Big Valley Councillor (and former Mayor) Lois Miller was presented with a five year service pin at the Sept. 28 regular council meeting.
During her term in office, Miller has been a strong voice for Big Valley, promoting the community’s interests on both the local and regional levels.
Councillor Miller did not run for office during this year’s municipal election.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michelle White and Public Works Foreman Mel Dods both received five year services pins at the meeting.
White has been Big Valley’s CAO since September 2012 and has recently taken the CAO position with the Village of Alix, planning to divide her time between the two municipalities.
Dods has been Big Valley’s public works foreman since August of 2012.
Multi-year capital budget
A review of Big Valley’s multi-year capital budget included sidewalks in 2018, paving projects in 2019, possible water and sewer extensions in 2020 and new equipment investments in 2022.
Administration will amend this budget and bring it back to the new council at the November meeting.
Operating budget
A review of the first draft of the 2018 Village Operating Budget revealed no significant changes to MSI Operating Funds for 2018.
Administration is recommending a $3 increase to the monthly water flat fee rate, representing a $7,200 increase in annual revenue.
Water was budgeted at a $29,530 deficit in 2017 and the proposed changes to the 2018 budget will bring that down.
The shortfall of service charges for Big Valley’s water needs come out of tax revenues.
The draft budget also includes storm sewer work, flushing and cleaning of lines, curb stop changes and a two per cent increase in the senior requisition.
The draft does not show an increase in the tax mill rate.
The operating budget will be brought back to the November meeting for review by the new council.
Lease extension
The Bust Out Rodeo Association was granted an addition to their lease area north of the Village.
As a condition, the access road to the village dry dump will be left intact in its entirety, and the Rodeo Association will be asked to install a proper gate across the road limiting the access to village staff or those authorized by the village for dumping.
Big Valley school gets grant
Council voted to award this year’s Big Valley Community Foundation Grant to the Big Valley School in support of their annual educational camping trip.
Each year Big Valley School junior high students participate in an outdoor education camp at the Alford Lake facility, providing students with the opportunity to gain knowledge of outdoor survival and animal tracking skills.
Linda Stillinger
ECA Review Reporter
