Post Notes for the Council Meeting of February 21st

Delegations

RCMP Quarterly Report given by Sgt Laurie Jalbert noted assaults on police officers are up from 2 to 11.
It was also noted that cyberspace harassment and bulleying cases are up.

Cell phone use while driving was discussed and it was noted people still do not seem to understand the real danger both to themselves and others with this activity.

Alcohol related offences are still significant in number .

Particular attention will be given to these issues.



Wayne Eburne’s presentation revolved around a new long-range plan for the Cranbrook Museum of Rail Travel. It is anticipated and hoped that a new national historical designation may be given to the museum in the near future. This would have major beneficial financial implications if it happens.



The much anticipated Urban Deer Management Committee’s Report was given by Carmen Purdy and later accepted by council. The major recommendations are that:

- A public education program be started

- a limited cull of problem deer be undertaken this spring in two major areas or others if necessary. In Helena the deer are first baited and trapped humanely before being killed. After inspection the meat is provided to those in need. Although Ministry of the Environment Conservation officers will be asked to conduct this cull the process to be used here is not known.

- A control perimeter of Mule deer around the city be put in place

- Kimberley’s catch and release program be monitored

- An ongoing deer committee be struck to collect and monitor problematic animals and incidents and to determine course of action.

- Further limited culls be undertaken preferentially in November



Wayne Stetski as Manager gave a very informative presentation on the East Kootenay Conservation Program in the Columbia Valley. The number of supporters and partners in this program is impressive although funding to support the area in which we live is always an issue.  Mr. Stetski asked Council to consider a flat tax of $20 be implemented to support the many varied programs this fund offers.  This tax has been implemented in other areas of the valley and the idea was brought to Council several years ago by Nancy Newhouse, so is not a new idea.

Council Enquiries
Councillor Whetham enquired about the piece of property, (Joseph Creek riparian zone) we featured on this blog yesterday. Administration will check into it.

Councillor Wavrecan requested administration and environment committee look into some solar technology with a view to reducing carbon footprint. It was not clear what specific technology was being referred to or how it would be used.

Administration Updates
As reported previously

Correspondence was accepted. $500 was given to Cranbrook Midget Tier 3 Ice Tournament.

In response to a letter from Sharon Cross, Coucillor Whethan also broached the issue of public access to the land (for park) being purchased with the cash in lieu ( which as yet may not have been received) adjacent to the Shadow Mountain Development as it is already a requirement under existing policy. He hopes this public access issue can be resolved.

New Business
Report Recommendations as previously noted were accepted.

Bylaws

Revised version of the Erosion and Sediment Control Bylaw 3692 was adopted.