Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Quesnel Council Highlights - April 2nd mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Another step for WQLS program

Council received an update regarding drilling 14 vertical pumping wells as part of Phase 1 of the West Quesnel Land Stability dewatering program. The estimated cost for this part of the program is $566,000, which includes the well drilling, engineering costs ($110,000), and pumps and installation ($125,000). JR Drilling Central Ltd. was the low bidder on the well drilling portion, at $147,398 plus HST, leaving this part of the dewatering program under budget so far.

Budget 2012 update

Now that the budget process is largely complete, the average homeowner in Quesnel is looking at a 3.3% tax increase. This equals an increase of $20.71 for a home valued at the average assessment of $161,489. For residents receiving garbage pick-up, water and sewer services, the total increase in taxes and fees to the average homeowner is about $39.19.

Budget 2012 will receive first three readings at the April 23 meeting, and must be finalized by May 15.

Early approval for capital items

Council provided approval for a number of capital items at Monday night's meeting. Included on the approval list were:

Computers and IT equipment $50,000
Photocopiers and printers $20,000
Firefighting equipment $25,000

Council also approved a number of paving projects to be funded through the Quesnel Works: Capital Reinvestment Program, including:

Kinchant St. - 300 block $87,900
Barlow Ave. - Arena to Casino laneway $56,360
Johnston Ave. - Lawlor to Arts and Rec Centre $111,925
Moffatt Bridge approach - east-bound to Davie $90,310

Council re-endorses connector

Council re-endorsed an updated proposal for the Wells/Barkerville - Purden Lake connector made by Cariboo Regional District Area C Director John Massier and Wells Mayor Robin Sharpe. The proposal would see an upgrade of the existing road/trail to that of forestry standards at an estimated cost of about $1 million. Not only would the upgrade enhance tourism opportunities, but it would provide an alternate escape route for local residents during emergency situations.

Other News

-The City will investigate the potential for a sister city relationship with Longyan City in Fujian Province in China. Mayor Mary Sjostrom was invited to China by the Mayor of Longyan City with the hopes of extending an already positive working relationship between the two cities' school districts to the local government level. Other than airfare to Vancouver, the City will incur minimal costs. The trip is planned for May 7 and is scheduled to last about one week.

-This year's Volunteer Citizen of the Year nominees were introduced to the community. Helen Boudreau, Sheri Coles (who could not attend) and Liz Miller were thanked by Council for all the work they do in the community. This year's Volunteer Citizen of the Year will be named at the April 17 banquet.

-Family Day will get a boost to its budget this year after Council approved a $500 increase to support a bigger event in celebration of 2012 being the 10th Annual Family Day. The always popular event returns to LeBourdais Park on June 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature entertainment, free food and refreshments, plenty of children's activities and more.

Proclamations

April - Daffodil Month; April 27 - Daffodil Day
May 6 to 12 - Hospice Palliative Care Awareness Week

Important Dates

April 17 - Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award Banquet (Royal Canadian Legion) May 6, Noon - Hike For Hospice - LeBourdais Park

Future Meeting Dates: (All meetings in Quesnel Council Chambers)

Next North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting: Tuesday April 10, 5:30 p.m.
Next Delegation/Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday April 16, 7 p.m.
Next Regular Council Meeting: Monday April 23, 7 p.m.

1 comment:

Laurey-Anne R. said...

JPC has been cancelled for April 10th.