Council passed a motion to match $1,000 that has been raised for the “Sister City” program.

Councillor Linda Larson said an official resolution was never made by council in the past, but the issue of matching funds was previously discussed.

“We’re looking for a resolution that these matching funds can be dispersed.”

Larson explained that the Sister City exchange program with Chelan and Bandai, Japan was always under the Town’s umbrella. But she noted the previous council didn’t have the political will to continue that tradition. So a new committee was formed to start raising funds for future exchange trips.

Larson wanted to ensure that the committee did

not miss out on these matching funds.

Water consumption in Oliver is on a downward trend, thanks to water meters and conservation efforts, said water councillor Rick Machial.

Last year the municipality consumed 832,546, 514 US gallons, compared to 931,545,145 in 2010. Five years ago the consumption was 1.2 million US gallons.

Councillors Linda Larson and Dave Mattes are looking for people interested in economic development in Oliver.

Larson said they want to discuss a lot of ideas and possible projects, and they need people to sit on the committee.

Those who are interested can call the Town office or contact Larson and Mattes directly.

Town council has approved a development variance permit that will more than double the size of an accessory building in a residential area.

Freda and Robert McLean at 1037 Rockcliffe Road want to increase the allowable area for an accessory building from 75 square meters to 160 square metres in order to construct a three-car garage.

Director of Development Services Stephanie Johnson said the 75-square metre size regulation was developed to avoid the construction of excessively large buildings in low-density residential areas. She noted the proposed 160-square metre detached garage is only slightly smaller than the 167-square metre dwelling on the property.

Johnson recommended that council support the application since the property is three times larger than the minimum parcel area requirement. And it meets all other siting and setback requirements.

Councillor Jack Bennest said it appears the proposed garage “outclasses” the older dwelling on the property. He wondered aloud if there were any plans to upgrade the home.

Councillor Dave Mattes asked if the character of the garage would be similar to the character of the garage next door.

Johnson said the character would be similar, noting the new garage would not negatively impact the neighbourhood.

The volume of locator tones at signal lights in Oliver is the topic of discussion once again.

Council received a letter from Measuring Up Resource Society chair Linda Bartram about locator tones at Main Street and 350th Avenue being too quiet and ineffective for the visually impaired.

She stated the tones are not loud enough during the day to locate the pedestrian signal pole and button.

Bartram’s letter comes after the tones were previously turned down because people complained about the noise.

Municipal Manager Tom Szalay said the continuous beeping noise resulted in complaints from customers of the Firehall Bistro and residents near Southwinds Crossing (where locator tones are used). These complaints led to the tones being turned down.

But Bartram said they are not satisfactory and should be adjusted again. She suggested that all concerned parties meet with engineers to reach a compromise on the volume.

Szalay said there is no provincial standard governing the volume of locator tones, and agreed that the groups will have to come to an agreement.

Such a meeting will be scheduled.