Harrison – Harrison Councilor Gerry Palmer posted a review on the May 16, 2022 Council Meeting to Harrison Hot Springs News & Views on Facebook:
Although I did not report the results of the very brief May 2, 2022 Council Meeting which primarily saw only the final approval of the tax rates that I had previously reported, I thought I would once again set out my view of last nights council meeting.
An application came forward to approve the application of the owners of the Old Settlers Pub to make their previously temporary patio expansion permanent. Residents may recall that during Covid hospitality facilities were given the opportunity to increase patios temporarily. I believe this was done because of the space limitations imposed by Covid requirements in terms of distances between customers, in the belief that transmission rates were lower outside and quite simply to help a struggling industry. When the temporary application came to council earlier in the Covid years we all supported the application. Last night the application for the expanded patio accommodating up to 100 people to become permanent (subject to Liquor licensing approval) was defeated by a four to one vote. I voted against because of my concern for noise that would affect the surrounding residences. An additional 100 people who have been consuming alcohol on an outside patio during a late summer night could generate a lot of noise. I have never experienced a place where noise carries more on a quiet night than in our beautiful little village.
A revised flag policy was approved setting out several days of the year when the flag will be lowered to half mast out of respect for various memorials. Grants totalling $7,350 were approved to five local non profits.
Council heard a report on the Official Community Plan update with some survey results (available in the agenda package you can download from the Village web site) with a report as to future events to obtain community input.
Finally, council approved $88,000 for reservoir anode replacement and reservoir maintenance from funds in the water utility reserves for that purpose.
Also I notice a recent post about the propriety of a motion during the 19th of April 2022 Council Meeting, the poster setting out a lengthy argument about the propriety of a friendly amendment with regard to the motion to offer the building previously used by Tourism for sale. The poster has also posted an open letter to council setting out his outrage. This alleged “illegal” amendment never happened. The initial motion proposed by Councillor Piper included the provision that if there was no offer that the building would be demolished. There was no previous motion to amend. I clearly remember this as I voted against because of the demolition provision. I do understand that sometimes council meetings can be hard to follow but the excited posts about a supposedly illegal amendment do not reflect the facts. A review of the minutes or the video may be helpful for the poster.
Much ado about nothing. Not uncommon. As we approach our first long weekend of the “summer” let’s all hope for the beginning of some nice weather.
