Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Quesnel Council Highlights - Sept 29th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Orange Shirt Day

Council approved $500.00 from Council Projects for the
St. Joseph’s Residential School Commemorative Monument and Truth/Reconciliation Project ceremony scheduled to be held in Lebourdais Park on September 30 at 10:00 a.m. near the Shiraoi House. Council further approved the location of the Monument for the Project directly east of the Shiraoi House.

Board of Variance updates

Council provided the first three readings of the City of Quesnel Board of Variance Bylaw No. 1748. Revisions to the current bylaw, established in 1993 under the Municipal Act, are required to correct a number of outdated references, update procedures to reflect current and best practices and bring into compliance with current legislation. These revisions are primarily housekeeping amendments.

A Board of Variance is an independent tribunal whose function is to provide an avenue of relief for persons seeking a variance from certain provisions of Municipal bylaws where compliance would create undue hardship. Two of the three members on the Board have stated they do not wish to remain for another three-year term and accordingly, Council appointed Armand McKinley (currently on the Board), and new members Ernest Gamache and Ernie Thony to the City of Quesnel Board of Variance.

Variance Permits issued

Council approved the following Development Variance Permits:

(1) At 309 Lewis Drive (Creekside Apartments) - varying Sections 5.3.2, 5.3.3, and 5.6.1 of the City’s Zoning Bylaw allowing 26 parking spaces for a 20 unit apartment building, 13 of those parking spaces to be permitted in the front yard setback and allowing parking with 0m of a side lot line; and (2) At 1720 Campbell Crescent (Lebrun Repair) - allowing the current accessory building and principle building additions without requiring the parking standards (hard surfacing) under Sections 5.7.4 (b) and (c) of the City’s Zoning Bylaw No. 1662, 2009.

Master Fee Bylaw

Council proceeded with the first three readings of the City’s Comprehensive Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 1745 of 2014.

Keeping with the City’s Five-Year Financial Plan by moving towards user based funding where appropriate, the amendment to the Bylaw will mean some minor increases to schedules relating to Building, Utilities (5% increase to all water utility fees - utility, connection and bulk water fees, 5% increase to all sewer utility fees - utility and connection fees, 4.2% increase to residential garbage rates and a 2% increase to commercial pickup rates), Museum, Cemetery (2% increase to service charges), and the Airport (2% increase).

The new rates would become effective January 1, 2015. These rates were previously discussed with Council and will be reviewed once again before final adoption at the October 6 meeting where Urban Systems will provide a report on the Master Fee Bylaw. The proposed increases are to keep up with inflation and to ensure the future sustainability of our infrastructure. For the full report, visit our website.

Other News

- Council awarded the Wetland Compensation/Earthworks Contract to Mass Construction Ltd. in the amount of $321,150.00 with respect to the West Quesnel Land Stability project.

- The Cariboo Regional District will proceed to referendum on Nov 15 (in conjunction with local government elections) to seek consent to increase the taxation required to maintain the current level of HandyDart service in portions of Areas A, B, C, and I.

- Council entered into a month-to-month License of Occupation with the Winning Dog Trainers for use of space in the basement of the City Hall building. The Agreement will generate approximately $238 per month for the City.

- Council approved two nominations for the 2015 BC Community Achievement Awards - Councillor
Mike Cave and Tom Moffat.

- Northern Development Initiative Trust (through the Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Regional Development Account) has granted support up to $12,000 to the Quesnel Curling Club for their chiller replacement project.

Proclamations

September 22 to 26 - Environmental Public Health Week in Quesnel
October - Community Living Awareness Month

Important dates

October 2 - West Quesnel Land Stability Open House
October 6 - Walk to Talk
October 26 - Lhats’as?in Memorial Day
December 6 - Santa Parade

NEXT Regular Council Meeting:
Monday Oct. 20, 7 p.m.
(no meeting on Oct. 13 - Thanksgiving)

NEXT Delegation/Special Open Council/Committee of the Whole Session:
Monday Oct. 6, 7 p.m.

NEXT North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting:
Tuesday Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m.

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