Quesnel Council Highlights - Oct 21st mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

City undertakes Policy Review

Council approved the recommendations from the Policy and Bylaw Review Committee and adopted new policies, amendments to existing policies and the rescinding of some existing policies. The four new policies include Council Code of Conduct and Ethics (with an amendment), Governance and Strategic Planning, Policy Development and Review, and Release of In-Camera Items. Six of the existing policies were adopted without revision and ten of the existing polices were rescinded. A complete list of these policies is available on our website (click on “Agenda” link on the right).

Policy change for secondary suites

Council received the updated Public Consultation Schedule and proposed changes to the Master Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan intended for public discussion. The City of Quesnel is considering a policy change that will permit secondary suites in all single detached dwellings. Four public consultations (three evenings and one afternoon) are being held to obtain public input and give the public the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback.

Oct 24 7 p.m. Community Policing Office, 345 Anderson Dr

Oct 25 7 p.m. Dragon Lake Sch Library, 2671 Quesnel-Hydraulic Rd

Nov 8 1:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, 410 Kinchant St

Nov 14 7 p.m. Rec Centre Multi-purpose Room, 501 North Star Rd

Master Fee bylaw updated

The first three readings were given by Council on the City’s Comprehensive Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 1727 of 2013. As part of the City’s Five Year Financial Plan, one of the policies is to move towards user-fund based funding, where appropriate, to lower the pressure on taxation. Some of the revisions are as follows:

Increase to water and sewer utility fees of 5%. This equals an average increase of $7.64 for water and $10.80 for sewer;

Commercial garbage fees will see a 2% increase for pickup. There is no increase to residential garbage pickup;

Rates at the landfill will be $50/tonne for all commercial mixed waste now. We have removed the non-segregated and segregated waste types for consistency to commercial users.

Cemetery rates and airport fees will see an increase of 2%.

Davie Street Development Variance Permit

Council approved the Development Variance Permit Application, varying the City’s Zoning Bylaw to allow the use of an existing building for a fitness facility as proposed, requiring users and staff to park in available on and off street parking areas. The approval was granted for the use of a fitness facility only and is subject to several conditions.

Other news

Council approved sending a Letter of Support to the Quesnel Skyfest Society for the planned 2015 Quesnel Skyfest Airshow. The City’s forecasted contributions for this years event were less than anticipated.

City Council endorsed the new Quesnel Vacation Planner as the official tourist guide of Quesnel.

Council gave third reading to the City of Quesnel’s Highway Closure Bylaw No. 1720 of 2013 affecting an undeveloped right-of-way abutting West Fraser Timber Park and Rona properties.

Council received the Strategic Planning - Third Quarter Report, guiding the City’s short and long-term corporate management, decision making and implementation.

Proclamations

October 25 to November 10 - Veterans Days
November - Disabled Parking Awareness Month
November 17 to 24 - Restorative Justice Week