Land stability contract awarded
Council approved a $745,700 contract to the Jensen Drilling Company to cover the costs of drilling at nine horizontal drain sites as part of the West Quesnel Land Stability dewatering program. Jensen Drilling was the firm that drilled the horizontal drains that were part of the 2008 WQLS trail dewatering program.
The total cost of installing the horizontal drains was estimated at $1.489 million, which includes $284,000 for engineering and inspection and $80,000 for plumbing. At this stage, this portion of the WQLS dewatering program is under budget. All three major contracts relating to the 2012 dewatering program (horizontal drains, vertical wells, and the Stork/Hawk storm drain) have been approved.
RCMP contract
Council approved the Municipal Police Unit Agreement with the RCMP for a 20-year period beginning in 2012. The contract between the Province of British Columbia and the City of Quesnel maintains the same cost-sharing formula; cities with populations between 5,000 and 15,000 people pay 70% of the costs. The City's RCMP budget for 2012 was based upon regular RCMP forecasts and a full compliment of 21 officers. Those forecasts included provisions for pay increases. Even with the Treasury Board's March decision to approve pay increases for RCMP members, the existing City budget is sufficient.
Municipalities not ratifying the agreement would be required to start their own police force.
New deputy fire chief named
City Council recognized Mike Russell as the successful candidate for the Deputy Chief position
with the Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department. Russell has been a department employee since October 1999. His primary role has been that of the Fire Prevention Officer, although in 2001 he added the City's Safety Officer duties. Russell has completed his Fire Officer Level 4 qualification, holds a diploma in Fire Service Leadership and is working on his bachelor in fire & life safety studies. He will start in his new position on April 30.
Other News
The City gave first three readings to its five-year financial and tax rate bylaws The average homeowner will see an increase of 3.3% to the City's portion of the property tax bill, which equals $20.71. The bylaws will return to Council for final adoption on May 14. An overall summary of property taxes for the average homeowner will be presented at that time.
Council made several decisions around economic development and twinning trips to Japan and China. First, Council approved Mayor Sjostrom using up to $1,000 of her existing travel budget to pay for some costs associated with her upcoming trip to China (flight to Vancouver, hotel and incidentals). Second, Council approved using up to $23,700 from the Asia Pacific Twinning Grant funds to pay for the Mayor, three Councillors and the economic development officer to travel to Shiraoi and other sites in Japan.
Council approved the 2012/2013 transit and handyDART contracts. There is a 1.7% (approximately $4,000) increase to the City's share of total costs compared to the last agreement.
Proclamations
April 22 to 28 - National Victims of Crime Awareness Week April - Daffodil Month
April 27 - Daffodil Day
May 6 to 12 - Hospice Palliative Care Awareness Week
May 20 to 26 - Local Government Awareness Week, National Public Works Week
Important Dates
April 27, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Share what you love about Quesnel and where you'd like to see it in the future.
April 28, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Noon to 3:30 p.m.
Envision a sustainable and successful future.
(Both events at the North Cariboo Community Campus) May 6, Noon - Hike For Hospice - LeBourdais Park
Next Delegation/Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday May 7, 7 p.m.
Next North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting: Tuesday May 8, 5:30 p.m.
Next Regular Council Meeting: Monday May 14, 7 p.m.
Above 3 meetings held in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St)
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