Quesnel Council Highlights - Nov 4th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Council indemnities for 2014, “0”

Council ratified a 0% increase with respect to indemnity rates for 2014 in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Each year, in November, the Clerk’s Office calculates the CPI adjustment for January of the next year. The CPI rate for September 2013 was 0% and Council affirmed that there would be no increase to the budget for Council indemnities in 2014.

Alex Fraser Park Society enters into five-year agreement

Council approved entering into a five-year License of Occupation with the Cariboo Regional District and the Alex Fraser Park Society for the management of Alex Fraser Park. The agreement is for a five-year period and must be approved by both City Council and the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors. Alex Fraser Park is part of the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Service and accordingly, this agreement will have no direct financial impact on the City’s budget. The management fee of $35,000 per year is funded through the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Service.

Local transit has new schedule

The new transit service schedule was received by Council. Effective November 18, Quesnel Transit will see a number of changes to the services it provides Quesnel and area residents. The main changes to transit service are:

• A new Route 4 South Quesnel Express bus to run directly between downtown Quesnel and the South Quesnel shopping area along Highway 97 with 3 express trips on weekdays and 2 express trips on Saturdays;

• Route 1 West Quesnel and Route 3 North Fraser will see minor route changes and later trips on both routes;

• Route 2 Red Bluff will see a decrease in the number of trips from 21 to 14 trips per day on weekdays and from 14 to

6 trips on Saturdays with other minor schedule changes.

These changes will be reflected in the new Riders’ Guide which will be available soon at City Hall and on the buses.

Other news

• Council gave final adoption to two City of Quesnel bylaws:1. Bylaw No. 1720 - Highway Closure - affecting an undeveloped roadway abutting West Fraser Timber Park and Rona properties; and 2. Bylaw No. 1727 - Comprehensive Fees and Charges Amendment. Some of the revisions include an 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. Cemetery rates and airport fees will see an increase of 2%.

• First and second readings on Bylaw No. 1728 - Zoning Amendment was given by Council. This Bylaw permits Yoga Class Instruction as a home based business at 654 Reid Street.

Important Dates

North Cariboo Multi-Centre Referendum - Nov 9
Secondary Suites public consultation:

• Nov 8 at City Hall Council Chambers, 1:30 p.m.

• Nov 14 at Recreation Centre Multi-purpose Room, 7 p.m.

Public Hearing on Zoning Amendment for 654 Reid Street - Nov 25

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