*******************************************************Council Meeting -- April 14, 2008. ***

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2008
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
AT 7:00 PM

A G E N D A (click)

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Page 227

(3) Policy Re: Sewer Extensions to Serve Existing Neighbourhoods Currently on Septic Service

• Report from the Director of Engineering Services, dated March 26, 2008

Recommendation

THAT the report from the Director of Engineering Services, dated March 26, 2008, regarding Policy Re: Sewer Extensions to Serve Existing Neighbourhoods Currently on Septic Service, be received;

AND THAT future extensions of sewers to existing properties be financed by a percentage share from the utility, the balance between the new property owners, the OBWB and senior government funding when available, with the utility share to be determined by policy;

AND FURTHER THAT new customers fronting on sewer mains be required to hook up within five (5) years and be charged the fixed fee portion of the quarterly sewer utility rate immediately upon sewer main completion to cover intervening maintenance costs.

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This motion is premature. Council is planning to have a meeting where policies regarding sewer extension will be discussed. Issues at this meeting should resolve the conundrum arising from Council's decision that all new customers in Sewered Area 2 should pay 7% of the total infrastructure costs. The conundrum is that Sewered Area 1 customers have already paid their 7%. Any additional contribution to the new construction would mean that they must pay over and above the 7% required by new customers. This is unfair and conflicts with the Charters' policy of fair play to all taxpayers.

Sewered area 1 residents have been overcharged to the tune of nearly $600,000. This represents a sum of nearly $300 per household. We should not be taken advantage by our own Council. Don't you agree?

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