Editor's Note -- during discussion about an update to the Quesnel Master Fees and Charges Bylaw with respect to a charge to dropping off tires at the Quesnel Municipal Landfill, I noted several Quesnel City Staff shaking their head in disgust as Quesnel Councillor Sushil Thapar suggest the new charges as a "double charge", even when Quesnel Staff noted several times that this particular charge was compensate the City to move those car, truck and industrial tires to an appropriate location for recycling. It was also noted that the fee doesn't apply if you take your vehicle tire(s) to a tire shop for recycling
The fee is $5/tire for tires up to 20 inches, $10/tire for tires between 20-24.5 inches and $50/tire for tires bigger than 24.5 inches
Fees bylaw presented
Council gave the first three readings to an updated Master Fee Bylaw. This bylaw covers the various fees and charges, not including property taxes, that the municipality collects. The fees were all put in one bylaw in 2010 to make the process of updating them more efficient.
Some of the changes include:
-An increase to water and sewer utility fees of 5%. This equals an average increase of $7.28 for water and $10.28 for sewer.
-Various increases to fees in the Development Services department, including: development and subdivision applications; building fees; manufactured home park applications; and soil removal.
-An introduction of landfill tipping fees by weight for commercial customers, as well as residential customers with more than 350 kilograms of household garbage. There was no increase to residential garbage collection fees.
-An increase for cemetery fees of 5% for costs, and 10% for plots.
Several fee types did not increase for 2013, including business licences, development cost charges, and dog licences. The changes take effect Jan. 1, 2013.
Financial update provided.
Council received an update on the City's financial position at the end of the third quarter. There are no significant variances or reassessments on the revenue front. As for expenses, it is expected that the overall they will come in on budget. On the capital project side of the budget, several of the larger projects, such as the Elliott Street reconstruction and the City's general paving program are complete. Other projects, such as the landfill changes, are still underway.
Lodging project in the works
Council gave first reading to a pair of Zoning Bylaw amendments that if approved would allow lodging use at 1346 Abbott Dr. The property owner is looking to create up to five boarding spaces in a safe home setting for seniors. Council also set a public hearing for Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers as a public input session regarding the amendments.
Other News
-Council approved that their indemnity increase by 0.7%, keeping in line with a Council policy that states Council's pay will increase by the September increase to the Consumer Price Index. As of Jan. 1, the Mayor will receive $3,555.47 ( 3,530.75 in 2012) and Councillors will receive $1,219.87 ($1,211.39). The change means a total increase of $975 to the City Council indemnity budget.
-Council approved an Outdoor Cafe Permit for the next three years for Granville's Coffee. The permit allows the company to have an outdoor cafe in a public right of way (parking spaces).
-Council received the final reports from two popular events, Family Day and Canada Day. Both events came in under budget and were highly successful. Council thanked all those involved with both projects, noting that it is the support of volunteers that makes community events such as these so popular.
-A new five-year licence of occupation was approved between the City and the Quesnel and District Lawn Bowling Society. The society uses the facilities in the West Fraser Timber Park.
Important Dates
November 7 - Well Owners' Workshop - Kersley Hall, 7 p.m.
November 11 - Remembrance Day
November 15 - Career Leap
November 22 - Tillicum Society 40th Anniversary celebration
Proclamations
October 28 to November 10 - Veterans Days
November 15 - Career Day
November 18 to 25 - Restorative Justice Week
Future Council Meetings:
Next North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting: Tuesday November 13, 5:30 p.m.
Next Delegation/Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday November 19, 7 p.m.
Next Regular Council Meeting: Monday November 26, 7 p.m.
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