Kristin Parsons is the new Mission Adopt-A-Block coordinator, introducing herself to council Monday and discussing the program and ideas she would like to use in the district. Mission's Adopt-A-Block has 204 volunteers with 153 households registered to keep streets and communities clean.
The organization participates in such things as spring cleanup, Earth Day, and ongoing litter campaigns. There is also a Junior Bug Club for elementary schools to make kids aware of the importance of keeping Mission clean.
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The provincial Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) turned down the request by organizer Kenny Hess to move the Rockin' River Music Festival to property on the agricultural land reserve for 2011, 2012 and 2013. The property, at 31042 Silverdale Ave., would have used 33 ha (81.5 acres) for 10 days of access during the music festival.
The ALC cited reasons such as the concern "a music festival would negatively impact the existing or potential agricultural use of the subject property and surrounding lands in the ALR."
During question period, Abbotsford-Mission MLA Randy Hawes urged council to reapply, citing uncertainty over the future use of Mission Raceway Park for the venue. A motion was passed to have Mayor James Atebe meet with the district's economic development officer, Stacey Crawford, and Kenny Hess, to pursue getting approval for 2012.
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Council has approved the awarding of Opus DaytonKnight Consultants to study the installation of a Fraser River second sewer crossing and connecting land segments. The contract is worth nearly $30,000.
A previous study found a second river crossing would cost $6.8 million if Mission goes alone, or $4.6 million if it collaborates with Abbotsford. The likelihood of collaboration with Abbotsford is considered high, particularly if the Stave Lake P3 water project goes ahead.
There is currently $8 million in the district's sewer DCC (development cost charges) fund, with 99 per cent coming from that fund and one per cent from the sewer capital reserve fund.
An internal loan of $2 million will be needed to undertake this project in 2013.
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The district's quarterly report has been released (article available in the Aug. 18 edition of the Mission Record). The report shows a combined financial surplus of $54 million from general and capital reserve funds, and surpluses and restricted revenues.
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The District of Mission received a notice of civil claim (lawsuit) in July challenging the Public Safety Inspection Program. For this reason, staff has recommended, and council has approved, that any program changes to PSIT be put on hold pending the results of the lawsuit. The PSIT program involving marijuana grow-op inspections of homes has been under review since January.
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The RCMP investigation into alleged breach of trust and breach of the Community Charter surrounding Coun. Jenny Stevens and former councillor Ron Taylor will not result in charges, according to a statement read out by Stevens at council Aug. 15. Full story available online.
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A photo mural will be installed at the Mission Leisure Centre on the north and west exterior walls. The $10,000 cost has been raised privately by individual, business and organization donations. A maximum of five photos will be selected and all will be of a sport, recreation and culture theme as approved by the arts council and the parks and rec department.
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Staff has prepared a report detailing a total cost of $6,432 in transit and recreation passes for 18 students and two supervisors who will be visiting and living in Mission as a part of the Canada World Youth Exchange Program. The students, from Ukraine, will live in Mission between Sept. 10 and Dec. 30.
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Coming up: There will be several public hearings Aug. 22 involving development applications, two of which are on major intersections. The first is a new drive-thru shopping centre at Cedar Connector and Lougheed Highway. The second is commercial development at Cedar Connector and Seventh Avenue at the site of the old courthouse. All public hearing information can be seen on page 15 of the Aug. 18 issue of the Mission Record. Council begins at 6:30 p.m.