A regular meeting of the District of Wells Council was held Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at
7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers, 4243 Sanders Avenue, Wells, BC V0K 2R0
MINUTES
PRESENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
Mayor Robin Sharpe and Councillors Mike Wallace, Virginia Wilkins and Richard Wright
Katrina Leckovic, C.A.O.; Dennis Manuel, Superintendent of Public
Works; Margaret Inoue, Marketing and Economic Development
Officer and Deborah McKay, Deputy Clerk.
PUBLIC GALLERY: 10 People
A. CALL TO ORDER AND AGENDA ADOPTION:
14-151 MOVED Councillor Wilkins Seconded Councillor Wright THAT the Agenda be adopted as circulated.
Carried Unanimously
B. ADOPTION OF MINUTES:
1. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, July 15, 2014
14-152 MOVED Councillor Wright Seconded Councillor Wallace THAT the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting, July 15, 2014 be adopted as circulated.
Carried Unanimously
2. Minutes of Special Council Meeting, July 16, 2014
14-153 MOVED Councillor Wilkins Seconded Councillor Wallace THAT the minutes of the Special Council Meeting, July 16, 2014 be adopted as circulated.
Carried Unanimously
C. DELEGATIONS AND PETITIONS:
1. Gregory Sparks, P. Eng., C.O.O. Barkerville Gold Mines, Ltd. (BGM) re:
Questions and concerns regarding BGM’s plans and potential impact on Wells and surrounding area
Gregory Sparks provided a verbal overview of his report. He followed with a question/answer session in which the following items were addressed:
The Phase ll mining plant will ideally be at Bonanza Ledge. The trucks will continue hauling approximately the same amount of ore.
The contractor for hauling the ore has not changed but some drivers have been changed. BGM has gone through a lot of drivers, resulting in the current responsible crew. Twenty-eight to forty tonnes of ore are carried on the haul trucks. The road dust is kept down with water.
No ore is being processed in Wells. The Mosquito Creek dam and tailings are being monitored as required. The waste in the tailings pond is standard. The water quality at the mill (QR) is good and there is zero discharge.
The issue of trucks speeding through Wells has improved.
The Mayor requested copies of the monitoring reports which would be available to the public at the Wells library. The Mayor also noted that there hasn’t been a town meeting with BGM for approximately four years. Councillor
District of Wells Regular Meeting August 19, 2014 Minutes 1/7

Wright suggested that meetings be in November, when hauling is completed for the season, and in the spring.
Lastly, Mr. Sparks said to call him anytime and he invited Mayor and Council to tour the mine. Mayor and Council thanked Mr. Sparks for his presentation.
14-154 MOVED Councillor Wright Seconded Councillor Wilkins THAT the presentation by Gregory Sparks, C.O.O. Barkerville Gold Mines, Ltd. (BGM) re: Questions and concerns regarding BGM’s plans and potential impact on Wells and surrounding area be received.
D. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES / UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Wells Barkerville Community School Use Committee Update. Next meeting on
Sept 16 th at 6:00 PM at the District Office.
2. Referral from BC Timber Sales
The Mayor noted that the District should respond with the information that we have and to find out which cleared areas would be visible from Wells.
14-155 MOVED Councillor Wallace Seconded Councillor Wilkins THAT Council respond to BC Timber Sales’ referral letter before September 8, 2014.
Carried Unanimously
3. Emergency Planning Committee Meetings August 8 &15, 2014
Councillor Wright provided a verbal overview of the August 8 &15, 2014
Emergency Planning meetings. Councillor Wright noted the following points:
The Liquor Inspector, who attended the meeting, noted that ID was not being checked properly and that alcohol was being consumed on the street.
The RCMP will double the staff next year and possibly use the jail or a paddy wagon. The RCMP sent a letter to IMA outlining their concerns. Lastly, the
RCMP noted that IMA should pay for a tow truck needed for the parking violators.
Recommendations:
Campfires banned during ArtsWells.
IMA responsible for planning with private security, RCMP and the District of
Wells well in advance of ArtsWells.
The Noise Bylaw needs to be adhered to and patrons controlled by IMA.
IMA responsible for enforcing the fireworks ban.
Helipad needs to be blocked off with a snow fence. IMA has a lot of extra snow fencing which can be used.
The Administrator noted that once the adjudication bylaw was in place tickets could be given out.
Councillor Wilkins noted that a family came upon ten to fifteen people swimming naked in the Jack O’ Clubs Lake during ArtsWells. Councillor Wright noted that the police need to be phoned in those instances.
14-156 MOVED Councillor Wright Seconded Councillor Wallace THAT Council receive the information from the Emergency Planning Committee Meetings held on
August 8 &15, 2014.
Carried Unanimously
E. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Voting Delegate and Alternatives to register with MIABC
District of Wells Regular Meeting August 19, 2014 Minutes 2/7

14-157 MOVED Councillor Wallace Seconded Councillor Wright THAT Council
appoint Mayor Robin Sharpe as the Voting Delegate and Councillors Mike
Wallace and Virginia Wilkins as the Alternative Voting Delegates at the AGM of the Subscribers of the Municipal Insurance Company of British Columbia on
September 23, 2014 .
Carried Unanimously
2. Parking Issues at Pooley and Sanders Streets
Discussion ensued in regards to the parking issues. The Mayor suggested that half the parking space was cross-hatched around the corner and that the No
Parking sign, along with parallel parking, was in front of the Wells Hotel on
Pooley Street. The Mayor inquired if parallel parking was possible on the other
14-158 side of Pooley Street. The Superintendent of Public works responded that the partial dirt on the shoulder would prevent this. Councillor Wright inquired if parking spaces were a specific length and if a compromise could be reached by starting the parking at the other end of the Wells Hotel. The Administrator noted that the parking issues could be revisited.
MOVED Councillor Wallace Seconded Councillor Wilkins THAT Council receive the Parking Issues at Pooley and Sanders Streets report and THAT
Council approve the installation of a “No Parking from Here to Corner” sign on
Sanders Avenue near the Pooley Street intersection and cross-hatched road paint at the parking space in front of the Wells Hotel at the corner of Pooley
and Sanders Streets.
Carried Unanimously
3. District Listserv and Website
The Administrator provided a verbal overview of her report which recommended that the District listserv be used solely for emergency bulletins, public safety announcements and related District news with a new section for
14-159 community announcements added to the Wells website. The Wellspring and posters for display at the District would continue to provide information.
MOVED Councillor Wallace Seconded Councillor Wilkins THAT Council
receive the District Listserv and Website report and THAT Council support
proposed changes to the distribution of information through the District website
and listserv as discussed in the District Listserv and Website report.
Carried Unanimously
F. CORRESPONDENCE:
1. 14.08.08 Dave Jorgenson, Owner Bear’s Paw Café/Frog on the Bog Gifts re:
Traffic congestion and speeds on Highway 26 through Wells
Councillor Wright noted that speed enforcement by the RCMP and the use of the speed board by the RCMP are the keys to reducing speeding on the highway through Wells. Councillor Wilkins noted that it was very dangerous on the highway with the parking and congestion. The Mayor noted that the signs along the highway add to the congestion . The Mayor suggested that cross walks be painted on the highway and possibly a large sign at both entrances to
Wells telling people to slow down. Councillor Wright noted that the major issue was enforcement. Councillor Wallace noted that the mine (BGM) could perhaps contribute to the purchase of a second speed sign and he also
District of Wells Regular Meeting August 19, 2014 Minutes 3/7

14-160 suggested that a speed limit sign be attached above the speed board.
Councillor Wright noted that was willing to photograph speeders in the early mornings. The Mayor noted that there is a speed sign that the District could use. Councillor Wilkins noted that the RCMP had stated to call them whenever there was a problem.
MOVED Councillor Wright Seconded Councillor Wallace THAT the 14.08.08 letter from Dave Jorgenson, Owner Bear’s Paw Café/Frog on the Bog Gifts re:
Traffic congestion and speeds on Highway 26 through Wells be received.
Carried Unanimously
14-161 MOVED Councillor Wright Seconded Councillor Wallace THAT Council write a thank you letter to Dave Jorgenson which also stated that the District would look into the congestion and speeding issues more extensively and that a copy of the letter be sent to the RCMP.
Carried Unanimously
2. 14.08.15 Mayor Galina Durant, District of Stewart, Small Community
Representative re: Small Talk Forum 2014
Mayor and Council decided that the following issues needed to be discussed at
14-162 the Small Talk Forum: Enforcement on highways in small towns; highway safety concerns; speed limits; congested business areas. Councillor Wilkins noted that the removal of pay phones is a safety issue. The Administrator responded that MLA, Coralee
Oakes’ office was submitting a request for payphones at the
Jack O’ Clubs General, the Wells Hotel and the Legion.
MOVED Councillor Wallace Seconded Councillor Wright THAT the 14.08.08 letter from Mayor Galina Durant, District of Stewart, Small Community
Representative re: Small Talk Forum 2014 be received.
Carried Unanimously
G. BYLAWS AND RESOLUTIONS:
1. District of Wells Untidy and Unsightly Premises Bylaw No.135, 2014
The Administrator reviewed the significant changes in the bylaw and noted that it would extend to all properties. The Administrator noted that the Bylaw
14-163
Officers consist of the following: the Administrator, the Superintendent of Public
Works and the Deputy Clerk.
MOVED Councillor Wallace Seconded Councillor Wright THAT Council receive the District of Wells Untidy and Unsightly Premises Bylaw report
Carried Unanimously
14-164 MOVED Councillor Wallace Seconded Councillor Wright THAT Council give the first three readings to the District of Wells Untidy and Unsightly Premises
Bylaw No.135, 2014.
Carried Unanimously
2. District of Wells Council Indemnities Bylaw No.136, 2014
14-165 MOVED Councillor Wright Seconded Councillor Wilkins THAT Council receive the report concerning remuneration and incidental expenses applicable to the incoming District of Wells Council effective January 1, 2015.
Carried Unanimously
District of Wells Regular Meeting August 19, 2014 Minutes 4/7

14-166 MOVED Councillor Wright Seconded Councillor Wilkins THAT Council give the first three readings to the District of Wells Council Indemnities Bylaw No.136,
2014.
Carried Unanimously
H. REPORTS:
1. Marketing & Economic Development Officer Report
The Marketing & Economic Development Officer (EDO) noted the following updates since she submitted her report: The EDO is expecting a letter in the next week finalizing the approval of the Wells Community Forest.
A list of Crown Lots that need to be cleaned up and those lots that are used by
14-167 the District for snow clearing has been submitted. Now people can apply individually to the Province for crown lots. Lastly, the EDO suggested that the
Daycare could be discussed at the Small Talk Forum at UBCM.
MOVED Councillor Wallace Seconded Councillor Wilkins THAT the Marketing and Economic Development Officer report be received.
Carried Unanimously
2. Superintendent of Public Works and Fire Chief Reports
The Superintendent of Public Works(SPW) and Fire Chief provided a verbal
14-168 overview of his report.
MOVED Councillor Wilkins Seconded Councillor Wallace THAT the
Superintendent of Public Works and Fire Chief reports be received.
Carried Unanimously
3. Cheque Register 14.07.01 to 14.07.31
The Administrator noted that the item EFT-2 was a deposit, not a cheque; therefore the total Electronic Fund Transfers and Cheques is $102,594.27 for
14-169 the period of July 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014.
MOVED Councillor Wilkins Seconded Councillor Wallace THAT Council approve Electronic Fund Transfers and Cheques 3505 to 3548 from Integris
Credit Union for the period of July 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014 for a total amount of
$363,261.83 (102,594.27).
Carried Unanimously
4. Outstanding Actions Item Report
14-170 MOVED Councillor Wright Seconded Councillor Wallace THAT the
Outstanding Actions Item Report be received.
Carried Unanimously
I. CONSENT CALENDAR:
14-171 MOVED Councillor Wilkins Seconded Councillor Wright THAT the Consent
Calendar be adopted as circulated.
1. 14.08.09 Jay Schlosar, Assistant Deputy Minister, UBCM Green Communities
Committee re: Successful efforts to measure and reduce corporate greenhouse gas emissions for the 2013 reporting year.
2. 14.08.15 Bob Gammer, Community Relations manager and Dave Mosure,
District of Wells Regular Meeting August 19, 2014 Minutes 5/7

Community Relations Coordinator, Northern Region, BC Hydro re: 2014
Community Champions Program.
Carried Unanimously
J. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Council Members:
Councillor Wallace noted that he will speak to Barkerville Gold Mine (BGM) in regards to purchasing another speed board.
Councillor Wilkins noted that both Eleanor Vincent and Della Hubensky passed away recently. Councillor thanked the Administrator for the follow up to Coralee
Oakes, MLA. Lastly, Councillor Wilkins noted that Jim Beler had stacked lumber on Sandra Bodenchuk’s property and that it was removed after Ms. Bodenchuk involved the RCMP.
Councillor Wright noted that he could not attend UBCM 2014. Councillor
Wright noted that the musician Scott Cook was playing at the Camel on August
20, 2014.
The Mayor reported that he went to Prince George then travelled for 59 km to where the Purden Lake Road bridge is to be removed. This trip took two hours and would have taken another two hours to reach Wells. The Mayor noted that the bridge still looked good and could easily be made passable. Lastly, the Mayor noted that he would send photos of the bridge to MLA Coralee Oakes as she is a great advocate for Wells.
2. Staff:
The Marketing and Economic Development Officer (EDO) noted that there was another Farm ers’ Market on September 7, 2014.
The Administrator noted that she met with RCMP who are increasing their presence on the Barkerville highway. The Administrator also noted that incidents must be reported to the RCMP so that a file can be started. The RCMP will send the information to the District in regards to reporting to public. The RCMP’s bike and helmet program was cancelled because of the teache rs’ strike, but the
Administrator noted that a positive ticketing helmet campaign was started by the
RCMP which involved ice cream. The RCMP informed the Administrator that
ATV’s can go from point A to point B but will not be escorted by the RCMP. The
Administrator noted that the Jack O ’ Clubs General was awaiting the final inspection for liquor license and that the subdivision at the Jack O’ Clubs was underway. Lastly, the Administrator provided an update on the Miner’s Hall building.
3. Public Gallery: NIL
K. ADJOURNMENT:
14-172 MOVED Councillor Wallace Seconded Councillor Wilkins THAT the meeting
District of Wells Regular Meeting August 19, 2014 Minutes 6/7

adjourn at 9:28 PM.
Carried Unanimously
__________________________
Robin Sharpe, Mayor
_____________________________
Katrina Leckovic, CAO
District of Wells Regular Meeting August 19, 2014 Minutes 7/7