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Council briefs: Weathering the storm

Extreme weather event causes flooding of Thompson Ave. resident’s home
Jim Bailey
Jim Bailey
29746632_web1_200716-TRL-councilmeetingshall_1
Council meetings are held at the Miners Union Hall.

The July 11 Rossland City Council meeting drew interest from those who weathered the storm and those intrigued by the ongoing work of the city.

• In the public input session, Thompson Ave. resident Carol Haywood brought concerns over her basement that flooded as a result of the summer storm that hit Rossland on July 3.
“My basement has been dry for seven years, until the storm on July 3,” said Haywood. “I believe the water in the lane could have been directed away from the houses below the lane if the ditch on the north side had been cleared of debris.”
Haywood said she called the city and a worker came out to look at the ditch but did not communicate any further action.
Mayor Kathy Moore deferred to Public Works Manager Scott Lamont, who explained the severity of the event.
“The storm front that came in was a 1 in 5 that overwhelmed the entire system,” said Lamont. “Overall this was a serious event.”
Lamont said he would personally contact and meet with Haywood to have a look at the ditch and see what can be done to improve the situation.

• With no feedback from residents at the meeting or prior to, council passed the motion to approve the City of Rossland Annual Report.

The report is an interesting overview of city workings and how it operates, and is available for view on the city’s website.

• A development permit application for the Velvet Building was approved by council. Previously, the city’s Design Review Panel had considered and approved the proposal to paint “The Velvet - 1893” on both the north and south sides of the building in large white letters, and council followed suit.

• Development Variance Permit Applications at 2381 Irwin Avenue and 2010 Georgia Street were approved by council.

In the latter, the owners requested to build a three vehicle garage that will hold two at street level and one below on the sloped property, and seek a variance to enable them to put the garage in the best location on the large property.

Coun. Stewart Spooner did object saying it was unnecessary.

“Are we going to start giving variances for triple-car garages, even though they have a big lot, just so they can meet their aesthetic requirements?”

• The Corporate Management Plan was released to council and the public for information only.

The management plan is another compelling document provided by staff, and shows the city’s progress on various projects, its priorities, and status. The 17-page plan is also available online at rossland.ca for residents to peruse.

“If residents were so inclined, we are providing them with the transparency to see what the heck is going on and what we have planned in their city,” said Coun. Janice Nightingale.

• Chief Financial Officer Mike Kennedy presented the Second Quarter Financial Budget update to council reflecting the Operating Budget, the Capital Budget and Expenditures.

Rossland’s finances are healthy, and Moore emphasized that these were two really good reports, that contain excellent information for interested citizens, are attached to the agenda and available online.

Council passed a motion to approve the budget.

• Council reviewed the progress on the Midtown Transition Project now known as the Rossland Yards, and said they still hoped for a November 2022 completion date.
Jim Bailey

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