Quesnel Council Highlights - Sept 29th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Campus Way Parking

After meeting with President and Board Chair of the College of New Caledonia at the Quesnel City Council September 28, 2015 Special Open Meeting, Council decided against installing “no parking signs” on Campus Way and the laneway located beside the campus.  For safety reasons, yellow lined “no parking” zones will be painted on the street curb on Campus Way in front of the MacDonald’s restaurant up to the Campus Way/Northstar Road intersection.  City crews will clear snow from the laneway in the winter.  Council passed a resolution to refer a staff report on further improvements to the laneway to the City’s Finance Committee for 2016 budget consideration.

Community Theatre Fund

Council approved the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee’s recommendation to create a City statutory reserve for a community theatre.  This reserve will allow the City to issue tax receipts to donors wishing to make a contribution over $100 towards the future development of a Community Theatre.  For more information, please contact City Hall.

Land Use Policy – Shipping Containers

Council has instructed staff to proceed with preparing a zoning amendment that:

·   Prohibits shipping containers in residential areas other than on a temporary basis to facilitate construction activities or moving for not more than 30 days, and where greater than 30 days a permit is required;

·   Existing permanent shipping containers in residential areas be removed within 8 months;

·   Shipping containers in commercial and industrial zones will require a permit that includes screening/siting/ventilation requirements and prohibits storage of flammable liquids unless the structure is placarded for such;

·   Requires existing shipping containers in commercial and industrial zones to be ventilated by June 1, 2016.

Council directed staff to consult with the business sector to determine siting/screening requirements and to bring a public consultation plan back to Council when the proposed bylaw is scheduled for first reading. 

Smoking Regulations Bylaw 

Council amended the proposed Smoking Regulations bylaw by removing all references to e-cigarettes/vaping regulations and adding an enforcement section.  This proposed bylaw can be viewed on the City’s website and the public can submit their input/comments via cityhall@quesnel.ca.  Council is scheduled to consider third reading at the October 5, 2015 Regular Council meeting.

Updates to Purchasing and Delegation Bylaws

Council approved schedule changes for the Purchasing and Delegation Bylaws to reflect best practises when streamlining automated and electronic processes.

Active Transportation Plan

Council approved Staff to proceed with developing an Active Transportation Plan that will assist the City when applying for infrastructure grants for cycling/commuter infrastructure.  Up to $50,000 in Gas Tax Funds will be allocated for the development of the Active Transportation Plan.

Proclamations

-    Quesnel Self-Advocate Group – Community Living Month – October 2015

-    Ministry of Children and Family Development – Foster Family Appreciation Month – October 2015

-    Quesnel & District Child Development Centre – Child Development Week – October 19-24, 2015.

Bylaws

- Bylaw 1767 – Smoking Regulations – Second as Amended

- Bylaw 1771 – Permissive Tax Exemptions (2016 to 2019 - Non-Profit Organizations) – Third Reading

- Bylaw 1772 – Permissive Tax Exemptions (2016 to 2025 – Religious/Schools/Seniors Organizations) – Third Reading

- Bylaw 1776 – Appointment of Officers and Delegation of Authority – First, Second, Third Readings

- Bylaw 1777 – Delegation of Purchasing Authority Amendment – First, Second, Third Readings