Kipling Town Council met for its regular monthly meeting on July 18th.
In her report, Mayor Pat Jackson noted that the September 16 Grand Opening for the Water Treatment Facility would be an excellent opportunity to celebrate the fact that Kipling is “Open for Business.”
Mayor Jackson also noted that the event might also serve as an opportunity to remind local businesses that rather than having to “stand alone” in the face of volatile and circumstances – they might well benefit from working together to create a better business climate for all.
CAO Gail Dakue advised Council that a comprehensive list of Zoning Bylaw 9-2013 amendments was in the process of being prepared by Beaton Consulting and would soon be available to Council for their review. The planner had asked for clarification pertaining to the location of sea containers in the community.
Recent storm damage to Town property was discussed. CAO Dakue noted that a claim will be made for the damage to the Town Shop and for other emergency repairs.
Council then discussed the possibility of making application to the SGI Traffic Safety Grant to acquire a Solar Powered Speed and Pedestrian signs for the Town through the grant that would cover 50% of the cost.
Several locations for the proposed signs (such as the highway entrances into Kipling from both the east and west as well as the intersection south of the school on 3rd Street & 6th Avenue) were discussed.
It was agreed that CAO Dakue would investigate the costs of purchasing signs which could be relocated onto permanent poles at various locations.
Old Business included an update on the work being done to control the cat population in Kipling by A+ Animal Rescue. It was noted that two insulated cat shelters have been erected and Council approved a plan to erect two more.
Council was very pleased with the response that had been received through the “Quality of Life” Survey done earlier this year. It was noted that of the approximately 130 people who had responded to the survey, close to half were in the 31 – 40-year age group and that most of the responses received were very positive.
Mayor Jackson pointed to the survey and the attendance at the recent Resident’s Supper as evidence that “people are becoming more aware that they can come to us and ask questions about various issues”. She added that this was “a very good thing – because you want to have people in the community who are engaged and willing to ask questions”.
It was decided that Council would review each of the recommendations that residents had made at the appropriate Council Committee. The report will be made available to the public on the town website, social media accounts and at the Town Office.
One of the topics addressed as New Business was the insurance appraisal that the Town has received from SUMAssure.
Council noted that current appraisals on Town-owned buildings, contents, yard improvements and equipment meant that insurance premiums would rise. However, as Councilor Don Johnson pointed out, “If you have $30 million in assets – you should be willing to insure those assets properly.”
However, it was decided that Town would stipulate that the value remain the same as last year on any equipment (particularly fire-fighting equipment) that would most likely be replaced by buying used equipment from other municipalities when it became available.
Among the correspondence received was the Nuisance Wildlife Control Permit that the Town had applied for nearly one year ago.
Although Council was pleased to finally receive the permit, members noted that some clarification would be required as to the measure that could be used to control various species – as well as what steps would be necessary for the Town to comply with the Wildlife Management Sk. requirement that wildlife be “available for inspection.”
Council was also pleased to receive notification that the Bekevar Wind Project has received ministerial approval and would be proceeding as planned.
