A new policy to cover grants-in-aid was passed at town council’s Feb. 14 regular meeting after a wording change suggested by Coun. Judy Gadicke was approved.
The policy now reads, “Council may provide an amount for grants-in-aid each year in the annual budget.” The word “may” was substituted for “shall”.
The rest of the policy outlines how and when grant applications will be solicited, and what criteria must be met by applicants and recipients.
Council Briefs
•Council voted to send a letter of support for a Creston Valley Gleaners Association application for a $5,000 energy savings award from FortisBC. The award is in support of the 2012 Earth Hour Challenge, which will be advertised and promoted by the town.
•Coun. Jerry Schmalz and municipal services co-ordinator Ross Beddoes were authorized to attend the Building Sustainable Communities Conference in Kelowna from Feb. 27-March 1.
•The town has received a letter of appreciation from Kaminoho and Seki City for a donation of more than $5,000 towards the earthquake disaster recovery last year. $5,000 came from existing Kaminoho committee funds and an additional amount was contributed by an individual donor.
•A motion was passed to put forward a resolution to oppose any increase in the export of raw logs at the upcoming Asso-ciation of Kootenay Boundary Local Govern-ments convention.
•The town will not be making applications to host the 2016 or 2018 BC Winter or Summer Games.
“I was very active in co-ordinating an event when I lived in Cranbrook,” Toyota said. “It is a huge undertaking and we don’t have the facilities.”
•A public notice process will go ahead to get input on a development variance permit application by the owner of a property at 714 Alder Street. The owner requests a variance to the setback requirement of 20 feet, allowing him to construct a porch to within 15 feet of the front of the lot.
Beddoes recommended the variance application proceed, explaining that most of the homes in the older neighbourhood do not comply with current bylaws, and that the proposed renovation would put the front of the house in line with its neighbours.
•A proposed updating of the fire service bylaw was presented to council, which deferred decision to March 13 to allow council members to examine the changes in detail.