I N S I D E : Guilty or innocent? Page 9
Journal ASHCROFT t CACHE CREEK
Volume 121 No 13 PM # 400121123
The
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Serving Clinton, Spences Bridge, Lytton, Savona, Walhachin and surrounding areas Since 1895
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Travels down the Thompson Ashcroft’s heritage committee celebrated Heritage Week this year by focussing on the Thompson River. They invited Kumsheen Rafting founder and author Bernie Fandrich, who has just published a book, Majestic Thompson, to come and speak. Over 100 people turned out to listen and watch Fandrich’s fascinating presentation, and to view pictures of the Thompson taken by local photographers.
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Road contract awarded
The Village of Cache Creek awarded the consulting contract for the Maclean Crescent Reconstruction project to McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. for $93,881 at its March 24 meeting. McElhanney was the second highest bid of the eight proposals submitted for the work, and prices ranged from $119,800 (Pink Umbrella Consulting) to $29,044 (Onsite Engineering Ltd.). Administrator Dan Plamondon defended his recommended choice, saying that the selection committee evaluated not only price, but other criteria, including ability and past experience. Mayor John Ranta added that
McElhanney was the consultant on the Mclean Dr. reconstruction project and it worked out well from a consultant point of view. The Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued with the statement that “The Village of Cache Creek considers that “best value” is an essential part of engaging a service provider and therefore the Village... considers that it offers great value and better serves the Village of Cache Creek’s interests.” The consultant is responsible for the planning, design and contract administration for the project, which the Village hopes to undertake this year.
Graffiti Days theme argued
Cache Creek Council granted a development permit to resident Jim Douglas so that he may put a 2,400 square foot shop and storage unit on his property. No one questioned the addition of the shop on the commercial property, but Coun.Wyatt McMurray was upset that the requirement for a Graffiti theme was being ignored. The approval was upon condition that Douglas allow the Village a right of way along the Bonaparte River for a walkway, which Douglas said he was willing to do. However, businesses in the development permit area are required, by bylaw, to add “graffiti days” highlights to whatever is being built. There was no “graffiti days” theme in the proposal. McMurray attended the meeting by phone while sitting in the Vancouver Airport. He questioned the lack of graffiti highlights. Mayor John Ranta said the requirement was not being enforced because it was a pre-engineered quonset style building, and administration had made a deal with the property owner for the riverside walkway. So, rather than complicate the issue with further require-
ments, they would not push the graffiti theme. And, being a quonset-style building, it already had a 1950s look. “My concern is that we have a plan but anytime we have someone who wants to ignore it, we cave in. “If we’re not going to do it, let’s take it out.” It was done in order to achieve an agreement with the property owner, said Ranta, to everyone’s benefit. “So our votes are for sale? Are we that easily appeased?” said McMurray. Ranta suggested that the permit approval be amended to include an “effort” to decorate with a graffiti theme. McMurray added approval by administration before proceeding, but as no one else on Council seconded it, the amendment was not considered. Douglas was at the March 24 meeting. He said afterwards that he wouldn’t mind adding a graffiti days theme to it at all, but he was not asked. He said he had plans to landscape around the shop so it wouldn’t be an eyesore, and he would enjoy using a graffiti theme. He hopes to start it this spring.
GOLDEN COUNTRY
YOUR HOMETOWN PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE AGENTS 250-453-2225 •1-800-557-7355 email remaxashcroft@telus.net
Kelly Adamski Broker/Owner
Cindy Adamski Broker/Owner
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