the Board for their contributions.

Upgrades to Rockwell Drive

In response to the District’s letter to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) on November 17, 2021, the MOTI is preparing to upgrade the culvert at the Falls 2 location along Rockwell Drive in 2023. Assessments will continue for Trout Lake Creek to develop replacement options for the damaged culvert which would also address washouts at the Green Point location downstream.

Council agreed to continue to advocate the MOTI for other replacement options as well as a swifter timeline for the upgrades.