Tuesday, January 24, 2023

WL Council Highlights - Jan 24th mtg

Present: Mayor SPS Rathor; Councillors Boehm, Flaspohler, Lyons, Moses and Nelson

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm (Meeting Agenda here/Meeting Video here)

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Special City Council meeting held November 23rd, 2022 and Regular Council Meeting held January 10th, 2023 were both received and adopted

Delegations/Presentations/Items from Public Hearing(s): - None

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and Electronic Fund Transfer listings dated January 12, 13 and 19, 2023

2) Council approved a 2023 application to Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) for a grant of up to $50,000 to host an intern under the Local Government Internship Program; and further, that Council commit to providing a financial contribution of $10,000 and staffing resources to host an intern and to providing training and professional development opportunities for the intern, if the application is successful

3) Council accepted applications from Robert Zilcosky to amend the City's Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaws for property at 575 Wotzke Drive; that Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2378 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2379 both be given 1st Reading concurrently; Staff conduct Official Community Plan Public Consultation; public notification of 100 metres of subject property proceed and finally - Staff were directed to initiate notice of the consultation period to the School District No. 27 Board, pursuant to Section 475 of the Local Government Act, as well as the Cariboo Regional District, Williams Lake First Nation and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

4) At the request of Councillor Nelson -- Council requested staff to coordinate a meeting between the City, RCMP, School District #27, Cariboo Regional District, First Nations Leaders, MLA Lorne Doerkson and MP Todd Doherty to create an action plan that will assist in helping ensure all of the community works together to decrease criminal activities and gang fighting/activity

5) Council considered Recommendations from the January 17th, 2023 Committee of the Whole session, as follows:

Rejected by Council:

a) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Report #01-2023, the presentation from Jason Ryll, Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce regarding the requested increase to their Fee for Service to $165,000 be received and that the requested increase be approved for the 2023 budget.

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Mayor Rathor and Councillors Delainey, Flaspohler, Moses

Resolved -- That the requested increase to the Fee for Service Agreement for the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce be referred to the Tuesday, January 31st Special Committee of the Whole meeting (2023 Budget Discussions) 

Endorsed by Council:

b) That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #02-2023 and the report of the Planner dated October 13, 2022, Council endorse the proposed regulations outlined in the report to more broadly permit, and streamline the development of, Accessory Dwelling Units in the City, and that staff be directed to undertake public consultation and develop bylaws to amend Zoning Bylaw No. 1825, 2002 and other bylaws to allow Accessory Dwelling Units in specific residential zones.

6) Council received a letter from the Freezin For a Reason (Annual Polar Bear Swim fundraiser) organizing committee in their letter dated January 18, 2023 requesting a donation from the City of $375 toward the costs of the fundraising event be received, the donation be approved & Council and the community were encouraged to attend the event

7) Council proclaimed March 26, 2023 as "Purple Day" in the City of Williams Lake, pursuant to City Policy

8) Council received the Council Information Package as of January 24th, 2023

Members of Council reported on their recent activities

Motion to proceed to Closed (In-Camera) Council Meeting:

RESOLVED: That Council hold a Closed Meeting, following adjournment of the Open Council Meeting, according to Section 92 of the Community Charter for discussion of items identified under Section 90 (1) (a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality, (c) labour relations or other employee relations and (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose

Council adjourned at 7:25pm

1 comment:

Political Gadfly said...

Watched the entire Council meeting tonight. Great to see Mayor Rathor show real leadership and call Councilor Nelson on his grandstanding and attempt to control council members who had valid opinions. Clearly putting his own stamp on things and not allowing one councilor run the show, something that was missing from our last mayor. The process other councilors want to follow makes more sense and ensures a level playing field for all. Congrats to the new councilors for standing up for every organization!