Village staff recognition
Nakusp council and mayor recognized the years of service that some of the staff have put in for the Village. Mike Pedersen, Director of Operations, has been with the Village for 20 years. Noel Ballard, Tammy Herridge, Wesley Coleman, Malcolm McInnes, Warren Leigh and Anna Marie Hogg have all been with the Village for five years, and Terry Warren has been working since March 1, 2004.
Preserve farmland
The Agricultural Land Reserve and Agricultural Land Commission have made news lately, with proposed changes to the 40-year-old institution being discussed in provincial halls of power. Those discussions reached Nakusp council on Nov. 25.
After some talk around the table about the importance of ensuring farmland be kept for agricultural purpose, as well as whether methods such as aerial surveys used to designated lands for the ALR are the best way to do so, a motion was proposed and passed.
The motion states that Nakusp council affirms and supports the preservation of farmland, and council will work with other municipalities to enhance the viability of farming.
Council also stated that if another review of the ALR and ALC is to occur, a longer period for public input be ensured, and that communities should be included in the consultation.
It was also noted that the issue should be raised at UBCM.
Get on the bus
Nakusp council voted to amalgamate paratransit services with Nelson, Kaslo and Kootenay Lake West Transit services.
The change in costs to taxpayers without amalgamation would result in an increase from the current rate from $0.170 per $1,000 tax dollars to $0.2020 per $1,000 tax dollars, while amalgamation will increase the rate to $0.179 per $1,000 tax dollars.
Without amalgamation, out-of-service vehicles would mean there would be no service available unless additional vehicles were purchased. With the four transit services together, vehicles can be shared as they are needed.
Getting the figures
The 2014 Financial Plan will be presented to the public at the end of January, with the tentative date being Jan. 29.
Last year’s presentation was very well attended for a first-time event, and mayor Karen Hamling said she hoped there would be an equal number or more attending this winter.
Each department prepared a visual display summarizing what they had done over the year and their part of the budget, and every manager was on hand to answer questions. Another great chance to see how money is spent and how things work in Nakusp.
Be leaf your eyes
New blue spruce trees have been planted between the skatepark and gazebo, and the Village crew has replaced the rotten cedar logs with concrete barricades around the parking lot.
Historical plaques
There are now nine historical plaques installed on buildings in the downtown core, so keep your eyes peeled.
New newsletter
You have probably seen it, if you’re a citizen of Nakusp. An attractive Village of Nakusp newsletter was sent to all residents outlining what has been happening in the municipality.
Come to a Monday meeting
Council meetings will continue to be held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, unless of course there is a stat holiday, when it will be held on the following Tuesday. Lots of chances to come see your local government in action.