Quesnel Council Highlights - July 27th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Community Gardens of Quesnel

Colleen Gatenby highlighted for Council the activities that take place at the Downtown Community Garden, the West Quesnel Community Garden and the College of New Caledonia greenhouse by members, volunteers and the many community donors.  The Community Gardens offer educational sessions to the public covering such topics as how to compost and basic gardening skills and tips. A goal of the Community Gardens is to increase food security in the community.  Council’s Policy and Bylaw Review Committee will be exploring options for community food security policy and local food growing options and opportunities.

Notices on Title – Contravention of Building Regulations

Council passed two resolutions regarding outstanding deficiencies for expired Building Permits for 1320 and 1394 Picard Avenue.  By filing a Notice of Contravention of Building Regulations on title, the City is able to alert potential purchasers that building deficiencies exist and do not meet Building Code requirements.  This protects the safety of the community as a whole. 

Cariboo Regional District – Request for Dog Control Services

Council passed a resolution approving staff’s recommendations regarding a proposed one-year trial for aggressive dogs and dog-at-large in the Red Bluff area only.  Originally, the request from the Cariboo Regional District was for Kersley, Red Bluff and West Fraser areas.  This proposed service will be based on a cost-plus basis and will now be forwarded to the Cariboo Regional District for consideration.

Development and Rezoning Applications 

Council passed a number of resolutions regarding a Development Permit and two Rezoning Applications.  Council approved a Development Permit, on behalf of Fresno Construction, to build a new shop and office at 2372 Larch Avenue.  The precise location of the new shop and office is pending approval from BC Hydro as there is a Three-Phased Power right-of-way that affects where construction can occur on this site.

Council approved first and second bylaw readings for two spot rezoning applications regarding two secondary suites, one located at 545 Jones Street and one located 791 Beaubien Avenue.  Public Notices will be sent out to surrounding property owners and the Public Hearing has been set for Monday, August 24, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. inside Council Chambers.

Pay-Parking - North Cariboo Community Campus

Council continues to look for options for students and what the impact to surrounding businesses will be due to the implementation of pay-parking at the North Cariboo Community Campus.  The College of New Caledonia has issued notice that pay-parking will commence August 1, 2015 and will be in effect 24/7.  A brief summary of rates are $567 annually; $189/semester; $0.50/1.5 hr; $3.00/day.  Council passed three resolutions:  1. Invite the College President, the Board Chair and the Regional Representative to a Special Open Meeting of Council to discuss the pay-parking initiative.  2.  Staff to bring forward a report regarding transit service options to/from the campus.  3. Staff to bring forward a report outlining safety issues around increased road-side parking and increased roadside pedestrian traffic.  Staff will bring forward a report regarding overflow parking options for the Alex Fraser Park grounds and for the Quesnel & District Arts & Recreation Centre parking lots (both located near the campus) to the September 8^th North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee meeting.

Council Committee Appointment

Mayor Bob Simpson replaced Councillor Ed Coleman as the City’s representative for the Post-Secondary & Training Committee.

Bylaws

- Bylaws 1769 & 1770 – Secondary Suites – First/Second Readings with the Public Hearing on Monday, August 24, 2015.