Electronic Council Meetings
All Quesnel City Council meetings will be held electronically, using video and/or audio technology, to protect the health and safety of elected officials, municipal employees and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. These electronic meetings are permitted under the March 26, 2020 Order of the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General M139. Media representatives will receive electronic invitations prior to electronic Council meetings. The draft Meeting Minutes, and the audio recording, for each Special Electronic Council meeting will be posted on the Agenda/Minutes page of the City's website. The video recording for the May 5, 2020 Special Electronic Council meeting is now available on the City's website.
Five Year Financial Plan
Council approves the City’s Five Year Financial Plan for 2020 – 2024 (“Plan”), and the 2020 Tax Rates Bylaw. The Financial Plan must outline the proposed expenditures, revenues and transfers between funds for the next five years. It must also outline the City’s financial objectives and policies for the planning period that are approved by Council and based on Council’s Strategic Plan.
Highlights of the Plan are as follows:
- This Plan has been built based on Council’s strategic initiatives and feedback from the public requesting more R.C.M.P. and Bylaw services.
- A new separate tax rate has been created to create a Snow reserve to create a buffer for high snow years so that the City can maintain its snow removal standards.
- The light industry mill rate to be the same as the commercial business mill rate over the next three years in an effort to attract potential future economic development; resulting in property tax reductions paid by light industry.
- The average residence in Quesnel (valued at $221,283) will see an increase of $70.84 in the municipal tax portion of their property tax bill, or $32.01 per $100,000 of assessed value.
- COVID-19 has affected the City’s budget:
- The City is expecting lower revenues from airport, transit, casino and investment income. The City is expecting higher costs due to additional cleaning/janitorial/maintenance costs.
- City Staff will be reviewing the budget as the year progresses whereby further adjustments may be needed.
- Property Tax Bills Due: September 30, 2020 – Council has approved moving the tax due date to September 30th for all classes. The City will be borrowing from its capital reserves for operating expenses in order to do this as allowed by the province during this crisis.
2020 – 2022 Strategic Plan
Council approved the City of Quesnel 2020-2022 Strategic Plan that lists what key strategic actions Quesnel City Council and City staff will work on from 2020 to 2022. Key themes are housing initiatives, public safety and community transitioning including forestry transitioning.
Development Permit – Lots 1 and 4 Dragon Hill Road
Council approved the Development Permit and interior setback variance, with subjects, for the construction of a new 557.4m2, four-unit commercial complex and a landscaping material retailing area at Lots 1 and 4 Dragon Hill Road. A request to vary the requirement to hard surface all areas of vehicle movement was denied with the understanding the geotechnical and drainage plans ought to be finalized prior to finalizing plans on surfacing the site.
Development Permit – 105 North Star Road
Council approved the Development Variance Permit, and sign variance, for the façade of the existing McDonald’s Restaurant update at 105 North Start Road as well as a sign variance to allow additional signage.
Development Variance Permit – 568 Powell Road
Council approved a Development Variance Permit, to allow an addition to an existing detached garage permitting a total building footprint of 111.2 m2 at 568 Powell Road.
Bylaws
- 1887 – Five Year Financial Plan (2020 – 2024) – First, Second, Third and Final Adoption – Schedule A
- 1888 – 2020 Tax Rates – First, Second, Third and Final Adoption – Schedule A
Next Meeting
6:00 pm – May 26, 2020 – Council Meeting
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