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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2014
VOL 117 NO. 33
Phipps up to challenge Page 18
in the
say speakers CRAIG LINDSAY
Grand Forks Gazette
Sunday August 17 See page 16 for further details.
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A good-sized crowd was on hand Wednesday night at the Grand Forks Christian Centre for an open house on water meters. The session was put together by the People’s Review Commission, an ad-hoc group formed recently that is against the city’s water meter installation project. There were several speakers who talked about the various dangers of water and smart meters. Local resident Karin Bagn spoke about the legalities of the city and the contractors installing water meters against the wishes of most residents. Bagn practices law in the U.S., and is in the process of passing the Canadian Law exams—she did not speak as a lawyer, she stressed, but as an area resident. Bagn spoke about ways to challenge the water bylaws which council is looking at putting in upon fourth and final reading on Aug. 18. She also spoke about how the People’s Review Commission is requesting a copy of the contract between the city and the water meter contractors, Neptune Technology Group. “The government does not have any immunity from either the constitution or the will of the people—we just have to speak up,” she told the crowd. “If we look at these bylaws and we recognize that the city government is on record as refusing any comment to the bylaws, any suggestions that there might be illegal and/or unconstitutional provisions in the bylaws...Once the horse is out of the barn, guys, it’s going to be very hard and we’re going to be saddled with the bill.” At the conclusion of the speakers, there was a question and answer period with several audience members asking questions. Mayor Brian Taylor and several councillors were on hand as observers. Beverley Tripp, one of the organizers and speakers, said the group was very pleased with the turnout and how the evening went. “The thing that made me feel most excited was that people got a chance to actually say what they felt and express their concerns,” said Tripp. “I think people in the community have needed that kind of forum. City council has not been able or willing to provide that kind of forum. So tonight, we had about 60 people that got to hear about the water meters and what they really feel • See WATER METERS page A8
We love living here, let us show you why. Cindy Anthony 250-442-7379 Aaron Anthony 250-584-HOME (4663)
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Starlight delight An elegant dinner in a beautiful backyard setting, featuring a seven-course meal with wine pairings, all served by a waiter in a tuxedo—it was a wonderful prize for Jan Armstrong, the winner of the Friends of the Library Starlight Dinner fundraiser. Chef William Caley, supported by Leanne Edwards and waiter Ted Invictus, made a recent evening magical for the Anderson family. The evening was also a chance to celebrate son Jim’s 50th birthday! Pictured at right are Sean and April, Andy and Jan, Jim and Tanja, and Gregg with Becky Clements.
Leanne Edwards photos
City approves mural project CRAIG LINDSAY
Grand Forks Gazette
With Councillor Neil Krog appearing just in time to allow quorum, Grand Forks city council met Friday morning at a special meeting to discuss the mural project. With a much lower cost than originally proposed, city council unanimously approved the mural project. Benson Musaev of the mural committee presented council with a $6,000 total budget for the mural which will cover four sides of two buildings (washroom and BENSON MUSAEV lift station) at City Park. The *Rates subject to change
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original cost was set at $20,000. “They had originally included some fees to the artists which they removed from the budget,” said Mayor Brian Taylor. “That was the understanding from the beginning—that it would be done voluntarily. We really appreciate the volunteer part of it.” Many council members objected to the original cost which included payment to the artists, he added. Taylor said he expects the artists to begin the mural project immediately. “I think they’re going to get started as soon as they can,” he said. “We’re talking about this meeting, this special meeting, which was called because they didn’t want to wait.” The artists are expected to have the drawings ready for council approval at the next council meeting, which is on Aug. 18.
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