1) Fuel Prescriptions and Operational Fuel Management
Mr. Shawn Ivany, Director of Fire and Emergency Services provided an update on the proposed Fuel Management Program planned for Fernie which focuses on the public owned lands above Ridgemont. The program, designed to reduce the risk of interface forest fires in the community, is being coordinated B.A. Blackwell and Associates who are in the process of selecting a contractor to perform the work.
City of Fernie staff and contractors will use manual treatments that are low-impact to implement fuel treatments. Fall and winter operations will avoid bird nesting season and fire hazards present during the fire season. As the treatments are implemented by hand, the aesthetic impact will be low in contrast to those that use heavy machinery.
Information was mailed to residents to inform them of upcoming work. An open house was held on August 26, 2010 and booths were set up at the September 8th and 9th registration fairs to provide opportunities for the public to ask questions about the program. To view the plan visit the City’s website or for more information please call the Director of Fire and Emergency Services at 250 423-4226.
2) Interior Health Organizational Changes
Ms. Karyn Morash, from Interior Health was in attendance to update Council regarding recent organizational changes that have occurred within the Interior Health. Ms. Morash offered to act as a resource to members of Council and residents if they have questions about the changes and to ensure questions are responded to by the appropriate area or individual.
3) Council, Invest Kootenay and the Fernie Chamber of Commerce have agreed to work together to develop an investment package for the City of Fernie. This partnership will focus on attracting, retaining and expanding investment in our region. Council approved payment to Invest Kootenay for the initial set up fee of $2000 and an annual fee of $5000 to be paid from the Legislative and Administrative External Contracts budget. Council will also commit to an annual review in 2012 of the program to assess if the City’s investment produces the desired expected results.
4) In a letter to Mayor and Council the Fernie Heritage Cemetery Restoration Society acknowledged the City of Fernie’s contributions to the Society’s project this year. They thanked and praised City staff and work crews for all their help clearing brush, rocks and maintaining the Legion portion of the cemetery.
There is still work to be completed; some headstones have to reset as well further cleaning on some of the monuments. For more information regarding the project visit their website at www.fernieheritagecemetery.com
Please note: The Regular and Committee of the Whole meetings scheduled for Monday, September 27, 2010 have been cancelled. (The majority of Council will be attending the UBCM Convention from Sept 26-Oct. 1.