Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Quesnel Council Meeting Highlights - March 14th

West Quesnel Land Stability update

Council approved a program budget of $3.685 million (including HST) for the West Quesnel Land Stability Program’s full-scale dewatering initiative. Of this, $2.664 million is for well drilling, drainage upgrades, site preparation and other capital works, while $782,150 is for detailed engineering work, data management, monitoring, project management, water testing and reporting. Both contracts were awarded by Council to AMEC Earth and Environmental, the City’s long-time geotechnical engineer on the WQLS Program. The remaining $176,000 contract was awarded to Urban Systems, the City’s long-term civil engineering firm. Two-thirds of the funding is provided by a grant from the federal and provincial governments. The City recently provided what it believes to be the final documentation required in order for the Environmental Assessment to be approved by senior government and for the project to proceed.

Dike funding set aside

Council approved setting aside $433,333 from its 2010 surplus towards the construction of dikes in West Quesnel. The project hinges upon the City’s grant application to Build Canada in the amount of $866,000 being successful. The 2010 surplus was due largely to three areas being under budget in 2010: RCMP budget ($400,000 under budget), West Quesnel Land Stability ($61,000 under budget) and snow removal ($135,000 under budget and other smaller amounts in other accounts).

Council gives early project approval

Council gave early approval to a number of capital projects. Early approval allows the City to proceed with the bid process and order specialty items or materials to maximize the construction season. The projects include:

St. Laurent Avenue 2-300 block revitalization $890,000
Public Works shop electrical upgrade $40,000
Abbott and Anderson left turn signal $30,000
West Fraser Timber Park playground border $18,000
Reid/Front alley water line, sewer line and paving $155,000
Various paving locations (to be determined) $350,000
Hydraulic Road paving - Sanderson to Tatchell $239,500
Front Load commercial garbage truck $335,000
Sewer and water system upgrades $101,000
Information technology equipment $69,000
Fire department protective clothing/gear $18,000

Spring Clean-up set

The annual spring clean up initiative was approved by Council. The program will run from April 26 to May 2. All residential areas in the City have the opportunity to dispose of large amounts of garbage, yard debris, appliances and other items at no cost. More details will be provided in City advertising and on the City’s website at www.quesnel.ca

Other News

Council approved transferring $45,000 from the 2010 surplus towards a new cooling tower for City Hall. The project had been originally budgeted at $30,000, but once the project was put out to bid, the quotes came back higher, the lowest at $73, 676.

Council welcomed the 2011 candidates for the Miss Quesnel Self-Development Program. They are: Jadyn Koldeweihe (Miss Tre Spa), Mickaela Ezowski (Miss RE/MAX Quesnel Realty), Reanna Ryley (Miss Integris Credit Union), Shaley Meyer (Miss Advanced Skin Spa), Victoria Lefebvre (Miss Design Flooring) and Vivian Traber (Miss Attitude South).

Council approved closing Barlow Avenue from Kinchant Street to the Civic plaza, allowing the Royal Canadian Legion to host its “Legion Show Off” (formerly the Home and Garden Show). The event runs May 6, 7 and 8.

Important Dates / Proclamations

March - Kidney Month
April 19 - Quesnel Volunteer Citizen of the Year banquet
April - Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Month
April 27 - Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Day
May 15 to 21 - National Public Works Week
May 15 to 21 - Local Government Awareness Week

Future Quesnel Council or North Cariboo Joint Planning Meetings:

Next Delegation/Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday, March 28
Next Regular Council Meeting: Monday, April 4
Next Budget Meeting (Tax Strategies): Monday, April 11
Next North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting: Tuesday, April 12

No comments: