Sylvie Paillard
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The District of Squamish implemented a new format for meetings. Council now begins the meeting at 6 p.m. with items closed to public.
Following the closed meeting, a recess is held between 6:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. during which some members of council are present for a 15-minute informal public question period. In addition, council members present reports of municipal business at the end of regular meetings.
Council looks at bike paths
Coun. Ray Peters brought up a motion for council to develop a strategy and budget for the protection of users of bike paths. Peters said the issue came to his attention after noticing parents and young children in peril while walking to school.
The seven-point item includes signage, street widening, road improvements and better communication. Coun. Corinne Lonsdale questioned the motion, saying it appears to be a "sizable budget item".
Heintzman said the word "pedestrian" should be added. Council passed a motion to direct staff to get more information on the issue.
Council chastises carmaker
Peters brought up a motion to write a letter to KIA Canada expressing "grave concern" with a commercial depicting a family joyfully pushing an old van off a cliff.
The concern was over "the lack of responsibility and extreme poor judgement" of the commercial.
Coun. Mike Jenson brought up the unsightly garbage that can be seen in Valleycliffe before council unanimously passed the motion to send a letter which will also be forwarded to the CRTC, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Union of BC Municipalities and the Province of British Columbia.
Land Sale Reserve Fund grows
Council passed a motion to approve a transfer of industrial park equity/surplus in the amount of $875,830 to the Land Sale Reserve Fund.
Storm sewers to be replaced
District Manager of Operations Gordon Prescott recommended that council approve the replacement of 90 metres of storm sewers at the north end of Ayr Drive at a cost of $45,000 due to the pipes' erosion.
Jenson asked for the bids received from three contractors', which Prescott said he didn't have.
Jenson added that his sources in the industry found the cost excessive.
Council passed the motion to replace the pipe, with Jenson opposed.
Main St. project approved
Council authorized the issuance of a development permit for Seabright Holdings Ltd. to build 19 townhouses on Main Street.Family home sizes to be limited
Director of planning Cameron Chalmers explained a Mayor's recommendation to limit family home sizes as a response to numerous complaints.
The planning department will bring recommendations on the issue to a future Committee of the Whole meeting.
