Airport fuel, computers and acting mayors were amongst the topics at the last city council meeting of Grand Forks.
Coun. Cher Wyers and Coun. Michael Wirischagin were absent.
Consideration of cutting cost of fuel at airport
During his report, Coun. Gary Smith talked about the cost of fuel at Grand Forks’ airport, which was a topic of discussion at an Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) meeting.
“It was agreed that EDAC advise council that it thought that it would be a good idea to change the pricing formula that’s currently in place for aviation fuel,” Smith said. “The city collects a percentage, rather than a rate, so it makes our gas quite a bit more expensive than other communities. We thought it might be a good idea if we could use that to make our airport more attractive to change the rate of the price of gas.”
Mayor Brian Taylor wondered if there would be a loss of revenue for the city to which Smith replied, “It just makes us unappealing. Why stop in Grand Forks to get gas if you can do it in Trail for 60¢ a litre cheaper?”
Council did not make a decision on fuel prices at the airport but Smith said he would pass the recommendation on to city staff.
Krog and Smith headed to Windsor, Ont. in new year
Council voted in favour of sending Smith and Coun. Neil Krog to Windsor, Ont. to attend the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) 2013 Sustainable Communities Conference and Trade Show in February.
Smith proposed, Coun. Patrick O’Doherty seconded the motion carried.
Meetings and acting mayors for 2013
Council also approved the meeting schedule for 2013 and designated acting mayors for the coming year. The acting mayors act in place of Taylor in his absence.
Coun. Bob Kendel is acting mayor for Dec. 2012 and Jan. 2013, Krog has the duties for February and March, O’Doherty is acting mayor for April and May, Smith for June and July, Wirischagin for August and September and Wyers for October and November.
Upgrading data storage equipment
Grand Forks city council voted to proceed with a $67,000 expenditure from the 2013 budget to expedite installation of backup servers and storage systems at a data centre with School District 51 (SD51).
Most server and computer equipment are expected to last about five years and in the case of the city’s servers and data storage equipment, it will need to be replaced over the next few years. The motion carried.
More here.
Roxul road closure amendment
Council also gave first three readings for Bylaw 1942, an amendment to the Roxul Road Closure bylaw.
More here.