Quesnel Council Highlights - Sep 30th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Orange Shirt Day celebrated

September 30, 2013 was celebrated throughout the northern region in many different ways. City Council passed a resolution that in honor of “Orange Shirt Day” and the movement to create awareness and education around the Residential School experience, Quesnel City Council, Cariboo Regional District, School District No. 28, Provincial and Federal Governments, and our local First Nations groups work together to support a permanent display in our Museum and consider a monument, created in our community.

Orange Shirt Day is a tribute to those who survived Indian Residential Schools and those who did not. A small, yet emotional gathering was held in Council Chambers yesterday at noon supported by members of Council, School District No. 28, MLA for Cariboo North, City staff and special guests.

For more information on Orange Shirt Day, visit quesnel.ca.

Commercial Facade Grants

City Council approved the four successful commercial facade grant improvement program applications, each receiving $5,000. Quesnel Community Living Association (within the West Quesnel Development Permit area) will add benches, planter boxes, paint and a new mural to their facility. Barkerville Brewing Company (within the Downtown Core) plans to refinish the exterior, add windows and new signage to the building. Billy Barker Casino Hotel (within the Downtown Core) will build a new canopy, and Good for You Market (within the Highway Frontage area) plans to improve exterior paint and signage.

City seeks community consultation on secondary suites

Council approved having four dates (three of which are confirmed) for community consultation regarding secondary suites. To date, public information and consultation has included a survey, workshop, information flyer, informative web page, open house, presentation to neighbourhood associations and to the affordable housing action group. Three evening sessions and one afternoon session was proposed. 

The three confirmed dates are as follows:

October 24 at 7 p.m. - Community Policing Office meeting room

October 25 at 7 p.m. - Dragon Lake School Library

November 8 at 1:30 p.m. - City Hall Council Chambers 

The fourth evening date is yet to be confirmed.

Other news

-          Council approved the purchase of a new fire engine from Fort Garry Fire Trucks in the amount of $569,750.

-          Council appointed new City auditor KPMG LLP for a three-year term with an option to extend for two more.

-          Council proceeded with the first three readings on the update to the City of Quesnel’s Delegation of Purchasing Authority Bylaw No. 1726 of 2013 which includes raising the dollar amount requiring a Purchase Order to $2,000 from $500; raising the dollar amount requiring written quotes for goods to $5,000 from $2,000; and adding the “Sustainable Purchasing” section stating the City will work towards the long term goals of ourQuesnel when making purchasing decisions.

-          Council gave final adoption to the bylaw to exempt lands and improvements from payment of taxes for the assessment and collection years of 2014 and 2015 for lands owned by the Quesnel Lions Housing Society.

Proclamations

October - Foster Family Appreciation Month
October 11 - Day of the Girl in Quesnel
November - Disabled Parking Awareness Month
November 17 to 24 - Restorative Justice Week