Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Williams Lake Council Highlights - Aug 31st mtg

Present:

Mayor W. Cobb and Councillors Boehm, Bonnell, Brenner, Nelson, Ryll and Smith

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Cobb recognized that this meeting was taking place on traditional Northern Secwépemc (Shuswap) territory

Meeting Agenda approved
Minutes of the Williams Lake City Council meeting held August 17th, 2021 were received and adopted, as circulated

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated August 12, 19, 20, 26 and 27, 2021 

2) Council approved entering into an encroachment agreement with 0728823 BC Ltd. (Williams Lake Smiles) for a twenty year term for two parking spaces encroaching on the dedicated City lane off Barnard Street, at 249 Barnard Street, legally described as Parcel A (Plan B7109) of Lot 11, Block 17, District Lot 71, Cariboo District, Plan 1553 for a one-time contribution of $1,000, with all costs associated with registration being the responsibility of the property owner

Councillor S. Nelson declared a conflict of interest on the next item and left  Council Chambers at 6:02pm

3) Council received for information the report of the Public Hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2345 (1704 Broadway Avenue South) held August 17, 2021

Councillor S. Nelson returned to Council Chambers at 6:03pm

4) Council awarded the contract for the design of an Emergency Booster Station at Fairview Drive to True Consulting for the quoted price of $53,000.00, excluding applicable taxes

Councillor C. Smith declared a conflict of interest on the next item and left Council Chambers at 6:05pm

5) Council approved the design of the Downtown Williams Lake new wayfinding signage for both the downtown business improvement area and updated signage for areas outside of this zone

Councillor Smith returned to Council Chambers at 6:08pm

6) Council authorized the proposed exterior insulation and siding repair works on the end of the Downtown Williams Lake BIA office building located at 327 Oliver Street and approve their proposed mural design for this section of wall, pursuant to Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194

7) Council approved a two-year continuation amendment to the existing Ice Arena Concession Lease Agreement, due to the COVID health restrictions, to expire July 30, 2023.

8) Council endorsed recommendations from its' August 24th Committee of the Whole meeting, as follows:

a) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Council Report #28-2021, the letter from Kevin Bourdon, Williams Lake Pickleball Club President, dated August 20, 2021 requesting Council consideration be given to the Club's proposal for permanent pickleball courts at Kiwanis Park be received and endorsed; and further, that $20,000 be allocated in the 2022 budget to support this project including grant funding, if available

b) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #29-2021, the City include a more prominent tool or link on the City's webpage to provide contact information for Provincial agencies that should be contacted with regards to remediation work required on Dog Creek Road.

c) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #30-2021, Council offer the Province of British Columbia the City's portion of Dog Creek Road to become part of the Provincial network

d)  That pursuant to the report of the Corporate Officer dated August 27, 2021 together with Committee of Whole Council Report #31-2021, the report of the Corporate Officer dated August 20, 2021 regarding next steps for Dog Creek Road operation be received and Road Closure Bylaw No. 2352, 2021 authorizing the closure of the City's portion of Dog Creek Road be introduced and given first and second readings, and Bylaw No. 2352 be brought back for third reading subject to: 

* The Provincial Government's rejection (or non-response) of the City's offer to transfer the road to the Province, 

* Additional consultation with the Cariboo Regional District, local First Nations, community members and other impacted parties, and 

* Council review of updated geotechnical and other landslide information in the area

e) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #32-2021 and the report of the Director of Municipal Services dated August 17, 2021, Council approve the addition of the Central Cariboo Arts Centre building efficiency upgrades project (including LED lighting, door and window replacements and HVAC system upgrades) to the City’s 2021 capital plan on condition that the project is fully funded in the amount of $150,000 by the funds allocated from the Cariboo Regional District’s Community Works Funding.

9) Council received information from the Orange Shirt Day Society and the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council dated August 20, 2021 seeking volunteers and donations for their inaugural National Day of Truth and Reconciliation event being held on September 30, 2021 at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds and Council encouraged the community to participate 

10) Council approved the proposed book signing flow-through event of Natalie Easthope to be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the pedestrian sidewalk fronting the Open Book storefront and including the alley off of Oliver Street directly adjacent to the Open Book , subject to approval of the Public Health Office; and further, the event organizers be requested to coordinate this event with City Staff, provide proof of $3 million in liability insurance saving the City harmless and Emergency Services be so advised, pursuant to City policy.

11) Council received a letter from the Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure dated August 27, 2021 responding to the Mayor Cobb's correspondence dated July 22, 2021 and February 5, 2021 requesting a speed review of the Toop Road / Highway 97 intersection in Williams Lake

12) Council proclaimed the following:

a) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day -  September 9, 2021
b) National Forests Week - September 19 to 25, 2021
c) Rail Safety Week - September 20 to 26, 2021

13) Council received the "Council Information Package" as follows:

* June 22, 2021 - Letter from Jude Kirkham re Practicality of Rewilding Local Parks; 
* August 24, 2021 - Stillwater Consulting's NexGen Program for Youth Entrepreneurship Training; 
* August 26, 2021 - BC Wildfire Service Release re Campfire Ban Rescind Information
* August 27, 2021 - Ministry of Municipal Affairs re Proof of Vaccination Program Update

Mayor Cobb provided a Wildfire Update to Council

Members of Council and the CAO provided verbal reports on their recent activities

Council adjourned at 6:36pm