Friday, June 28, 2013

WL Council meets Tuesday & SD 28 Board meets Wed

With School District #27 on break until September and all other local governments on break until mid-July - Williams Lake City Council and School District #28 Board of Education are the only two local governments to meet next week.

Items on WL Council's Agenda include:

1) Delegations:

a) Todd Walters/Mark Everard from Tolko to make a public announcement in regards to the Lakeview Division (in my mind, it can only be one of three things -- a plant expansion, plant shutdown or plant move to Soda Creek Division.  At the time of this writing, there is no background information on Council's agenda

2) Business:

a) Development Permit (DP) for 'Audiotronic' (1148 Broadway Avenue South) - Councillor Hughes, as she has done before, will oppose this development permit and the connected OCP/Zoning Amendment Bylaws

b) Approval for DVP on Eagle Crescent
c) Approval for Traffic Control Recommendations in the City of Williams Lake
d) DP for new sign at Chevron Commercial Fuel (on old People's Foods site)
e) Adopt COW Recommendation to allow City Staff to look into purchase/long term lease of former School District #27 schools including Kwaleen, Glendale and Poplar Glade.  (Still not sure how acquiring these properties is in the City's best interests)

f) Letter from a 108 Mile resident about traffic concern about CN Rail crossing on Frizzi Rd

Finally - the City's new CAO Darryl Garceau (barring any unforseen circumstances) should be in attendance at WL Council's meeting Tuesday

Read the full Agenda here

Meanwhile, School District #28's Board of Education (Quesnel) is meeting for the final time this school year (2012-13) on Wednesday, July 3rd at 7:00pm in the SD 28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd).

Items on the Agenda include:

a) Adoption of Narcosli Crk Elementary School Closure Bylaw
b) Report from SD 28 Superintendent
c) SD 28 Achievement Contract
d) SD 28 Literacy Plan
e) Report on meeting with MOTI Staff re: Barlow Crk Elementary - speed in front of school (Note - CRD Board last Thursday agreed to arrange a meeting with Hon. Todd Stone on this topic at request of Area C Director (and CCRHD Chair) John Massier) at this year's Union of BC Municipalities conference

f) Photos from recent opening of 'Patricia Marsh Community Track' - more on this story from the Rush here

View the full July 3rd SD 28 Agenda here

NC Multicentre Public Mtg on Sept 3rd

Joint Release of the Cariboo Regional District/City of Quesnel:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) and City of Quesnel will provide North Cariboo residents with a North Cariboo Multi-Centre project update during a public meeting in Quesnel City Hall Council Chambers on Tuesday Sept. 3. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Members of the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee (the CRD’s four northern directors and Quesnel City Council) will be in attendance. Although a deadline of May 31 had been established for the fundraising initiatives, the JPC has reviewed the timeline for the various steps required to borrow the money needed for the project to proceed and has determined that an extension until at least Sept. 3 is possible to allow the fundraising effort to continue throughout the summer. The loan authorization bylaw approved in the referendum will expire Dec. 12, 2013.

"The JPC, staff and the Multi-Centre fundraising committee have worked extremely hard to secure funding for this project over the past few years," stated CRD Vice-Chair, Ted Armstrong. “We have re-assessed our timelines related to the project and feel comfortable with extending our deadlines; we need to continue the momentum to fundraise and raise the profile of this project locally, provincially and nationally in an attempt to secure a funding commitment from senior levels of government."

“My colleagues and I continue to lobby senior levels of government and ensure their representatives are aware of the project and this community’s great eagerness to proceed,” added Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom. “I want to ensure our residents know we are working on this file and are committed to carrying out the mandate provided during the referendum. I’m excited that we have found some more time to continue our fundraising efforts. We have determined that the community’s vision for the Multi-Centre can still be accomplished with our original $30 million budget and we are committed to making that vision a reality.”

At the Joint Planning Committee meeting on June 25, the members released a resolution reaffirming that the Multi-Centre project requires a $30 million budget to proceed. The Committee did not support any reductions to the scope of work of the project. The project budget includes a 1,600-seat arena, 450-seat performing arts theatre and accompanying event and assembly space.

The Cariboo Regional District and City of Quesnel still need to secure approximately $5.5 million in funding after North Cariboo taxpayers approved borrowing up to $15 million in the 2008 referendum.

South Lakeside Project starts July 2nd

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Construction on the South Lakeside Drive Repaving and Widening Project will begin on Tuesday, July 2.

In addition to repaving, the merge lane from Hodgson Road will be extended to Pioneer Drive, and a pedestrian/bike lane will be added from Hodgson Road to the Seventh Day Adventist School. Work on the project is expected to continue through September.

Construction of a wall on the north side of the road, as well as miscellaneous preparation work will be performed in the first week. Hours of work will be 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

All accesses to South Lakeside Drive will be open, but motorists should expect minor delays, and are asked to obey flaggers and the posted work zone speed limits.

Updates on the progress of the project will be issued weekly.

Quesnel Art in the Park

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Quesnel & District Leisure Services will host Art in the Park at Quesnel’s LeBourdais Park and Shiraoi Cultural Centre August 24 from 10 am – 3 pm. Artists and artisans working in all media are welcome to participate. Artists will be setting up their tents for sales surrounding the centre and art technique demonstrations will be inside.

Leisure Services’ Art Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Waldorf said “The event has run for years in the farmers market, and it’s become quite popular for visitors and artists wanting to participate that this year we have moved to a new, central location where the event can grow. All regional artists and artisans are welcome, the more diversity the better. The Shiraoi Cultural Centre is a beautiful facility, featured artists will be scheduled to lead the public through art material exploration throughout the day.”

Artists are requested to bring open sided tents no larger than 10 x 10 feet, the city will provide tables and chairs. $20 will book your spot, all sales proceeds are to the artist. Call the Art Program office at 250-991-4013 for information and to register.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Cariboo RD Board Mtg - June 27th

Present - Chair Al Richmond with Directors Armstrong, Dixon-Warren, Massier, Kemp, Wagner, Glassford, Mernett, Rattray, Sharpe, Sjostrom, Cook, Campsall and Alternate Directors S. Forseth (Area D) and J. Darney (Area F)

Absent - Director R. William (Area J)

Staff:

J. Bell - CAO
A. Johnston - Corporate Officer
S. Burich - Manager of Communications
K. Moores - Manager of Development Services

Agenda adopted/Minutes of June 7th meeting approved
Delegation MOB received

Planning Services:

1) Bylaw 4824 deferred (Area L)
2) Bylaw 4826 given 1st/2nd Reading (Area A)
3) Bylaws 4835/4836 deferred (Area A)
4) Bylaw 4803 given 3rd Reading (Area F)
5) Bylaw 4704 adopted (Area F)
6) Bylaw 4765 adopted (Area A)
7) ALR Application G267 deferred (Area G)
8) ALR Application #75/2012 deferred (Area L)

Environment Services: 

1) Water/Sewer Proposed Projects report received
2) Multi Materials BC Collector Financial Incentives report received/referred to sub-regional Joint Committees for review and provide recommendations back to Regional Board prior to Sept 16th, 2013

3) Board agreed to extend the contracting services agreement with the WLACL (WL Association of Community Living) to March 31, 2014, at which time a two year contract may be drafted that ensures compliance with Multi Materials BC Collector Qualification Standards for recycling depots.

4) Board received a report on Refuse Site Improvements in 2013

Protective Services:

1) Board agreed to conduct a referendum on Sept 14th to get public assent for the West Chilcotin Search and Rescue Service (Area J) with Advanced Polls on Sept 4th/9th

Communications:

1) The Board agreed to request meetings at annual UBCM Conference with Minister Stone (Transportation) in regards to the Purden Lk Route and a possible meeting regarding an issue on the Nazko Rd (issue to be confirmed prior to UBCM) and with Minister Bond (Tourism taxation issues) and with Minister Lake regarding Health Care issues (GR Baker - Quesnel/Cariboo Memorial Hospital - Williams Lake).

Meeting recessed at 11:20am
Meeting resumed at 11:30am

Delegation - Telus:

Bert Braybrook from Telus appeared before the Board to discuss an update on cell phone service within the Cariboo Chilcotin. The presentation included an overview on a total investment of $4.5M in the Cariboo over the past year. Upgrades in the coming months will include improved coverage in 150 Mile House, 100 Mile House, and the Lac La Hache corridor. New sites for wireless areas which will be addressed in 2014 include the 108 Mile area and McLeese Lake and increased capacity and fibre optics in other areas in the region along Highway 97

A Question Period ensued with all Directors being given a chance to ask questions

Chair Richmond, on behalf of the Board, thanked Mr. Braybrook for his time/information

Meeting recessed for lunch at 12:04pm
Meeting resumed at 12:48pm

Finance:

1) Board agreed to waive an annual $500 rental fee that the Cariboo RD had been charging to Ministry of Environment previously for their Air Monitoring equipment on the CRD's WL Office.

Opposed - Area E Director Byron Kemp and Area D Alt Director Steve Forseth

Editor's Note - along with Director Kemp, I felt it was a form of downloading.  Directors' Cook, Sjostrom, and Campsall felt strongly that not waiving the $500 rental fee could see the equipment moved elsewhere.  I note that it was a 'request' not a 'requirement'.  I feel the Ministry should contribute to the cost to house the equipment given it is a provincial, and not local, project to collect this information (Air Quality) (hydro, etc).  It's not like that the Ministry can't afford it.  Lots of money wasted these days in Victoria.... just a matter of spending priorities

2) Board received the Monthly Spending Report for May 2013
3) 2012 SOFI Report approved for release

Administration:

1) Special Liquor License approved for the Alexis Creek DAZE, at the Alexis Creek Community Club grounds on July 20, 2013.

2) Board received an update from the Policy/Procedures Committee
3) Board agreed to submit a UBCM Resolution in regard to the 'Rural BC' project
4) Board agreed to submit the name of Chair Al Richmond for 2nd VP - Union of BC Municipalities
5) Board received an update from the CRD CAO re: Mandate Letters to provincial cabinet ministers
6) Board released an In-Camera Motion from its' closed June 7th meeting as follows:

That CRD Purchasing Policy No. 91-4-4(y) be waived and that the Board endorse staff recommendation to extend the Central Cariboo Transfer Stations Hauling Contract for a one year period, ending September 31, 2014, with the inclusion of a fuel allowance increase in the yearly amount of approximately $11,461 and a monthly fuel surcharge, if applicable. Further, that the applicable signatories be authorized to enter into the extension agreement and that this item be released from in-camera and confirmed in open meeting.

7) Special Liquor License approved for the Deka Lake Volunteer Fire Department to hold a beer garden in conjunction with a fishing derby at the Deka Lake fire hall grounds on August 4, 2013.

8) Consent Calendar received
9) Level 1 Corporate Priorities report received
10) Letter from SD #27 re: Orange Shirt Day received
11) Prioritization of Board Resolutions received

Committee/Commission Minutes/Recommendations:

1) North Cariboo Joint Committee Minutes of May 28th/June 4th and the Board endorsed recommendations forward from the North Cariboo Joint Committee meeting of May 28th

2) The Board received the minutes of the June 5th Anaheim Lk Airport Commission meeting and endorsed 1 recommendation from that meeting

3) The Board received the minutes of the June 6th COW Meeting and endorsed the 10 recommendations from that meeting

4) The Board received the minutes of the June 10th South Cariboo Joint Committee and deferred 1 recommendation (South Cariboo Community Foundation) and endorsed 1 Recommendation (Look into seat belts on 100 Mile Transit Bus)

Corporate Bylaws:

1) Board adopted Central Cariboo Recreation Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 4841, 2013
2) Board adopted South Cariboo Regional Airport Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4842, 2013

Directors' Reports:

a) Board received an update from Director Massier (Area C) regarding the Fraser Basin Council meeting on June 6th in Prince George

b) Other Directors' gave verbal updates on issues/events in their Electoral Area or Municipality

Meeting recessed at 2:20pm
Meeting resumed at 2:25pm to go In-Camera

Board adjourned its' meeting at 2:40pm

CCRHD Board Mtg - June 27th

Present - Chair J. Massier with Directors Armstrong, Dixon-Warren, Kemp, Richmond, Wagner, Glassford, Mernett, Rattray, Sharpe, Sjostrom, Cook, Campsall and Alternate Directors S. Forseth (Area D) and J. Darney (Area F)

Absent - Director R. William (Area J)

Staff:

J. Bell - CAO
A. Johnston - Corporate Officer
S. Burich - Manager of Communications

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

Agenda adopted/Minutes of June 7th CCRHD (Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District) Meeting approved

Business:

1) The Board received an email update on Accreditation Canada process, as provided by Chair Massier
2) A 'Letter of Condolence' will be forwarded to the family of Audrey MacLise at the request of the Area D Alternate Director.  Ms. MacLise passed away earlier this week.  She was also a driving force to getting Deni House re-opened back in 2011

3) The Board received the Hospital Consent Calendar
4) The Board received an item from Northern Health in regards to 'Understanding Resource and Community Development in Northern BC'

5) The Board endorsed Option 2 to amend CCRHD Bylaws 62 of 2010, 75 of 2011 and 83 of 2012 (GR Baker Hospital and Dunrovin Park Lodge) as follows:

Revise the CCRHD funding to equal 40% of the total expenditures for all four projects referred to above, resulting in total funding of $1,053,632. Since Bylaw 75 (Proximity Card Security System) has been completed and paid for, this would require the funding to be allocated among the three remaining projects.

The Board adjourned its' meeting at 9:43am

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Special CCRHD Board Mtg - June 26th

Present - Chair J. Massier with Directors Armstrong, Kemp, Richmond, Wagner, Glassford, Rattray, Sharpe, Sjostrom, Cook, Campsall and Alternate Directors S. Forseth (Area D) and J. Darney (Area F)

Absent - Directors H. Dixon-Warren (Area B), R. William (Area J), C. Mernett (Area K)

Staff:

J. Bell - CAO
A. Johnston - Corporate Officer
S. Reid - CFO
S. Burich - Manager of Communications

Others Present - Reps from Interior and Northern Health + 1 Member of the Public (G. Atamanenko)

Meeting called to order at 6pm

Presentation - Northern Health (GR Baker):

* Master Plan for all acute care services (minus residential care) on one site by 2035
* Patient focused
* Long Term Flexibility
* "One-Stop" Shop for Health Services
* Seniors friendly
* Consideration given to First Nations Cultural needs
* Planning Criteria
* Developing the Plan
* Renovate or Rebuild on current GR Baker site - cost estimates still the same

A Question and Answer period ensued

Chair Massier, on behalf of the Board, thanked Northern Health for their Presentation

Presentation - Interior Health, via teleconference (Cariboo Memorial):

* Progressive Plan building on previous phases (Master Site Plan)
* Priorities of In-Patient, ER, Ambulatory Care and Pharmacy
* Upgrades to Internal Hospital Infrastructure to accomodate Hospital Site Upgrades in future
* What is a Concept Plan
* Major Components of Concept Plan

i) Needs Evaluation
ii) Site Assessment
iii) Budget
iv) Communications Plan
v) P3 Hospital (Partnerships BC, required for capital projects exceeding $100 million)

* Process

i) Stakeholders
ii) Indicative Design
iii) Capital/Operations Requirements

* Next Steps:

i) RFP for Consultation in Sept 2013
ii) Capital/Operational Estimates
iii) Full Concept Plan to Ministry of Health - Summer of 2014

A Question and Answer period ensued including:

i) Has IH visited CMH?
ii) Flexibility in case of approval for New Prosperity Mine?
iii) What is the plan to engage public during development of Concept Plan?
iv) After Concept Plan approval, how long for Business Case development? - 6 months

Chair Massier, on behalf of the Board, thanked Interior Health for their presentation

The Chair declared a recess for 5 minutes

Meeting then resumed after the recess

Discussion on CCRHD Taxation/Reserves

CAO J. Bell/CFO S. Reid reviewed the item with the Board
Discussion ensued

* Maintain CCRHD Tax Rate or increase it to $75/100,000
* Discuss item with area residents' at Town Hall Meetings this fall
* Timing of CMH/GR Baker Hospital Projects will be crucial to how to budget 40% for these projects

Moved - Director Glassford;
Seconded - Director Cook:

"That Staff be requested to report back on options on how to fund, going forward, the CCRHD share for Cariboo Memorial/GR Baker Hospital Capital Projects"

Carried Unanimously

Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm

Outcome of Forest Grove Transfer Station Mtg

On Tuesday - Cariboo RD Area 'H' (Forest Grove-Canim Lk) Director Margo Wagner held a meeting with her area residents' about upcoming changes to the Forest Grove Transfer Station

Read more about that public meeting here


100 Mile Council hears about road safety concern

HQCariboo.com reports that 100 Mile resident Joan Eisminger appeared before 100 Mile District Council yesterday to express her concern around road safety along Horse Lk Road

Read more here

Quesnel Council Highlights - June 24th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:


2012 SOFI report presented
Council received and approved the 2012 Statement of Financial Information, an annual requirement under the Financial Information Act. The SOFI includes the yearly Financial Statements, Council and employee remuneration and expenses, and a list of suppliers receiving aggregate payments exceeding $25,000 in the fiscal year.
The Community Charter also requires reporting on the total amount of any benefits provided to Council and a list of any contracts with members of Council. The report may be viewed through the Agenda on the City’s website.

Downtown to see improvements
A Development Variance Permit to vary the number and maximum height of freestanding signage, allowing the addition of a proposed 7m freestanding tower and facade improvements was approved by Council. The applicant, Cariboo Ford Ltd. is hoping to provide a positive impression for motorists travelling through the community and significant visual improvement in the downtown core.

Long service awards on agenda
Long service awards for six recipients were on the Council agenda again tonight. Certificates and gifts for thirty year employees were presented to Gary Stuart, Dianne Natalizio and Kulvinder Phangura. Twenty year recipients were Lance Wilkins, Matt Thomas and Kris Jassal. Both Kulvinder and Kris were not able to attend the Council meeting.

Curling Club gets boost
Council approved both a letter of support and a donation in the amount of $750.00 from Council Projects to assist the Quesnel Curling Club in their efforts to become wheelchair accessible.
Quesnel’s Alison Duddy was named CurlBC’s disabled athlete of the year for 2012/2013. Alison is a member of the BC Wheelchair Curling Provincial Champions who won the gold medal in the last two Provincial Championships and two consecutive medals at the National level. The incentive for this project was initiated to recognize the contribution Alison has made to wheelchair curling throughout Canada!

ourQuesnel ICSP endorsed
Council endorsed the final ourQuesnel Integrated Community Sustainability Plan at Monday’s meeting. Next steps will include taking the document to community groups and possibly holding a conference this fall. Council would like to nominate the document for a Community Excellence Award through the Union of BC Municipalities.

A visit from our sister city
Delegates from our sister city of Shiraoi, Japan are planning a visit to Quesnel at the beginning of October. There are currently ten visitors registered for the trip including Shiraoi’s mayor. The Shiraoi Twinning Society together with the City will host an evening of dinner and entertainment for the guests as well as scheduling meetings and tours to various facilities.

Other news
Council reported on highlights of their attendance at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities 76th Annual Conference and Trade Show.
First three readings were given to the Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw 1721.
Invitation from Billy Barker Days Festival inviting Council to participate in the 40th anniversary and reminder of parade route change (new route information is available on their website at http://billybarkerdays.ca/)

Important dates

July 1 - Canada Day (Lebourdais Park from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Committee of the Whole (WL Council) Mtg - June 25th

Present - Mayor Cook (Chair) and Councillors Bonnell, Bourdon, Hughes, Rathor, Walters and Zacharias

Staff Present:

Geoff Goodall - Acting CAO/GM of Planning and Operations
Rena Schill - Corp. Services Records Management Coordinator
Pat Higgins - Director of Finance
Kevin Goldfuss - Director of Municipal Services
Chris Hutton - Planning Technician

Meeting called to order at 6pm
Minutes of June 11th COW Meeting approved
Agenda approved with 1 Late Item from Mayor Cook - SD #27 Expression of Interest Mtg

Business:


1) Oliver St Market Location

The Planning Technician reviewed his report with the Committee
Discussion ensued

That it be recommended to Council:

"That Option 2 (Close Oliver St between 1st Avenue & Laneway between 1st/2nd Avenues) be approved with regard to the Oliver St Market, provided that consultation is conducted with affected businesses and Staff report back to Council at the July 2nd Council Mtg on the result of the consultations"

Carried Unanimously

2) Airport Operations/2013 Airport Budget Amendment

Director of Municipal Services reviewed this item with the Committee
Discussion ensued

That it be recommended to Council:

"That Council waive the minimum surplus balance for the Airport Operating Reserve fund and transfer $42,030 from this fund to support the Pay Parking Controller Upgrade ($20,000) and the increased hours for the Airport Operator III position ($22,030)"

Approved by the Committee on the following vote:

Affirmative - Mayor Cook and Councillors Bourdon, Hughes, Rathor, Walters and Zacharias
Negative - Councillor Bonnell

Councillor Bonnell requested that the above motion be split into two recommendations at the July 2nd Council (Pay Parking Controller Upgrade & Increased Hours for the Airport Operator 3 position)

3) RFP for External Auditor

Director of Finance reviewed this item with the Committee
Discussion ensued

That it be recommended to Council:

"That Council approve the proposed request for proposal for external auditing services"

Carried Unanimously

Late Item - SD #27 Expression of Interest for Surplus Property

Mayor Cook reviewed this item with the Committee to send City Staff to see about the possibility of acquiring property surplus to School District #27 needs which could include Kwaleen, Glendale or Poplar Glade (surplus properties within City of WL Boundaries)

Moved - Mayor Cook
Seconded - Councillor Bourdon

"That Staff be requested to attend the upcoming SD #27 EOI Meeting with respect to surplus lands that School District #27 owns and report back to Council"

Carried Unanimously

Editor's Note -- I wonder how the above is in keeping with the City's strategic needs.  As I understand it - SD #27 is required to consult with local governments with regards to surplus lands that a school district holds prior to SD #27 putting the surplus lands up for bid on the open market.  How much is the City prepared to spend to acquire excess SD #27 property, given long-term debt of $15 million with another $12 million for CMRC to come.

The Committee adjourned at 7:06pm

Council then convened a Special In-Camera Meeting

Special WL Council Mtg - June 25th

Present - Mayor Cook and Councillors Bourdon, Hughes, Rathor, Walters and Zacharias

Absent - Councillor Ivan Bonnell

Staff Present:

Geoff Goodall - Acting CAO/GM of Planning and Operations
Rena Schill - Corp. Services Records Management Coordinator
Pat Higgins - Director of Finance

Meeting called to order at 5:45pm
Agenda adopted

Business:

1) Remedial Action Resolution - 4105 Frizzi Rd (Jackpine Forest Products)

Moved - Councillor Rathor;
Seconded - Councillor Walters:

"That Council resolve to impose remedial action requirements on the owners of 4105 Frizzi Road (Lot A, District Lot 8844, Cariboo District, Plan PGP37483) as set out below:

WHEREAS Division 12 of Part 3 of the Community Charter authorizes Council to require the owner of land to bring up to standard, or otherwise deal with a matter or thing in accordance with directions of Council or a person authorized by Council, where the Council considers that the matter or thing is in or creates an unsafe condition, or is a nuisance; and

WHEREAS Jackpine Forest Products c/o Price Waterhouse Coopers Inc. of 700-250 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC is the registered owner (the “Owner”) of land legally described Lot A, District Lot 8844, Cariboo District, Plan PGP37483 and located at the civic address of 4105 Frizzi Road (the "Land") in the City of Williams Lake; and

WHEREAS the surface water and drainage patterns of the land are suspected of directly contributing to slope failures that constitute a hazard and nuisance;

NOW THEREFORE the Council of the City of Williams Lake resolves as follows:

1. The Council considers that the surface water and drainage patterns of the Land are directly contributing to slope failures that constitute a significant risk to public safety if action is not taken within the time limits specified in this Resolution.

2. The Owner must, before 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on July 4, 2013, construct the Stormwater Runoff Diversion system on the Land as specified on drawing no. 602-231-JP, dated June 25, 2013, by TRUE Consulting Group.

3. If the Owner has not complied with paragraph 2 by the date specified the City may without further notice to the Owner undertake the work at the expense of the Owner, and for that purpose may by its employees or those of a contractor enter on the Land for the purpose of performing the works as specified in paragraph 2.

4. If the City takes action under this Resolution, it may recover the costs incurred from the Owner as a debt, and in the same manner and with the same remedies as recovery of municipal costs through the sale of property; Section 80 of the Community Charter"


The Acting CAO reviewed the item with Council
Discussion ensued

The Question was called on the Motion and it was Carried Unanimously

The meeting adjourned at 5:53pm

Report Impaired Driver Signs in WL

Joint Release of MADD - WL Chapter, WL RCMP and City of Williams Lake:



2013 Performances in the Park

Courtesy of the Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Society:

This year’s line-up for Performances in the Park summer concert series rocks!  Get your lawn chairs ready and prepare for a musical celebration for the whole family every Thursday night in Boitanio Park.  


Thanks to the support from the City of Williams Lake, the Cariboo Regional District and local sponsors, the stage will light up in Boitanio Park each Thursday evening from July 4th to August 22nd, 2013 with talented local and provincial performers.

From 6 – 6:45 pm and then from 7 – 8 pm, each night will be filled with family friendly entertainment.  Having two time slots provides opportunity for young performers to grow their stage legs and on some nights we will have two main acts.

Gold Sponsor for Performances in the Park this year is BMO-Bank of Montreal, The Wolf / The Rush radio stations are our proud radio sponsors, Got News Network is keeping us updated online and The Williams Lake Tribune is providing updates in print.

Weekly sponsors include Canada Safeway, BCGEU, United Way – Thompson Nicola Cariboo, Windsor Plywood, Oliver and Co., PMT Chartered Accountants, Coast Fraser Inn, Williams Lake and District Credit Union, Zirnhelt Timber Frames LTD., The Yellow Umbrella / Thyme for Tea and Dr. Elmer Thiessen.

Sound is provided by The Guitar Seller / Audio Video Unlimited.

The series kicks off on July 4th with Angelkeys Music Studio, featuring the sweet voices of Angelkeys Children’s Choir and solo performances by very talented young singers followed by the toe tapping tunes of the Old Time Fiddlers.

Michelle Erlandson and Music for Life will be featured on July 11 followed by Colin Easthope and the Coal Harbour Band.  This rising Canadian songsmith fills the air with warm harmonic tones and a surprising sincerity.  Some of the band members hail from Williams Lake in times past.

July 18th will see Williams Lake Youth Fiddlers and Friends take the stage, followed by the high-energy, up-tempo and spacey electro funk rock of Brent Morton and his new act ‘When the Walls Bend’ are sure to entertain.

Williams Lake’s got Talent on July 25th features young Williams Lake singers who delight and mesmerise audiences with jazz and folk songs, followed by the foot-stomping country gospel tunes of New Journey.
                         
August 1st will feature the Eagle Spirit Band’s country rock and Jordan Holmes will take you through a fusion of blues, folk, soul and Eastern music to journey through dreamscapes and drift on afternoon clouds.

The up-and-coming rock band Beautifully Haunting is playing original tunes on August 8th followed by Perfect Match, who are playing cross-over country / pop / light rock with lively originals that are easy on the ear and good for the heart.

Locals Robyn Ferguson and Oren Barter are teaming up on August 15th and Brett Wildeman will charm the audience with raw coastal folk inspired by his upbringing in a rural coastal environment.

The final performance night on August 22nd will see Rowan, Kylie and Sam, a trio originally from Williams Lake, singing covers and original tunes, and My Wife’s Quartet, an experienced and talented group of musicians who will play to your heart and soul.

Please check out www.facebook.com/performancesinthepark or www.centralcaribooarts.com/performances.html for updates, details and pictures from the summer Performances in the Park concerts.

2013 Performances in the Park Schedule 

July 4, 2013
6:00

7:00
Angelkeys Music Studio:  
Sweet voices of Angelkeys Children’s Choir and Soloists
Old Time Fiddlers:
Toe Tapping Family fun fiddle group from Williams Lake
July 11, 2013
6:00

7:00
Music for Life – Michelle Erlandson
Young talented singers from Music for Life Studio
Colin Easthope and the Coal Harbor Band
This rising Canadian Songsmith fills the air with warm harmonic tones and a surprising sincerity
July 18, 2013
6:00

7:00
Williams Lake Youth Fiddlers and friends – Ingrid Johnston
Mesmerising young fiddlers and beautiful singers
When the Walls Bend
High-energy, up tempo and spacey electro funk rock , Brent Morton
July 25, 2013
6:00

7:00
Williams Lake’s got Talent
Teenage jazz and folk singers from Williams Lake
New Journey
Foot-stomping country gospel tunes
August 1, 2013
6:00

7:00
Eagle Spirit Band
Country Rock
Jordan Holmes
Fusion of blues, folk, soul and Eastern music
August 8, 2013
6:00

7:00
Beautifully Haunting
Up and coming young Rock band playing original tunes
Perfect Match
Cross-over country / pop / light rock with lively originals that are easy on the ear and good for the heart
August 15, 2013
6:00

7:00
Robyn Ferguson and Oren Barter
Local singer / songwriters teaming up for the evening
Brett Wildeman
Raw coastal folk inspired by his upbringing in a rural coastal environment
August 22, 2013
6:00

7:00
Rowan, Kylie and Sam
A trio originally from Williams Lake singing covers and original tunes
My Wife’s Quartet
Experienced and talented group of musicians will play to your heart and soul


Monday, June 24, 2013

WL Community Forest Open House - June 24th

Earlier tonight from 4-8pm at the Soccer Clubhouse - Dave Means Park, City of Williams Lake & Indian Band held an Open House to update the public on their joint Community Forest application since the April public meeting that was held at 150 Mile House.  Those elected officials in attendance included WL Indian Band Chief Ann Louie, Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook, WL City Councillor Sue Zacharias and Cariboo RD Area 'E' Director Byron Kemp

See below for documents distributed at the Open House:



While I give the City of Williams Lake & WL Indian Band full marks for agreeing to make their business plan and application binder available for public review, I still question why the need for a Standing Committee and a Board of Directors when you can have one body to deal with all matters at one table, rather than two.  I appreciate the reasons given by Mayor Cook/Chief Louie as to the business rationale for having the two separate bodies but with the greatest of respect to them both -- I would suggest that it is much more cleaner to have discussions at one table and if necessary - develop the necessary protocols/policies/procedures to ensure business at the Board of Directors table for the WL Community Forest gets conducted in a healthy yet productive way with all people impacted by the Williams Lake Community Forest at one table, and not two

If the Standing Committee/Board of Directors structure remains - it is my opinion that it won't address the concerns I've heard expressed on a number of occasions by Big Lake and Miocene residents'...

I think once Big Lake/Miocene residents' review the Business Plan - the discussion may go back to the two things it always has -- Governance (Board of Directors) and benefits from the Community Forest flowing to rural communities

As I noted to Cariboo RD Area 'D' Director Deb Bischoff earlier tonight - if you changed 'City of Williams Lake' with 'Cariboo Regional District' - I wonder if the discussion would have already been done and the Community Forest application would now be in the Forest Ministers' hands for review/decision

According to Ken Day - both parties would like to submit this application over the next few months, possibly by this fall to Steve Thomson.  After he receives it - the estimate is six months for the provincial government to review it and make a decision.  That puts a decision in the Spring of 2014

I'm hoping to discuss the recent developments with Cariboo RD Area 'F' Alternate Director Jack Darney either Wed evening at the special CCRHD Board meeting or Thursday at the regularly scheduled Cariboo RD Board meeting and see what his own feelings on this are.

-- SBF

Posting of WL Council Committee Agendas

Over the last little while - Williams Lake City Staff have been posting the Agendas for Williams Lake Council's Finance Committee (and I strongly applaud City Staff for doing this!) however hours later, the links to the Finance Committee Agenda(s) were then removed from the City's "CivicWeb" website

I believe that was a mistake.  So, I've been in contact with WL City Councillor Geoff Bourdon yesterday and after raising my concern with him, he has agreed to look into the possibility of posting Agendas for the following Committees of Williams Lake City Council:

a) Finance
b) General Governance
c) Planning and Operations
d) Community Services

Of course, these Committees can always (as they're empowered to do) meet behind closed doors when the subject-matter is of a confidential nature as per Section 90(1) of the Community Charter.  Otherwise, it is my belief that if a resident(s) either of Williams Lake or of the Cariboo RD Rural Fringe areas wish to observe a Committee(s) meeting(s) then they should be allowed to do so (subject to In-Camera Committee(s) discussions) and have access to the 'public' Committee(s) Agenda(s)

As it has been said -- an informed citizenry always leads to better decision-making!

-- SBF

Saturday, June 22, 2013

2012 SOFI Report - Cariboo RD Board

At our meeting on Thursday, June 27th - the Cariboo RD Board will receive the 2012 SOFI Report or Statement of Financial Information which outlines financial details like overall long term debt for the Cariboo Regional District and that held by the 4 Member Municipalities of Wells, Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House.  Read the full report here.  Please note that Cariboo RD Staff salary information is not part of this report but can be requested at the Cariboo RD Williams Lake office at no charge

As far as the top three CRD Directors for submitted expenses and remuneration:

#1 - Area 'G' Director Al Richmond (also Cariboo RD Board Chair) - Remuneration of $32,010.76, Car Allowance of $1,440 and submitted expenses of $16,432.76 = $49,883.52

#2 - Area 'C' Director John Massier (also CCRHD Chair) - Remuneration of $26,319.64, Car Allowance of $1,440 and submitted expenses of $19,025.12 = $46,784.76

#3 - Area 'A' Director Ted Armstrong (also Treaty Advisory Committee Chair/Cariboo RD Vice-Chair) - Remuneration of $24,831.02, Car Allowance of $1,440 and submitted expenses of $6,965.22 = $33,236.24

Among the Alternate Directors for 2012:

a) Area I Alt. Director Mary Glassford (former Area I Director) - Remuneration of $545 and expenses of $496 with grand total of $1,041

b) Area E Alt Director Melynda Neufeld - Remuneration of $185 and expenses of $10 with grand total of $195


2012 SOFI Report - City of Quesnel Council

After their 1st full year (2012) in office - we now get a look at Salary/Expenses for Quesnel City Council.  Full report here

Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom made salary of $42,368.96 with expenses totalling $8,551.96

Meanwhile - the six Quesnel Councillors made each salary of $14,536.67

Expenses from highest to lowest:

Councillor Scott Elliot - $8,928.38
Councillor L-A Roodenburg - $8,533.87
Councillor John Brisco - $4,574.34
Councillor Mike Cave - $3,615.10
Councillor Sushil Thapar - $1,884.86
Councillor Ed Coleman - $20.00

As you review the above - please keep in mind this statement from Quesnel City Staff:


Please note that the City summarizes expenses from all accounts, so the total expense listed by individual includes both travel and other types of costs, such as training. Not all costs included are paid for by taxation, some costs, such as the trip to Japan taken this year by some members of Council, are fully paid for by grants.


I was surprised about Councillor Coleman and his expenses.  Obviously - he takes after former Quesnel Councillor Peter Couldwell and the fact Couldwell had very low submitted expenses.  Well done, Ed!

Friday, June 21, 2013

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of June 24-28

A number of local governments are meeting next week as follows:

Wells - No meeting until July

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Monday, June 24th at 7:00pm in Quesnel Council Chambers.  Items on the Agenda include 2012 SOFI Report, 2012 Annual Report, Council Reports from latest FCM Conference in Vancouver, final endorsement of ourQuesnel ICSP Plan and a DVP application for Cariboo Ford.  View the full Agenda here

North Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 25th at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers.  Only Item on the Agenda is an update on the North Cariboo Multi-centre.  View Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, June 25th at 6:00pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom.  Items on the Agenda include a report on Airport Ops and Airport Budget amendment, selection of location for Oliver St Market and a Staff report on a RFP process for an External Auditor.  View the full Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board meeting on Tuesday, June 25th in the SD #27 Boardroom.  Items on the Agenda include presentation of the 2013-14 School Budget.  The agenda is not available as of this writing but can be located here

100 Mile House - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 25th in 100 Mile Council Chambers.  Again, the Agenda is not available as of this writing but can be viewed here

Cariboo Regional District:

Wednesday, June 26th - Special CCRHD Board Meeting at 6:00pm in the Cariboo RD Boardroom.  CCRHD Board to receive delegations from Interior Health (CMH Hospital Master Plan) and Northern Health (GR Baker Hospital Master Plan).  View Agenda here

Thursday, June 27th - Regular CCRHD Board Meeting at 9:30am in the Cariboo RD Boardroom.  Items on the Agenda include Consent Calendar and proposed amendment to CCRHD Bylaws for Health Services for Quesnel.  View Agenda here.  After adjournment of the CCRHD Meeting, the Cariboo RD Board will meet at 9:45am and will consider various items pertaining to Planning, extension of contract with WL Assoc of Community Living at Central Cariboo Transfer Station, Update for Refuse Site upgrades for 2013, UBCM Minister Meetings and a delegation from Telus to give the Regional Board an update on cell phone service in rural areas.  View the full Agenda here

Three additional meetings to be aware of next week:

Monday, June 24th from 4-8pm - WL Community Forest Open House at the Soccer Clubhouse at Dave Means Park on Hodgson Road

Wednesday, June 24th from 4-8pm - BC Ministry of Transportation Open House from 4 Lane Highway 97 from entrance to Fox Mountain to Carson Drive (Williams Lake).  Open House to be held at WL City Hall (450 Mart St)

Wednesday, June 24th from 7-8pm - WL OCP Consultation Meeting on Bylaw #2187 concerning an application from Audiotronic for property at 1148 Broadway Avenue South (old Tourism Building).  Meeting to be held in the Rick Hansen Boardroom - WL City Hall

Thursday, June 20, 2013

City of WL 2012 Annual Report to be filed late

As per Section 98 of the Community Charter - every municipal government has to file an Annual Report by June 30th in each year.  Section 99 outlines the process that each local government is to observe in adopting its' Annual Report

In our region - Quesnel will formally adopt its' Annual Report on Monday after giving public notice on June 7th and 100 Mile Council has already adopted its' Annual Report

After inquiring as to the status of the City of Williams Lake Annual Report for 2012 - I received the following response from the City's Corporate Officer:


The annual report is expected to be adopted by council in early July. It’s just being finalized now and then it’ll be made available to the public in accordance with legislation. I’ve already advised the Ministry that it won’t be completed by June 30th


While I greatly appreciate the response and I don't blame Williams Lake City Staff for the lateness of the Annual Report which includes a process of Council meeting behind closed doors to write the Annual Report (yes, fully legal) and putting it out for public review prior to WL Council adopting the report

I have one question for Williams Lake City Council:

Just who is 'minding the store'??

Please note that the last late Annual Report was in 2010 for the 2009 fiscal year and I personally notified the Ministry of that late Annual Report to which the Ministry worked with City Staff at that time to review the timelines required

-- SBF

New Prosperity goes to Public Hearing

In not a surprise from this past Sunday (as I suspected, given the changes on the CEAA website for this project) - the Federal Review Panel has agreed to send the 'New Prosperity' Project to a public hearing

The public hearing starts July 22nd starting in Williams Lake

See below for fuller details and I encourage you to attend the General Session when they occur in late July

-- SBF

Courtesy of the Cdn. Environmental Assessment Agency:


On June 20, 2013, the Federal Review Panel for the proposed New Prosperity Gold-Copper Mine project announced that the environmental impact statement (EIS) along with the additional information submitted by the proponent contain sufficient information to proceed to the public hearing.  The public hearing will begin in Williams Lake, B.C. on July 22, 2013, and will be completed within approximately 30 days.

The Public Hearing

All hearing sessions are open to members of the public wishing to observe the proceedings. The primary purpose of the hearing is for the Panel to receive the information it requires to complete its assessment of the environmental effects of the project.  The Panel will hold public hearing sessions as follows:
  • General hearing sessions will provide an opportunity for registered interested parties and the public to present their overall views on the project and its potential environmental effects.  The general sessions will be held in Williams Lake starting on July 22, 2013.
  • Topic-Specific hearing sessions will allow interested parties and experts who possess specialized knowledge to present technical information relevant to the environmental assessment of the project.  Topic-Specific sessions will be held on topics such as: geology and hydrogeology, aquatic environment, terrestrial environment and human environment. These sessions will be held in Williams Lake, starting July 26, 2013.
  • Community hearing sessions will be held in selected Aboriginal communities to allow community members to express to the Panel their views and present information and issues of importance to them in an informal setting.  These sessions are expected to take place in Xeni Gwet'in, Tsi Del Del (Alexis Creek Band), Yunesit'in (Stone Band), Tl'esqox (Toosey Band), Tl'etinqox (Anaham Band), Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Band) and Esketemc (Alkali Lake Band), starting August 6, 2013.
  • Closing Remarks session will be held for interested parties to summarize their overall conclusions to the Panel.  This session will be held in Williams Lake, starting the week of August 19, 2013.

How to Participate

The Panel will conduct the hearing in accordance with the Public Hearing Procedures, issued in February 2013, which provide an outline of how the various hearing sessions will unfold and how the public may participate.
For the General and Community sessions, participants may make an oral presentation or file a written submission or both make an oral presentation and file a written submission. At the Topic-Specific sessions, oral presentations must be accompanied by a written submission.
Participants who wish to make an oral presentation to the Panel at any of the hearing sessions are asked to register and file any written submissions with the Panel secretariat at least 7 days in advance of the day on which they plan to present.  Registration dates are as follows:
Type of Hearing Session/ DatesRegister and File Submissions
General hearing sessions
Will begin July 22, 2013
As of  July 15, 2013
Topic-Specific hearing sessions
Will begin July 26, 2013
As of  July 19, 2013
Community hearing sessions
Will begin August 6, 2013
As of July 30, 2013
Closing Remarks session
Will begin the week of August 19, 2013
Date to be determined
The Panel will soon provide further details on the hearing schedule, including exact dates, times and locations.
To register, file a submission for the hearing sessions and schedule a presentation, contact:
Livain Michaud, Panel Manager
New Prosperity Gold-Copper Mine Project – Federal Review Panel
160 Elgin Street, 22nd Floor, Ottawa ON K1A 0H3
Tel.: 613-948-1359 / 1-866-582-1884
NewProsperityReview@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
Following the close of the public hearing, the Panel will submit its report to the federal Minister of the Environment according to the terms of reference.
The sufficiency determination letter and the Hearing Procedures are available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, registry number 63928.