PORT McNEILL – Three new fire inspectors will be checking out public and commercial buildings in the community.
"A group representing the fire commissioner will be doing fire inspections in all Port McNeill buildings," Coun. Aaron Frost told Port McNeill council Feb. 7. Port McNeill Volunteer Fire Department Chief Larry Bartlett as well as the deputy fire chief and one of the captains have all been trained to conduct fire safety inspections.
"This comes from the fire chief," said Frost. "He wanted this. He wants to make sure people are safe."
Frost said a letter would be sent out to building owners notifying them of the coming inspections.
Lifejacket program
The harbour commission is setting up a lifejacket borrowing program.
"There are lots of kids running around the dock without a lifejacket," said Coun. Gaby Wickstrom. The lifejackets would be kept at the dock and the harbour commission will be looking for donations of approved lifejackets from residents. They may also partner with the Coast Guard Auxiliary for supplies.
Bylaw review
First reading on a fee setting bylaw, to change harbour rates, was not approved after councillors asked for a review.
"I would like to go through this whole bylaw and clean it up and have a good bylaw," said Coun. Shelley Downey.
The discussion started over the use of standardized language. Recently water rates were updated and the language referring to licensed premises in the community was changed.
"My concern is that we make standardized terminology throughout the bylaw," said Coun. Shirley Ackland. "Can we standardize the terminology throughout?"
As a result, the bylaw was sent back to town staff to review and bring back to council.
Communities in Bloom
Council wants more information before it pays membership fees of $475 for Communities in Bloom this year.
The discussion centred around the hidden cost of supporting the program.
"We've been doing it for a couple of years now and we should know what it is costing us over and above the membership fee," said Ackland.
Communities in Bloom representative Sharon Barratt was at the meeting and told council that much of the work is done by volunteers and donations and that more donations and sponsorships could be sought.
Council tabled the matter to their next meeting when they hope to hear from staff how much administration and public works resources are used for Communities in Bloom.
Recycling at the harbour
Barratt inquired if recycling services could be provided at the harbour.
"Many boaters recycle but they have no where to put it," said Barratt. "I spoke with Doug Lloyd and it is surprisingly inexpensive."
Coun. Shelley Downey agreed it is time to revisit the topic.
"We discussed this as part of our master plan for the harbour and we discussed it again when we were developing our recycling plan," said Downey. "But we never got past the discussion phase."
Coun. Gaby Wickstrom suggested a pilot project over two or three months of the summer.
Costs and logistics will be researched before council makes a decision on the idea.