Looking back at 2009 - area D director Irene Perepolkin
By Contributor
Irene Perepolkin is the area D director (rural Grand Forks) for the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.
As this is my first term as Director there was a lot to learn about the position and about the workings of politics. I sat on many committees throughout the year representing my area. The Boundary economic development committee (BEDC) meets monthly and works to encourage development of all the Boundary areas.
We have addressed the proposed closure of the railway from the United States, hosted workshops in the area addressing the loss of jobs, and are working to find solutions to the economic problems creating these losses.
The agricultural advisory committee was formed under the BEDC and covers areas C, D and E with representation from each. A consulting firm was hired to create an agricultural plan and is working towards holding town hall meetings this month. We are looking forward to getting the water study committee going very soon as well.
The area was very fortunate to secure the services of Dave Caruso as animal control officer. His area of service covers from Greenwood, Grand Forks city and area D to Christina Lake. Dave makes random surveillance trips through the areas and can also be reached at 250-584-9398.
There was a bylaw change implemented to allow for secondary suites in area D. For details on the restrictions you can contact the local building inspectors at the Grand Forks Regional District office, or phone the Trail office at 1-800-355-7352.
Many grant-in-aide donations were provided to various groups and organizations in the area to help ease the financial burden that these groups face. For questions on qualifications for funding please contact me, and I will be happy to answer them.
Other committees that kept me very busy included environmental services, the German delegation, planning and development, rural caucus, Boundary weed management, Interior Health board and the RDKB Board of Directors. Another new committee starting in 2010 will be the heritage steering committee which I will also sit on.
I am always happy to receive any input or concerns from the area residents. An area D town hall meeting is planned for Feb. 22 and notices will be sent out. Please attend.
I wish everyone the very best for the New Year!
