This morning, I've received a email from the Secretariat of the Federal Review Panel for Prosperity Mine giving notice that Taseko Mines objects to the Panel viewing "Blue Gold" at the General Sessions of the Review Panel on various grounds including:
* It's a propaganda film
* Wouldn't be accepted as evidence in court
* Wouldn't be good use of panel's time
* Noted that Xeni Gwet'in can show film during "Community Sessions" when the Panel is at Xeni Gwet'in
All individuals who filed written briefs, like myself, or who are orally presenting to the Panel have until Friday, March 19th to file supportive briefs or objecting briefs to Taseko's motion at Prosperity.Review@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
In addition, the Panel Chair indicates that the motion will get due consideration at the Panel's first day of the General Session on March 22nd at which time the Panel will hear oral submissions on Taseko's motion of objection
I see that the Panel's first day in the Cariboo-Chilcotin on a project that will have both economic and socio-economic benefits to the region will be an interesting one
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Committee of the Whole (WL Council) Highlights - March 16, 2010
Present:
Mayor Cook, Deputy Mayor Rathor and Councillors Montoya, Zacharias Barr, and Walters
Absent:
Councillor Geoff Bourdon
Staff Present:
Brian Carruthers – CAO (left meeting at 6:28pm and returned at 6:49pm)
Cindy Bouchard – Manager of Legislative Services
Brad McRae – Senior Bylaw Officer (entered meeting at 6:55pm)
Meeting called to order at 6:30pm
Minutes of March 2nd, 2010 COW Meeting adopted
Delegations:
1) Tracey Elkins re Appointment of Council Member to Squaw Hall Community Arts Project Advisory Committee
• Training for aboriginal youth to start on April 10th, with training to focus on making of videos and arts with youth to videotape their own stories
• Looking for WL City Council member to sit on this advisory committee, with 7 members already serving on the advisory committee
• Project will be completed by July of 2011
A Question and Answer Period ensued with Ms. Elkins
Mayor Cook, on behalf on the Committee, thanked Ms. Elkins for her presentation
The Committee recommended to Council:
Councillor Laurie Walters be appointed to the Squaw Hall Community Arts Advisory Committee
2) Harold Stolar – Acting District Manager of Central Cariboo Forest District regarding Wood First Program Presentation
• October 2009 – Wood First Act passed by provincial Legislature
• Finland, France and New Zealand has “Wood First” policies and BC is the 1st North American jurisdiction to have a “Wood First” policy
• The Act is intended to promote a “culture of wood”
• Central Interior of BC very dependent on wood industry with areas like Kootenay, Northwest and Southwest BC less dependent on the wood industry
• Wood is very environmentally friendly as it has the least impact on the environment according to a study conducted by the Athena Institute
• Every 1 tonne of wood used in construction saves 5.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released
• Municipal projects that receive provincial funding (unconditional support) must comply with the terms of the Wood First Act including school districts and health authorities
• Wood Buildings demonstrated to last longer than Steel or Concrete Buildings, according to a Athena Institute study
• More info on Wood First initiative can be obtained at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/woodfirst
A Question and Answer period ensued with Mr. Stolar
Mayor Cook, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mr. Stolar for his informative presentation
Business:
1) Wood First Act – Report & Analysis
The Senior Bylaw Officer & CAO reviewed this item with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council:
THAT Council endorse a “Wood First Resolution” in the form passed by the City of Prince George
2) Solid Waste & Recyclables Management Bylaw No. 2115
The CAO and Senior Bylaw Officer reviewed this item with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council:
That Council introduce and give three readings to Management of Solid Waste and Recyclables Bylaw No. 2115
3) Twinning of Sanitary Sewer Force Main in the Williams Creek Valley - Contract Award
The Committee recommended to Council:
That Council award the contract for engineering assessment and design services for the first phase of the Sanitary Sewer Force Main Twinning, located in the Williams Lake Creek Valley, to TRUE Consulting Group in the amount of $72,000.
4) Deletion of Redundant Policies
The CAO reviewed his report with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council:
That Council declare redundant Council Policies #2, 27, 29, 31, 35, 43, 45 and 50 as identified by the Chief Administrative Officer.
5) Election Task Force Discussion Papers - CAO Update from March 12, 2010 UBCM Consultation Workshop
The CAO reviewed with the Committee what was discussed at this workshop including discussion on campaign financing, election cycles, length of office, role of Chief Electoral Officer of BC in local government elections, timing of local government elections, restoration of corporate vote and enforcement of local government election law
The Committee recommended to Council:
That Staff be directed to provide input to the Election Task Force on having a local government general election in October as opposed to November, in the year of a local government general election
6) NCLGA Call for Nominations for 2010-2011 Executive – Committee of Whole Discussion
• Discuss with CRD, Quesnel and 100 Mile House that WL Council’s nominee is Councillor Rathor with Councillor Barr as alternate
7) Naming Request for Skate Board Park in Boitanio Park - "Nathan Matthews Memorial Skate Board Park
The Committee recommended to Council:
That City Council consider renaming the skateboard park within Boitanio Park the “Nathan Matthews Memorial Skate Board Park, subject to authorization by Mr. Matthews’s family.”
Meeting adjourned at 8:28pm
Mayor Cook, Deputy Mayor Rathor and Councillors Montoya, Zacharias Barr, and Walters
Absent:
Councillor Geoff Bourdon
Staff Present:
Brian Carruthers – CAO (left meeting at 6:28pm and returned at 6:49pm)
Cindy Bouchard – Manager of Legislative Services
Brad McRae – Senior Bylaw Officer (entered meeting at 6:55pm)
Meeting called to order at 6:30pm
Minutes of March 2nd, 2010 COW Meeting adopted
Delegations:
1) Tracey Elkins re Appointment of Council Member to Squaw Hall Community Arts Project Advisory Committee
• Training for aboriginal youth to start on April 10th, with training to focus on making of videos and arts with youth to videotape their own stories
• Looking for WL City Council member to sit on this advisory committee, with 7 members already serving on the advisory committee
• Project will be completed by July of 2011
A Question and Answer Period ensued with Ms. Elkins
Mayor Cook, on behalf on the Committee, thanked Ms. Elkins for her presentation
The Committee recommended to Council:
Councillor Laurie Walters be appointed to the Squaw Hall Community Arts Advisory Committee
2) Harold Stolar – Acting District Manager of Central Cariboo Forest District regarding Wood First Program Presentation
• October 2009 – Wood First Act passed by provincial Legislature
• Finland, France and New Zealand has “Wood First” policies and BC is the 1st North American jurisdiction to have a “Wood First” policy
• The Act is intended to promote a “culture of wood”
• Central Interior of BC very dependent on wood industry with areas like Kootenay, Northwest and Southwest BC less dependent on the wood industry
• Wood is very environmentally friendly as it has the least impact on the environment according to a study conducted by the Athena Institute
• Every 1 tonne of wood used in construction saves 5.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released
• Municipal projects that receive provincial funding (unconditional support) must comply with the terms of the Wood First Act including school districts and health authorities
• Wood Buildings demonstrated to last longer than Steel or Concrete Buildings, according to a Athena Institute study
• More info on Wood First initiative can be obtained at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/woodfirst
A Question and Answer period ensued with Mr. Stolar
Mayor Cook, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mr. Stolar for his informative presentation
Business:
1) Wood First Act – Report & Analysis
The Senior Bylaw Officer & CAO reviewed this item with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council:
THAT Council endorse a “Wood First Resolution” in the form passed by the City of Prince George
2) Solid Waste & Recyclables Management Bylaw No. 2115
The CAO and Senior Bylaw Officer reviewed this item with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council:
That Council introduce and give three readings to Management of Solid Waste and Recyclables Bylaw No. 2115
3) Twinning of Sanitary Sewer Force Main in the Williams Creek Valley - Contract Award
The Committee recommended to Council:
That Council award the contract for engineering assessment and design services for the first phase of the Sanitary Sewer Force Main Twinning, located in the Williams Lake Creek Valley, to TRUE Consulting Group in the amount of $72,000.
4) Deletion of Redundant Policies
The CAO reviewed his report with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council:
That Council declare redundant Council Policies #2, 27, 29, 31, 35, 43, 45 and 50 as identified by the Chief Administrative Officer.
5) Election Task Force Discussion Papers - CAO Update from March 12, 2010 UBCM Consultation Workshop
The CAO reviewed with the Committee what was discussed at this workshop including discussion on campaign financing, election cycles, length of office, role of Chief Electoral Officer of BC in local government elections, timing of local government elections, restoration of corporate vote and enforcement of local government election law
The Committee recommended to Council:
That Staff be directed to provide input to the Election Task Force on having a local government general election in October as opposed to November, in the year of a local government general election
6) NCLGA Call for Nominations for 2010-2011 Executive – Committee of Whole Discussion
• Discuss with CRD, Quesnel and 100 Mile House that WL Council’s nominee is Councillor Rathor with Councillor Barr as alternate
7) Naming Request for Skate Board Park in Boitanio Park - "Nathan Matthews Memorial Skate Board Park
The Committee recommended to Council:
That City Council consider renaming the skateboard park within Boitanio Park the “Nathan Matthews Memorial Skate Board Park, subject to authorization by Mr. Matthews’s family.”
Meeting adjourned at 8:28pm
Friday, March 12, 2010
Local Government Meetings in Cariboo-Chilcotin - Week of Mar 15-19
There is only 1 meeting of local government in the Cariboo-Chilcotin this week:
Tuesday, March 16th - City of Williams Lake
Meets in Committee of the Whole
Agenda Items:
1) 2 Delegations
a - Tracey Elkins re Appointment of Council Member to Squaw Hall Community Arts Project Advisory Committee
b - Harold Stolar (Acting District Manager - Central Cariboo Forest District) re: Wood First Program Presentation
2) Wood First Act - Report from Senior Bylaw Officer
3) Solid Waste & Recyclables Management Bylaw No. 2115
4) Twinning of Sanitary Sewer Force Main in the Williams Creek Valley - Contract Award
5) Deletion of Redundant City Policies
6) Election Task Force Discussion Papers - CAO Update from March 12, 2010 UBCM Consultation Workshop
7) NCLGA Call for Nominations for 2010-2011 Executive - Council Discussion
8) Naming Request for Skate Board Park in Boitanio Park - "Nathan Matthews Memorial Skate Board Park"
You can get all the reports here
Tuesday, March 16th - City of Williams Lake
Meets in Committee of the Whole
Agenda Items:
1) 2 Delegations
a - Tracey Elkins re Appointment of Council Member to Squaw Hall Community Arts Project Advisory Committee
b - Harold Stolar (Acting District Manager - Central Cariboo Forest District) re: Wood First Program Presentation
2) Wood First Act - Report from Senior Bylaw Officer
3) Solid Waste & Recyclables Management Bylaw No. 2115
4) Twinning of Sanitary Sewer Force Main in the Williams Creek Valley - Contract Award
5) Deletion of Redundant City Policies
6) Election Task Force Discussion Papers - CAO Update from March 12, 2010 UBCM Consultation Workshop
7) NCLGA Call for Nominations for 2010-2011 Executive - Council Discussion
8) Naming Request for Skate Board Park in Boitanio Park - "Nathan Matthews Memorial Skate Board Park"
You can get all the reports here
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Steve Rant - Wood First Resolution & City of WL
As I feared last night, Council did not consider a Wood First Resolution at its' meeting last night, contrary to a motion passed at the Feb 2nd, 2010 Committee of the Whole. I'm not sure what the hold-up is however Mayor Cook openly declared that the Wood First initiative would be the subject of further discussions at the March 16, 2010 Committee of the Whole meeting with staff from the Central Cariboo Forest District attending to discuss the "Wood First" initiative of the Province of BC.
I really hope that Council gets its' act together on this subject, otherwise we risk looking like fools compared to other local governments who are jumping on the "Wood First" bandwagon and being praised by the Province of BC and that praise usually brings with it certain taxpayer goodies
I really hope that Council gets its' act together on this subject, otherwise we risk looking like fools compared to other local governments who are jumping on the "Wood First" bandwagon and being praised by the Province of BC and that praise usually brings with it certain taxpayer goodies
Steve Rant - Outcome of March 9th WL Council Meeting
Two issues came out of the March 9th WL Council Meeting that I'd like to discuss today:
1) Conflict of Interest - Mayor Cook
From time to time, Mayor Cook has had the need to declare a conflict of interest on matters before Council. However, she doesn't always state the reasons why. Let's look at what the Community Charter says on this subject:
Section 100 (2) of the Community Charter says:
(2) If a council member attending a meeting considers that he or she is not entitled to participate in the discussion of a matter, or to vote on a question in respect of a matter, because the member has
(a) a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the matter, or
(b) another interest in the matter that constitutes a conflict of interest,
the member must declare this and state in general terms the reason why the member considers this to be the case.
I openly challenge Mayor Cook to remember this and practice this each and every time she has to declare a conflict of interest on any matter before Council
2) Williams Lake Council Motions
At the Feb 2nd, 2010 Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following motion was passed with Councillor Rathor opposed:
The report of Councillor Rathor dated January 27, 2010 regarding a Wood First Resolution be received and referred back to the Development and Public Works Portfolio for cost implications and further investigation; and further, a report be brought back to Council at the March 9, 2010 Regular Council Meeting.
CARRIED
As Councillor Rathor rightly pointed out last night, if Council is not prepared to adhere to its' motions, especially directives to both Staff/Portfolio then those motions became meaningless.
However, this is not the first time that directives of Council have not been adhered to. At the inaugural meeting of WL Council for the 2008-2011 term, the following motion was passed pertaining to Councillor Rathor's new title of Deputy Mayor:
Moved by Councillor Barr
Seconded by Councillor Zacharias:
That pursuant to the report of the Chief Administrative Officer dated November 20, 2008 and Sections 130 (1) and 130 (2) of the Community Charter, respectively, Councillor Rathor be appointed Deputy Mayor and the following Councillors be designated Acting Mayors for the 2009 calendar year:
January - Councillor Barr
February - Councillor Bourdon
March - Councillor Montoya
April - Councillor Walters
May - Councillor Zacharias
June - Councillor Barr
July - Councillor Bourdon
August - Councillor Montoya
September - Councillor Walters
October - Councillor Zacharias
November - Councillor Barr
December - Councillor Bourdon
and further, Staff be directed to make the necessary amendments to the City of Williams Lake Procedure Bylaw to reflect this change.
CARRIED
This motion has never been officially carried out. The above motion was passed on December 2nd, 2008 and today is March 10th, 2010.
So I really would encourage the Council of Williams Lake that when you pass motions, stick to them otherwise don't pass them if you don't intend to carry them out
1) Conflict of Interest - Mayor Cook
From time to time, Mayor Cook has had the need to declare a conflict of interest on matters before Council. However, she doesn't always state the reasons why. Let's look at what the Community Charter says on this subject:
Section 100 (2) of the Community Charter says:
(2) If a council member attending a meeting considers that he or she is not entitled to participate in the discussion of a matter, or to vote on a question in respect of a matter, because the member has
(a) a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the matter, or
(b) another interest in the matter that constitutes a conflict of interest,
the member must declare this and state in general terms the reason why the member considers this to be the case.
I openly challenge Mayor Cook to remember this and practice this each and every time she has to declare a conflict of interest on any matter before Council
2) Williams Lake Council Motions
At the Feb 2nd, 2010 Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following motion was passed with Councillor Rathor opposed:
The report of Councillor Rathor dated January 27, 2010 regarding a Wood First Resolution be received and referred back to the Development and Public Works Portfolio for cost implications and further investigation; and further, a report be brought back to Council at the March 9, 2010 Regular Council Meeting.
CARRIED
As Councillor Rathor rightly pointed out last night, if Council is not prepared to adhere to its' motions, especially directives to both Staff/Portfolio then those motions became meaningless.
However, this is not the first time that directives of Council have not been adhered to. At the inaugural meeting of WL Council for the 2008-2011 term, the following motion was passed pertaining to Councillor Rathor's new title of Deputy Mayor:
Moved by Councillor Barr
Seconded by Councillor Zacharias:
That pursuant to the report of the Chief Administrative Officer dated November 20, 2008 and Sections 130 (1) and 130 (2) of the Community Charter, respectively, Councillor Rathor be appointed Deputy Mayor and the following Councillors be designated Acting Mayors for the 2009 calendar year:
January - Councillor Barr
February - Councillor Bourdon
March - Councillor Montoya
April - Councillor Walters
May - Councillor Zacharias
June - Councillor Barr
July - Councillor Bourdon
August - Councillor Montoya
September - Councillor Walters
October - Councillor Zacharias
November - Councillor Barr
December - Councillor Bourdon
and further, Staff be directed to make the necessary amendments to the City of Williams Lake Procedure Bylaw to reflect this change.
CARRIED
This motion has never been officially carried out. The above motion was passed on December 2nd, 2008 and today is March 10th, 2010.
So I really would encourage the Council of Williams Lake that when you pass motions, stick to them otherwise don't pass them if you don't intend to carry them out
WL Council Meeting Highlights - March 9th, 2010
Present: Mayor Cook and Councillors' Rathor, Montoya, Barr, Walters, Bourdon and Zacharias
Staff: G. Goodall, Acting CAO
C. Bouchard, Manager of Legislative Services
T. Chung, IT Manager
R. Schill, Corporate Services Clerk
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meeting called to order at 7:30pm
Minutes of February 23, 2010 Council Meeting approved
Delegations:
1) Jeannine McCormack from the Baker Creek Enhancement Society presented information on the 2009 Cariboo Woodstove Exchange Program
Business:
1) Council approved travel for the Chief Administrative Officer and one member of Council to attend the 73rd Annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference being held May 28 to 31, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario
Councillor Rathor was opposed
Mayor Cook declared a conflict of interest on the next item and left Council Chambers. Acting Mayor Natalie Montoya assumed the Chair
2) Council authorized contributing $500 to the Williams Lake Stampeders Hockey Club to help with their travel costs for the 2010 Coy Cup tournament in Powell River from March 16 to 20, 2010.
Mayor Cook resumed the Chair
3) Council approved renewal of the 2010 Renewal and Amendment Agreement for the Community Transit Partnership Agreement with the Cariboo Regional District for the rural bus transit service from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.
4) Council approved-in-principle a highway closure for the portion of Donald Road between Western Avenue and Carson Drive, directly adjacent to Highway 97 North (Jamboree Hotel), and Staff were directed to bring forward a Bylaw for Council’s consideration.
5) Council gave first reading to OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 2112, which addresses the provision of providing water and sewer services to properties outside City boundaries, and Staff were directed to set a date for a Public Consultation Meeting.
6) Council encouraged the community to attend the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Boitanio Park on Sunday, April 4, 2010. A member of Williams Lake City Council will be on hand to welcome the public and start the festivities.
7) Council gave approval for the annual Nutrition 5 Kilometre Fun Walk/Run on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM and the community were encouraged to participate
8) A number of Committee of the Whole were endorsed including:
• Receipt of the Draft Housing Needs Assessment for the new OCP/ICSP
• Council applying for delegation privileges at the March 22nd, 2010 Federal Environmental Review Panel for the Prosperity Mine Project. Staff to develop a presentation for consideration by Council
• Approval-in-principle for a highway closure for the portion of an unopened lane directly west of Lot 10, Block 11, Cariboo District, District Lot 71, Plan 1553 adjacent to 249 Barnard Street and Staff were directed to bring forward a Bylaw for Council’s consideration
Mayor Cook declared a personal conflict of interest on the next item and Acting Mayor Natalie Montoya assumed the Chair
• Council gave approval in principle to two text amendments to the City’s Zoning Bylaw pertaining to A-1 (Acreage Reserve) and RR1 (Rural Residential 1) zones and Council gave first reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw #2030, 2010. The Bylaw will now be referred to the Advisory Planning Commission for their comments/recommendations.
Mayor Cook reassumed the Chair
• The proposed Intersection Improvement Options for the Highway 97/Toop Road intersection was received for information. A Public Open House will be scheduled with affected highway property owners
9) Council gave approval for the 16th Annual Spring Round-Up Car Show and Shine on Sunday, May 30, 2010 from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM on 3rd Avenue between Oliver Street and Proctor Street and Borland Street between 2nd Avenue and 4th Avenue
10) Council authorized a letter of support to be sent to the Federal Government on behalf of Mayor and Council for the Environmental Assessment Permitting Reform Letter from Northern Development Initiative Trust
11) Council encouraged the community to participate in Earth Hour 2010 on March 27, 2010 between 8:30 AM and 9:30 PM by turning off their lights.
12) Council authorize a letter of support be sent to the CRTC on behalf of Mayor and Council for a new local TV channel that may come to Williams Lake.
13) Council received the CRD Board March 5th, 2010 Meeting Highlights for information
14) Council proclaimed April 29, 2010 as “Pay it Forward” Day in the City of Williams Lake
Information/Announcements by Council Members:
Council members made announcements on different events/issues occurring in the City
Meeting adjourned at 8:50pm and reconvened into a Special In-Camera Meeting
Staff: G. Goodall, Acting CAO
C. Bouchard, Manager of Legislative Services
T. Chung, IT Manager
R. Schill, Corporate Services Clerk
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meeting called to order at 7:30pm
Minutes of February 23, 2010 Council Meeting approved
Delegations:
1) Jeannine McCormack from the Baker Creek Enhancement Society presented information on the 2009 Cariboo Woodstove Exchange Program
Business:
1) Council approved travel for the Chief Administrative Officer and one member of Council to attend the 73rd Annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference being held May 28 to 31, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario
Councillor Rathor was opposed
Mayor Cook declared a conflict of interest on the next item and left Council Chambers. Acting Mayor Natalie Montoya assumed the Chair
2) Council authorized contributing $500 to the Williams Lake Stampeders Hockey Club to help with their travel costs for the 2010 Coy Cup tournament in Powell River from March 16 to 20, 2010.
Mayor Cook resumed the Chair
3) Council approved renewal of the 2010 Renewal and Amendment Agreement for the Community Transit Partnership Agreement with the Cariboo Regional District for the rural bus transit service from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.
4) Council approved-in-principle a highway closure for the portion of Donald Road between Western Avenue and Carson Drive, directly adjacent to Highway 97 North (Jamboree Hotel), and Staff were directed to bring forward a Bylaw for Council’s consideration.
5) Council gave first reading to OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 2112, which addresses the provision of providing water and sewer services to properties outside City boundaries, and Staff were directed to set a date for a Public Consultation Meeting.
6) Council encouraged the community to attend the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Boitanio Park on Sunday, April 4, 2010. A member of Williams Lake City Council will be on hand to welcome the public and start the festivities.
7) Council gave approval for the annual Nutrition 5 Kilometre Fun Walk/Run on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM and the community were encouraged to participate
8) A number of Committee of the Whole were endorsed including:
• Receipt of the Draft Housing Needs Assessment for the new OCP/ICSP
• Council applying for delegation privileges at the March 22nd, 2010 Federal Environmental Review Panel for the Prosperity Mine Project. Staff to develop a presentation for consideration by Council
• Approval-in-principle for a highway closure for the portion of an unopened lane directly west of Lot 10, Block 11, Cariboo District, District Lot 71, Plan 1553 adjacent to 249 Barnard Street and Staff were directed to bring forward a Bylaw for Council’s consideration
Mayor Cook declared a personal conflict of interest on the next item and Acting Mayor Natalie Montoya assumed the Chair
• Council gave approval in principle to two text amendments to the City’s Zoning Bylaw pertaining to A-1 (Acreage Reserve) and RR1 (Rural Residential 1) zones and Council gave first reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw #2030, 2010. The Bylaw will now be referred to the Advisory Planning Commission for their comments/recommendations.
Mayor Cook reassumed the Chair
• The proposed Intersection Improvement Options for the Highway 97/Toop Road intersection was received for information. A Public Open House will be scheduled with affected highway property owners
9) Council gave approval for the 16th Annual Spring Round-Up Car Show and Shine on Sunday, May 30, 2010 from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM on 3rd Avenue between Oliver Street and Proctor Street and Borland Street between 2nd Avenue and 4th Avenue
10) Council authorized a letter of support to be sent to the Federal Government on behalf of Mayor and Council for the Environmental Assessment Permitting Reform Letter from Northern Development Initiative Trust
11) Council encouraged the community to participate in Earth Hour 2010 on March 27, 2010 between 8:30 AM and 9:30 PM by turning off their lights.
12) Council authorize a letter of support be sent to the CRTC on behalf of Mayor and Council for a new local TV channel that may come to Williams Lake.
13) Council received the CRD Board March 5th, 2010 Meeting Highlights for information
14) Council proclaimed April 29, 2010 as “Pay it Forward” Day in the City of Williams Lake
Information/Announcements by Council Members:
Council members made announcements on different events/issues occurring in the City
Meeting adjourned at 8:50pm and reconvened into a Special In-Camera Meeting
Monday, March 8, 2010
HST to be good to Province of BC over coming decade
See below for a press release from the BC Finance Ministry on a report received today that says when the HST is implemented in BC, many billions of investment dollars will flow here as a result
Sales tax harmonization and corporate tax cuts will increase capital investment by $14.4 billion and result in a net increase of 141,000 jobs by the end of the coming decade according to a report released today by economist and tax expert Jack Mintz, announced Finance Minister Colin Hansen. “The Mintz report confirms that the HST, along with federal and provincial corporate tax rate reductions, will dramatically improve the competitiveness of B.C. businesses, both here at home, and abroad,” said Hansen.
“Sales tax harmonization is an essential step to encourage new investment, improve productivity and create jobs for British Columbians.” The report also notes that sales tax harmonization, independent of corporate tax cuts, will account for an $11.5-billion increase in capital investment and a net increase of 113,000 jobs by the end of the coming decade. By lowering the tax on new investment, the HST will encourage capital investment, make B.C.’s economy more tax competitive, and create new jobs and opportunities across the province. While some businesses may not benefit directly from sales tax reform, the significant increase in business activity resulting from the reform will help all sectors of the economy. “Without a doubt, British Columbia’s sales tax harmonization will be a game changer, promoting capital investment in the province and providing an opportunity for the private sector to create jobs and pay higher wages to workers,” said Dr. Jack Mintz.
“Tax reforms will have a profound effect on the economy with B.C. leaping toward fast becoming one of the most competitive jurisdictions in the world.” All industrial sectors in B.C. will benefit from sales tax harmonization and will see their effective tax rate on new investment drop by over a third, according to Mintz, while some will see reductions of over 40 per cent. Small businesses will also see substantial benefits with their effective tax rate on new investment declining by almost 60 per cent. The report concludes that by 2018 B.C. will have an internationally competitive marginal effective tax rate on capital – lower than Alberta, Ontario and the current average of 20 major industrialized and emerging economies including that of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea.
Widely published in the field of public economics, Mintz was appointed the Palmer chair in public policy at the University of Calgary in January 2008.
The report can be found online at www.gov.bc.ca/hst
Sales tax harmonization and corporate tax cuts will increase capital investment by $14.4 billion and result in a net increase of 141,000 jobs by the end of the coming decade according to a report released today by economist and tax expert Jack Mintz, announced Finance Minister Colin Hansen. “The Mintz report confirms that the HST, along with federal and provincial corporate tax rate reductions, will dramatically improve the competitiveness of B.C. businesses, both here at home, and abroad,” said Hansen.
“Sales tax harmonization is an essential step to encourage new investment, improve productivity and create jobs for British Columbians.” The report also notes that sales tax harmonization, independent of corporate tax cuts, will account for an $11.5-billion increase in capital investment and a net increase of 113,000 jobs by the end of the coming decade. By lowering the tax on new investment, the HST will encourage capital investment, make B.C.’s economy more tax competitive, and create new jobs and opportunities across the province. While some businesses may not benefit directly from sales tax reform, the significant increase in business activity resulting from the reform will help all sectors of the economy. “Without a doubt, British Columbia’s sales tax harmonization will be a game changer, promoting capital investment in the province and providing an opportunity for the private sector to create jobs and pay higher wages to workers,” said Dr. Jack Mintz.
“Tax reforms will have a profound effect on the economy with B.C. leaping toward fast becoming one of the most competitive jurisdictions in the world.” All industrial sectors in B.C. will benefit from sales tax harmonization and will see their effective tax rate on new investment drop by over a third, according to Mintz, while some will see reductions of over 40 per cent. Small businesses will also see substantial benefits with their effective tax rate on new investment declining by almost 60 per cent. The report concludes that by 2018 B.C. will have an internationally competitive marginal effective tax rate on capital – lower than Alberta, Ontario and the current average of 20 major industrialized and emerging economies including that of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea.
Widely published in the field of public economics, Mintz was appointed the Palmer chair in public policy at the University of Calgary in January 2008.
The report can be found online at www.gov.bc.ca/hst
Letter to Federal Review Panel on Prosperity Mine Project
Earlier today, I posted the Public Hearing Schedules for the General, Community and Topic-Specific Sessions. I also asked my readers' to send in a letter in support of the Prosperity Mine Project, if they agreed with me that this project needs to go forward. In that vein, find below a letter that I forwarded to the Federal Review Panel on the proposed Prosperity Mine Project:
My name is Steve Forseth and I’m a 31-year old resident of Williams Lake. I am writing to you to request you give this Project your most favourable consideration when providing recommendations to the Federal Natural Resources and Environment Ministers
I think it needs to be said that anyone who says that mining is environmentally-friend is “out to lunch”. Whenever we talk about extraction of natural resources, there is always a risk to the environment but I believe the public expects government to ensure that these sorts of projects have the least amount of damage to the environment as possible.
As I’m sure you’ve read in the media, the forestry industry, here in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, is undergoing a very challenging time with many on lay-offs at the moment. The mining industry has helped to ensure jobs are available and with this industry showing some promise for the area for the foreseeable future, I plead with you to allow this project to move forward, as I believe it is in the region’s best interest and for the whole of all communities in the Cariboo-Chilcotin including First Nations, who I believe need the work for their people so they can begin to solve some of their socio-economic challenges
Should this project not proceed, then this community and the region very well may have to make some tough choices and those choices could set off a chain reaction which would not be in the region’s long term interests and 1 example of this is what happened to rural Saskatchewan and Newfoundland/Labrador when whole communities were vacated because of a lack of jobs. I certainly do not wish this to become reality here
Welcome to the Cariboo-Chilcotin and may your deliberations be fruitful and positive for this Project
Thank you for your consideration in this matter
Respectfully yours,
Steve Forseth
SF/sf
CC – Dick Harris, MP – Cariboo-Prince George (via email)
Kerry Cook, Mayor of Williams Lake (via email)
Al Richmond, Cariboo Regional District Board Chair (via email)
My name is Steve Forseth and I’m a 31-year old resident of Williams Lake. I am writing to you to request you give this Project your most favourable consideration when providing recommendations to the Federal Natural Resources and Environment Ministers
I think it needs to be said that anyone who says that mining is environmentally-friend is “out to lunch”. Whenever we talk about extraction of natural resources, there is always a risk to the environment but I believe the public expects government to ensure that these sorts of projects have the least amount of damage to the environment as possible.
As I’m sure you’ve read in the media, the forestry industry, here in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, is undergoing a very challenging time with many on lay-offs at the moment. The mining industry has helped to ensure jobs are available and with this industry showing some promise for the area for the foreseeable future, I plead with you to allow this project to move forward, as I believe it is in the region’s best interest and for the whole of all communities in the Cariboo-Chilcotin including First Nations, who I believe need the work for their people so they can begin to solve some of their socio-economic challenges
Should this project not proceed, then this community and the region very well may have to make some tough choices and those choices could set off a chain reaction which would not be in the region’s long term interests and 1 example of this is what happened to rural Saskatchewan and Newfoundland/Labrador when whole communities were vacated because of a lack of jobs. I certainly do not wish this to become reality here
Welcome to the Cariboo-Chilcotin and may your deliberations be fruitful and positive for this Project
Thank you for your consideration in this matter
Respectfully yours,
Steve Forseth
SF/sf
CC – Dick Harris, MP – Cariboo-Prince George (via email)
Kerry Cook, Mayor of Williams Lake (via email)
Al Richmond, Cariboo Regional District Board Chair (via email)
Announcement on Community Access Grants for 2010
See below for information I've received from the Ministry of Social Development and Housing:
The Province is allocating $120 million for gaming grants in 2010-2011, up from $113 million last year, to fund approximately 6,000 organizations that benefit communities, including those that assist public safety, youth and disabled sports, people in need, fairs, festivals, museums and community services such as preschools.
Parent Advisory Councils will receive $20 per student, a $10 increase from 2009-2010. District Parent Advisory Councils will be allocated $2,500 each, up from $1,250 last year. The Province will continue to honour multi-year gaming grant commitments. All other organizations will apply for single-year grants of up to $100,000 each throughout the year, following the regular application process. Groups designated as provincial organizations, which deliver services province-wide, will be eligible for up to $250,000.
Youth arts, culture and sports groups will be eligible for grants this year, as will sports organizations serving people with disabilities. A new sub-category of grants has been created specifically for museums, fairs and festivals. In addition to gaming grant funding, the Province also recently announced a $60-million Sports and Arts Legacy fund as part of Budget 2010.
School playgrounds, environmental groups, and adult arts, culture and sports organizations will remain ineligible for funding this year. Playground grants were provided for approximately 250 school playgrounds across British Columbia between 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.
Effective April 1, the Province will combine bingo affiliation and direct access grants into a single community gaming grant program, ensuring all organizations have fair and equitable access to gaming funding.
Last year, the Province allocated almost $113 million in base grant funding for community organizations. Additional funding was provided to cover other government priorities not traditionally funded by gaming grants.
Responsibility for those programs is returning to the respective ministries this year and the combined community gaming grant program will return to the usual practice of assisting eligible organizations.
In addition to funding community gaming grants, gaming revenue provides over
$1.1 billion for key provincial programs, including health care and education.
Revised applications and instructions for grants will be available by April 1, 2010, at: www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/gaming/grants/index.htm
The Province is allocating $120 million for gaming grants in 2010-2011, up from $113 million last year, to fund approximately 6,000 organizations that benefit communities, including those that assist public safety, youth and disabled sports, people in need, fairs, festivals, museums and community services such as preschools.
Parent Advisory Councils will receive $20 per student, a $10 increase from 2009-2010. District Parent Advisory Councils will be allocated $2,500 each, up from $1,250 last year. The Province will continue to honour multi-year gaming grant commitments. All other organizations will apply for single-year grants of up to $100,000 each throughout the year, following the regular application process. Groups designated as provincial organizations, which deliver services province-wide, will be eligible for up to $250,000.
Youth arts, culture and sports groups will be eligible for grants this year, as will sports organizations serving people with disabilities. A new sub-category of grants has been created specifically for museums, fairs and festivals. In addition to gaming grant funding, the Province also recently announced a $60-million Sports and Arts Legacy fund as part of Budget 2010.
School playgrounds, environmental groups, and adult arts, culture and sports organizations will remain ineligible for funding this year. Playground grants were provided for approximately 250 school playgrounds across British Columbia between 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.
Effective April 1, the Province will combine bingo affiliation and direct access grants into a single community gaming grant program, ensuring all organizations have fair and equitable access to gaming funding.
Last year, the Province allocated almost $113 million in base grant funding for community organizations. Additional funding was provided to cover other government priorities not traditionally funded by gaming grants.
Responsibility for those programs is returning to the respective ministries this year and the combined community gaming grant program will return to the usual practice of assisting eligible organizations.
In addition to funding community gaming grants, gaming revenue provides over
$1.1 billion for key provincial programs, including health care and education.
Revised applications and instructions for grants will be available by April 1, 2010, at: www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/gaming/grants/index.htm
Federal Review Panel Public Hearing Schedule for Prosperity Copper-Gold Mine Project
As the Public Hearings for the Prosperity Mine Project are coming up soon, I'd thought I would let my blog readers' know when and where you may make a presentation.
General Sessions - Register by Friday, March 12th, 2010 with the Federal Review Panel Secretariat by email - Prosperity.Review@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
Date - Monday to Wednesday, March 22 to 24, 2010
Location - Gibralter Room at Cariboo Memorial Complex (525 Proctor Street, WL)
Times - 10am to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm
Date - Thursday, March 25th, 2010
Location - Room 119, Pioneer Complex (351 Hodgson Rd, Williams Lake)
Times - 10am to 5pm*
Date - Friday, March 26th, 2010
Location - Valley Room at the Lodge (150 Highway 97 South, 100 Mile House)
Times - 12pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm
Date - Saturday, March 27th, 2010
Location - Community Hall (TBC) (2620 Stum Lake Road, Alexis Creek)
Community Sessions - Register by Friday, March 19th, 2010 with the Federal Review Panel Secretariat by email - Prosperity.Review@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
Date - Monday to Thursday, March 29th to April 1st
Location - Xeni Gwet'in Community Band Hall
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Date - Wednesday and Thursday, April 7th & 8th
Location - Stone Reserve Band Hall
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Date - Friday and Saturday, April 9th and 10th
Location - Toosey Reserve Band Office
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Date - Monday and Tuesday, April 12th & 13th
Location - Elders' Lodge, Anahim Reserve
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Date - Wednesday and Thursday, April 14th and 15th
Location - Cultural Centre, Alexis Creek Reserve (Chilanko Forks)
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Date - Friday and Saturday, April 16th and 17th
Location - Dog Creek Community Gymnasium, Dog Creek Road
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Date - Monday, April 19th
Location - Sxoxomic School Gymnasium Alkali Lake
Times - 1pm to 8pm
Date - Tuesday and Wednesday, April 20th and 21st
Location - Sxoxomic School Gymnasium Alkali Lake
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Topic-Specific Sessions - Register by Friday, April 16th, 2010 with the Federal Review Panel Secretariat by email - Prosperity.Review@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
Date - Monday to Friday, April 26th to 30th, 2010
Location - Room 119, Pioneer Complex (351 Hodgson Road in Williams Lake)
Times - 9am to 5pm*
Closing Remarks - You must have registered previously to address the Federal Review Panel at this Session
Date - Saturday, May 1st
Location - Room 119, Pioneer Complex (351 Hodgson Road in Williams Lake)
Times - 9am to 5pm
* - additional evening session will be scheduled, as necessary
General Sessions - Register by Friday, March 12th, 2010 with the Federal Review Panel Secretariat by email - Prosperity.Review@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
Date - Monday to Wednesday, March 22 to 24, 2010
Location - Gibralter Room at Cariboo Memorial Complex (525 Proctor Street, WL)
Times - 10am to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm
Date - Thursday, March 25th, 2010
Location - Room 119, Pioneer Complex (351 Hodgson Rd, Williams Lake)
Times - 10am to 5pm*
Date - Friday, March 26th, 2010
Location - Valley Room at the Lodge (150 Highway 97 South, 100 Mile House)
Times - 12pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm
Date - Saturday, March 27th, 2010
Location - Community Hall (TBC) (2620 Stum Lake Road, Alexis Creek)
Community Sessions - Register by Friday, March 19th, 2010 with the Federal Review Panel Secretariat by email - Prosperity.Review@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
Date - Monday to Thursday, March 29th to April 1st
Location - Xeni Gwet'in Community Band Hall
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Date - Wednesday and Thursday, April 7th & 8th
Location - Stone Reserve Band Hall
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Date - Friday and Saturday, April 9th and 10th
Location - Toosey Reserve Band Office
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Date - Monday and Tuesday, April 12th & 13th
Location - Elders' Lodge, Anahim Reserve
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Date - Wednesday and Thursday, April 14th and 15th
Location - Cultural Centre, Alexis Creek Reserve (Chilanko Forks)
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Date - Friday and Saturday, April 16th and 17th
Location - Dog Creek Community Gymnasium, Dog Creek Road
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Date - Monday, April 19th
Location - Sxoxomic School Gymnasium Alkali Lake
Times - 1pm to 8pm
Date - Tuesday and Wednesday, April 20th and 21st
Location - Sxoxomic School Gymnasium Alkali Lake
Times - 10am to 6pm*
Topic-Specific Sessions - Register by Friday, April 16th, 2010 with the Federal Review Panel Secretariat by email - Prosperity.Review@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
Date - Monday to Friday, April 26th to 30th, 2010
Location - Room 119, Pioneer Complex (351 Hodgson Road in Williams Lake)
Times - 9am to 5pm*
Closing Remarks - You must have registered previously to address the Federal Review Panel at this Session
Date - Saturday, May 1st
Location - Room 119, Pioneer Complex (351 Hodgson Road in Williams Lake)
Times - 9am to 5pm
* - additional evening session will be scheduled, as necessary
Also - I will be blogging on the General Hearings in Williams Lake so look for those posts here. In addition, I encourage anyone who has an opinion/interest on Prosperity Mine going forward to start-up to attend these sessions or send a letter to the Panel.
You can forward it to the Secretariat via email at Prosperity.Review@ceaa-acee.gc.ca not later than Friday, March 12th
Friday, March 5, 2010
Wood First MOU and the City of Williams Lake
Recently, the Cities of Prince George, Quesnel, Campbell River, Castlegar, the Villages of Nakusp and Fruitvale and the District of Squamish along with the Province of BC entered into a Wood First MOU which commits all parties to promoting a "culture of wood" in the Province.
However, in Williams Lake, we are still deciding whether or not to even endorse a Wood First Resolution. This Resolution was supposed to be considered by WL Council on Tuesday, but at the publishing of WL Council's Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, March 9th, the Wood First Resolution had not appeared on the Agenda although it could be still a late item to appear on the Agenda on either Monday or Tuesday. Should it not appear, then that would be unfortunate given that WL City Hall has had well over a month to research this topic and there is no reason for any delay. 7 Local Governments have endorsed a Wood First Resolution. They all can't be wrong for endorsing a "Wood First" Resolution
For the record, here is the contents of the Wood First MOU for my blog readers' information:
WHEREAS the forest products industry is critically important to British Columbia's economy contributing more than any other sector to the provincial trade balance over the past decade
However, in Williams Lake, we are still deciding whether or not to even endorse a Wood First Resolution. This Resolution was supposed to be considered by WL Council on Tuesday, but at the publishing of WL Council's Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, March 9th, the Wood First Resolution had not appeared on the Agenda although it could be still a late item to appear on the Agenda on either Monday or Tuesday. Should it not appear, then that would be unfortunate given that WL City Hall has had well over a month to research this topic and there is no reason for any delay. 7 Local Governments have endorsed a Wood First Resolution. They all can't be wrong for endorsing a "Wood First" Resolution
For the record, here is the contents of the Wood First MOU for my blog readers' information:
WHEREAS the forest products industry is critically important to British Columbia's economy contributing more than any other sector to the provincial trade balance over the past decade
WHEREAS building with wood is recognized to be a catalyst for stimulating forest industry innovation and diversification, creating new markets for value-added wood products and showcasing the economic and environmental advantages of wood as a construction material
WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia has passed the Wood First Act that facilities a culture of wood for construction in British Columbia by requiring the use of wood as the primary building material in all new provincially funded buildings, in a manner consistent with the BC Building Code
WHEREAS municipalities can acknowledge the importance of wood as a building material, and that expression of wood use can support in the achievement of economic, environmental and social benefits for BC communities
WHEREAS seven municipalities in BC have passed "Wood First" resolutions that commit to the development of a culture of wood through the promotion of wood as the building material of first choice in their communities
The PARTIES therefore agree as follows:
1) To jointly recognize the opportunity for local governments to become wood champions and support the Government of BC's Wood First Act by adopting Wood First Resolutions
2) To become partners with the Province of BC in expanding the use of wood in BC and other provinces
3) To commit to the further development of policy that encourage and promote the primary use of wood in municipal structures and also develop a culture of wood amongst architects, designers and engineers
4) To advocate for the adoption of Wood-First resolutions by municipalities in BC
5) To work with the Union of BC Municipalities in order to achieve benefits available to communities through the expanded use of wood
City of Williams Lake launches Video Tourbook
The City of Williams Lake has now launced a video tour of Williams Lake including the following topics:
i) Introduction by Mayor Kerry Cook
ii) Education
iii) Quality of Life
iv) Arts, Entertainment and Culture
v) Tourism and things to do
Check it out at http://www.williamslake.ca
The link to the video tour is on the left screen of the webpage. You can't miss it
i) Introduction by Mayor Kerry Cook
ii) Education
iii) Quality of Life
iv) Arts, Entertainment and Culture
v) Tourism and things to do
Check it out at http://www.williamslake.ca
The link to the video tour is on the left screen of the webpage. You can't miss it
Local Government Meetings in Cariboo-Chilcotin - Week of March 8 - 12
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Letter to Community and Rural Development Minister Bill Bennett
Recently, I sent a letter to Community & Rural Development Minister Bill Bennett asking that his Ministry officials review Council's decision to allow WL City Councillor Sue Zacharias to participate, by phone, in the February 16th, 2010 Committee of Whole Council meeting. I should note two things:
1) Section 128(1) of the Community Charter requires that a local government authorize the use of electronic means (webcam or telephone) in their Procedure Bylaw
2) City of Williams Lake Bylaw #1940, 2004 (Council Procedure Bylaw) does not currently authorize Council to make use of electronic means in its meetings
Find below a copy of the letter I sent to Minister Bennett earlier today:
Dear Minister Bennett:
Re: Use of Teleconferencing at the February 16th, 2010 Committee of the Whole Council Meeting (City of Williams Lake)
I recently had the opportunity to review the minutes of the February 16th, 2010 meeting of the Committee of the Whole Council (City of Williams Lake), and I wish to bring to your attention and that of your Ministry officials, of the use of teleconferencing during this meeting
Section 128(1) of the Community Charter states the following, with regard to electronic meetings of local government:
Electronic meetings and participation by members
128 (1) If this is authorized by procedure bylaw and the requirements of subsection (2) are met...
Williams Lake City Councillor Sue Zacharias, during the February 16th, 2010 Committee of the Whole Council meeting, was given permission by Williams Lake City Council to participate electronically, via teleconference, on the grounds that she would be identified as being “absent” and that she would not have a vote on any matter before the Committee but she would be allowed to speak on any matter before the Committee. I will be attaching a copy of Page 1 of minutes of the February 16th, 2010 Committee of the Whole meeting, both for your information and that of your Ministry officials
Further to this, the current Williams Lake Council Procedure Bylaw does not currently authorize the use of electronic meetings to allow a member of Williams Lake City Council to participate electronically during a Council meeting. I will be attaching Page 1 from the “Table of Contents” from City of Williams Lake Bylaw #1940, 2004 (Council Procedure Bylaw), both for your information and that of your Ministry officials as Procedure Bylaws, as I understand it, are supposed to be the same in content. I am told that a new Procedure Bylaw will be presented to Williams Lake City Council at its’ March 30th, 2010 Committee of the Whole Council meeting.
Upon learning this, I emailed the City of Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook requesting clarification.
On Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010, I received an email response from Brian Carruthers, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Williams Lake. Mr. Carruthers clarified what had occurred at the February 16th, 2010 Committee of the Whole Meeting. In addition, he stated the following;
In the meantime, it is Council’s right to allow a Council member to participate in a Council meeting via telephone provided they are not given voting rights when a question is called as this would be in contravention of our Bylaw
Having said all of that, my real concern, at this point, is that Williams Lake City Council is acting in contravention of Section 128 of the Community Charter, both in spirit and intent
If Williams Lake City Council is allowed to ignore Section 128 of the Community Charter without consequence, then compliance with the Community Charter itself becomes meaningless
I hereby request your Ministry officials to review this situation and should the facts warrant it, I believe that the City of Williams Lake should be strongly reminded that use of teleconferencing or other electronic means for its’ meetings’ is prohibited until such time as the City of Williams Lake Council has duly authorized the use of electronic meetings in its’ Procedure Bylaw
Please contact the undersigned at (250) – 303-0951 or by email at sforseth000@hotmail.com if you wish to discuss this matter further.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter
Yours truly,
Steve Forseth
SF/sf
1) Section 128(1) of the Community Charter requires that a local government authorize the use of electronic means (webcam or telephone) in their Procedure Bylaw
2) City of Williams Lake Bylaw #1940, 2004 (Council Procedure Bylaw) does not currently authorize Council to make use of electronic means in its meetings
Find below a copy of the letter I sent to Minister Bennett earlier today:
Dear Minister Bennett:
Re: Use of Teleconferencing at the February 16th, 2010 Committee of the Whole Council Meeting (City of Williams Lake)
I recently had the opportunity to review the minutes of the February 16th, 2010 meeting of the Committee of the Whole Council (City of Williams Lake), and I wish to bring to your attention and that of your Ministry officials, of the use of teleconferencing during this meeting
Section 128(1) of the Community Charter states the following, with regard to electronic meetings of local government:
Electronic meetings and participation by members
128 (1) If this is authorized by procedure bylaw and the requirements of subsection (2) are met...
Williams Lake City Councillor Sue Zacharias, during the February 16th, 2010 Committee of the Whole Council meeting, was given permission by Williams Lake City Council to participate electronically, via teleconference, on the grounds that she would be identified as being “absent” and that she would not have a vote on any matter before the Committee but she would be allowed to speak on any matter before the Committee. I will be attaching a copy of Page 1 of minutes of the February 16th, 2010 Committee of the Whole meeting, both for your information and that of your Ministry officials
Further to this, the current Williams Lake Council Procedure Bylaw does not currently authorize the use of electronic meetings to allow a member of Williams Lake City Council to participate electronically during a Council meeting. I will be attaching Page 1 from the “Table of Contents” from City of Williams Lake Bylaw #1940, 2004 (Council Procedure Bylaw), both for your information and that of your Ministry officials as Procedure Bylaws, as I understand it, are supposed to be the same in content. I am told that a new Procedure Bylaw will be presented to Williams Lake City Council at its’ March 30th, 2010 Committee of the Whole Council meeting.
Upon learning this, I emailed the City of Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook requesting clarification.
On Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010, I received an email response from Brian Carruthers, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Williams Lake. Mr. Carruthers clarified what had occurred at the February 16th, 2010 Committee of the Whole Meeting. In addition, he stated the following;
In the meantime, it is Council’s right to allow a Council member to participate in a Council meeting via telephone provided they are not given voting rights when a question is called as this would be in contravention of our Bylaw
Having said all of that, my real concern, at this point, is that Williams Lake City Council is acting in contravention of Section 128 of the Community Charter, both in spirit and intent
If Williams Lake City Council is allowed to ignore Section 128 of the Community Charter without consequence, then compliance with the Community Charter itself becomes meaningless
I hereby request your Ministry officials to review this situation and should the facts warrant it, I believe that the City of Williams Lake should be strongly reminded that use of teleconferencing or other electronic means for its’ meetings’ is prohibited until such time as the City of Williams Lake Council has duly authorized the use of electronic meetings in its’ Procedure Bylaw
Please contact the undersigned at (250) – 303-0951 or by email at sforseth000@hotmail.com if you wish to discuss this matter further.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter
Yours truly,
Steve Forseth
SF/sf
Monday, March 1, 2010
Innovators' Summit - City of Williams Lake "Imagine our Future" Project
I'm told on Wednesday, March 3rd, as part of the "Imagine our Future" Project, an Innovators' Summit is being convened. The Innovators Summit will bring the leaders of our community together to realize new business opportunities and further job creation as well as explore new ways of building design and construction in Williams Lake. We’ll be focusing on developing specific ideas for new opportunities
I don't have a location but I assume that the location will be advertised (I hope) in tomorrow's WL Tribune so keep an eye for the location and attend, if you can, or you can email imagine@williamslake.ca for more information. The information discussed at that summit will help the City create an new OCP (Official Community Plan) and a new ICSP (Integrated Community Sustainability Plan)
Update - The Innovators' Summit is being held at the new City of WL Fire Hall between 5-9pm tonight. However, this is an "invitation-only" event. However, if you still wish to attend, contact Lilliana Dragowska, City Planner at (250) - 392-2311 or by email at ldragowska@williamslake.ca for further details
I don't have a location but I assume that the location will be advertised (I hope) in tomorrow's WL Tribune so keep an eye for the location and attend, if you can, or you can email imagine@williamslake.ca for more information. The information discussed at that summit will help the City create an new OCP (Official Community Plan) and a new ICSP (Integrated Community Sustainability Plan)
Update - The Innovators' Summit is being held at the new City of WL Fire Hall between 5-9pm tonight. However, this is an "invitation-only" event. However, if you still wish to attend, contact Lilliana Dragowska, City Planner at (250) - 392-2311 or by email at ldragowska@williamslake.ca for further details
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Steve Rant - Does the Procedure Bylaw matter at Williams Lake City Hall?
At the last (Feb 16th) Williams Lake Committee of the Whole Council meeting, Councillor Sue Zacharias was permitted to participate in this meeting, via teleconference (electronic means). Normally, I'm for this sort of thing as it allows full Council member participation with 1 or more Council members being away but still allows them to carry out their duties as a member of Williams Lake City Council.
However, in order to take advantage of this, a Council Procedure Bylaw must authorize the use of electronic means (teleconference or webcam) for a Council member's remote participation in a meeting (Regular Council or Council Committee).
Section 128(1) of the Community Charter states:
If this is authorized by procedure bylaw and the requirements of subsection (2) are met...
However, the current Williams Lake Council Procedure Bylaw does not authorize the use of electronic means to allow WL Council members to participate in Council meetings (Regular Council or Council Committee) however Quesnel Council & the Cariboo Regional District have authorized the use of electronic means in their meetings and their members have used this provision at their past meetings
I have emailed both WL Mayor Kerry Cook and WL City Councillor Geoff Bourdon with my concerns about what occurred at the Feb 16th Committee of the Whole meeting (participation of Councillor Zacharias, via teleconference) but quite frankly, I'm not expecting much if any sympathy from them. I very well may have to take this issue up with the Ministry of Community and Rural Development
I would certainly call upon Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook not to allow her Council colleagues to use teleconferencing or other electronic means to participate in WL Council meetings, until such time as WL Council authorizes the use of electronic means in their meetings and formally makes those changes in the Williams Lake Council Procedure Bylaw
However, in order to take advantage of this, a Council Procedure Bylaw must authorize the use of electronic means (teleconference or webcam) for a Council member's remote participation in a meeting (Regular Council or Council Committee).
Section 128(1) of the Community Charter states:
If this is authorized by procedure bylaw and the requirements of subsection (2) are met...
However, the current Williams Lake Council Procedure Bylaw does not authorize the use of electronic means to allow WL Council members to participate in Council meetings (Regular Council or Council Committee) however Quesnel Council & the Cariboo Regional District have authorized the use of electronic means in their meetings and their members have used this provision at their past meetings
I have emailed both WL Mayor Kerry Cook and WL City Councillor Geoff Bourdon with my concerns about what occurred at the Feb 16th Committee of the Whole meeting (participation of Councillor Zacharias, via teleconference) but quite frankly, I'm not expecting much if any sympathy from them. I very well may have to take this issue up with the Ministry of Community and Rural Development
I would certainly call upon Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook not to allow her Council colleagues to use teleconferencing or other electronic means to participate in WL Council meetings, until such time as WL Council authorizes the use of electronic means in their meetings and formally makes those changes in the Williams Lake Council Procedure Bylaw
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Is the CRD going to be subject to another lawsuit?
On, Thursday, February 11th at 6:03pm until 8:05pm, the Cariboo Regional District Board held an Special In-Camera meeting under Section 90(1)(g) of the Community Charter.
I should note lawyers were present at this meeting before the Board closed the meeting to the public. Presumably, the lawyers were also present in the closed (In-Camera) meeting. If one were to ask any of the 16 Directors of the CRD Board what took place, Directors' rightfully would tell you that they are unable to discuss anything that was debated behind closed doors until such time as the information that was discussed In-Camera has been released to the public.
If the CRD is going to be subject to another lawsuit, then that would be unfortunate given that the CRD Board, in 2009, dealt with a lawsuit pertaining to Area 'F' Director Duncan Barnett.
But I assume at some point, the public will find out why this meeting took place. The minutes of this meeting (the ones that the public can view) are here
I should note lawyers were present at this meeting before the Board closed the meeting to the public. Presumably, the lawyers were also present in the closed (In-Camera) meeting. If one were to ask any of the 16 Directors of the CRD Board what took place, Directors' rightfully would tell you that they are unable to discuss anything that was debated behind closed doors until such time as the information that was discussed In-Camera has been released to the public.
If the CRD is going to be subject to another lawsuit, then that would be unfortunate given that the CRD Board, in 2009, dealt with a lawsuit pertaining to Area 'F' Director Duncan Barnett.
But I assume at some point, the public will find out why this meeting took place. The minutes of this meeting (the ones that the public can view) are here
Local Government Meetings in Cariboo-Chilcotin - Week of March 1st - 5th
A number of local governments meetings are occuring this week in the Cariboo-Chilcotin:
Monday, March 1st - City of Quesnel
Meets in Committee of the Whole, then reconvenes into an In-Camera meeting. Meeting starts at 7:00pm in Quesnel Council Chambers
The link to the Agenda is here
Tuesday, March 2nd - City of Williams Lake
Meets in Committee of the Whole. Meeting starts at 6:30pm in Commitee Room #1 at Williams Lake City Hall
The link to the Agenda is here
Thursday, March 4th - City of Williams Lake
Public Budget Meeting #2. Come and provide your input on the City's 2010 Budget to your elected officials and City Staff. The meeting starts at 7:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers
Friday, March 5th - Cariboo Regional District
Regular Meeting #3 for 2010. Meeting starts at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom
The link to the Agenda is here
Monday, March 1st - City of Quesnel
Meets in Committee of the Whole, then reconvenes into an In-Camera meeting. Meeting starts at 7:00pm in Quesnel Council Chambers
The link to the Agenda is here
Tuesday, March 2nd - City of Williams Lake
Meets in Committee of the Whole. Meeting starts at 6:30pm in Commitee Room #1 at Williams Lake City Hall
The link to the Agenda is here
Thursday, March 4th - City of Williams Lake
Public Budget Meeting #2. Come and provide your input on the City's 2010 Budget to your elected officials and City Staff. The meeting starts at 7:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers
Friday, March 5th - Cariboo Regional District
Regular Meeting #3 for 2010. Meeting starts at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom
The link to the Agenda is here
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Province of BC signs MOU with 'Wood First" Muncipalities
At the BC Forestry Day, the Government of BC and several local governments who have passed a "Wood First" Resolution signed a MOU which commits both parties to a "culture of wood" in BC. The local governments in question are:
For Immediate Release
2010FOR0013-000190
Feb. 23, 2010
Ministry of Forests and Range
Initiatives Prince George Development Corporation
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS JOIN PROVINCE TO PURSUE WOOD FIRST
VANCOUVER – During British Columbia’s Forestry Day at the 2010 Olympic Games, mayors of the seven municipalities that have passed Wood First Resolutions in their communities signed a memorandum of understanding with the Province of B.C., announced Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell.
“I want to congratulate the mayors and councils for their vision and leadership,” said Bell. “This co-operation will strengthen our forest dependent communities, help us achieve our climate action goals, and serve as a great example to other provinces and the federal government as we work towards a pan-Canadian Wood First policy.”
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will see local government become a partner with the Province of British Columbia to grow a culture of wood in the province. Signatories to the MOU include the Cities of Prince George, Quesnel, Campbell River and Castlegar, the District of Squamish, and the Villages of Nakusp and Fruitvale.
The agreement recognizes the opportunity for local governments to become wood champions and support the Government of British Columbia’s Wood First Act by advocating for the adoption of Wood First resolutions by municipalities throughout B.C.
“Developing a culture of wood and showcasing the opportunities for structural and architectural use of wood in Prince George is core to our vision to grow northern B.C. as a knowledge-based resource economy connected to the world,” said Tim McEwan, president and CEO, Initiatives Prince George Development Corporation. “The leadership shown by local governments to pursue a wood first policy objective is an important step forward to realizing our vision.”
“As B.C.’s northern capital, and a community that continues to be very much dependant on the resources around us, it’s extremely important for the City of Prince George to take a leadership role in promoting the benefits of building with wood culture both within our city as well as beyond our city limits,” said Prince George Mayor Dan Rogers. “From an environmental perspective, this effort aligns well with the City’s goals to become one of the most resilient and sustainable cities in the country. Building with wood has long been a priority for the City of Prince George. Now that broad statement is going to be backed up with policy changes that align with what the Province is doing to maximize the use of wood in all public construction projects.”
Initiatives Prince George Development Corporation and the City of Prince George have taken the lead role in the development of the MOU.
“We’re proud to have pledged to develop a wood first bylaw and are equally proud to be a partner in this initiative,” said Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom. “We want to further enhance our culture of wood. By working regionally we can devise new opportunities and partnerships to forge a stronger and more diverse future.”
The communities commit to the further development of policy that will encourage and promote the primary use of wood in municipal structures and also develop a culture of wood among architects, designers and engineers. The mayors of these communities have also agreed to work with the Union of BC Municipalities in order to achieve benefits available to communities through the expanded use of wood.
- City of Quesnel
- City of Prince George
- City of Campbell River
- City of Castlegar
- District of Squamish
- Village of Fruitvale
- Village of Nakusp
See the Province of BC press release below:
NEWS RELEASEFor Immediate Release
2010FOR0013-000190
Feb. 23, 2010
Ministry of Forests and Range
Initiatives Prince George Development Corporation
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS JOIN PROVINCE TO PURSUE WOOD FIRST
VANCOUVER – During British Columbia’s Forestry Day at the 2010 Olympic Games, mayors of the seven municipalities that have passed Wood First Resolutions in their communities signed a memorandum of understanding with the Province of B.C., announced Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell.
“I want to congratulate the mayors and councils for their vision and leadership,” said Bell. “This co-operation will strengthen our forest dependent communities, help us achieve our climate action goals, and serve as a great example to other provinces and the federal government as we work towards a pan-Canadian Wood First policy.”
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will see local government become a partner with the Province of British Columbia to grow a culture of wood in the province. Signatories to the MOU include the Cities of Prince George, Quesnel, Campbell River and Castlegar, the District of Squamish, and the Villages of Nakusp and Fruitvale.
The agreement recognizes the opportunity for local governments to become wood champions and support the Government of British Columbia’s Wood First Act by advocating for the adoption of Wood First resolutions by municipalities throughout B.C.
“Developing a culture of wood and showcasing the opportunities for structural and architectural use of wood in Prince George is core to our vision to grow northern B.C. as a knowledge-based resource economy connected to the world,” said Tim McEwan, president and CEO, Initiatives Prince George Development Corporation. “The leadership shown by local governments to pursue a wood first policy objective is an important step forward to realizing our vision.”
“As B.C.’s northern capital, and a community that continues to be very much dependant on the resources around us, it’s extremely important for the City of Prince George to take a leadership role in promoting the benefits of building with wood culture both within our city as well as beyond our city limits,” said Prince George Mayor Dan Rogers. “From an environmental perspective, this effort aligns well with the City’s goals to become one of the most resilient and sustainable cities in the country. Building with wood has long been a priority for the City of Prince George. Now that broad statement is going to be backed up with policy changes that align with what the Province is doing to maximize the use of wood in all public construction projects.”
Initiatives Prince George Development Corporation and the City of Prince George have taken the lead role in the development of the MOU.
“We’re proud to have pledged to develop a wood first bylaw and are equally proud to be a partner in this initiative,” said Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom. “We want to further enhance our culture of wood. By working regionally we can devise new opportunities and partnerships to forge a stronger and more diverse future.”
The communities commit to the further development of policy that will encourage and promote the primary use of wood in municipal structures and also develop a culture of wood among architects, designers and engineers. The mayors of these communities have also agreed to work with the Union of BC Municipalities in order to achieve benefits available to communities through the expanded use of wood.
Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project passes AAP Process
WL Tribune reports that the Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project has now officially passed the AAP (Alternative Approval Process) Process. 16 Voters registered opposition to the City borrowing up to $3.5 million for the project
More info here
Update - WL Council has adopted Bylaw 2108 (Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project Borrowing Bylaw) - more info here
More info here
Update - WL Council has adopted Bylaw 2108 (Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project Borrowing Bylaw) - more info here
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Steve Rant - NCLGA Resolution on School District Funding
WL Council at its' Tuesday meeting will consider submitting a NCLGA (North Central Local Government Association) Resolution on School District funding for consideration at the 2010 NCLGA Conference in Houston ,BC
I believe what Council is doing is fundamentally wrong. There is the "unspoken" rule that local governments do not get involved directly on school board matters. After all, that is why you elect a 7-member Board of Education. If local governments (regional district boards/municipal councils') are prepared to get involved in school board matters (funding, closure of schools, etc) then let's do what Diana French suggested in one of her previous columns in the Williams Lake Tribune and dissolve all school boards and transfer responsibility to regional district boards as they cover the same region as some school boards (like Cariboo-Chilcotin and Quesnel combined) and redirect those dollars in education.
Otherwise, let's recognize that locally elected Boards' of Education are responsible for the running of schools and advocating for ensuring that sufficient dollars are available from Victoria to run the local school district. The Boards' of Education also have advocacy groups (like NCLGA and UBCM) to help advance their causes to Victoria and let local government deal with matters that they are both charged with, from Victoria, and to which they were elected to do
I believe what Council is doing is fundamentally wrong. There is the "unspoken" rule that local governments do not get involved directly on school board matters. After all, that is why you elect a 7-member Board of Education. If local governments (regional district boards/municipal councils') are prepared to get involved in school board matters (funding, closure of schools, etc) then let's do what Diana French suggested in one of her previous columns in the Williams Lake Tribune and dissolve all school boards and transfer responsibility to regional district boards as they cover the same region as some school boards (like Cariboo-Chilcotin and Quesnel combined) and redirect those dollars in education.
Otherwise, let's recognize that locally elected Boards' of Education are responsible for the running of schools and advocating for ensuring that sufficient dollars are available from Victoria to run the local school district. The Boards' of Education also have advocacy groups (like NCLGA and UBCM) to help advance their causes to Victoria and let local government deal with matters that they are both charged with, from Victoria, and to which they were elected to do
Friday, February 19, 2010
City of WL 2010 Budget Meeting #2
The City of Williams Lake will be hosting its' second Public Budget Meeting on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at 7:00pm in Williams Lake City Council Chambers
The purpose of the meeting is to provide residents, businesses and interested organizations an opportunity to understand the 2010 Municipal Budget process and to share ideas with City Council. Budget issues being considered by Council include utility rates, tax rates, capital expenditures and operational expenditures
If you can make this meeting, I encourage all residents' of Williams Lake to attend and provide your input to Council as it develops the City's 2010 Budget
The purpose of the meeting is to provide residents, businesses and interested organizations an opportunity to understand the 2010 Municipal Budget process and to share ideas with City Council. Budget issues being considered by Council include utility rates, tax rates, capital expenditures and operational expenditures
If you can make this meeting, I encourage all residents' of Williams Lake to attend and provide your input to Council as it develops the City's 2010 Budget
Local Government Meetings in Cariboo-Chilcotin - Week of Feb 22 - 26, 2010
There are upcoming local government meetings this week in the Cariboo-Chilcotin:
Monday, Feb 22/2010 - City of Quesnel
They are meeting in a "Delegation/Committee of the Whole" Session, followed by a Special Open Meeting to consider 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reading of Quesnel's Wood First Bylaw and submission of Resolutions for debate at the 2010 NCLGA (North Central Local Government Association) Conference in Houston, BC.
The link to the Agenda is here
Tuesday, Feb 23/2010 - City of Williams Lake
This will be a Regular Meeting of Council
The link to the Agenda is here
Monday, Feb 22/2010 - City of Quesnel
They are meeting in a "Delegation/Committee of the Whole" Session, followed by a Special Open Meeting to consider 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reading of Quesnel's Wood First Bylaw and submission of Resolutions for debate at the 2010 NCLGA (North Central Local Government Association) Conference in Houston, BC.
The link to the Agenda is here
Tuesday, Feb 23/2010 - City of Williams Lake
This will be a Regular Meeting of Council
The link to the Agenda is here
City of Quesnel to introduce a "Wood First Bylaw" on Monday
On Monday, Quesnel Council will consider a report from their City Manager to give 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Reading to their Wood First Bylaw. The bylaw contains clauses which include favourable consideration to those projects which demostrate a unique use to wood as the primary building material when the project is being financed by City of Quesnel tax dollars and use of local wood within a 75 km radius of Quesnel
I suspect that if Quesnel Council does pass this bylaw, jurisdictions like Prince George, Campbell River and even Williams Lake will seriously look at passing a similar Bylaw to work hand-in-hand with their passed Wood First Resolutions
You can find the draft bylaw here
I suspect that if Quesnel Council does pass this bylaw, jurisdictions like Prince George, Campbell River and even Williams Lake will seriously look at passing a similar Bylaw to work hand-in-hand with their passed Wood First Resolutions
You can find the draft bylaw here
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Steve Rant - Mackenzie Ave Rehab AAP Process
Recently, in a City Page Ad, the City of WL published a FAQ List of Questions pertaining to the Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project.
In it, the City defends the project as being fiscally responsible and noted that residents' should not oppose this project as it would be "fiscally irresponsible" to oppose the borrowing of money connected to 2/3's fiscal support from Ottawa & Victoria
Quite frankly, I think the City should be ashamed for use that kind of language. I, as a voter/taxpayer, can perfectly decide on my own, what is and is not "fiscally responsible" projects, which I would suggest that the Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project and steps to date (including no plan has to how the road will be repaired - a right of voters' before saying yay/nay on a borrowing bylaw) as being "fiscally irresponsible".
By at the end of the day, I suspect less than the 747 voters needed to block Council from adopting a bylaw to authorize borrowing up to $3.5 million for the Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project will register a "no" vote
In it, the City defends the project as being fiscally responsible and noted that residents' should not oppose this project as it would be "fiscally irresponsible" to oppose the borrowing of money connected to 2/3's fiscal support from Ottawa & Victoria
Quite frankly, I think the City should be ashamed for use that kind of language. I, as a voter/taxpayer, can perfectly decide on my own, what is and is not "fiscally responsible" projects, which I would suggest that the Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project and steps to date (including no plan has to how the road will be repaired - a right of voters' before saying yay/nay on a borrowing bylaw) as being "fiscally irresponsible".
By at the end of the day, I suspect less than the 747 voters needed to block Council from adopting a bylaw to authorize borrowing up to $3.5 million for the Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project will register a "no" vote
Steve Rant - Outcome of Feb 2nd Committee of the Whole Meeting (WL Council)
In late November of 2009, I'd asked Councillor Rathor to put forward a "Wood First Resolution" knowing that because he works in the forest industry, he would make a excellent advocate on Council to ensure its' passage.
Then at the Feb 2nd Committee of the Whole Meeting, Councillor Surinder Rathor asked the Committee to endorse a "Wood First Resolution", similar to what Quesnel Council passed in November of 2009. As an aside, PG Council recently passed a "Wood First Resolution" as well.
However, Councillors Zacharias & Montoya and Mayor Cook refused to endorse it that night, but agreed it needed further research. Concerns expressed include:
Then at the Feb 2nd Committee of the Whole Meeting, Councillor Surinder Rathor asked the Committee to endorse a "Wood First Resolution", similar to what Quesnel Council passed in November of 2009. As an aside, PG Council recently passed a "Wood First Resolution" as well.
However, Councillors Zacharias & Montoya and Mayor Cook refused to endorse it that night, but agreed it needed further research. Concerns expressed include:
- Resolution may violate bidding rules
- Concern it might invite a lawsuit upon the City
- Concern it might be used to build a 20 story wood building (currently prohibited by the BC Building Code)
To this, I say shame on them. All 3 concerns are completely invalid because if they were anywhere near truthful, Quesnel and PG Councils' would never pass the language contained in a "Wood First Resolution" but because these 2 City Councils' passed a "Wood First Resolution" in similar language, the concerns of Mayor Cook Councillors Zacharias and Montoya can not be identified as being true. Instead, I believe that Councillor Zacharias is allowing her thoughts on this file to be heavily influenced by her association with the BC Construction Association, which is well on record as being opposed to the Wood First Act (the instigator of the Wood First Resolution)
I should note that Councillor Barr stated Mayor Cook and Councillors Zacharias & Montoya's concerns with the proposed Williams Lake "Wood First Resolution" as being "much ado about nothing"
I would strongly urge Mayor Cook and Councillors Zacharias, Bourdon, and Montoya to pass the Wood First Resolution, as proposed by Councillor Rathor, as it is the right thing to do and shows great respect for one of the three major industries in the Central Cariboo Region
Local Government Meetings in Cariboo-Chilcotin - Week of Feb 8-12th
A number of local government meetings are occuring in the Cariboo-Chilcotin this week:
Monday, Feb 8th - City of Quesnel
http://quesnel.fileprosite.com/contentengine/document.asp?id=4321
Tuesday Feb 9th - City of Williams Lake
http://williamslake.ihostez.com/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=10189
Friday, Feb 12 - Cariboo Regional District
Monday, Feb 8th - City of Quesnel
http://quesnel.fileprosite.com/contentengine/document.asp?id=4321
Tuesday Feb 9th - City of Williams Lake
http://williamslake.ihostez.com/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=10189
Friday, Feb 12 - Cariboo Regional District
http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/crddirectors/2010%20agendas/February/February%2012,%202010/agenda.htm
Committee of the Whole (WL Council) Highlights - Feb 2nd, 2010
WL Committee of the Whole Highlights – Feb 2/2010 (Meeting held in Committee Room #1 – WL City Hall)
Present:
Mayor Cook, Deputy Mayor Rathor and Councillors Montoya, Zacharias, Barr and Bourdon
Absent:
Councillor Laurie Walters
Staff Present:
Brian Carruthers – CAO
Cindy Bouchard – Manager of Legislative Services
Anne Burill – Social Development Manager (left meeting at 6:40pm)
Darcy Lazzarin – General Manager of Corporate Services
Lilliana Dragowska – City Planner (left meeting at 6:40pm)
Jeff Bernardy – Engineering Technologist
Meeting called to order at 6:30pm
Minutes of Jan 19th, 2010 COW Meeting adopted
Item D2 – Social Development Manager & Planner – Verbal Update on Innovator’s Summit
City Planner and Social Development Manager advised the Committee on plans for an Innovator’s Summit
Item A2 – WL RCMP Detachment Annual Performance Plan for 2010/2011
Staff Sgt Warren Brown reviewed with the Committee Plans/Priorities of WL RCMP for 2010
A Question and Answer period ensued with the Committee
Mayor Cook, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Staff-Sgt Warren Brown for his presentation
Item D1 – Commercial Access Study for Prosperity Ridge – report from TRUE Consulting
A Powerpoint Presentation ensued
A Question and Answer Period ensued
The Committee then recommended to Council:
“That Council receive the Commercial Access Study, Summary Report prepared by TRUE
Consulting Group dated January 15th, 2010; and further;
That Council direct staff to work with the Ministry of Transportation and the Pioneer
Development Group to identify a preferred access option and potential funding scenarios and report back to Council.”
Carried
Item A1 – North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) – Resolution Deadline of March 5th
The Committee reviewed ideas to submit as Resolutions for debate at the 2010 NCLGA Conference:
• Drugs & Mental Addictions Facility
• Possible Loss of French Immersion Program
CRD Board to be advised of above to prevent duplication
Item to return to next Committee of the Whole Meeting for further discussion
Item F1 – 2010 City of WL Draft Budget Review
Review of Revenue and Expenditures to date
Revenue vs Expenditure Gap of $750,000. Next Budget meeting on either Monday Feb 15 or Wednesday Feb 17. Staff to coordinate with Council members
The Committee discussed targets for property taxes increases and utility rate increases for 2010 for budgeting purposes.
Property Tax Increase (Target Range) – 3-5%
Utilities Rate Target Increase – 25%
Item D3 – Report of Councillor Rathor re: Wood First Resolution
The Committee discussed Councillor Rathor’s report on a Wood First Resolution
The Committee agreed to refer Councillor Rathor’s report to Public Works & Development Services Portfolio for review and the Wood First Resolution be considered at the March 9th Council meeting
Councillor Rathor opposed
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 8:33pm
Present:
Mayor Cook, Deputy Mayor Rathor and Councillors Montoya, Zacharias, Barr and Bourdon
Absent:
Councillor Laurie Walters
Staff Present:
Brian Carruthers – CAO
Cindy Bouchard – Manager of Legislative Services
Anne Burill – Social Development Manager (left meeting at 6:40pm)
Darcy Lazzarin – General Manager of Corporate Services
Lilliana Dragowska – City Planner (left meeting at 6:40pm)
Jeff Bernardy – Engineering Technologist
Meeting called to order at 6:30pm
Minutes of Jan 19th, 2010 COW Meeting adopted
Item D2 – Social Development Manager & Planner – Verbal Update on Innovator’s Summit
City Planner and Social Development Manager advised the Committee on plans for an Innovator’s Summit
Item A2 – WL RCMP Detachment Annual Performance Plan for 2010/2011
Staff Sgt Warren Brown reviewed with the Committee Plans/Priorities of WL RCMP for 2010
A Question and Answer period ensued with the Committee
Mayor Cook, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Staff-Sgt Warren Brown for his presentation
Item D1 – Commercial Access Study for Prosperity Ridge – report from TRUE Consulting
A Powerpoint Presentation ensued
A Question and Answer Period ensued
The Committee then recommended to Council:
“That Council receive the Commercial Access Study, Summary Report prepared by TRUE
Consulting Group dated January 15th, 2010; and further;
That Council direct staff to work with the Ministry of Transportation and the Pioneer
Development Group to identify a preferred access option and potential funding scenarios and report back to Council.”
Carried
Item A1 – North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) – Resolution Deadline of March 5th
The Committee reviewed ideas to submit as Resolutions for debate at the 2010 NCLGA Conference:
• Drugs & Mental Addictions Facility
• Possible Loss of French Immersion Program
CRD Board to be advised of above to prevent duplication
Item to return to next Committee of the Whole Meeting for further discussion
Item F1 – 2010 City of WL Draft Budget Review
Review of Revenue and Expenditures to date
Revenue vs Expenditure Gap of $750,000. Next Budget meeting on either Monday Feb 15 or Wednesday Feb 17. Staff to coordinate with Council members
The Committee discussed targets for property taxes increases and utility rate increases for 2010 for budgeting purposes.
Property Tax Increase (Target Range) – 3-5%
Utilities Rate Target Increase – 25%
Item D3 – Report of Councillor Rathor re: Wood First Resolution
The Committee discussed Councillor Rathor’s report on a Wood First Resolution
The Committee agreed to refer Councillor Rathor’s report to Public Works & Development Services Portfolio for review and the Wood First Resolution be considered at the March 9th Council meeting
Councillor Rathor opposed
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 8:33pm
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
WL Council Meeting Highlights - January 26th, 2010
Present: Mayor Cook with Councillors' Rathor, Montoya, Walters, Bourdon and Zacharias
Absent: Councillor Tom Barr
Staff Present:
B. Carruthers - CAO
D. Lazzarin - GM of Corporate Services
T. Chung - Manager of IT
C. Bouchard - A/Corporate Officer
Meeting called to order at 7:33pm
Minutes of January 12th, 2010 Council Meeting approved
Delegations/Presentations:
1) Mayor Cook presented Grant Martin with a Certificate of Recognition in respect of his years’ of service as the RCMP Detachment Commander – City of Williams Lake.
Business:
1) Council authorized the scheduling of a Public Consultation Meeting on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at 7:00pm in Council Chambers, in regards to an OCP Amendment Application from Andrew Roe – Townhouse Complex – 1526, 1530, 1534 Broadway Avenue South
Mayor Cook declared a conflict of interest on the next item, as she is a resident of Woodland Drive. Acting Mayor Geoff Bourdon took the Chair
2) Council authorized the scheduling of a Public Open House on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 from 2pm to 7pm in Council Chambers to consult with Woodland Drive residents’ around extending Water/Sewer services to Woodland Drive
Mayor Cook returned to Council Chambers and resumed the Chair
3) Committee of the Whole Recommendations:
• Council declared redundant the Policies identified by the Director of Corporate Services and Staff was asked to review and update the remaining policies to reflect current processes & practices and bring them forward to Council for approval
• The 2010-2014 Financial Plan Schedule was received for information
• Council approved the Fire Boundary Phase 2 Expansion Agreement between the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District and the Mayor and Corporate Officer was authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City
• Council endorsed the recommendation from the Water Advisory Committee and approved amending the Terms of Reference to allow for an increase from 6 to 7 members; and further, Dan Colgate was appointed as a member of the Committee
• Council authorized Staff to discuss with the Community Arts Council a strategy to reimburse the City for outstanding rent and report back to Council; and further, approval was given for occupancy of studio space in the old Fire Hall for the Spinners/Weavers, Potter's Guild and Artists Society and office space for the Community Arts Council at a rental rate to be negotiated and approved by Council.
• Council referred to the 2010 Budget Process - $20,000 purchase for a tandem axel car trailer and construction of a new permanent City parade float
4) Council received a letter from Province of BC Environmental Assessment Office regarding a Environmental Assessment Certificate for the Prosperity Mine Project, issued by the Provincial Government
5) Council agreed to provide a letter of support for Shaw TV to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
6) Council agreed to write a letter to Shaw requesting an update from Shaw’s Regional Programming Manager on:
• Analog to Digital Equipment
• Editing Equipment
• Local Programming Coordinator
7) Council received a letter from FCM regarding a call for municipal solidarity with Haitian communities and earthquake relief efforts be received and the community was encouraged to become involved
8) Council authorized the BC Indoor Rodeo Association’s $2,000 2010 Grant-in-Aid to be paid early, in accordance with Grant-in-Aid Policy No. 18
9) 2 Proclamations were issued by Council:
• Kidney Health Month – March 2010
• Family Literacy Week – January 25-31, 2010
Information/Announcements by Council Members:
Council members made announcements about issues/events on going in Williams Lake
• Olympic Torch Relay event on Thursday
• Cindy Bouchard’s promotion as the City’s Manager of Legislative Services
• Darcy Lazzarin’s retirement as the City’s General Manager of Corporate Services
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 8:40pm
Absent: Councillor Tom Barr
Staff Present:
B. Carruthers - CAO
D. Lazzarin - GM of Corporate Services
T. Chung - Manager of IT
C. Bouchard - A/Corporate Officer
Meeting called to order at 7:33pm
Minutes of January 12th, 2010 Council Meeting approved
Delegations/Presentations:
1) Mayor Cook presented Grant Martin with a Certificate of Recognition in respect of his years’ of service as the RCMP Detachment Commander – City of Williams Lake.
Business:
1) Council authorized the scheduling of a Public Consultation Meeting on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at 7:00pm in Council Chambers, in regards to an OCP Amendment Application from Andrew Roe – Townhouse Complex – 1526, 1530, 1534 Broadway Avenue South
Mayor Cook declared a conflict of interest on the next item, as she is a resident of Woodland Drive. Acting Mayor Geoff Bourdon took the Chair
2) Council authorized the scheduling of a Public Open House on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 from 2pm to 7pm in Council Chambers to consult with Woodland Drive residents’ around extending Water/Sewer services to Woodland Drive
Mayor Cook returned to Council Chambers and resumed the Chair
3) Committee of the Whole Recommendations:
• Council declared redundant the Policies identified by the Director of Corporate Services and Staff was asked to review and update the remaining policies to reflect current processes & practices and bring them forward to Council for approval
• The 2010-2014 Financial Plan Schedule was received for information
• Council approved the Fire Boundary Phase 2 Expansion Agreement between the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District and the Mayor and Corporate Officer was authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City
• Council endorsed the recommendation from the Water Advisory Committee and approved amending the Terms of Reference to allow for an increase from 6 to 7 members; and further, Dan Colgate was appointed as a member of the Committee
• Council authorized Staff to discuss with the Community Arts Council a strategy to reimburse the City for outstanding rent and report back to Council; and further, approval was given for occupancy of studio space in the old Fire Hall for the Spinners/Weavers, Potter's Guild and Artists Society and office space for the Community Arts Council at a rental rate to be negotiated and approved by Council.
• Council referred to the 2010 Budget Process - $20,000 purchase for a tandem axel car trailer and construction of a new permanent City parade float
4) Council received a letter from Province of BC Environmental Assessment Office regarding a Environmental Assessment Certificate for the Prosperity Mine Project, issued by the Provincial Government
5) Council agreed to provide a letter of support for Shaw TV to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
6) Council agreed to write a letter to Shaw requesting an update from Shaw’s Regional Programming Manager on:
• Analog to Digital Equipment
• Editing Equipment
• Local Programming Coordinator
7) Council received a letter from FCM regarding a call for municipal solidarity with Haitian communities and earthquake relief efforts be received and the community was encouraged to become involved
8) Council authorized the BC Indoor Rodeo Association’s $2,000 2010 Grant-in-Aid to be paid early, in accordance with Grant-in-Aid Policy No. 18
9) 2 Proclamations were issued by Council:
• Kidney Health Month – March 2010
• Family Literacy Week – January 25-31, 2010
Information/Announcements by Council Members:
Council members made announcements about issues/events on going in Williams Lake
• Olympic Torch Relay event on Thursday
• Cindy Bouchard’s promotion as the City’s Manager of Legislative Services
• Darcy Lazzarin’s retirement as the City’s General Manager of Corporate Services
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 8:40pm
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Loan Authorization Bylaw 2108, 2009 - AAP Process
As you are all aware, today starts the 30 day AAP (Alternate Approval Process) Process or Counter-Petition opportunity to oppose WL Council's desire to borrow up to $3.5 million to repair Mackenzie Avenue. The last day to register your opposition to Council adopting Bylaw #2109, 2009 is Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at 4:00pm at Williams Lake City Hall
Earlier today, I submitted my AAP Process form opposing WL Council's desire to borrow up to $3.5 million to repair Mackenzie Avenue. Previous to this, I did inform WL City Councillors' Surinder Rathor and Geoff Bourdon of my reasons to oppose Bylaw #2109, 2009 and now I wish to share them with you:
Reason #1
At present, there is no plan as to how the City intends to proceed with the repair of Mackenzie Avenue except for a general statement on this project and that is unacceptable. I feel that if the City placed a high priority on this project, it should have held a "Town Hall" meeting on this project and answered any/all questions of the public prior to it proceeding with the formal request for permission to borrow up to $3.5 million for Mackenzie Avenue.
Reason #2
WL City Council has decided to use the AAP Process or Counter-Petition opportunity to gauge public support or opposition to borrowing money to repair Mackenzie Avenue. Given that Council is seeking permission to borrow up to $3.5 million, a binding referendum should have occurred and furthermore, the cost of the referendum could have been included in the budget for the Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project
Reason #3
Mayor Cook, while campaigning last fall for the Mayor's Office, criticized the then Council for how it handled the borrowing of $6.5 million for the new Fire Hall (and yes, I voted against that borrowing bylaw as well) and yet, she and her Council are using the same process as the last Council used to borrow money for the new Fire Hall. If one is going to criticize sitting politicians, at least criticize, come up with your own solutions and then implement them. In my opinion, Mayor Cook's actions on this file completely make her a hypocrite
Again - if you are opposed to Council borrowing up to $3.5 million for the repair of the entire length of Mackenzie Avenue, you have until Monday, Feb 22nd/2010 to register your opposition. If you want more information, see the City's website at http://www.williamslake.ca/ or contact the Mayor and Council. Their contact information is as follows:
Mayor Kerry Cook - mayor@williamslake.ca
Councillor Surinder Rathor - srathor@williamslake.ca
Councillor Natalie Montoya - nmontoya@williamslake.ca
Councillor Tom Barr - tbarr@williamslake.ca
Councillor Laurie Walters - lwalters@williamslake.ca
Councillor Geoff Bourdon - gbourdon@williamslake.ca
Councillor Sue Zacharias - szacharias@williamslake.ca
Earlier today, I submitted my AAP Process form opposing WL Council's desire to borrow up to $3.5 million to repair Mackenzie Avenue. Previous to this, I did inform WL City Councillors' Surinder Rathor and Geoff Bourdon of my reasons to oppose Bylaw #2109, 2009 and now I wish to share them with you:
Reason #1
At present, there is no plan as to how the City intends to proceed with the repair of Mackenzie Avenue except for a general statement on this project and that is unacceptable. I feel that if the City placed a high priority on this project, it should have held a "Town Hall" meeting on this project and answered any/all questions of the public prior to it proceeding with the formal request for permission to borrow up to $3.5 million for Mackenzie Avenue.
Reason #2
WL City Council has decided to use the AAP Process or Counter-Petition opportunity to gauge public support or opposition to borrowing money to repair Mackenzie Avenue. Given that Council is seeking permission to borrow up to $3.5 million, a binding referendum should have occurred and furthermore, the cost of the referendum could have been included in the budget for the Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project
Reason #3
Mayor Cook, while campaigning last fall for the Mayor's Office, criticized the then Council for how it handled the borrowing of $6.5 million for the new Fire Hall (and yes, I voted against that borrowing bylaw as well) and yet, she and her Council are using the same process as the last Council used to borrow money for the new Fire Hall. If one is going to criticize sitting politicians, at least criticize, come up with your own solutions and then implement them. In my opinion, Mayor Cook's actions on this file completely make her a hypocrite
Again - if you are opposed to Council borrowing up to $3.5 million for the repair of the entire length of Mackenzie Avenue, you have until Monday, Feb 22nd/2010 to register your opposition. If you want more information, see the City's website at http://www.williamslake.ca/ or contact the Mayor and Council. Their contact information is as follows:
Mayor Kerry Cook - mayor@williamslake.ca
Councillor Surinder Rathor - srathor@williamslake.ca
Councillor Natalie Montoya - nmontoya@williamslake.ca
Councillor Tom Barr - tbarr@williamslake.ca
Councillor Laurie Walters - lwalters@williamslake.ca
Councillor Geoff Bourdon - gbourdon@williamslake.ca
Councillor Sue Zacharias - szacharias@williamslake.ca
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
MLA's pay to be frozen for two years
In not a entirely unexpected measure, Premier Campbell has announced that all MLA's pay is frozen for 2010 & 2011 to deal with the Province's fiscal challenges. This is, in addition, to all members of the provincial cabinet foregoing 10% of their pay until the Province returns to balanced budgets
The entire press release is below:
The annual cost-of-living compensation adjustment for government MLAs will be frozen for the next two years in recognition of the budget challenges facing British Columbia, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.
“The global economic downturn is still having a major impact on government revenues, and we are grateful for the public service’s recognition of the tough choices we face as we commence contract negotiations for the coming years,” said Premier Campbell. “In recognition of the progress made to date with public-sector agreements already announced that provide for no wage increases for the next two years, the Province has decided to suspend the cost-of-living compensation increase for all government MLAs for the next two budget years.”
Government will pursue measures to suspend the annual April 1 consumer price index adjustment for the next two years, effectively freezing MLA pay. The compensation freeze will be effective for 2010 and 2011, which covers the same period as the existing public-sector contract negotiation mandate. In addition, all members of cabinet will continue to forgo ten per cent of their ministerial compensation until the Province returns to balanced budgets.
The entire press release is below:
The annual cost-of-living compensation adjustment for government MLAs will be frozen for the next two years in recognition of the budget challenges facing British Columbia, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.
“The global economic downturn is still having a major impact on government revenues, and we are grateful for the public service’s recognition of the tough choices we face as we commence contract negotiations for the coming years,” said Premier Campbell. “In recognition of the progress made to date with public-sector agreements already announced that provide for no wage increases for the next two years, the Province has decided to suspend the cost-of-living compensation increase for all government MLAs for the next two budget years.”
Government will pursue measures to suspend the annual April 1 consumer price index adjustment for the next two years, effectively freezing MLA pay. The compensation freeze will be effective for 2010 and 2011, which covers the same period as the existing public-sector contract negotiation mandate. In addition, all members of cabinet will continue to forgo ten per cent of their ministerial compensation until the Province returns to balanced budgets.
Steve Rant - Outcome of Jan 19th Committee of the Whole (WL Council) Meeting
Last night, WL Council, meeting in Committee of the Whole had a good and healthly discussion on a variety of subjects including:
- Draft Secondary Suite Policy
- 2010-2014 Financial Plan - Next Steps
- Purchase of Tandem Trailer for the City's Float
- Community Arts Council's Financial Status
However, it was unfortunate that Councillor Walters chose not to remove herself from the meeting when the issue of the Community Arts Council came up for discussion. Now, it is well know that Councillor Walters has been, at one time, a member of the Studio Theatre Society. It is also known that she spoke at the last AGM of the Community Arts Council.
From an ethical point of view, she would have done herself a huge favour by taking the "high road" and remove herself from any discussion involving the Community Arts Council, especially if it involves City or Central Cariboo tax dollars. Doing this would have ensured that she can continue to advocate for the Arts community but without opening herself up to questions about potential conflicts. Sadly, this probably won't be the last time that I comment on a situation like this involving the Community Arts Council and Councillor Walters. Mayor Cook could have easily solved a situation like this by not appointed Councillor Walters to be in charge of the Arts & Culture File on Council.
Committee of the Whole (WL Council) Highlights - Jan 19th, 2010
Present:
Mayor Kerry Cook (Committee Chair) and Councillors Bourdon, Rathor, Walters and Zacharias
Absent:
Councillors Tom Barr & Natalie Montoya
Staff Present:
Brian Carruthers – CAO
Geoff Goodall – GM of Planning & Operations
Anne Burill – Social Development Manager
Randy Isfeld – Director of Protective Services
Deb Radolla – Manager of Active Living
Cindy Bouchard – Acting Corporate Officer
Meeting called to order at 6:33pm
Minutes
Minutes of the November 24th, 2009 Committee of the Whole Meeting were adopted
Business:
F2 – CRD/City of WL Phase 2 Rural Fire Protection Agreement
The Director of Protective Services reviewed his report with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council –
That Council approve the Fire Boundary Phase 2 Expansion Agreement between the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District and the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the City”
Carried
Director of Protective Services left the meeting at 6:40pm
A1 – City Policy Review
Discussion ensued thereon by Committee members. The CAO reviewed Sue Moxey’s report with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council –
“That Council declare redundant the Policies identified by the Director of Corporate Services and further, Staff bring forward recommendations to update remaining City Policies to reflect current processes and practices.”
Carried
F1 – 2010-2014 Financial Plan Review
The CAO reviewed the report of the General Manager of Corporate Services with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council –
“That Council receive the 2010-2014 Financial Plan Schedule Report for information.”
Carried
D1 – Secondary Suites
The Manager of Social Development gave a Powerpoint Presentation to the Committee on the subject of Secondary Suites
The Presentation included:
• Definition of “Secondary Suites”
• What a Secondary Suite Policy seeks to accomplish
• Why Secondary Suites are becoming more popular & benefits of Secondary Suites
• Best Practice Guidelines from other communities on a Secondary Suite Policy
• Issues/Questions on developing a Secondary Suite Policy
• Public Engagement Approach – Community Meetings, Fact Sheets
Discussion ensued thereon by Committee members
The Committee recommended to Council –
“Council receive the report of the Manager of Social Development and Staff report back to Council on Staff, Financial and Revenue Implications with regard to a Secondary Suite policy”
Carried
D2 – Water Advisory Committee (Proposed Amendment to its’ Terms of Reference)
Discussion ensued thereon
The Committee recommended to Council –
That Council endorse the recommendation from the Water Advisory Committee and approve amending the Terms of Reference to allow for an increase from 6 to 7 members; and further, Dan Colgate be appointed as a member of the Committee.
Carried
C1 – Community Arts Council (Financial Status Report)
The CAO reviewed his report with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon by Committee members
The Committee recommended to Council –
“Council receive the December report from the Community Arts Council, Staff discuss with the Community Arts Council the outstanding $9,163 back rent and Council approve occupancy of studio space in the old Fire Hall for the Spinners/Weavers, Potter’s Guild and Artists Society and office space for the Community Arts Council at a rental rate to be negotiated and approved by Council”
Carried
C2 – City Parade Float
The Manger of Active Living reviewed her report with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council –
“That Council endorse Option “B” (Purchase of a 16 – 20 foot tandem axel car trailer) as outlined in the report of the Manager of Active Living dated December 2nd, 2009”
Carried
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 8:36pm
Mayor Kerry Cook (Committee Chair) and Councillors Bourdon, Rathor, Walters and Zacharias
Absent:
Councillors Tom Barr & Natalie Montoya
Staff Present:
Brian Carruthers – CAO
Geoff Goodall – GM of Planning & Operations
Anne Burill – Social Development Manager
Randy Isfeld – Director of Protective Services
Deb Radolla – Manager of Active Living
Cindy Bouchard – Acting Corporate Officer
Meeting called to order at 6:33pm
Minutes
Minutes of the November 24th, 2009 Committee of the Whole Meeting were adopted
Business:
F2 – CRD/City of WL Phase 2 Rural Fire Protection Agreement
The Director of Protective Services reviewed his report with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council –
That Council approve the Fire Boundary Phase 2 Expansion Agreement between the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District and the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the City”
Carried
Director of Protective Services left the meeting at 6:40pm
A1 – City Policy Review
Discussion ensued thereon by Committee members. The CAO reviewed Sue Moxey’s report with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council –
“That Council declare redundant the Policies identified by the Director of Corporate Services and further, Staff bring forward recommendations to update remaining City Policies to reflect current processes and practices.”
Carried
F1 – 2010-2014 Financial Plan Review
The CAO reviewed the report of the General Manager of Corporate Services with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council –
“That Council receive the 2010-2014 Financial Plan Schedule Report for information.”
Carried
D1 – Secondary Suites
The Manager of Social Development gave a Powerpoint Presentation to the Committee on the subject of Secondary Suites
The Presentation included:
• Definition of “Secondary Suites”
• What a Secondary Suite Policy seeks to accomplish
• Why Secondary Suites are becoming more popular & benefits of Secondary Suites
• Best Practice Guidelines from other communities on a Secondary Suite Policy
• Issues/Questions on developing a Secondary Suite Policy
• Public Engagement Approach – Community Meetings, Fact Sheets
Discussion ensued thereon by Committee members
The Committee recommended to Council –
“Council receive the report of the Manager of Social Development and Staff report back to Council on Staff, Financial and Revenue Implications with regard to a Secondary Suite policy”
Carried
D2 – Water Advisory Committee (Proposed Amendment to its’ Terms of Reference)
Discussion ensued thereon
The Committee recommended to Council –
That Council endorse the recommendation from the Water Advisory Committee and approve amending the Terms of Reference to allow for an increase from 6 to 7 members; and further, Dan Colgate be appointed as a member of the Committee.
Carried
C1 – Community Arts Council (Financial Status Report)
The CAO reviewed his report with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon by Committee members
The Committee recommended to Council –
“Council receive the December report from the Community Arts Council, Staff discuss with the Community Arts Council the outstanding $9,163 back rent and Council approve occupancy of studio space in the old Fire Hall for the Spinners/Weavers, Potter’s Guild and Artists Society and office space for the Community Arts Council at a rental rate to be negotiated and approved by Council”
Carried
C2 – City Parade Float
The Manger of Active Living reviewed her report with the Committee
The Committee recommended to Council –
“That Council endorse Option “B” (Purchase of a 16 – 20 foot tandem axel car trailer) as outlined in the report of the Manager of Active Living dated December 2nd, 2009”
Carried
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 8:36pm
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Torch Route in WL & New Alexis Creek Indian Band Chief
Sunday, January 17, 2010
SD #27 engages the Public to balance its' 2010-2011 Budget
The Board of Education for SD#27 has finalized its' public consultation schedule for consideration of how to balance the 2010-2011 Budget
More background information is here
The Schedule is:
Date Time Place
February 2, 2010 - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. - (staff - CCTA) Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
February 2, 2010 - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - (staff - IUOE) Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
February 4, 2010 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - (public) Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
February 8, 2010 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - (public) Williams Lake Secondary
February 11, 2010 - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. - (staff - CCTA) Cataline Elementary School
February 11, 2010 - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - (staff - IUOE) Cataline Elementary School
February 17, 2010 - 12:00 (noon) - 2:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Anahim Lake
February 17, 2010 - 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Tatla Lake
February 24, 2010 - 12:00(noon) - 2:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Alexis Creek
March 2, 2010 12:00 - (noon) - 2:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Dog Creek
March 3, 2010 12:00 - (noon) - 2:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Naghtaneqed
The Board of Education (SD #27) will adopt its' 2010-2011 Budget on Thursday, April 15th, 2010. The meeting usually begins around 7:00pm
More background information is here
The Schedule is:
Date Time Place
February 2, 2010 - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. - (staff - CCTA) Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
February 2, 2010 - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - (staff - IUOE) Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
February 4, 2010 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - (public) Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
February 8, 2010 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - (public) Williams Lake Secondary
February 11, 2010 - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. - (staff - CCTA) Cataline Elementary School
February 11, 2010 - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - (staff - IUOE) Cataline Elementary School
February 17, 2010 - 12:00 (noon) - 2:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Anahim Lake
February 17, 2010 - 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Tatla Lake
February 24, 2010 - 12:00(noon) - 2:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Alexis Creek
March 2, 2010 12:00 - (noon) - 2:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Dog Creek
March 3, 2010 12:00 - (noon) - 2:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Naghtaneqed
The Board of Education (SD #27) will adopt its' 2010-2011 Budget on Thursday, April 15th, 2010. The meeting usually begins around 7:00pm
Saturday, January 16, 2010
COW Agenda Item (City of WL Council) - Local Arts Council Financial Status Update
On Tuesday, WL Council, meeting in Committee of the Whole, will be receiving a report from the City's CAO regarding a financial status update of the Community Arts Council.
A portion of the recommendation going to the Committee leaves me really concerned. For the record, the offending portion is:
"That Council provide direction to staff with respect to recovery of outstanding rent for the occupancy of Heritage House totaling $9163 as of December 31, 2009"
City Staff have suggested in their report that Council could waive the $9,163.00 debt owed to the City, by way of Resolution.
Unfortunately, that would set a precedent that I don't want to see set. Furthermore, I believe that by waiving the debt, it would run afoul of Section 25(1) of the Community Charter, at least in spirit, which prohibits a Council from providing direct financial assistance to business. Now, although the Community Arts Council is, by definition, a "non-profit", the outcome is the same. If the Community Arts Council can not afford to pay its' debt to the City, then the City should pursue actions to collect on the debt including the possibility of imposing a "one strike and you're out" rule on their new home at the former City Fire Hall if the Community Arts Council missed 1 rent payment. Also, waiving the debt would also send a very poor political message to homeowners' who are, at this time, struggling to pay their mortgage.
I hope Council sends a message to the Community Arts Council - you owe us $9,163 and it will be paid. Taxpayers' expect no less.
A portion of the recommendation going to the Committee leaves me really concerned. For the record, the offending portion is:
"That Council provide direction to staff with respect to recovery of outstanding rent for the occupancy of Heritage House totaling $9163 as of December 31, 2009"
City Staff have suggested in their report that Council could waive the $9,163.00 debt owed to the City, by way of Resolution.
Unfortunately, that would set a precedent that I don't want to see set. Furthermore, I believe that by waiving the debt, it would run afoul of Section 25(1) of the Community Charter, at least in spirit, which prohibits a Council from providing direct financial assistance to business. Now, although the Community Arts Council is, by definition, a "non-profit", the outcome is the same. If the Community Arts Council can not afford to pay its' debt to the City, then the City should pursue actions to collect on the debt including the possibility of imposing a "one strike and you're out" rule on their new home at the former City Fire Hall if the Community Arts Council missed 1 rent payment. Also, waiving the debt would also send a very poor political message to homeowners' who are, at this time, struggling to pay their mortgage.
I hope Council sends a message to the Community Arts Council - you owe us $9,163 and it will be paid. Taxpayers' expect no less.
Local Government Meetings in Cariboo-Chilcotin - Week of Jan 18-22
A number of local governments in the region are having meetings' this upcoming week:
Monday, January 18th - City of Quesnel (meets in Committee of the Whole, then a Special Open Meeting)
http://quesnel.fileprosite.com/contentengine/document.asp?id=4021
Tuesday, January 19th - City of WL (meets in Committee of the Whole)
http://williamslake.ihostez.com/contentengine/document.asp?id=7996
Thursday, January 21st at 5:00pm - Central Cariboo Joint Committee (meets in CRD Boardroom)
Thursday, January 21st at 7:00pm - CRD/City of WL Joint Town Hall to discuss 2010 CRD Budget (meets at new City of WL Fire Hall - corner of Hodgson Rd and South Lakeside Drive, across from Canadian Tire)
Friday, January 22nd - Cariboo Regional District
http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/crddirectors/2010%20agendas/January/January%2022,%202010/agenda.htm
Monday, January 18th - City of Quesnel (meets in Committee of the Whole, then a Special Open Meeting)
http://quesnel.fileprosite.com/contentengine/document.asp?id=4021
Tuesday, January 19th - City of WL (meets in Committee of the Whole)
http://williamslake.ihostez.com/contentengine/document.asp?id=7996
Thursday, January 21st at 5:00pm - Central Cariboo Joint Committee (meets in CRD Boardroom)
Thursday, January 21st at 7:00pm - CRD/City of WL Joint Town Hall to discuss 2010 CRD Budget (meets at new City of WL Fire Hall - corner of Hodgson Rd and South Lakeside Drive, across from Canadian Tire)
Friday, January 22nd - Cariboo Regional District
http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/crddirectors/2010%20agendas/January/January%2022,%202010/agenda.htm
Friday, January 15, 2010
Province approves Prosperity Mine Project
WL Tribune reports the Province has granted an Environmental Certificate for the Prosperity Mine Project, west of Williams Lake. More info here
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Thursday News Round-up
In the Tribune today:
1) Mackenzie Avenue Borrowing Bylaw Counter-Petition Process Starts Jan 21 - more here
2) Federal Environmental Assessment Panellist Morin will not be asked to recuse herself (Prosperity Mine Project) - more here
3) WL Council signs 5-year lease with CMHA for Heritage House - more here
4) Local Arts Council awaits completion of renovations to old Fire Hall - more here
1) Mackenzie Avenue Borrowing Bylaw Counter-Petition Process Starts Jan 21 - more here
2) Federal Environmental Assessment Panellist Morin will not be asked to recuse herself (Prosperity Mine Project) - more here
3) WL Council signs 5-year lease with CMHA for Heritage House - more here
4) Local Arts Council awaits completion of renovations to old Fire Hall - more here
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Steve Rant - Outcome of January 12th, 2010 WL Council Meeting
1) Use of Emergency Powers at 238 Crosina Crescent
Last night, Council agreed in a 6-1 Vote to invoke using emergency powers, as provided by Section 20(2) of the Community Charter with respect to actions taken for a failed retaining wall at 238 Crosina Crescent
The debate was quite lively when Councillor Rathor spoke on the issue and he spoke 3 times on the issue. His concerns are the same as mine:
i) How does declaring an emergency 3 months after the fact constitute an emergency?
I believe Mayor Cook should have used her authority to declare an emergency later that morning (retaining wall failed at 2:00am). Council, I'm sure, would have agreed to ratify the order, had it been presented to Council
Also - Staff should have notified the homeowners' at 238 Crosina Crescent about this motion of emergency powers, just like they did when Council was presented with a "Remedial Action Resolution". Again, it's about Customer Service
At this time, a report about division of costs pertaining to the failed retaining wall will be presented to Council at a future meeting, at which point, Council could decide to:
i) assign no costs to the homeowners'
ii) seek the homeowners to pay for a portion of costs
iii) seek the homeowners to pay for all costs
In this case, I believe that because the wall was certified by City Staff, after receiving a certified engineering stamp from a Certified Civil Engineer with regard to the Retaining Wall, all costs should be borne by the City
2) Mayor Cook's Council Appointments in 2010
Mayor Cook released her Council appointments for 2010 and they are, as follows:
Mayor Cook - Administration & Policing
Councillor Rathor - Recreation Services
Councillor Montoya - Social Services and Environment
Councillor Barr - Financial Services and Emergency Ops & Planning
Councillor Walters - Community Services
Councillor Bourdon - Economic Development
Councillor Zacharias - Public Works and Development Services
I was disappointed on various fronts, including:
1) No Councillor was doing a bad job at their Portfolio and all Portfolios in 2009 should have remained the same for 2010
2) Several Conflicts of Interest now arise, due to the changes Mayor Cook has imposed:
Councillor Zacharias - given her role at United Concrete and concrete is used in Public Works projects, the Portfolio should have remained with Councillor Rathor, who quite frankly was doing an excellent job at Public Works and Development Services
Councillor Walters - given her historical association with the Studio Theatre Society (a member of the Community Arts Council and the Arts Council was a major proponent of the local Arts and Culture Function), I question her objectivity on this file in the Community Services Portfolio
Bottom Line - I would suggest that Mayor Cook was more interested in protecting her friends on Council, rather than putting Councillors in the right Portfolios and with the exception of Councillors Zacharias and Walters, all other Councillors are in the right Portfolios
Last night, Council agreed in a 6-1 Vote to invoke using emergency powers, as provided by Section 20(2) of the Community Charter with respect to actions taken for a failed retaining wall at 238 Crosina Crescent
The debate was quite lively when Councillor Rathor spoke on the issue and he spoke 3 times on the issue. His concerns are the same as mine:
i) How does declaring an emergency 3 months after the fact constitute an emergency?
I believe Mayor Cook should have used her authority to declare an emergency later that morning (retaining wall failed at 2:00am). Council, I'm sure, would have agreed to ratify the order, had it been presented to Council
Also - Staff should have notified the homeowners' at 238 Crosina Crescent about this motion of emergency powers, just like they did when Council was presented with a "Remedial Action Resolution". Again, it's about Customer Service
At this time, a report about division of costs pertaining to the failed retaining wall will be presented to Council at a future meeting, at which point, Council could decide to:
i) assign no costs to the homeowners'
ii) seek the homeowners to pay for a portion of costs
iii) seek the homeowners to pay for all costs
In this case, I believe that because the wall was certified by City Staff, after receiving a certified engineering stamp from a Certified Civil Engineer with regard to the Retaining Wall, all costs should be borne by the City
2) Mayor Cook's Council Appointments in 2010
Mayor Cook released her Council appointments for 2010 and they are, as follows:
Mayor Cook - Administration & Policing
Councillor Rathor - Recreation Services
Councillor Montoya - Social Services and Environment
Councillor Barr - Financial Services and Emergency Ops & Planning
Councillor Walters - Community Services
Councillor Bourdon - Economic Development
Councillor Zacharias - Public Works and Development Services
I was disappointed on various fronts, including:
1) No Councillor was doing a bad job at their Portfolio and all Portfolios in 2009 should have remained the same for 2010
2) Several Conflicts of Interest now arise, due to the changes Mayor Cook has imposed:
Councillor Zacharias - given her role at United Concrete and concrete is used in Public Works projects, the Portfolio should have remained with Councillor Rathor, who quite frankly was doing an excellent job at Public Works and Development Services
Councillor Walters - given her historical association with the Studio Theatre Society (a member of the Community Arts Council and the Arts Council was a major proponent of the local Arts and Culture Function), I question her objectivity on this file in the Community Services Portfolio
Bottom Line - I would suggest that Mayor Cook was more interested in protecting her friends on Council, rather than putting Councillors in the right Portfolios and with the exception of Councillors Zacharias and Walters, all other Councillors are in the right Portfolios
WL Council Meeting Highlights - January 12th, 2010
Present: Mayor Cook and Councillors’ Zacharias, Bourdon, Walters, Barr, Montoya and Rathor
Staff Present:
B. Carruthers – CAO
D. Lazzarin – GM of Corporate Services
G. Goodall – GM of Planning & Operations
C. Bouchard – Acting Corporate Officer
T. Chung – Manager of IT
Meeting called to order at 7:30pm
Minutes of December 15th, 2009 Council Meeting approved
1 Late Item added to the Agenda (Mayor Cook’s Council Appointments for 2010)
Delegations:
1) Staff-Sgt Warren Brown (Detachment Commander – WL RCMP) presented Crime Stats for period ending December 31st, 2009. All Crime Stats show year-over-year decrease (December 31st, 2009 vs December 31st, 2008) and various initiatives of WL RCMP Detachment with regard to Crime Prevention
2) Mayor Cook presented “Community Spirit Awards” to Columneetza & WL Secondary Students with regard to their participation in the December 4th, 2009 “Challenge Day” event. A video of “Challenge Day 2009” was presented to Council and a “Certificate of Appreciation” was presented to Mayor Cook for Council helping to sponsor “Challenge Day 2009”.
Business:
1) Council confirmed renewal of the Police Based Victim Service Program Agreement for the fiscal year April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 and staff were authorized to complete the necessary funding application for submission to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
2) Council approved a Staff Recommendation to deny a request from Yang Zhang and Yan Meng to waive a $37.94 penalty for paying their Utility Invoice late
3) Council approved waiving Transit fees on January 28, 2010 from 3:00 pm to 9:30 pm to facilitate the transportation of residents to the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration at the Stampede Grounds on Thursday, January 28th, 2009.
4) At the request of WL Elks Lodge, Council approved installation of two handicap parking stalls adjacent to the Elks Lodge at 98 South First Avenue in the Spring of 2010
5) Council authorized entering into the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund Contribution Agreement between the Province and the City of Williams Lake for the Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation Project.
6) Council approved the following with respect to the alternative approval process for Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2108 for the Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation Project:
a) for purposes of the alternative approval process, the determination of City electors be established at 7,922;
b) elector response forms for this process be in the form of Attachment "A" to this report;
c) the deadline for the receipt of elector response forms at City Hall be Monday, February 22, 2010, at 4 p.m
Alternate Approval Process forms to be available on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
7) The report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee dated January 5, 2010 regarding lack of transportation options for disabled persons was received and referred to the Development Services & Public Works Portfolio for a recommendation back to Council.
8) Council made the following declarations, with regard to use of Emergency Powers at 238 Crosina Crescent:
a) That the failure of the retaining wall located at 238 Crosina Crescent created an emergency as under Section 20(2) of the Community Charter;
b) That Council ratifies all actions taken by City staff, employees, agents or contractors to alleviate the emergency and assess the safety of the site and,
c) That the City is empowered to recover all its costs from the owner of 238 Crosina Crescent, including the costs of retaining the services of Golder Associates and Evergreen Geotechnical Inc
Item approved on the following vote:
Yeas – Mayor Cook and Councillors Montoya, Barr, Walters, Bourdon and Zacharias
Nays – Councillor Rathor
9) Council approved the City of Williams Lake Accessibility Award of Merit guidelines and criteria and that the program is to be included on the City website and other promotions as appropriate.
10) Council authorized the Mayor and Acting Corporate Officer to sign the lease agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association for use of Heritage House.
11) Council approved the Street Naming application and added the name "HOLTOM" to the list of approved names for consideration in future street naming processes
12) Council received for information Mayor Cook’s Council Appointments for the 2010 Term
Item approved on the following vote:
Yeas – Mayor Cook and Councillors Montoya, Barr, Walters, Bourdon and Zacharias
Nays – Councillor Rathor
Information/Announcements by Council Members:
Members of Council made announcements around events occurring in Williams Lake
Meeting adjourned at 9:32pm
Staff Present:
B. Carruthers – CAO
D. Lazzarin – GM of Corporate Services
G. Goodall – GM of Planning & Operations
C. Bouchard – Acting Corporate Officer
T. Chung – Manager of IT
Meeting called to order at 7:30pm
Minutes of December 15th, 2009 Council Meeting approved
1 Late Item added to the Agenda (Mayor Cook’s Council Appointments for 2010)
Delegations:
1) Staff-Sgt Warren Brown (Detachment Commander – WL RCMP) presented Crime Stats for period ending December 31st, 2009. All Crime Stats show year-over-year decrease (December 31st, 2009 vs December 31st, 2008) and various initiatives of WL RCMP Detachment with regard to Crime Prevention
2) Mayor Cook presented “Community Spirit Awards” to Columneetza & WL Secondary Students with regard to their participation in the December 4th, 2009 “Challenge Day” event. A video of “Challenge Day 2009” was presented to Council and a “Certificate of Appreciation” was presented to Mayor Cook for Council helping to sponsor “Challenge Day 2009”.
Business:
1) Council confirmed renewal of the Police Based Victim Service Program Agreement for the fiscal year April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 and staff were authorized to complete the necessary funding application for submission to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
2) Council approved a Staff Recommendation to deny a request from Yang Zhang and Yan Meng to waive a $37.94 penalty for paying their Utility Invoice late
3) Council approved waiving Transit fees on January 28, 2010 from 3:00 pm to 9:30 pm to facilitate the transportation of residents to the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration at the Stampede Grounds on Thursday, January 28th, 2009.
4) At the request of WL Elks Lodge, Council approved installation of two handicap parking stalls adjacent to the Elks Lodge at 98 South First Avenue in the Spring of 2010
5) Council authorized entering into the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund Contribution Agreement between the Province and the City of Williams Lake for the Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation Project.
6) Council approved the following with respect to the alternative approval process for Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2108 for the Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation Project:
a) for purposes of the alternative approval process, the determination of City electors be established at 7,922;
b) elector response forms for this process be in the form of Attachment "A" to this report;
c) the deadline for the receipt of elector response forms at City Hall be Monday, February 22, 2010, at 4 p.m
Alternate Approval Process forms to be available on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
7) The report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee dated January 5, 2010 regarding lack of transportation options for disabled persons was received and referred to the Development Services & Public Works Portfolio for a recommendation back to Council.
8) Council made the following declarations, with regard to use of Emergency Powers at 238 Crosina Crescent:
a) That the failure of the retaining wall located at 238 Crosina Crescent created an emergency as under Section 20(2) of the Community Charter;
b) That Council ratifies all actions taken by City staff, employees, agents or contractors to alleviate the emergency and assess the safety of the site and,
c) That the City is empowered to recover all its costs from the owner of 238 Crosina Crescent, including the costs of retaining the services of Golder Associates and Evergreen Geotechnical Inc
Item approved on the following vote:
Yeas – Mayor Cook and Councillors Montoya, Barr, Walters, Bourdon and Zacharias
Nays – Councillor Rathor
9) Council approved the City of Williams Lake Accessibility Award of Merit guidelines and criteria and that the program is to be included on the City website and other promotions as appropriate.
10) Council authorized the Mayor and Acting Corporate Officer to sign the lease agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association for use of Heritage House.
11) Council approved the Street Naming application and added the name "HOLTOM" to the list of approved names for consideration in future street naming processes
12) Council received for information Mayor Cook’s Council Appointments for the 2010 Term
Item approved on the following vote:
Yeas – Mayor Cook and Councillors Montoya, Barr, Walters, Bourdon and Zacharias
Nays – Councillor Rathor
Information/Announcements by Council Members:
Members of Council made announcements around events occurring in Williams Lake
Meeting adjourned at 9:32pm
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