The new term for your local elected officials is off and running with a number of programs and projects requiring immediate attention.
Here’s a quick update on my agenda:
1. 2015 Budget – The single item that Columbia Shuswap Regional District staff spend the most time on in any given year is the budget.
Preparations began several month ago and, after internal reviews and approvals, the board reviewed the budget on Jan. 29 and will continue on Feb. 20.
The sessions usually require a full day for each review.
Staff priorities are discussed by department, and every budget line item is open for review and discussion.
These sessions are among the most important meetings held each year, as budget approvals determine staff activities and priorities for the upcoming year, as well as your local government taxes.
2. Sorrento/Blind Bay sewers – At the January board meeting, approval was given to release gas tax funds to cover costs of additional drilling required to evaluate the suitability of a property for a rapid infiltration site. Should this site prove to be appropriate, a service area plan with preliminary costing will likely be the next step.
This new plan, once approved, would replace the plan currently posted on the CSRD website.
3. Shuswap Watershed Council – Our consultant has provided the CSRD board with her report and recommendations concerning governance, legal authority, organizational structure and funding model.
At the last board meeting, the decision was made to refer this report to all program partners for their comments. Once the governance model is sorted out, the plan is to then review and approve the new five-year budget.
There will be several meetings of the Shuswap Watershed Council steering committee over the next few months to discuss these pivotal documents which will set the course of the council for years to come.
4. Area C Parks Plan – Following an extensive public consultation process, a preliminary discussion document has been prepared and circulated for comments.
A final parks plan will be developed in the weeks to come.
5. New Recycling Program – We’re still in the early days of this program, but so far, the feedback has been quite positive.
People are reporting the sorting required is quite easy to do, they like being able to recycle new items such as Styrofoam, aerosol containers, plastic bags, and disposable drink cups. In addition, they feel good about minimizing the impact of their solid waste on the environment. As seasonal residents return home we will likely need to continue our efforts to educate and inform the public. This will be a primary role for the onsite staff at each depot.
If you would like to suggest topics for future articles, or participate in our community advisory panel surveys, please contact me at pdemenok@csrd.bc.ca.
-Paul Demenok is the Area C director for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.
Editor’s Note: Members of the public are welcome to attend the Feb. 20 budget workshop to be held in the boardroom of CSRD’s Salmon Arm office. A public consultation session will follow.