From the Ashcroft Council meeting on May 13
Roll Call: Acting Mayor Helen Kormendy and councillors Alice Durksen and Jerry Fiddick. Missing: Mayor Andy Anderson and Coun. Jackie Tegart.
Communication with CP
Council is hoping that they can improve communications with CP after hearing that Interior Roads manager Phil Doddridge didn’t receive notice from them that they were working on the railway crossing in Ashcroft again.
Work on the crossing is now finished, and it is in great shape, said Doddridge, but CP didn’t notify Interior Roads - again - that they were doing the work and rerouting traffic. He said the lack of notice meant that Interior Roads couldn’t let the Village or anyone else know. He said the change in trafflc flow could present problems for the Village if there was an accident in town with trucks that would normally stick to the highway bypass.
Council passed a motion to ask CP to come to a public meeting and talk to them.
Graffiti Days Poker Run
Council approved a request from the Cache Creek Graffiti Days committee to use Heritage Place Park as a stopping point again this year for their Poker Run on June 7. Organizer Damian Couture said they had 30 classic cars take place in the event last year; this year they’re hoping for up to 50.
Rodeo Parade
Council received a reminder and entry form for the Ashcroft Rodeo Parade on June 15. This year’s theme is mining, from the gold rush to present day mines. The parade begins at 11 am, starting from the “Big Blue Mining Truck” at the south end of Heritage Place Park on Railway Ave.
Dogs on leashes permitted
Council agreed to approve Heritage Place Park on Railway Ave. as an area where “Dogs on leash allowed”, and to place a dog waste receptacle near the picnic tables. All other parks in Ashcroft remain off limit to dogs.
Council agreed with a report from administration which pointed out that few children play in HPP, therefore there is little chance of them coming into contact with dog feces there.
However, the park has allowed dog on leashes there for the past four years, and the dog control officer reported that dog owners are very good about picking up after their dogs there. Staff also pointed out that HPP attracts a lot of visitors who comment on how muc they enjoy being able to stop and have a rest there, and they appreciate being able to walk their dogs in a cooler grassy environment.
Water Turbidity
Acting Mayor Helen Kormendy said she has had several people ask her about the water turbidity level. She said that she referred them to the Village website or to the large sign at in front of the Car Wash, but they don’t know about the sign or they don’t use a computer.
“These people were very frustrated and believed the Village should do more,” she said.
Five Year Financial Plan
Council adopted Bylaw 781, the Five Year Financial Plan which includes the 2013 municipal budget.
Tax Rates
Council adopted Bylaw 782 which sets out the tax rates for 2013.
Next meeting
May 27 at 7 pm in the Village Office.