Bylaws, fire service topping to-do lists

Chief administrative officer tells councillors of 86 projects

SUMMERLAND — Summerland municipal staff are keeping their noses to the grindstone, according to a report from the chief administrative officer.

At this week’s public meeting, council received the chief administrative officer’s report on 86 projects underway and their status.

“The list provides a snapshot of the main projects that staff are working on — over and above regular tasks,” CAO Linda Tynan told council.

Not included in her report is an additional initiative to develop a strategy to ensure that key projects identified as council’s top priorities are acted upon in a timely manner.

“It becomes evident from the list that there are a number of on-going large capital infrastructure projects,” she said.

“The staff are being particularly diligent in going after grant funds,” said Mayor Peter Waterman.

Tynan also said that staff are working hard to keep up with new legislation and regulations.

“There are big changes with building bylaws and fire service and we must look after them,” she said.

Coun. Doug Holmes said there is wide spread appreciation of the impact of the fires and especially the flood and asked about the cost “to bring the infrastructure up to scratch.”

Tynan replied that staff have been unable to do an assessment, but a contractor has been engaged to itemize the cost of the disasters.

“Emergency response assistance funds will pay 80 percent to rebuild. The remaining 20 per cent can be substantial,” she said.

The district’s share will be included in future budget discussions.

Waterman said that this year the staff had to deal with the water shut off in addition to the flood and fires on top of their regular duties and the several scores of projects.

“We must be careful as we move forward as to what we ask staff to do,” he said.