Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Quesnel Council Highlights - July 27th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Development Permit – Larch Avenue

Council approved a Development Permit, on behalf of Fresno Construction Ltd., for the construction of a 2925 ft2 forestry consultant office building, shop and outdoor storage compound for vehicles and equipment on a Larch Avenue vacant lot.

Grace Inn Motel – Convert to Housing

Council received an update regarding the proposed Grace Inn Motel development, located at 530 Carson Avenue, to convert 43 motel rooms into 10 studio and 25 one-bedroom housing units that would be available to rent at market value.  This development is currently being marketed towards seniors.  The Proponent held an Open House on July 18, 2016 with the main concerns being affordable rent and renters being 55 years of age and older.  Council set a Public Hearing for 7 pm on August 30, 2016 in City Hall Council Chambers. 

Water Corridor Development Permit – Gook Avenue

Council approved a Development Permit for the construction of a residential dwelling, located at 3537 Gook Avenue, that includes riparian zone considerations such as an approved vegetation plan and mitigation measures concerning water drainage due to the development being located within 30 meters of Dragon Lake.

City Investments – Interest Rates

Council approved opening an account at the local Integris Credit Union to give the City more options to consider when investing its excess funds from taxation until these funds are required.  The City is very limited in the types of investments it can use as per the Community Charter.  In the past most of these investments have been with the Municipal Finance Authority.
Political Campaign Signs Bylaw
Council approved first reading as well as targeted groups for public consultation regarding the proposed Political Campaign Sign bylaw.  The regulations in this bylaw will:
- Create equal opportunity for all candidates
- Maintain community aesthetics
- Promote environmental sustainability
- Reduce administrative burden and costs
-Reduce campaign workload and potential conflict
The proposed bylaw will allow for six political campaign signs per candidate and will require candidates to remove political campaign signs three days after General Voting Day.  Council recommended public consultation with: Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, School District No. 28, affected riding parties, Elections BC, Elections Canada and the general public.  Next steps include referral letters being sent out and a public survey offered through the City’s website and social media channels. 

BC Air Access Grants Approved – City’s Airport

Funding has been approved from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure/BC Air Access Program to fund two infrastructure projects at the City’s airport.  BC Air Access Program will fund up to 75% of the estimated $157,200 and the City will contribute an estimated $39,300 towards the installation of two powered security gates and six perimeter emergency access gates as well as the installation of an Aerodrome Instrument Approach upgrade.  The later will allow aircraft equipped with Global Positioning System/Wide Area Augmentation System software to now land in low cloud ceiling type conditions of 300’-335’; previously the minimum low loud ceiling height was  712’-892’.

Bylaw of the Month – August – Animal Control

This month’s featured bylaw of the month is the City’s Animal, Bird, and Insect Control and Licensing Bylaw 1700 to raise dog awareness around leashing, licensing and “picking up” after your dog. Dog licenses are available at City Hall at a cost $10 (spayed/neutered) or $25 (unsprayed or unneutered) before March 30th.  After March 30tha $10 late license fee applies.  There is a $50 fine for not “picking up” after your pooch anywhere off the owner’s property.

Bylaws

-    Bylaw 1808 – Political Campaign Signs – First Reading

-    Bylaws 1806/1807 – OCP & Zone Amendments - Grace Inn Motel (Convert to Housing) – Second Reading and Public Hearing set for 7:00 pm August 30, 2016 at City Hall Council Chambers

 

Next Meetings

-    7 pm - August 23, 2016 - Regular Council Meeting

-    7 pm - August 30, 2016 - Regular Council Meeting

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