West Kelowna to use task force for council pay review
The following are highlights from West Kelowna council’s regular meeting on Jan. 11.
Community consultation added to updated Council Remuneration Policy
A revised Council Remuneration Policy adds civilian input by creating a task force to lead the review of Mayor and Council’s annual compensation. Five community members will serve on the Remuneration Tax Force including one from the Greater Westside Board of Trade, one from a community non-profit group, two from community and neighbourhood associations and one at large. Council updates their annual remuneration once at the end of each four-year term to be given to the next Council.
Inclusive and accessible playground requested
Resident Melissa Grassmick made a presentation to Council requesting support in principle to construct Julia’s Junction, a fully inclusive and wheelchair accessible playground, proposed for Westbank Centre. A new community fundraising campaign has already raised $12,500 towards the cost of building the park, currently estimated at $750,000. Council has directed staff to bring back a report, within the next month, outlining options and next steps.
Community Associations Policy updated
Council approved an amended Community and Neighbourhood Associations Council Policy, which outlines how the City supports and works with neighbourhood groups. The policy requires that community associations register under the Societies Act to be eligible for $600 per year to cover Director’s Liability Insurance.
Council approves congregate care facility development in Smith Creek/Shannon Lake area
Council issued a development permit with variances for 114 congregate care units and amenity space within five, three-storey apartment buildings at 2416 Saddleback Way. The variances reduce the maximum required loading spaces to an area better suited for a facility of this type and size, and increase the maximum building height from nine to 15.04 metres and up to four storeys in select locations.
Roads maintenance update provided
City crews and the roads maintenance contractor are using all available resources to control more than 70 centimetres of snow that has fallen so far this season. Council thanked the public for their patience and kindness to crews and staff during this atypical snow season. Going forward, the City will explore ways in which it may be able to supplement the roads maintenance contract and bring forward proposals in the fall for 2023 budget consideration.
Amendments made to 2021 to 2025 Financial Plan
As a matter of procedure, Council adopted a 2021 financial plan amendment bylaw to cover five amendments, totaling $20.475 million. The amendments made in 2021 included early approval for City Hall construction at $16 million, $1 million for Skatepark relocation, $3.35 million for Shannon Lake/Bartley/Stevens intersection improvements, and $125,000 more to decommission the Inverness Lift Station and purchase self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters. The changes do not affect tax rates nor create a deficit as funds come from reserves, grants and borrowing.
Funding awarded to community non-profit groups and service clubs
Council approved $107,700 in cash grants in aid for 20 not-for-profit groups who provide services to the community. Council also approved in-kind grants in aid, waiving rental fees at City-owned or operated facilities for four service clubs. Staff will review non-cash grants in aid for youth sports teams as part of a recreation and facility rental rates reevaluation later in 2022.