Council to review travel policy
Quesnel City Council has directed staff to develop a policy around Council travel budgets. Concerns were raised around Councillors’ travel budgets, overspending and the lack of funding to appropriately represent the community as a councillor.
Staff will prepare a draft policy and bring it back to Council for review and comments.
City to apply for storm system funds
In January 2005 and again in August 2010, heavy rain resulted in widespread localized flooding. During both events, the lobby of the curling rink suffered water damage as the storm drainage system between the curling rink and Arena 1 could not handle the volume of water.
After the last incident, the curling club applied to the Municipal Insurance Association for compensation. This claim was denied, so the City has committed to fix the problem. The City will apply to the MIA for a Risk Management grant for $12,500. The work will include adding a catch basin in the area and tying it into the storm drainage system. If the grant application is successful, the City’s costs will be covered.
City presents at economic roundtable
Council received an update regarding the City’s presentation to an economic roundtable hosted by Cariboo-Prince George MP Dick Harris and the Hon. Gordon O’Connor, Minister of State. The City’s delegation included Coun. Laurey-Anne Roodenburg and April Cheng, the executive director of the Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation.
The City was asked to participate by submitting ideas regarding ways the federal government can help create jobs and promote economic growth, be more efficient and effective, and encourage private sector growth and leadership.
Several ideas were submitted by the City delegation, including: supporting previously introduced programs that were successful, such as the Gas Tax program; developing effective partnerships with all levels of government; continuing to deliver on the $1 billion pledged to assist communities hit by the effects of the Mountain Pine Beetle; be creative and innovative with funding programs; and continue to invest in much-needed infrastructure.
Census 2011 on the way
The City of Quesnel will help the federal government raise awareness of and promote the Census, following a request from Statistics Canada. Statistics Canada conducts a census every five years, with the next one scheduled for this May.
Census data helps the City in a number of ways, including providing information that helps when planning roads, waterworks, public transit, and police and fire services. It is also relevant when considering housing needs and other sustainability initiatives. Population estimates are also used to allocate transfer payments from the federal government to provinces and territories and from provinces to local governments.
The 2011 Census is staffing 35,000 jobs across Canada. These jobs are ideal for: students, recently retired persons, stay-at-home parents, and those wanting to supplement their income.
If you are over 18 years old and can commit to at least 20 hours per week including evenings, weekends and holidays, apply now.
For more information, visit www.city.quesnel.ca and click on the census link or visit www.census2011.gc.ca
Other News
Staff will investigate the availability of parking for large trucks in the City. Council received complaints from local truckers and businesses who are upset with the lack of available parking for large trucks near stores and public washrooms.
Proclamations
February - Heart Month
Feb. 23 - Rotary Day
Future Council or Joint Committee Meetings:
Next Budget Meeting: Monday, February 14 at 3 p.m.
Overview of the five year capital plan and 2011 capital budget.
Next Delegation/Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday, February 21
Next Regular Council Meeting: Monday, February 28
Next North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting: Tuesday, March 8
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