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For earlier materials see Table of Contents

October 26th

1st look at Council meeting

Permissive Tax exemptions – and sewer rates

Hotelier provides a little humour to a long meeting

 

Anchor Inn had already has chance to speak --- but could not contain himself and thus went back up while other Hoteliers making their presentation --- and the chance for a good photo op

 

 

 

Battle of the numbers

Frank Zdravlje (Anchor Inn)  made a number filled argument that hotels being overcharged for sewer and should be calculated similar to metered water rates --- apparently he had refused to pay his Utility bill earlier in year ‘in protest’ --- but when he went to pay City taxes they first paid off the outstanding sewerage amount and then the taxes leaving him ‘owing’ Tax $$ which gathers a 10% interest charge

 

Jack Payne and Scott Farwell

These guys were less aggressive and more insightful --- Asking to look at bigger picture – Payne spoke of Consumer Choice – some residential would go for meters and some for flat rates (he mentioned having teenage daughters that seemed to shower twice daily – (thus better as a flat rate)

I will return to the discussion later – as a good accompanying Report done by city

 

 

Legion still has about 90 members – 70 in PR – but 15-17 at a meeting is a ‘good turnout’ – answered to Coucnil question 

Permissive tax exemptions

Above groups asked to speak to Council why they should get the exemption

Foster Husoy came in full regalia for the Legion – which finds itself in a Catch 22 position --- they were denied the Grant when ran a bar (competition)  – Now questioned because they own vacant land on Park Ave which for sale

 

 

Museum probably the most interesting

Here Robin Weber does the presentation. They handed out some material to Council to bolster their argument --- which audience did not see --- Argued Gift Shop was not taxed ‘for decades’ --- Is not taxed in other municipalities – especially since all the proceeds go to running the museum

 

 

Even more interesting was the discussion why/ how Visitor Bureau moved to Museum from Atlin station --- part of the ‘deal’ (done in-camera presumably) was that Chamber of Commerce would come along from Atlin – and get rent free offices in Museum building ---According to Anna Ashley’s memory there were some strings attached --- look for savings’ etc – more later

From the City Agenda Package --- combining the Grants and the Tax Exemptions

Note the City is paying about 455T$ for the running of the Museum --- Weber interpreted the ‘Grants’ as a ‘Fee for Service’ paid to the Museum (Visitor Info Grant)  --- Of special interest is the 192.8T$ paid for the mortgage – which runs another 22 months --- this needs some explanation as building has been sold (in part) and one would think that $$ from sale would have been paid back to the City – more later

 

 

From the Same Table

Gordon Payne asked why the Lester Center taxes so high relative say to the Golf Course --- or even the Museum complex ---

I put the table because of the relatively large grant being paid to the Golf Course --- not sure how much of a deal non golf players getting out of this arrangement

 

 

 

Most Colourful

PR Salmon Hatchery – that is a stuffed salmon prop brought along for emphasis --- organization rejuvenated since 2006 – DFO even asked for their help for chum at Silver Creek --- emphasis upon volunteers and science --- and getting into class rooms etc (more later )

 

 

It was 9:10 before regular meeting even started

Still as commented on by several Councillors --- it was good to hear from the Community Groups --- and Frank did provide some diversion with his antics

 

 

 

First of Series

More on the Community Groups etc later

Created by LG on 26/10/2010

Last updated on Tuesday, October 26, 2010