COUNCIL CLIPS: New liquor license, more tubing parking and an RFL for carnival
By Shara JJ Cooper
Grand Forks city council is getting ready for some upgrades and changes this coming year. At their regular meeting March 10, they gave early budget approval to several projects.
The first is to upgrade services at Dick Bartlett Park. The city plans on providing 200 amp service to the park, which will make it easier for event organizers to have access to a reliable source of electricity. In the past, generators have been brought in to keep events running.
Councillors said that this upgrade is a safer option and will make it easier to host more events.
“It’s well worth the expense,” said Coun. Bob Kendel.
The project is estimated to cost $10,000, which will come from the capital reserve fund.
Another upgrade will include extra parking at the Spraggett Bridge tubing drop-off point. The city owns a 20-metre right of way north of the bridge.
The project is estimated to cost $42,000. The city plans on using $17,000 from their parking reserve and says they will get the remaining amount of $25,000 from a grant. They do not currently have a grant in place, but Mayor Brian Taylor said they could get a grand from the Ministry of Transportation. If that doesn’t work, they will search for other grant sources.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Doug Allin said that the work needs to commence right away. They need to consult with the Ministry of Environment before they start removing trees in the area because birds will start nesting. He said that the project will be ready for this season.
“This is an asset for the tubing community this summer,” said Coun. Cher Wyers. “Let’s get on with it.”
A third item was given early budget approval at the meeting. Vertical tubing at Well 3 needs replacement and council approved the project, will is estimated to cost around $40,000. The city will replace the vertical turbine pump, which will keep the well working as a reliable water source.
West Coast Amusement
West Coast Amusement, which provides carnival rides around Western Canada, has submitted a request for lease from the City of Grand Forks. They want to use the property to the West of Dick Bartlett Park for the dates of April 10 to 14 this year.
City council approved the request and will charge $252 a day plus a clean-up deposit. City staff said that they have had a good working relationship with company in the past.
Wyers asked if this will be too close to Silver Kettle Village. Staff told her it will be closer to Dick Bartlett Park than the village, but that it is the first year they will have the carnival at that location since the retirement village was built.
We will be talking to them in advance and letting them know what the hours are, said Allin.
Councillors said they wanted feedback from Silver Kettle after the event.
New liquor license
Council is supporting a liquor license that Happy Days 50s Diner has applied for. The diner wants to use the liquor license to host events like Soc-Hops four or five times a year. Part of the license stipulations say that the events end at 10 p.m. They will also use the license to host banquets and other parties, which will end by 12 a.m.
Solid waste management steering committee
Taylor is asking for a member of the public to sit on the Solid Waste Management Steering Committee. He said this is a region-wide district initiative that has been leading with the waste diversion program. An individual that sits on the committee doesn’t need to make a long-term commitment but will help provide a balance with all of the politicians on the committee.
Anyone interested in stepping forward can contact Allin.
