May 10 - Council Highlights

From the meeting of May 10, 2021

A Special Thank You from the Mayor

Mayor Pranger thanked Councillor Spaeti along with all the community volunteers who step up every week to help run the Covid-19 vaccination clinics. They are tireless in their efforts to ensure our community gets vaccinated.

Thank you to the Agriculture Association for the use of Agriculture Hall which they are donating week after week for vaccinations to the public, it is very much appreciated.

“Thank you to all of the residents in Agassiz who are so faithful with their Covid protocols. Please get vaccinated when you have the opportunity. The more vaccines that are in arms, the better we are for getting back to normal”.

Mayor Pranger had the pleasure of being present during the unveiling of the starter blocks at the Ferny Coombe Pool. A community effort spear-headed by the Agassiz Harrison Aquanauts swim club to raise money for these new starter blocks. Congratulations!

Be safe, be kind and shop local.

Public Dike Use Improvements

Council has approved staff to proceed with improving the first phase of District dike sections (“test sites”) which include:

1. McDonald Road – Cuthbert Road & Cuthbert to Scott Road
2. Hammersley Pump Station
3. Hamilton Road – Limbert Road
4. School Road – Kilby Road

The District currently maintains approximately 19 kilometres of dikes for the primary purpose of flood protection Currently, most of the District’s dike sections are accessible to non-motorized public use.

Improvements to the “test sites” will be implemented to ensure the District’s assets are well maintained and adjacent farm owner’s property is respected by all users.

In consultation with adjacent landowners, signage outlining clear regulations of use will be placed at each dike main entrance. Additional signage such as private property notices as well as educational signs regarding the harmful impacts of dog feces on farmland will be placed as needed along the dikes.

Other improvements consist of dike gate replacements where needed, waste receptacles and dog bag stations, as well as regular maintenance by District staff.

The estimated costs for the four (4) sections of dike improvements are approximately $60,000 which include regular maintenance for 2021. Sufficient funds are available in the District’s 2021 Capital plan.

Council Chambers Audio Visual Upgrades

Council awarded Evolution AV with a one-time installation fee of up to $22,401.91, taxes not included, for audio visual upgrades to Council Chambers. The entire cost of the proposal is eligible for the COVID-19 Safe Restart Grants for Local Governments.

With the ongoing public health orders during the pandemic, public attendance at Council meetings and Public Hearings has shifted to virtual public attendance. The current equipment, while simplistic in nature has been effective in streaming to the public but lacks in professional appearance and quality. Audio issues have also arisen, which affects both streamed and non-streamed meetings. Other technological aspects of Council Chambers are also out of date such as desk monitors, projector, and cables.

Evolution AV Solutions will allow the District to provide the public with high quality streams of Council meetings and Public Hearings. The proposal includes three cameras which can show the entire dais or can zoom to specific people. Audio issues would also be addressed by the company.

Ferny Coombe Pool Now Open!

The Ferny Coombe Pool opened May 3^rd. Afternoon Red Cross Swimming Lessons, Length Swim, Aquafit and Family Swim are all available for advanced booking. The Agassiz-Harrison Aquanauts, Kent Elementary and Agassiz Christian Elementary are also scheduled for their annual use of the pool.

To book your swim time slot, visit kentbc.ca and book through Connect to Rec.