Concerns for safety and access for pedestrians and mobility scooter users have changed some sidewalk construction plans for 2016.
At the June 14 regular meeting, Creston town council approved a staff recommendation to delay scheduled improvements on Canyon Street and 16th Avenue North. Instead, the budget is being amended to move the funds to create a sidewalk connecting Northwest and Railway boulevards at new Pine Street intersection.
“This is a safety issue and it is also important that people below the tracks can get to and from downtown with as little inconvenience as possible,” Mayor Ron Toyota said later.
Delayed are plans to construct a sidewalk from 20th Avenue to Sunset Boulevard and creation of bump outs on 16th Avenue North. $100,000 was budgeted for those projects and the Railway Boulevard sidewalk is estimated to cost $105,000. If there is a shortfall, additional money will be drawn from town reserves if required.
Council Briefs
•A report from engineering manager Colin Farynowski on strategic energy emissions plans was received, and town staff have been instructed to incorporate the information into the Official Community Plan.
•Staff will submit an application for a Columbia Basin Trust recreation grant for upgrades and possible expansion of the bike park on Cedar Street.
•Permission was granted to the Creston Wave Swim Club to allow overnight camping in the Creston and District Community Complex parking lot for this weekend’s swim meet.
•A proposal from the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce to have a contractor create a “way finding and signage” plan for the Creston Valley is being referred to the regional district’s Creston Valley Services Committee, with a recommendation a portion of the $8,000 cost be borne by the economic development fund.
•A donation of items with town logos was approved for the Creston Valley Rotary Club’s annual Drive Fore Rotary Auction. The items are a rolling travel bag, golf shirt and golf jacket.
•Council confirmed its intent stated earlier in the year to withdraw from a Regional District of Central Kootenay bylaw on community sustainable living service establishment.
•After receiving 13 proposals, the town has selected Johnson and Davidson Architecture from Vancouver to start what is anticipated lengthy process toward the construction of a new fire hall. The successful bid was $169,800, which is under the budgeted amount.
•A letter is being sent to School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) expressing an interest in acquiring the Kinsmen Park property if is made available for sale.
•A development variance permit application will proceed to the required public notification for a property at 513 Eighth Avenue South. The owner proposes to build a single-family residence on the odd-shaped lot, and is requesting a setback variance for part of the construction.