Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Quesnel Council Highlights - May 24th Meeting

Expense reports to go online

The City of Quesnel will become just the second municipality in B.C. to post travel expense reports online. Council approved posting not only Council's travel expenses, but senior administration's expenses as well, effective June 1. The reports will be included on a regular Council meeting agenda once each month for a six-month trial basis, after which time the practice will be reviewed. To the City's knowledge, only the City of Vancouver has a similar procedure in B.C.

City receives accessibility award

The City of Quesnel was named the winner of the North Central Local Government Association's accessibility awards for communities with a population greater than 5,000 people. The community was commended by the NCLGA "thanks to the inspired efforts of members of a grass roots community initiative dedicated to making a difference - the Measuring Up Quesnel Committee. Several community recreational buildings have been renovated to enhance and improve accessibility. An accessible sidewalk replacement policy, and the ongoing development of accessible trails in local parks and campgrounds will benefit everyone."

Other News:

Council approved a development permit at 2153 Dragon Hill Rd. to allow the development of a door and window assembly/distribution shop. Council also approved amending the zoning from CR-2 (Rural Single and Duplex Residential) to C-4 (Highway Commercial) to permit the commercial use.

Council approved providing $150 for Project Hope, a new, non-profit organization focused on the Women's Resource Centre renovation.

The City's exempt employees (management and other employees who are not members of CUPE) will receive a 1.5% pay increase, effective Jan. 1 , 2011. This equals the amount provided CUPE members.

Special Council meeting news - May 9:

Council approved a number of changes for Quesnel transit. The City will add 250 hours of handyDART service beginning in June, with a $1 fee increase per fare. In addition, Quesnel Transit conventional service will pass through the Westland, Dennis and Gassoff Road areas starting in September. The changes add $14,600 to the transit budget for a full year.

May 16 Council's strategic objectives for 2011 have been approved. These objectives and suggested action steps are reported annually as part of the City's Annual Report. The 2010 Annual Report will be available for public inspection by June 6.

Council approved locating a Firefighters Memorial Monument in LeBourdais Park. The final location will be determined over the coming months. The monument will honour deceased members of the area's fire associations.

Northern Strike Paintball will be able to hold their events on a piece of City property just off the Quesnel-Hixon Road after Council approved signing a licence of occupation. The City was not asked to provide any funding for the group.

The City will submit a grant application to the BC Real Estate Foundation to complete an Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan. The grant amount is for $37,800, with the City contributing staff time valued at $3,150. A strategy and action plan was one of the next steps identified in the City's Affordable Housing Needs Assessment completed in 2010.

Important Dates:

June 4, 10 a.m. at Ceal Tingley Park - Walk for Witzke June 4 - Skyfest Pub Night fundraiser

Future Meetings:

Next Delegation Meeting:
Monday May 30

Next Regular Council Meeting:
Monday June 6

Next Committee of the Whole Meeting:
Monday June 13

Next North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting:
Tuesday June 14

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