REGULAR COUNCIL 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS APRIL 23, 2007

Transcription

1 REGULAR COUNCIL 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS APRIL 23, 2007 PRESENT: ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Jim Eglinski Councillor Lori Ackerman Councillor Bruce Christensen Councillor Dan Davies Councillor Larry Evans Councillor Don Irwin Councillor Karen Simpson John Locher, City Manager Carol Susak, Director of Corporate Administration Therese Jean, Director of Finance Patti Murray, Director of Community Services Horacio Galanti, Director of Engineering Keith Redl, RCMP Inspector Sarah Tittemore, Director of Marketing and Communications Janet Prestley, Deputy City Clerk 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. Notice of New Business: The following items were added to the agenda: Administration Report No. 87/07 - BC Local Government Leadership Forum and Branding the Peace Country Association, Upper Pine Elementary School and the recommendation from Closed Strategic Planning and Finance committee held earlier today. 3. Adoption of Agenda: The Regular Council meeting agenda was adopted as amended by consensus.

2 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 2 4. Adoption of Minutes: April 10, 2007 Regular Council Meeting RESOLUTION NO. 184/07 THAT, the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 10, 2007 be approved. 5. Business Arising Out of the Minutes: None 6. Presentations: Horacio Galanti, Director of Planning and Engineering Presentation of Certificate of Registration of Professional Engineer Mayor Eglinski presented Mr. Galanti with his Certificate of Professional Engineer and congratulated him on his achievement. 7. Delegations: United Way Update on Campaign and Impact of Donations Corey Jonsson and John Turner Mr. Turner explained the five focal areas that the United Way concentrates its efforts on: successful kids, healthy citizens, empowered families, supportive communities and engaged seniors. Mr. Turner provided statistics on the number of telephone calls that the United Way s crisis line received during 2006 to provide assistance to those in need. Mr. Turner announced that donations exceeded $66,000 to the local United Way in 2006 and provided a list of the businesses who have partnered to collect donations by payroll deduction. Ms. Jonsson explained that the United Way has a community investment committee that determines the best way to invest the funds received to programs/organizations in Fort St. John. She outlined local issues that were identified in a forum held last year that included: affordable housing and safe after school programs. Mr. Turner outlined the United Way s priorities for 2007 which include staffing and obtaining additional volunteers. Mr. Turner presented a certificate of appreciation to the City in recognition of their support. Mayor Eglinski thanked the delegation for their presentation.

3 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 3 The Director of Marketing and Communications left the meeting. 9. Correspondence: Fort St. John and District Crimestoppers 8th Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament June 15, 2007 Councillors Simpson and Davies volunteered to participate in the golf tournament. RESOLUTION NO. 185/07 THAT, the City offer some promotional items of a value not to exceed $200 that Crime Stoppers may use as prizes or as a fundraiser during the event, AND FURTHER THAT, up to two members of Council be approved to participate in the Golf Tournament with the registration fees deducted from the Council Contingency Account. Peace River Regional District 2007 Spring Clean Up Campaign The letter from the Peace River Regional District regarding the 2007 spring clean up campaign was received for information. The campaign will be held from May 12 to 19, 2007 in Fort St. John. Councillor Simpson mentioned that landfill tipping fees are waived during this week. Eliza Stanford Site C The letter from Eliza Stanford expressing opposition to the proposed Site C Dam was received for information. Ministry of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Senior's and Women's Issues Small Community Grants The letter from the Ministry of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Senior s and Women s Issues regarding small community grants was received for information. Margaret and Jim Little Extended Hours for the Handi-Dart The City Manager reported that Council approved a change in the conventional transit system which will be implemented in September 2007 and that many of the concerns expressed in this letter will be resolved with this service revision. The letter from Margaret and Jim Little requesting that Council consider extending the hours for Handi-Dart was received for information.

4 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 4 9. Correspondence: LaPrairie Crane 25th Anniversary RESOLUTION NO. 186/07 THAT, City Council send a letter of congratulations to LaPrairie Crane to recognize their 25th Anniversary, AND FURTHER THAT, this letter convey appreciation to LaPrairie Crane for their generous gift to supply trees that will be planted in boulevards within the City. Ministry of Health Air Ambulance Services Discussion took place regarding the letter. The City Manager reported that the Alberta Provincial Government recently made a funding announcement that will upgrade Grande Prairie s hospital to a regional facility. RESOLUTION NO. 187/07 THAT, Council send a letter thanking the Ministry of Health for its efforts to coordinate BCAS air ambulance services and to obtain an agreement with STARS air ambulance services, AND FURTHER THAT, Council suggest that the Ministry of Health enter into negotiations with the City of Grande Prairie, Alberta to obtain a no-refusal agreement for acceptance of critical trauma patients. South Peace Rural Community Learning "Walk On... North to Alaska" Pedometer Walkers RESOLUTION NO. 188/07 THAT, the City of Fort St. John send prizes for the South Peace Rural Community Learning s Walk On North to Alaska pedometer walkers program once walkers pass through Fort St. John. Union of British Columbia Municipalities Public Transit Infrastructure Program Funding The Director of Finance reported that this portion of the grant is related to the capital component and was included in this budget. This grant was part of the hybrid bus application.

5 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 5 9. Correspondence: Union of British Columbia Municipalities (continued) Public Transit Infrastructure Program Funding The letter from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities letter announcing that BC Transit and City of Fort St. John Transit System received $203,266 was received for information. Darren Almond Memorial Travel Foundation Request for Darren Almond Memorial Travel Foundation Week - May 20 to 26, 2007 and Request to Hold Annual Fundraising Walk May 26, 2007 Councillor Evans provided the history of the Darren Almond Memorial Travel Foundation s inception. RESOLUTION NO. 189/07 "THAT, May 20 to 26, 2007 be proclaimed Darren Almond Memorial Travel Foundation Week in the City of Fort St. John, THAT, Council approves the request to hold the annual fundraising walk on May 26, 2007, AND FURTHER THAT, the Foundation be requested to notify the Ambulance Service, Fire Department and RCMP of the walk route for emergency purposes." The meeting recessed at 5:59 p.m. and reconvened at 6:20 p.m. 8. Public and Statutory Hearings and Public Meetings: Lane Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication Bylaw No. 1900, 2007 E & H Ventures Portion of Block 1, Plan 8551 RESOLUTION NO. 190/07 "THAT, the public meeting report for Lane Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication Bylaw No. 1900, 2007 be received." RESOLUTION NO. 191/07 "THAT, Lane Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication Bylaw No. 1900, 2007 be tabled until additional information is obtained from BC Hydro regarding their objection."

6 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 6 8. Public and Statutory Hearings and Public Meetings: Abbeyfield Houses of Fort. St. John Development Variance Permit Application 8112/16 96 Avenue RESOLUTION NO. 192/07 "THAT, the public meeting report for the Development Variance Permit application for 8112/16 96 Avenue for Abbeyfield Houses of Fort St. John 2006 be received." Councillor Irwin asked if the group was charged the application fee. The City Manager replied that the development variance permit application fee was waived by the City. RESOLUTION NO. 193/07 "THAT, staff be authorized to issue the Development Variance Permit for 8112/16-96 Avenue for Abbeyfield Houses of Fort St. John to provide an increase of 6% in the maximum lot coverage from 30% to 36% to allow the construction of a 12 unit Senior s Group Home and to provide a reduction in the rear setback from 10.5 meters to 7.5 meters to allow enough space for parking in the front setback." Mayor Eglinski suggested to the group that they consider using Mountain Pine Beetle wood for the facility s construction since this wood could be received at a reduced price. The delegation replied that this suggestion is a viable option. 9. Correspondence: Sunrise Rotary Club 2007 Thunder Run The Sunrise Rotary Club s letter requesting a time change for the 2007 Canada Day parade was received for information. Staff explained that the Canada Day parade time has been changed to 1:00 p.m. for this year since it falls on a Sunday and marshalling will start at noon. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Emergency Preparedness Week 2007 Councillor Ackerman suggested that one of Moose FM s issues and answers show include the topic of emphasizing the importance of house and rental property insurance during this week.

7 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 7 9. Correspondence: Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (continued) Emergency Preparedness Week 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 194/07 THAT, May 6 to 12, 2007 be proclaimed Emergency Preparedness Week in the City of Fort St. John. Ministry of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Senior's and Women's Issues Child Restraint and Seatbelt Usage Road Safety Program The letter from the Ministry of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Senior s and Women s Issues responding to the City s letter requesting the continued partnership between UBCM and the Province was received for information. Ministry of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Senior's and Women's Issues Building Effective Regional Districts Workshop Report The Building Effective Regional District s workshop report from the Ministry of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Senior s and Women s Issues was received for information. Union of British Columbia Municipalities Policy Update: Homeowner Grant Information Police Tax Information The Union of British Columbia Municipalities member notice advising of the policy update for homeowner grant information and police tax information was received. West Moberly First Nations Walk In Balance Two Conference Mayor Eglinski and Councillor Evans expressed interest in participating in this conference. RESOLUTION NO. 195/07 THAT, any member of Council wishing to attend the West Moberly First Nations Walk In Balance Two Conference from May 29 to 31, 2007 taking place in Fort St. John, BC be authorized to do so.

8 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page Council Information Package Adoption: Administration Report No. 86/07 Council Information Package - RESOLUTION NO. 196/07 THAT, Administration Report No. 86/07 Council Information Package April 23, 2007 be received for information. 11. Reports by Mayor & Council on Meetings and Liaison Responsibilities: Councillor Christensen: participated in the Airshow s tradeshow booth, participated in the City s tradeshow booth and thanked City staff for their efforts, congratulated the organizers of the tradeshow which was very successful, participated in the City s public consultation meeting for the budget, attended a community foundation meeting, attended the tourism planning session, attended Spectra Energy s open house, participated in the Branding the Peace Association s annual general meeting, worked on static displays for the Airshow. Councillor Evans: asked that if anyone is interested in visiting with a senior to please contact Jean Leahy, met with Jean Leahy to discuss the Handi-Dart system, participated in the Cultural Centre s annual general meeting, attended the Art Auction, viewed the second series of Discovering Our Heritage, attended Ross Peck s talk on Mary Henry s expedition to the Peace region, stepped down as the President of the Historical Society although is still a director on the Board. Councillor Simpson: was the guest speaker on Moose FM s Issues and Answer talk show regarding the 2007 tax rates and budget, attended the City s public consultation meeting for the budget, attended a community foundation meeting, participated in a Peace River Regional District board meeting, presented a clock which was a gift from the Mayor of the Village of Pouce Coupe in recognition of City Hall s renovations. Councillor Ackerman: met with a senior s housing developer from Calgary.

9 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page Reports by Mayor & Council on Meetings and Liaison Responsibilities: Councillor Irwin: attended the Council of Forest Industries conference, participated in the City s tradeshow booth, attended a community foundation meeting, attended a youth drug treatment forum at the CNRL facility. Councillor Davies: participated in the City s tradeshow booth, participated in the City s budget consultation meeting, attended the tourism planning meeting, participated in the Branding the Peace Association s annual general meeting, attended the Art Auction. Councillor Davies asked if the City had received a request to incorporate the Branding the Peace logo onto the City s letterhead. The City Manager replied that the City had not received this request. Mayor Eglinski suggested that Councillor Davies provide a report to Council regarding this request. Mayor Eglinski: attended the Council of Forest Industries annual general meeting, participated in a local civic leader forum, participated in the City s tradeshow booth, attended the City s public consultation meeting, attended a Wand Weavers event, attended the tourism strategy meeting, attended Spectra Energy s 50th anniversary, participated in a Petroleum Human Resources meeting. Mayor s Disability Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Mayor Eglinski reported that the individuals volunteering on this committee come from a good cross section of the community and the committee should be well represented. RESOLUTION NO. 197/07 THAT, the terms of Reference for the Mayor s Disability Advisory Committee as presented be approved.

10 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page Reports by Mayor & Council on Meetings and Liaison Responsibilities: Mayor s Disability Advisory Committee (continued) Terms of Reference RESOLUTION NO. 198/07 THAT, funds be taken from the Council Contingency Account to pay for the Regional Manager of the Disability Group s travel expense to come to Fort St. John and speak to the Mayor s Disability Advisory Committee. 12. Reports from City Manager and Administration: Administration Report No. 79/07 Tender Award Crosswalk and Curb Painting Administration Report No. 79/07 Tender Award 2007 Crosswalk and Curb Painting was received for information. The 2007 tender for Crosswalk and Curb Painting was awarded to Yellowhead Line Painting for the unit prices in their tender submission dated March 27, 2007 with the total project costs not to exceed $44, Administration Report No. 80/07 Tender Award - Installation of Playground Equipment at Centennial Park Administration Report No. 80/07 Tender Award Installation of Playground Equipment at Centennial Park was received for information. The tender for the Installation of Playground Equipment at Centennial Park was awarded to the only bidder, Midnight Sun Landscaping Ltd, for the unit rates in their tender submission dated March 27, 2007 with the total not to exceed $18, The City Manager confirmed that playground equipment would be installed to the east of the Rotary water park. Administration Report No. 81/07 Ultra Low Volume Toilet Subsidy Program The City Manager explained the proposed subsidy program and general discussion took place. RESOLUTION NO. 199/07 THAT, staff be authorized to enter into the loan agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for the Ultra Low Volume Toilet Subsidy Program.

11 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page Reports from City Manager and Administration: Administration Report No. 82 /07 Request for Proposal Promotional Products Administration Report No. 82/07 Request for Proposal 2007 Promotional Products was received for information. The 2007 Promotional Products Request was awarded to St John Advertising in the amount of $20, and the Crayon Box in the amount of $5, as per their proposal submissions dated March 29, 2007 with a total project cost of $26, Administration Report No. 83/07 Public Consultation - Financial Plan Administration Report No. 83/07 Public Consultation Financial Plan was received for information. Administration Report No. 87/07 BC Local Government Leadership Forum and Branding the Peace Country Association RESOLUTION NO. 200/07 THAT, Councillor Christensen be authorized to attend the BC Local Government Leadership Forum taking place from June 13 to 15, 2007 in Vancouver, BC, AND FURTHER THAT, the Council of the City of Fort St. John nominate Councillor Ackerman to the Branding the Peace Country Association s Board. 13. Works in Progress: The works in progress report was not included in the agenda. 14. Bylaws: 97 Avenue Between 82 and 84 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1901, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 201/07 THAT, 97 Avenue Between 82 and 84 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1901, 2007 be adopted by title only.

12 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page Bylaws: 90 Street Between 85 and 93 Avenues Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1902, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 202/07 THAT, 90 Street Between 85 and 93 Avenues Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1902, 2007 be adopted by title only. 98 Avenue Between 81 and 82 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1903, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 203/07 THAT, 98 Avenue Between 81 and 82 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1903, 2007 be adopted by title only. 101 Avenue Between 108 and 112 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1904, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 204/07 THAT, 101 Avenue Between 108 and 112 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1904, 2007 be adopted by title only. 77 Street Between 85 and 89 Avenues Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1905, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 205/07 THAT, 77 Street Between 85 and 89 Avenues Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1905, 2007 be adopted by title only.

13 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page Bylaws: 78A Street Between 85 and 89 Avenues Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1906, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 206/07 THAT, 78A Street Between 85 and 89 Avenues Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1906, 2007 be adopted by title only. 94 Avenue Between 93 and 96 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1907, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 207/07 THAT, 94 Avenue Between 93 and 96 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1907, 2007 be adopted by title only. 97 Avenue Between 84 and 86 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1908, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 208/07 THAT, 97 Avenue Between 84 and 86 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1908, 2007 be adopted by title only. 98A Avenue Between 95 and 96 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1909, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 209/07 THAT, 98A Avenue Between 95 and 96 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1909, 2007 be adopted by title only.

14 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page Bylaws: 101 Avenue Between 90 and 92 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1910, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 210/07 THAT, 101 Avenue Between 90 and 92 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1910, 2007 be adopted by title only. 89A Street Between 112 and 115 Avenues Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1911, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 211/07 THAT, 89A Street Between 112 and 115 Avenues Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1911, 2007 be adopted by title only. 98 Avenue Between 84 and 86 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1912, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 212/07 THAT, 98 Avenue Between 84 and 86 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1912, 2007 be adopted by title only. 97 Avenue Between 102 and 106 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1913, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 213/07 THAT, 97 Avenue Between 102 and 106 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1913, 2007 be adopted by title only.

15 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page Bylaws: 93A Street Between 91 and 93 Avenues Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1914, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 214/07 THAT, 93A Street Between 91 and 93 Avenues Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1914, 2007 be adopted by title only. Administration Report No. 84/ Operating and Capital Financial Plan The City Manager reported that in the Five Year Financial Plan s capital section there is an improvement scheduled for 99 Avenue which is south of his property (flankage). RESOLUTION NO. 215/07 THAT, Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1915, 2007 be introduced and read for the first three times by title only. Administration Report No. 85/07 Property Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1916, 2007 The Director of Finance reported that there is a decrease of 15.32% for the residential tax rate. The City Manager reported that a map will be forwarded to Council to show the roads that still require upgrading to assist in Council s planning. RESOLUTION NO. 216/07 THAT, Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1916, 2007 be introduced and read for the first three times by title only.

16 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page New Business: Recommendation from the Closed Strategic Planning and Finance Committee Meeting of : Administration Report No. 8/07(c) IAFF Local 2143 Ratification of Tentative Agreement RESOLUTION NO. 217/07 THAT, the following recommendation be ratified: THAT, City Council ratify the tentative agreement reached between the City of Fort St. John and the IAFF on April 19, 2007 which provides for a two year collective agreement expiring on December 31, Upper Pine Elementary School Mayor Eglinski received a request from Upper Pine Elementary School s students to meet with Council and take them out for lunch on June 18, The City Manager suggested that the City provide a light snack rather than a meal. RESOLUTION NO. 218/07 THAT, Council entertain the Upper Pine Elementary School s students on June 18, 2007 and provide them with snack, AND FURTHER THAT, the meal cost be allocated to the Council Contingency Fund. 16. Notice of Motion: None 17. Resolution to Move to Closed Meeting: None 18. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

17 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 17 Confirmed by Council this 14th day of May, 2007 CERTIFIED CORRECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 124 OF THE COMMUNITY CHARTER WILLIAM JAMES EGLINSKI, MAYOR CAROL SUSAK, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION