Council mulls tax freeze
Council is considering a 0% tax increase for 2009. This after Council was asked by staff for direction regarding any potential tax increase. The initial operating budget submitted estimated a 3.3% tax increase. Council directed staff to prepare a report indicating where savings in the budget could be found to meet a 0% increase and the impact those savings would have. That report will be considered at the March 23 budget session. That session will also be the formal public input session for this year’s budget process
NCMA Resolutions outlined
Council discussed a number of proposed resolutions to be submitted to the NCMA Executive for consideration at this year’s annual conference. Council decided to send three resolutions. They are:
A resolution supporting the introduction of a single licence plate that is transferable between fuel-inefficient and fuel-efficient vehicles owned by the same individual.
A resolution objecting to the potential removal of Remote Aerodrome Advisory Services at smaller airports such as Quesnel’s
A resolution supporting the return of environmental handling fees to communities where Encorp does not provide electronic recycling facilities to help support recycling initiatives.
A fourth resolution regarding the Carbon Tax will be reviewed and re-submitted to Council at a future meeting.
Two commission members named
Two people were named to two different commissions. Dwayne Sales was appointed as the City’s citizen representative to the Cariboo Regional Districts North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Commission. That commission is a new body that has been set up to govern the recreation function.
Brian Milthorp was also appointed to the Quesnel Museum and Heritage Commission. Both appointments carry two-year terms and expire on Dec. 31, 2010
Rail building improvements
The old BC Rail train station will see some more improvements made to it this spring. In 2005 the City received a grant from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Community Tourism Program to renovate the exterior and part of the interior of the building. In 2008, the City received a further $65,200 grant from the same program to continue the project. The funds will be used to renovate the remaining unfinished areas in the building. The goal is to provide an area where either Rocky Mountaineer Vacations can have an expanded space, or other tourism-minded ventures can set up shop. The total bid for the project came in at $69,900. Staff will work with the leading bidder to meet the original budget of $65,200
Safety statistics great in 2008
Council received a report outlining the City’s safety record for 2008. An independent review of the City’s safety record performed by the Workers Compensation Board showed that in comparison with other employers within the same classification unit, the City had a below average injury rate and expected injury rate. This resulted in fewer claims with Worksafe BC and also dramatically reduced the overall claims cost to the City.
The City was commended by WCB for the 2008 performance.
Award announced for local citizen
Susan Maile, a long-time member of the community who’s been active in a variety of organizations, including Meals on Wheels and the hospital auxiliary, has been awarded a BC Community Achievement Award. She will be invited to a future Council meeting as Council wishes to formally congratulate and thank her for all the good work she does
Proclamations
Guide-Scout Week in Quesnel - Feb. 22 to 28
Important Community Event Dates - City of Quesnel:
SPCA Auction, Dinner and Dance on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 at the West Fraser Timber Room
Future Council Meeting Dates:
March 2nd,2009 at 7:00pm - Delegation Session
March 9th, 2009 at 7:00pm - Regular City Council Meeting
March 16th, 2009 at 7:00pm - Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 23rd, 2009 at 7:00pm - Budget Meeting (Public Input Opportunity)
All above Quesnel Council meetings' take place in Quesnel Council Chambers (410 Kinchant Street)
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