Quesnel Council Highlights - Dec 17th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Budget 2013 underway

Council was presented with introductory information regarding Budget 2013. Over the past couple of months, staff have prepared a draft "status quo" budget - this is a budget that assumes no changes to service levels, programs or transfers to reserves. To meet this budget, a tax increase of 3.6% for the average resident would be required. It is very early in the budget process, so this number should be taken for what it is - an early snapshot that provides Council with information and options, and a place to begin budget discussions.

That draft budget will be presented to Council at the first review of the operating budget on Jan. 28 2013.

There are several key dates for the budget process, including:

-Jan. 28 - Review of the operating budget and supplemental (new spending) list.

-Feb. 18 - Review of the 2013 capital budget

Feb. 25 - Formal public input session/Review of the legislative, fee-for-service, and community support budgets.

-March 2013 - Review the capital project voting results/five-year financial plan

Adopt final budget before May 15.

The public is encouraged to attend budget meetings, and may provide input at any point in the process, either in person or in writing.

City to look at community forest

The City will begin developing and reviewing a business case for a proposed Community Forest. Council approved striking a select committee to investigate the feasibility of a Community Forest and to report its findings to Council before March 31, 2013. The report will include: the economic feasibility of a community forest; the optimal governance and operating model; and a final "go" or "no go" recommendation for Council.

One of the primary goals of the community forest would be to provide revenue to the City that is not reliant on property taxation.

Council appointed Councillors Mike Cave and Ed Coleman, QCEDC Board Chair Jim Gorsline, and fellow Board member Tony Bensted to the committee, along with City Manager Byron Johnson. The Cariboo Regional District will be invited to send a representative as well.

Other News

-The City will begin investigating providing garbage pick-up in South Quesnel after a request was received from the South Hills and Area Neighbourhood Association. Staff will compile information and begin communicating with area residents in the New Year.

-Council increased the number of transit tickets it provides to the Transportation Assistance Program from 150 to 250 per month. The program is a partnership between the City and the United Way. The United Way distributes the tickets to appropriate local service agencies, who then give them to individuals for emergency or critical situations that require transit use. The tickets provide a way to access appointments dealing with employment services, medical aid, counselling or safe housing needs.

-Council received and approved the QCEDC 2013-2015 contract to provide economic development services. The corporation's 2013-2015 strategic plan was also received and endorsed by Council. For more information about QCEDC, visit www.quesnelinfo.com

-Council approved providing $800 bursaries to two students from Correlieu Secondary and the McNaughton Centre. The bursaries are provided based upon financial need and academic excellence.

From Dec. 3 Quesnel Council meeting:

The appointments of Peter Walsh, Lori Mckee, Christine Clark and Poonam Miglani to the Quesnel Museum and Heritage Commission were approved for two-year terms.

Important Dates

December 25, 26 and January 1 - Quesnel City Hall, Twin Arenas/Arts and Recreation Centre closed
December 25 and January 1 - Landfill closed

Next Regular Council Meeting: Monday January 7, 7 p.m.
Next Delegation/Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday January 14, 7 p.m.
Next North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting: Tuesday January 15, 5:30 p.m

Above mentioned meetings take place in Quesnel Council Chambers - 2nd Floor, 410 Kinchant St.