The following local governments are having meetings this week:
Monday, December 14th:
City of Quesnel (1st meeting of 2009/2010 term)
The link to the Agenda/Reports is here
Tuesday, December 15th:
City of Williams Lake
The link to the Agenda/Reports is here
Wednesday, December 16th - Friday, December 18th:
No meetings scheduled
There are no further local government meetings scheduled for the balance of December. Meetings to resume early in January 2010
Monday, December 14, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Is Carole Taylor coming back into BC Politics...?
In a very interesting piece ... Alex Tsakumis (Vancouver-based blogger) thinks aloud of the possibility of Carole Taylor (former BC Finance Minister and MLA for Vancouver-Langara)running to become the next BC Liberal Party Leader
Check out the story here
Check out the story here
Steve Rant - Mayor Cook & Councillor Zacharias (Lack of Ethical Conduct and Lack of Vision)
Yesterday, at the CRD Board meeting, the Board considered a letter from the BC Ready-Mixed Concrete Association, with regards to the Province's "Wood First Act"
However, Councillor Zacharias, as CRD Director for Williams Lake and given her association with United Concrete did not declare a conflict of interest on this matter
Now, it is true that there is no direct or indirect pecuniary (financial) interest in this case. However the ethical thing to have done is to withdraw from the meeting given that the letter was from the Concrete Sector and her company is in the concrete business. This is not a case of a rookie mistake. She was formerly the CRD Director for Electoral Area 'D' for 3 years (2005-2008) so she knows better. Hopefully she doesn't repeat this mistake again
Now, with regard to Mayor Cook, she is proposing the following changes:
CRD Director for Williams Lake - 2010:
That pursuant to the report of the Chief Administrative Officer dated December 11, 2009 and pursuant to Section 784 of the Local Government Act, Mayor Kerry Cook be appointed to the Cariboo Regional District as the City's Director for 2009/2010 and pursuant to Section 786 of the Local Government Act, Councillor Sue Zacharias be appointed as the City's Alternate Director and Councillor Surinderpal S. Rathor be appointed as the Second Alternate City Director to take the place of Mayor Kerry Cook and Councillor Sue Zacharias in their absence
Now, I can tell you that Mayor Cook has not bothered to observe 1 CRD Board meeting in all of 2009 and there are many things to learn including what you may and may not vote on - as Williams Lake is not a participant in all Functions so there are things we may not vote on. Also, changing the CRD Director for Williams Lake, at this time, is counter-productive to Board Relations and is, in my humble opinion, a step backwards
WL Council Portfolios for 2010:
Mayor Cook is recommending the following changes to Council Portfolios in 2010:
ADMINISTRATION - Mayor Kerry Cook
Corporate Organization
Cariboo Regional District
Policies, Bylaws and Records Management
Central Cariboo/City of Williams Lake Joint Committee (Co-Chair)
Northern Development Initiative Trust Regional Advisory Committee
Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition Board
LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES - Councillor Surinderpal Rathor
Policing & Community Policing
Crime & Vandalism
First Nations Relations
Victim Services
Social Planning
FINANCIAL SERVICES - Councillor Tom Barr
Corporate Business Plan
Budget & Long Term Financial Planning
Risk Management
Purchasing
Tax & Collection
Information Technology
Fire Protection & Prevention
Emergency Operations & Planning
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Councillor Geoff Bourdon
Economic Development & Investment Opportunities
Tourism
Tournaments
Planning & Hosting
2010 Initiatives
Special Events
DEVELOPMENT & PUBLIC WORKS - Councillor Sue Zacharias
Planning (Land Use and O.C.P.)
Engineering
Bylaw Enforcement & Business Services
Public Works & Utilities
Transit & Transportation
Garbage & Recycling
Fleet & Municipal Infrastructure
Communities in Bloom
Winter Lights
Airport
SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENT - Councillor Natalie Montoya
Air Quality & Environment
Sustainability
Education and Advanced Education
Youth, Seniors & Women’s Issues
Health
RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES - Councillor Laurie Walters
Parks & Recreation Programs
Heritage & Museum
Arts & Culture
Accessibility
Complex
Grants-in-Aid
Joint Use Agreement
It is a rule that the Mayor should not change Portfolio Chairs unless they are doing a horrible job at their Portfolio, which in this case, has not occured to date
I believe Mayor Cook is making a very bad strategic mistake by switching Councillors' Rathor and Zacharias Portfolios as they now have to be briefed on their new Portfolio activities. Also, I don't see any indication that Mayor Cook won't be changing Portfolio Chairs in 2010/2011.
Finally, given Mayor Cook's public indication during the 2008 Election that she would be chairing the "Crime" Portfolio, it would not be unfair to accuse her of hypocrisy here. If you make a public promise, you should stick to it or don't make it at all.
However, Councillor Zacharias, as CRD Director for Williams Lake and given her association with United Concrete did not declare a conflict of interest on this matter
Now, it is true that there is no direct or indirect pecuniary (financial) interest in this case. However the ethical thing to have done is to withdraw from the meeting given that the letter was from the Concrete Sector and her company is in the concrete business. This is not a case of a rookie mistake. She was formerly the CRD Director for Electoral Area 'D' for 3 years (2005-2008) so she knows better. Hopefully she doesn't repeat this mistake again
Now, with regard to Mayor Cook, she is proposing the following changes:
CRD Director for Williams Lake - 2010:
That pursuant to the report of the Chief Administrative Officer dated December 11, 2009 and pursuant to Section 784 of the Local Government Act, Mayor Kerry Cook be appointed to the Cariboo Regional District as the City's Director for 2009/2010 and pursuant to Section 786 of the Local Government Act, Councillor Sue Zacharias be appointed as the City's Alternate Director and Councillor Surinderpal S. Rathor be appointed as the Second Alternate City Director to take the place of Mayor Kerry Cook and Councillor Sue Zacharias in their absence
Now, I can tell you that Mayor Cook has not bothered to observe 1 CRD Board meeting in all of 2009 and there are many things to learn including what you may and may not vote on - as Williams Lake is not a participant in all Functions so there are things we may not vote on. Also, changing the CRD Director for Williams Lake, at this time, is counter-productive to Board Relations and is, in my humble opinion, a step backwards
WL Council Portfolios for 2010:
Mayor Cook is recommending the following changes to Council Portfolios in 2010:
ADMINISTRATION - Mayor Kerry Cook
Corporate Organization
Cariboo Regional District
Policies, Bylaws and Records Management
Central Cariboo/City of Williams Lake Joint Committee (Co-Chair)
Northern Development Initiative Trust Regional Advisory Committee
Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition Board
LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES - Councillor Surinderpal Rathor
Policing & Community Policing
Crime & Vandalism
First Nations Relations
Victim Services
Social Planning
FINANCIAL SERVICES - Councillor Tom Barr
Corporate Business Plan
Budget & Long Term Financial Planning
Risk Management
Purchasing
Tax & Collection
Information Technology
Fire Protection & Prevention
Emergency Operations & Planning
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Councillor Geoff Bourdon
Economic Development & Investment Opportunities
Tourism
Tournaments
Planning & Hosting
2010 Initiatives
Special Events
DEVELOPMENT & PUBLIC WORKS - Councillor Sue Zacharias
Planning (Land Use and O.C.P.)
Engineering
Bylaw Enforcement & Business Services
Public Works & Utilities
Transit & Transportation
Garbage & Recycling
Fleet & Municipal Infrastructure
Communities in Bloom
Winter Lights
Airport
SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENT - Councillor Natalie Montoya
Air Quality & Environment
Sustainability
Education and Advanced Education
Youth, Seniors & Women’s Issues
Health
RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES - Councillor Laurie Walters
Parks & Recreation Programs
Heritage & Museum
Arts & Culture
Accessibility
Complex
Grants-in-Aid
Joint Use Agreement
It is a rule that the Mayor should not change Portfolio Chairs unless they are doing a horrible job at their Portfolio, which in this case, has not occured to date
I believe Mayor Cook is making a very bad strategic mistake by switching Councillors' Rathor and Zacharias Portfolios as they now have to be briefed on their new Portfolio activities. Also, I don't see any indication that Mayor Cook won't be changing Portfolio Chairs in 2010/2011.
Finally, given Mayor Cook's public indication during the 2008 Election that she would be chairing the "Crime" Portfolio, it would not be unfair to accuse her of hypocrisy here. If you make a public promise, you should stick to it or don't make it at all.
CRD Board Highlights - Dec 11/09
Present:
Directors Armstrong, Faust, Massier, Bischoff, Mazur, Barnett, Richmond, Dumaresq, Glassford, Bracewell, Mumford, Rattray, Sjostrom, Zacharias and Campsall
Absent:
Director Jay Vermette (District of Wells)
Staff Present:
Janis Bell – CAO
Rick Hodgson – Deputy CAO
Lynn Paterson – Chief Financial Officer
Alice Johnston – Corporate Officer
Meeting called to order at 9:45am by the CAO
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2010:
Director Barnett declared a conflict due to possible litigation and left the meeting
Director Richmond nominated for Chair. The CAO called 3 times for nominations and hearing none, Director Al Richmond was declared Chair for 2010
Director Armstrong nominated for Vice-Chair. The CAO called 3 times for nominations and hearing none, Director Ted Armstrong was declared Vice-Chair for 2010
Chair Richmond assumed the Chair
Chair Richmond then read out a Year-End Statement reviewing successes with the Board during 2009
Director Barnett re-entered the meeting at 9:49am
Meeting Agenda adopted
Meeting Minutes of Nov 20th
Amendment to Nov 20th meeting minutes – Amendment agreed to
Minutes of November 20th, as amended, adopted
Memo of Business (Delegations) – MOB Received
Planning Bylaws for 1st and 2nd Reading
Bylaws #4553 and #4554 (Area ‘L’) – Deferred for up to 60 days
Bylaws #4560 and #4561 (Area ‘L’) – Deferred for up to 60 days
Planning Bylaws for 3rd Reading
Bylaws #4537 and 4538 (Area ‘L’) – Bylaws read a 3rd time
Bylaws #4544 and 4545 (Area ‘L’) – Bylaws read a 3rd time
Planning Bylaws for Adoption
Bylaws #4383 (Area ‘B’), 4428 (Area ‘G’), 4447 (Area ‘L’), 4448 (Area ‘L’), 4503 (Area ‘G’) – Bylaws adopted
Development Variance Permit Applications
DVP #443 (Area ‘G’) – DVP approved
DVP #’s 444-448 (Area ‘J’) – DVP’s deferred for 60 days
Agricultural Land Commission Applications:
ALC Application F246 (Area ‘F’) – Application be rejected for various reasons, including the Area ‘F’ Advisory Planning Commission’s recommendation to not support the application and therefore not be forwarded to the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission
ALC Application G267 (Area ‘G’) – Application referred to Staff/Applicant for further consideration.
ALC Application L090 (Area ‘L’) – Application deferred for 60 days, pending review by Area ‘L’ APC
Planning/Building Inspection/Bylaw Enforcement - Other Business
Recommendations pertaining to a Liquor (Primary License) application in Area ‘L’ endorsed
Permitting Process for Temporary Accommodations (Short Term Vacation Rentals) in the Interlakes Area OCP - Draft Bylaw be approved in principle and referred to agencies such as the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Area ‘L’ Advisory Planning Commission
Director Barnett/Armstrong –
"That the above motion be referred back to Staff for further clarification" – Motion approved
Proposed Amendment to Planning Policy P3.4 (Deadline for Submission of Applications) – Policy, as amended, endorsed
Bill 27 Requirements for OCP Greenhouse Gas Reductions Targets, Policies and Actions – The Board agreed to set a measurable target of a 33% reduction in community Greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020, and an 80% reduction by 2050 from 2007 levels
Opposed: Directors Ted Armstrong and Jim Glassford
Director Barnett/Dumaresq -
"That a presentation on Bill 27 & Pacific Carbon Trust be scheduled for the Board ASAP and it be added to the Delegations Memo. of Business"
Meeting recessed at 11:24am
Meeting resumed at 11:37am
Building Stats Reports (CRD + Municipalities) for October 2009 – Reports received
7 “Notice on Titles” approved in Areas ‘B’, ‘D’, ‘G’, and ‘L’
Letter to CRD Chair from SAFERhome Standards Society – Letter received
Director Barnett/Mazur –
“That Staff report back on Provincially required Building Inspection” - Motion approved
Environmental Services
Proposed Water and Sewer Projects Reports – Report received
Refuse Site Inspection Report – Report received
Meeting recessed at 12:17pm
Meeting resumed at 1:03pm to go In-Camera (Sections 90(1a, i, j) of the Community Charter)
CRD Board resumed its’ open meeting at 1:43pm
Meeting recessed at 1:43pm and resumed at 1:47pm
In-Camera Resolution, with regard to Lac La Hache Fire Chief Resignation and appointment of new Lac La Hache Fire Chief, brought out of In-Camera and confirmed in open meeting
Director Barnett/Mumford –
“That the OCP/Zoning Bylaws be placed back upon the CRD Website immediately” – Motion passed
Community Services
Baker Creek Community Hall – Community Works Funding (Energy Efficiency Project and Enabling Agreement) – That the $2,800 for the project be approved from the 2010 Community Projects envelope of the Community Works Fund, that the appropriate signatories be authorized to enter into the necessary contribution agreement, and that the previously approved Grant for Assistance funding for this project be rescinded.
Protective Services:
9-1-1 Stats for November 2009 (North, Central and South Calling Exchanges) – Stats received
Proposal to expand 150 Mile Fire Protection Area – CRD Staff were authorized to petition residents within the proposed fire protection boundary expansion areas and proceed with the expansion if there is sufficient interest identified.
Request from 108 Volunteer Fire Department Equipment to leave Fire Protection Area for Olympics - Authorization was given for the 108 Mile VFD to deploy one engine and fire/rescue members to attend the Paralympic Games, as representatives of the Cariboo Regional District, with the stipulation that sufficient apparatus and manpower remain to provide fire suppression and first responder services within their fire protection boundary. Further, that the funds received specifically for “rental” of the truck be allocated to the Capital Reserve for future capital purchases
Emergency Social Services MOU – MOU endorsed
2009 Wildfire Season Report/Recommendations – Report from Director of Protective Services received and further that the Board rescind the appointment of Bobby Lloyd as the Cariboo Regional District ESS Director, and that a letter of appreciation be sent to Bobby Lloyd
Director Barnett/Bischoff –
“Staff asked to report back on PEP (Provincial Emergency Program) payments to CRD & Non-CRD Fire Departments” – Motion passed
Fire Chiefs Meeting Minutes of Oct 23-25, 2009 – Minutes received and Board endorsed a recommendation that the term of Fire Chief and Fire Department Member contracts, be changed from a two year term to a three year term commencing April 1, 2010
Finance:
CFO Report – Report received
Cheque Register for November 2009 – Cheque Register endorsed
Revised 2010 Business Plans – The following 2010 Business Plans were endorsed as amended:
1) Administrative Services (1003)
2) Central Cariboo Victim Services (1037)
3) Red Bluff Sewer (1775)
CRD 2010-2014 5 Year Financial Plan – Item deferred to end of meeting
Request to use Area ‘K’ Opportunity Fund – Request to use $150 for SPCA sign from Area ‘K’ Opportunity Fund endorsed
Administration:
BC Ready-mix Concrete Association (Concern about “Wood First” Policy) – Letter received
Release of In-Camera Item – The following In-Camera Resolution was confirmed in open meeting:
That the agenda item summary from Mitch J. Minchau, Manager of Environmental Services, dated October 9, 2009 regarding the requested contract rate increase by Lake Excavating for the Central Cariboo Transfer Station and Landfill Operation Contract, be received. Further, that the Cariboo Regional District extend the Central Cariboo Transfer Station and Landfill Operation Contract with Lake Excavating Ltd. until June 1, 2010 including a 5% rate increase
Request for Input from BC NDP Critics (Transportation and Infrastructure) – Letter received
Director Barnett/Mumford –
“That information be conveyed to Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure with a copy to BC NDP Transportation and Infrastructure Critics on need to include landscaping/fencing on Highway Improvements” – Motion passed
2010 Request to Hold Private Function on CRD Property – authorization was given to the Ministry of Forests and Range to utilize the player’s lounge at the South Cariboo Recreation Centre on February 19th and 20th, 2010.
Letter from City of Burnaby regarding PRIME (Police Records Information Management Environment) – Letter received
Administration Allocation Review - Proposed amendments to the administration charges policy were adopted as presented and that the changes are to be fully implemented in the 2010 financial plan
Request for Support of Mining Industry – Item received
2009/2010 Request to hold Private Functions on CRD Property - authorization was given to the 100 Mile Old Stars Hockey Club to utilize the player’s lounge at the South Cariboo Recreation Centre on December 26, 2009. Further, that authorization was given to the Old Cats Hockey Club to utilize the player’s lounge at the South Cariboo Recreation Centre on January 15, 16, and 17, 2010
BC Street Participation – Item received
Board Reports & Correspondence
Level 1 and 2 Corporate Priorities – Items received
Prioritization of Board Resolutions – Item received
Consent Calendar – Item received
Responses to Board Correspondence – Item received
Committee/Commission Minutes
Minutes were received and recommendations were endorsed from the following bodies:
• Nov 9th meeting of 108 Greenbelt Commission
• Nov 10th meeting of North Cariboo Joint Committee
• Nov 18th meeting of Central Cariboo Joint Committee
• Nov 19th meeting of CRD Finance/Budget Committee
• Dec 4th meeting of Central Cariboo Joint Committee
• Dec 7th meeting of South Cariboo Joint Committee
• Dec 8th meeting of North Cariboo Rural Caucus
Bylaws for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Readings:
Bylaws #’s: 4559, 4564, and 4565 of 2009 – Bylaws read 1st, 2nd, and 3rd time
Bylaws for Three Readings and Adoption:
Bylaw #4496(7), 2009 (CRD 2009 Financial Plan – Amendment Bylaw #7) – Bylaw, as amended, read 1st, 2nd, 3rd time and adopted
Bylaw #4562, 2009 (Central Cariboo Recreation Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw) – Bylaw read 1st, 2nd, 3rd time and was adopted
Bylaw #4563, 2009 (Red Bluff/Dragon Lake Sewer Management Amendment Bylaw) – Bylaw read 1st, 2nd, 3rd time and was adopted
Bylaw #4558, 2009 (South Cariboo Landfill Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw) – Bylaw read 1st, 2nd, 3rd time and was adopted
Bylaws for Adoption:
Bylaw #4549, 2009 (CRD Invasive Plant Management Service – Amendment Bylaw) – Bylaw adopted
Finance, cont.:
CRD 2010 5-Year Financial Plan – Plan, as amended, was endorsed for public consultation at 2010 CRD Town Hall Meetings (Electoral Areas & Joint Muncipal)
Directors’ Reports, Appointments and Notices of Motions
Directors’ made comments on activities occurring in their Electoral Area or Municipality
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:40pm
Directors Armstrong, Faust, Massier, Bischoff, Mazur, Barnett, Richmond, Dumaresq, Glassford, Bracewell, Mumford, Rattray, Sjostrom, Zacharias and Campsall
Absent:
Director Jay Vermette (District of Wells)
Staff Present:
Janis Bell – CAO
Rick Hodgson – Deputy CAO
Lynn Paterson – Chief Financial Officer
Alice Johnston – Corporate Officer
Meeting called to order at 9:45am by the CAO
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2010:
Director Barnett declared a conflict due to possible litigation and left the meeting
Director Richmond nominated for Chair. The CAO called 3 times for nominations and hearing none, Director Al Richmond was declared Chair for 2010
Director Armstrong nominated for Vice-Chair. The CAO called 3 times for nominations and hearing none, Director Ted Armstrong was declared Vice-Chair for 2010
Chair Richmond assumed the Chair
Chair Richmond then read out a Year-End Statement reviewing successes with the Board during 2009
Director Barnett re-entered the meeting at 9:49am
Meeting Agenda adopted
Meeting Minutes of Nov 20th
Amendment to Nov 20th meeting minutes – Amendment agreed to
Minutes of November 20th, as amended, adopted
Memo of Business (Delegations) – MOB Received
Planning Bylaws for 1st and 2nd Reading
Bylaws #4553 and #4554 (Area ‘L’) – Deferred for up to 60 days
Bylaws #4560 and #4561 (Area ‘L’) – Deferred for up to 60 days
Planning Bylaws for 3rd Reading
Bylaws #4537 and 4538 (Area ‘L’) – Bylaws read a 3rd time
Bylaws #4544 and 4545 (Area ‘L’) – Bylaws read a 3rd time
Planning Bylaws for Adoption
Bylaws #4383 (Area ‘B’), 4428 (Area ‘G’), 4447 (Area ‘L’), 4448 (Area ‘L’), 4503 (Area ‘G’) – Bylaws adopted
Development Variance Permit Applications
DVP #443 (Area ‘G’) – DVP approved
DVP #’s 444-448 (Area ‘J’) – DVP’s deferred for 60 days
Agricultural Land Commission Applications:
ALC Application F246 (Area ‘F’) – Application be rejected for various reasons, including the Area ‘F’ Advisory Planning Commission’s recommendation to not support the application and therefore not be forwarded to the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission
ALC Application G267 (Area ‘G’) – Application referred to Staff/Applicant for further consideration.
ALC Application L090 (Area ‘L’) – Application deferred for 60 days, pending review by Area ‘L’ APC
Planning/Building Inspection/Bylaw Enforcement - Other Business
Recommendations pertaining to a Liquor (Primary License) application in Area ‘L’ endorsed
Permitting Process for Temporary Accommodations (Short Term Vacation Rentals) in the Interlakes Area OCP - Draft Bylaw be approved in principle and referred to agencies such as the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Area ‘L’ Advisory Planning Commission
Director Barnett/Armstrong –
"That the above motion be referred back to Staff for further clarification" – Motion approved
Proposed Amendment to Planning Policy P3.4 (Deadline for Submission of Applications) – Policy, as amended, endorsed
Bill 27 Requirements for OCP Greenhouse Gas Reductions Targets, Policies and Actions – The Board agreed to set a measurable target of a 33% reduction in community Greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020, and an 80% reduction by 2050 from 2007 levels
Opposed: Directors Ted Armstrong and Jim Glassford
Director Barnett/Dumaresq -
"That a presentation on Bill 27 & Pacific Carbon Trust be scheduled for the Board ASAP and it be added to the Delegations Memo. of Business"
Meeting recessed at 11:24am
Meeting resumed at 11:37am
Building Stats Reports (CRD + Municipalities) for October 2009 – Reports received
7 “Notice on Titles” approved in Areas ‘B’, ‘D’, ‘G’, and ‘L’
Letter to CRD Chair from SAFERhome Standards Society – Letter received
Director Barnett/Mazur –
“That Staff report back on Provincially required Building Inspection” - Motion approved
Environmental Services
Proposed Water and Sewer Projects Reports – Report received
Refuse Site Inspection Report – Report received
Meeting recessed at 12:17pm
Meeting resumed at 1:03pm to go In-Camera (Sections 90(1a, i, j) of the Community Charter)
CRD Board resumed its’ open meeting at 1:43pm
Meeting recessed at 1:43pm and resumed at 1:47pm
In-Camera Resolution, with regard to Lac La Hache Fire Chief Resignation and appointment of new Lac La Hache Fire Chief, brought out of In-Camera and confirmed in open meeting
Director Barnett/Mumford –
“That the OCP/Zoning Bylaws be placed back upon the CRD Website immediately” – Motion passed
Community Services
Baker Creek Community Hall – Community Works Funding (Energy Efficiency Project and Enabling Agreement) – That the $2,800 for the project be approved from the 2010 Community Projects envelope of the Community Works Fund, that the appropriate signatories be authorized to enter into the necessary contribution agreement, and that the previously approved Grant for Assistance funding for this project be rescinded.
Protective Services:
9-1-1 Stats for November 2009 (North, Central and South Calling Exchanges) – Stats received
Proposal to expand 150 Mile Fire Protection Area – CRD Staff were authorized to petition residents within the proposed fire protection boundary expansion areas and proceed with the expansion if there is sufficient interest identified.
Request from 108 Volunteer Fire Department Equipment to leave Fire Protection Area for Olympics - Authorization was given for the 108 Mile VFD to deploy one engine and fire/rescue members to attend the Paralympic Games, as representatives of the Cariboo Regional District, with the stipulation that sufficient apparatus and manpower remain to provide fire suppression and first responder services within their fire protection boundary. Further, that the funds received specifically for “rental” of the truck be allocated to the Capital Reserve for future capital purchases
Emergency Social Services MOU – MOU endorsed
2009 Wildfire Season Report/Recommendations – Report from Director of Protective Services received and further that the Board rescind the appointment of Bobby Lloyd as the Cariboo Regional District ESS Director, and that a letter of appreciation be sent to Bobby Lloyd
Director Barnett/Bischoff –
“Staff asked to report back on PEP (Provincial Emergency Program) payments to CRD & Non-CRD Fire Departments” – Motion passed
Fire Chiefs Meeting Minutes of Oct 23-25, 2009 – Minutes received and Board endorsed a recommendation that the term of Fire Chief and Fire Department Member contracts, be changed from a two year term to a three year term commencing April 1, 2010
Finance:
CFO Report – Report received
Cheque Register for November 2009 – Cheque Register endorsed
Revised 2010 Business Plans – The following 2010 Business Plans were endorsed as amended:
1) Administrative Services (1003)
2) Central Cariboo Victim Services (1037)
3) Red Bluff Sewer (1775)
CRD 2010-2014 5 Year Financial Plan – Item deferred to end of meeting
Request to use Area ‘K’ Opportunity Fund – Request to use $150 for SPCA sign from Area ‘K’ Opportunity Fund endorsed
Administration:
BC Ready-mix Concrete Association (Concern about “Wood First” Policy) – Letter received
Release of In-Camera Item – The following In-Camera Resolution was confirmed in open meeting:
That the agenda item summary from Mitch J. Minchau, Manager of Environmental Services, dated October 9, 2009 regarding the requested contract rate increase by Lake Excavating for the Central Cariboo Transfer Station and Landfill Operation Contract, be received. Further, that the Cariboo Regional District extend the Central Cariboo Transfer Station and Landfill Operation Contract with Lake Excavating Ltd. until June 1, 2010 including a 5% rate increase
Request for Input from BC NDP Critics (Transportation and Infrastructure) – Letter received
Director Barnett/Mumford –
“That information be conveyed to Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure with a copy to BC NDP Transportation and Infrastructure Critics on need to include landscaping/fencing on Highway Improvements” – Motion passed
2010 Request to Hold Private Function on CRD Property – authorization was given to the Ministry of Forests and Range to utilize the player’s lounge at the South Cariboo Recreation Centre on February 19th and 20th, 2010.
Letter from City of Burnaby regarding PRIME (Police Records Information Management Environment) – Letter received
Administration Allocation Review - Proposed amendments to the administration charges policy were adopted as presented and that the changes are to be fully implemented in the 2010 financial plan
Request for Support of Mining Industry – Item received
2009/2010 Request to hold Private Functions on CRD Property - authorization was given to the 100 Mile Old Stars Hockey Club to utilize the player’s lounge at the South Cariboo Recreation Centre on December 26, 2009. Further, that authorization was given to the Old Cats Hockey Club to utilize the player’s lounge at the South Cariboo Recreation Centre on January 15, 16, and 17, 2010
BC Street Participation – Item received
Board Reports & Correspondence
Level 1 and 2 Corporate Priorities – Items received
Prioritization of Board Resolutions – Item received
Consent Calendar – Item received
Responses to Board Correspondence – Item received
Committee/Commission Minutes
Minutes were received and recommendations were endorsed from the following bodies:
• Nov 9th meeting of 108 Greenbelt Commission
• Nov 10th meeting of North Cariboo Joint Committee
• Nov 18th meeting of Central Cariboo Joint Committee
• Nov 19th meeting of CRD Finance/Budget Committee
• Dec 4th meeting of Central Cariboo Joint Committee
• Dec 7th meeting of South Cariboo Joint Committee
• Dec 8th meeting of North Cariboo Rural Caucus
Bylaws for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Readings:
Bylaws #’s: 4559, 4564, and 4565 of 2009 – Bylaws read 1st, 2nd, and 3rd time
Bylaws for Three Readings and Adoption:
Bylaw #4496(7), 2009 (CRD 2009 Financial Plan – Amendment Bylaw #7) – Bylaw, as amended, read 1st, 2nd, 3rd time and adopted
Bylaw #4562, 2009 (Central Cariboo Recreation Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw) – Bylaw read 1st, 2nd, 3rd time and was adopted
Bylaw #4563, 2009 (Red Bluff/Dragon Lake Sewer Management Amendment Bylaw) – Bylaw read 1st, 2nd, 3rd time and was adopted
Bylaw #4558, 2009 (South Cariboo Landfill Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw) – Bylaw read 1st, 2nd, 3rd time and was adopted
Bylaws for Adoption:
Bylaw #4549, 2009 (CRD Invasive Plant Management Service – Amendment Bylaw) – Bylaw adopted
Finance, cont.:
CRD 2010 5-Year Financial Plan – Plan, as amended, was endorsed for public consultation at 2010 CRD Town Hall Meetings (Electoral Areas & Joint Muncipal)
Directors’ Reports, Appointments and Notices of Motions
Directors’ made comments on activities occurring in their Electoral Area or Municipality
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:40pm
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thursday News Round-up
In your Williams Lake Tribune:
1) Fire destroys two Businesses at Strip Mall (corner of Midnight Drive and Western Ave) - more here
2) New WL Fire Hall operational Monday - more here
3) WL Council reveals its' 2010 Budget Targets to the public - more here
In the Vancouver Sun:
1) Homeless people have now won the right, in the Appeal Court of BC, to erect tent camps in muncipal parks, if local homeless shelters are full - more here
1) Fire destroys two Businesses at Strip Mall (corner of Midnight Drive and Western Ave) - more here
2) New WL Fire Hall operational Monday - more here
3) WL Council reveals its' 2010 Budget Targets to the public - more here
In the Vancouver Sun:
1) Homeless people have now won the right, in the Appeal Court of BC, to erect tent camps in muncipal parks, if local homeless shelters are full - more here
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Outcome of Public Information Meeting - City of WL 2010 Budget Process
Present:
Mayor Kerry Cook
Councillors L.T Walters, S.J. Zacharias, G.W. Bourdon, T.C. Barr
Brian Carruthers – City of Williams Lake CAO
Darcy Lazzarin – General Manager of Corporate Services, City of WL
Geoff Goodall – General Manager of Planning & Operations, City of WL
Tom Chung – IT Manager, City of WL
4 Members of the Public
Members of the Media - WL Tribune, Cariboo Advisor and The Rush/Wolf Radio
Meeting started at 7:30pm
Mayor Cook gave opening comments and noted the presence and absence of City Councillors (City Councillors Natalie Montoya and Surinder Rathor both absent at this meeting as Councillor Montoya was busy and Councillor Rathor is vacationing in India)
The CAO gave a Powerpoint Presentation on the 2010 Budget Process:
• Reviewed Council actions in 2009 on their 10 Strategic Goals for the 2008-2011 Term
• Reviewed Council actions for 2010, in regard to Council Strategic Priorities for 2010 & 2011
Councillor Tom Barr (Council Finance Chair) reviewed 2010 Budget Preparation Targets:
• Property Tax Rates - 4 scenarios of status quo, increases of 2%, 3.5%, or 5%
• Utility Rates – 3 scenarios of status quo, increase of 25% in 2010 & 2011 or 50% in 2011
• Review of Major Capital Projects proposed in the City in 2010:
i) Renovations to Old Fire Hall – Arts Facility
ii) Traffic Signal Upgrade – 2nd Avenue and Oliver Street
iii) Reconstruction of Cameron Street and 3rd to 5th Avenues
iv) Pavement Management Plan
v) Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation
vi) Feasibility Study for Prosperity Ridge Traffic Access
vii) Preliminary Design for Woodland Drive – Water & Sewer
viii) Aquifer Assessment
ix) Phase 1 Twinning of River Valley Sewer Main
A Question and Answer Period ensued
Questions included:
• Property Tax Rates – review of rates in property classes
• Discussion around General Water & Sewer Infrastructure Projects in the City
• Lack of Stable Communications – Time of this Meeting
• RCMP Contract – Funding of Positions
• Water and Sewer Utility Rates – when deferring of increases to Water & Sewer Rates becomes impossible
• Mackenzie Avenue – remove industrial traffic to Highway 97 North, via Mackenzie Avenue Connector, in order to improve safety for pedestrians & car/light truck traffic
• Sustainability Plan and how it plays into Council Operations & 2010 Council Strategic Priorities
• Mackenzie Avenue Project – Decision on Referendum vs Alternate Approval Process (Counter-Petition)
Mayor Cook gave closing comments – Next meeting in February 2010 on City of WL 2010 Budget
Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm
Mayor Kerry Cook
Councillors L.T Walters, S.J. Zacharias, G.W. Bourdon, T.C. Barr
Brian Carruthers – City of Williams Lake CAO
Darcy Lazzarin – General Manager of Corporate Services, City of WL
Geoff Goodall – General Manager of Planning & Operations, City of WL
Tom Chung – IT Manager, City of WL
4 Members of the Public
Members of the Media - WL Tribune, Cariboo Advisor and The Rush/Wolf Radio
Meeting started at 7:30pm
Mayor Cook gave opening comments and noted the presence and absence of City Councillors (City Councillors Natalie Montoya and Surinder Rathor both absent at this meeting as Councillor Montoya was busy and Councillor Rathor is vacationing in India)
The CAO gave a Powerpoint Presentation on the 2010 Budget Process:
• Reviewed Council actions in 2009 on their 10 Strategic Goals for the 2008-2011 Term
• Reviewed Council actions for 2010, in regard to Council Strategic Priorities for 2010 & 2011
Councillor Tom Barr (Council Finance Chair) reviewed 2010 Budget Preparation Targets:
• Property Tax Rates - 4 scenarios of status quo, increases of 2%, 3.5%, or 5%
• Utility Rates – 3 scenarios of status quo, increase of 25% in 2010 & 2011 or 50% in 2011
• Review of Major Capital Projects proposed in the City in 2010:
i) Renovations to Old Fire Hall – Arts Facility
ii) Traffic Signal Upgrade – 2nd Avenue and Oliver Street
iii) Reconstruction of Cameron Street and 3rd to 5th Avenues
iv) Pavement Management Plan
v) Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation
vi) Feasibility Study for Prosperity Ridge Traffic Access
vii) Preliminary Design for Woodland Drive – Water & Sewer
viii) Aquifer Assessment
ix) Phase 1 Twinning of River Valley Sewer Main
A Question and Answer Period ensued
Questions included:
• Property Tax Rates – review of rates in property classes
• Discussion around General Water & Sewer Infrastructure Projects in the City
• Lack of Stable Communications – Time of this Meeting
• RCMP Contract – Funding of Positions
• Water and Sewer Utility Rates – when deferring of increases to Water & Sewer Rates becomes impossible
• Mackenzie Avenue – remove industrial traffic to Highway 97 North, via Mackenzie Avenue Connector, in order to improve safety for pedestrians & car/light truck traffic
• Sustainability Plan and how it plays into Council Operations & 2010 Council Strategic Priorities
• Mackenzie Avenue Project – Decision on Referendum vs Alternate Approval Process (Counter-Petition)
Mayor Cook gave closing comments – Next meeting in February 2010 on City of WL 2010 Budget
Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm
Outcome of Friday December 4th Special Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting
Present from City of WL:
Mayor Cook (Committee Co-Chair), Councillors Walters, Barr, and Montoya
Present from CRD:
Directors Deb Bischoff (Committee Co-Chair), Steve Mazur and Duncan Barnett
City/CRD Staff Present:
Brian Carruthers - CAO, City of Williams Lake
Darron Campbell - Manager of Community Services, CRD
Janis Bell - CAO, CRD
Geoff Paynton - Director of Community Services, City of WL
Mayor Cook called the meeting to order at 4:06pm
Minutes:
By Consensus --
Minutes of the Joint Committee meeting of November 16th, 2009 be adopted
Business:
1) Memorandum from CRD Manager of Community Services re: Victim Services and 2010 Budget
The CRD Manager of Community Services presented his report to the Joint Committee and answered questions from Joint Committee members
By Consensus:
"That the memorandum dated Nov.27/09 from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services regarding a report from the WL RCMP Detachment on the Victim Services section be received"
2) Memorandum from CRD Manager of Community Services re: Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Service Delivery Plan - Public Comments & Summary Report
The CRD Manager of Community Services presented his report to the Joint Committee and answered questions from Joint Committee members
Discussion ensued thereon
By Consensus:
"The Joint Committee requests from the Arts and Culture Steering Committee:
a) A revised 2010 Budget for the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function
b) A proposed composition & terms of reference for an Arts and Culture Stakeholder Advisory Committee to advise on options for implementation of the Draft Arts and Culture Service Delivery Plan
3) Report from City of WL Director of Community Services re: Williams Lake Timberwolves Financial Update
The City of WL Director of Community Services presented his report to the Joint Committee
By Consensus:
"That the Joint Committee receive this report for information"
Mayor Cook (Committee Co-Chair), Councillors Walters, Barr, and Montoya
Present from CRD:
Directors Deb Bischoff (Committee Co-Chair), Steve Mazur and Duncan Barnett
City/CRD Staff Present:
Brian Carruthers - CAO, City of Williams Lake
Darron Campbell - Manager of Community Services, CRD
Janis Bell - CAO, CRD
Geoff Paynton - Director of Community Services, City of WL
Mayor Cook called the meeting to order at 4:06pm
Minutes:
By Consensus --
Minutes of the Joint Committee meeting of November 16th, 2009 be adopted
Business:
1) Memorandum from CRD Manager of Community Services re: Victim Services and 2010 Budget
The CRD Manager of Community Services presented his report to the Joint Committee and answered questions from Joint Committee members
By Consensus:
"That the memorandum dated Nov.27/09 from Darron Campbell, Manager of Community Services regarding a report from the WL RCMP Detachment on the Victim Services section be received"
2) Memorandum from CRD Manager of Community Services re: Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Service Delivery Plan - Public Comments & Summary Report
The CRD Manager of Community Services presented his report to the Joint Committee and answered questions from Joint Committee members
Discussion ensued thereon
By Consensus:
"The Joint Committee requests from the Arts and Culture Steering Committee:
a) A revised 2010 Budget for the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function
b) A proposed composition & terms of reference for an Arts and Culture Stakeholder Advisory Committee to advise on options for implementation of the Draft Arts and Culture Service Delivery Plan
3) Report from City of WL Director of Community Services re: Williams Lake Timberwolves Financial Update
The City of WL Director of Community Services presented his report to the Joint Committee
By Consensus:
"That the Joint Committee receive this report for information"
Tuesday News Round-up
In your WL Tribune today:
1) SD#27 looking to cut $3 million from its' budget for 2010-2011 school year - more here
2) Crime Stats on downward trend - more here
3) Prosperity Mine could mean work for displaced forestry workers - more here
4) Colin Hansen (BC Minister of Finance) takes issue with Bob Simpson's column last Thursday - more here
Also, CLAC has taken out an ad in the Tribune opposing CAW drive to become the union for workers' at Gibraltar Mines
Also, in the Vancouver Sun, in an Op-Ed (Opinion Editorial), Kennedy Stewart (senior fellow, London School of Economics, Department of Government and Associate Professor, Simon Fraser University Graduate Public Policy Program) talks about the Premier's Task Force on rewriting the rules on Local Government Elections - see more here
*** Reminder *** - at 7:30pm tonight in WL Council Chambers, WL Council will be hosting a public meeting on the 2010 Budget Process. Come out and tell Council your priorities for the 2010 Budget
1) SD#27 looking to cut $3 million from its' budget for 2010-2011 school year - more here
2) Crime Stats on downward trend - more here
3) Prosperity Mine could mean work for displaced forestry workers - more here
4) Colin Hansen (BC Minister of Finance) takes issue with Bob Simpson's column last Thursday - more here
Also, CLAC has taken out an ad in the Tribune opposing CAW drive to become the union for workers' at Gibraltar Mines
Also, in the Vancouver Sun, in an Op-Ed (Opinion Editorial), Kennedy Stewart (senior fellow, London School of Economics, Department of Government and Associate Professor, Simon Fraser University Graduate Public Policy Program) talks about the Premier's Task Force on rewriting the rules on Local Government Elections - see more here
*** Reminder *** - at 7:30pm tonight in WL Council Chambers, WL Council will be hosting a public meeting on the 2010 Budget Process. Come out and tell Council your priorities for the 2010 Budget
Monday, December 7, 2009
Local Government Meetings in Cariboo-Chilcotin - Week of Dec 7 - Dec 11
Monday, December 7th:
City of Quesnel (meeting in Committee of the Whole)
The link to the Agenda/Reports is here
Tuesday, December 8th:
City of Williams Lake is hosting a public meeting on the 2010 Budget
Meeting will start at 7:30pm in WL Council Chambers
Friday, December 11th:
Cariboo Regional District (last meeting of 2009)
The link to the Agenda and Reports is here
City of Quesnel (meeting in Committee of the Whole)
The link to the Agenda/Reports is here
Tuesday, December 8th:
City of Williams Lake is hosting a public meeting on the 2010 Budget
Meeting will start at 7:30pm in WL Council Chambers
Friday, December 11th:
Cariboo Regional District (last meeting of 2009)
The link to the Agenda and Reports is here
Friday, December 4, 2009
Steve Rant - Mayor Cook and Ineptitude
Ineptitude is defined as:
1. unable to handle job: lacking the competence or skill for a particular task
On Wednesday, the City of Williams Lake issued a press release on the date, time and place for the Public Information Meeting for the City's 2010 Budget. This information was posted on the City's website Wednesday and also ran in both the Williams Lake Tribune (as an article) and in the Wednesday, December 2nd edition of the Advisor in the "City Page Ad" section.
Yesterday, however, the City issued another press release advising that the time for the Public Information Meeting - City of Williams Lake 2010 Budget had changed from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Now, unless you were aware of the City's new press release, looked at the City website or go to http://www.welcometowilliamslake.ca/, then residents' won't know about the meeting time change until the day of the meeting, as I expect the Tribune on Tuesday to run the updated information for the public meeting - City of WL 2010 Budget
Unfortunately, this is another example of ineptitude by Mayor Cook's office. Once you set a time for a meeting, you should stick to it unless a dire emergency forces you to change it
Speaking of ineptitude, the City did not vigorously ensure that its' "City Page Ad" ran in both the Tribune and Advisor this week (ran in the Advisor but did not run in this week's Tribune (both Tuesday and Thursday's editions') and this is necessary to ensure that the information that the City needs to get out gets spread over multiple media sources
Also - the City had suspended, for a time, doing Council Highlights. However, Council has agreed to resume doing Council Highlights once again. This is an example of the new Council Highlights just released on Tuesday, December 1st:
Council meeting highlights
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Loan Authorization Bylaw 2108 – Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation
Council gave three readings to Bylaw 2108, authorizing the borrowing of up to $3.5 M to undertake rehabilitation/resurfacing of Mackenzie Avenue.
Key points:
• Federal and Provincial Governments have contributed $7M toward the project.
• Work is required to repair significant rutting and deterioration of Mackenzie Avenue.
• Final approval of the bylaw is subject to approval of electors through an Alternate Approval Process, requiring that less than 10% of electors petition against the bylaw.
• Pre-design study currently being completed to define the scope of work.
• Alternative surfacing technologies and construction will be utilized to ensure longevity of road.
• City will work with Industry and Ministry of Transportation to identify opportunities to mitigate wear on the road in the future.
Prosperity Ridge Access Engineering
Council passed a resolution authorizing staff to retain TRUE Consulting Group to develop road network improvement options to provide sufficient access to the Prosperity Ridge development at a cost of $25,000.
Key Points:
• Current road infrastructure appears to be at capacity with the recent opening of Wal-Mart and will require longer term monitoring.
• Prosperity Ridge wants to develop the second phase of their development for additional retail and service.
• There must be adequate vehicle access to the site in order to allow removal of a no-build covenant.
• Options for adequate traffic flows include upgrades to South Lakeside Drive and associated intersections from Hwy 20 to Prosperity Way or a new, dedicated access road from Hwy 20 above Parallel Wood Products.
• Due to long term implications/benefits for other businesses in the area and the residents of South Lakeside Drive, the City wants to identify the most practical and financial viable option for enhancing traffic capacity.
Extension of Services to Dog Creek Road Area
Council passed a resolution, approving in principle, the request of the CRD to explore options for extending municipal water and/or sewer services to the Dog Creek Road area.
Key points:
• Residents of the lower Dog Creek Road area are experiencing water quality issues associated with contaminated wells.
• The CRD is exploring options to provide these residents with water and/or sewer service.
• One option is to extend the City water and sewer services beyond the City boundary on a fee for service basis.
• This resolution allows the CRD to further investigate this option, at no cost to the City of Williams Lake.
Now, contrast that to previous Council Highlights issued by the City (from the September 9th, 2008 meeting of WL City Council):
Delegations
Several delegations appeared at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
The City said goodbye to Corporal Dan Brennan of the RCMP and recognized his 20 years of service to the Community with a certificate of recognition. Sponsors for the Brahma Bull statue were recognized with framed photographs donated by Woodland Jewellers.
Irene Willsie presented Council with information regarding the upcoming “Take Back the Night” walk against violence event which will take place on September 26th 2008 at 5:30 starting from Boitaino Park. The final presenter was Laurie McKenzie who presented a petition with 2500 signatures from citizens requesting additional
RCMP officers to help combat crime in the City.
Revitalization Tax Exemption
Council gave three readings to the bylaw and directed staff to proceed with the required
advertising. The tax exemption bylaw allows property owners in the downtown specified area to maintain their current level of City taxes for up to three years based on a minimum
investment (improvement) to their property.
City Requests Reimbursement
Council will send a letter to Interior Health putting them on notice they will be billed
annually on a per call basis until such time that they fulfill their mandate of providing a detox
centre and/or demonstrate a significant reduction in the utilization of RCMP resources to
deal with the issue of intoxication on the community. The RCMP report that there were
over 1200 reported cases and 800 arrests due to persons intoxicated in the community. Council recognizes that this is taking much needed resources away from the RCMP and feels that Interior Health needs to be a participant in a solution.
Supportive Housing Complex
The public hearing was held prior to Tuesdays’ Council Meeting. Council then gave third
reading and adopted the bylaw for the OCP and zoning amendments which will bring a new
Supportive Housing Complex for the Cariboo Friendship Society. Council acknowledge the
hard work of everyone involved and gave credit to the fact that the project will be done to LEED "Gold” environmental standards.
The City Turns 80
2009 is the official 80th birthday of the City of Williams Lake. Council directed staff to
prepare a celebration to recognize the event.
Proclamations
The week of October 5th – 11th, 2008 has been proclaimed as "Fire Prevention Week" in the
City of Williams Lake, pursuant to City Policy. The week of September 29th to Oct 5th has been declared as “Celebrate Life” week in the City.
Support for BC Heritage Sites
At the request of BC Heritage Properties, Council directed staff to write a letter of
support encouraging the Provincial Government to support BC Heritage Sites which include
Barkerville, Cottonwood House and Hat Creek Ranch.
Firehall Contract
The Construction Management Contract for the new firehall was awarded to Liberty Contract Management Inc. from Vancouver in the amount of $550,000. Liberty will be
responsible for tendering the various components of the firehall which has a total
budget of $6.5 million. The expectation is that many of the tenders will remain local.
Construction on the firehall will likely start this fall or early spring.
Zoning Approvals
Council gave 2nd reading to the application from Aviator Hotel which will see a 136 room, five story hotel located beside the Loon Restaurant. A Public hearing will take place on October 14th.
Quite frankly, the Council Highlights of September 8th is a shining example of how a Council Highlights should be done. The Council Highlights on December 1st is a shining example of how not to do Council Highlights
Council Highlights should include:
* Delegations received
* Major Business conducted including a brief description of the item discussed
* Any Bylaw(s) considered
* Any Proclamations issued
Now, that doesn't stop the City from issuing press releases on specific items that Council considered that require more detailed information, so the public is aware of it
I hope and pray that Council will do the above, with regard to its' Council Highlights in the future
1. unable to handle job: lacking the competence or skill for a particular task
On Wednesday, the City of Williams Lake issued a press release on the date, time and place for the Public Information Meeting for the City's 2010 Budget. This information was posted on the City's website Wednesday and also ran in both the Williams Lake Tribune (as an article) and in the Wednesday, December 2nd edition of the Advisor in the "City Page Ad" section.
Yesterday, however, the City issued another press release advising that the time for the Public Information Meeting - City of Williams Lake 2010 Budget had changed from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Now, unless you were aware of the City's new press release, looked at the City website or go to http://www.welcometowilliamslake.ca/, then residents' won't know about the meeting time change until the day of the meeting, as I expect the Tribune on Tuesday to run the updated information for the public meeting - City of WL 2010 Budget
Unfortunately, this is another example of ineptitude by Mayor Cook's office. Once you set a time for a meeting, you should stick to it unless a dire emergency forces you to change it
Speaking of ineptitude, the City did not vigorously ensure that its' "City Page Ad" ran in both the Tribune and Advisor this week (ran in the Advisor but did not run in this week's Tribune (both Tuesday and Thursday's editions') and this is necessary to ensure that the information that the City needs to get out gets spread over multiple media sources
Also - the City had suspended, for a time, doing Council Highlights. However, Council has agreed to resume doing Council Highlights once again. This is an example of the new Council Highlights just released on Tuesday, December 1st:
Council meeting highlights
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Loan Authorization Bylaw 2108 – Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation
Council gave three readings to Bylaw 2108, authorizing the borrowing of up to $3.5 M to undertake rehabilitation/resurfacing of Mackenzie Avenue.
Key points:
• Federal and Provincial Governments have contributed $7M toward the project.
• Work is required to repair significant rutting and deterioration of Mackenzie Avenue.
• Final approval of the bylaw is subject to approval of electors through an Alternate Approval Process, requiring that less than 10% of electors petition against the bylaw.
• Pre-design study currently being completed to define the scope of work.
• Alternative surfacing technologies and construction will be utilized to ensure longevity of road.
• City will work with Industry and Ministry of Transportation to identify opportunities to mitigate wear on the road in the future.
Prosperity Ridge Access Engineering
Council passed a resolution authorizing staff to retain TRUE Consulting Group to develop road network improvement options to provide sufficient access to the Prosperity Ridge development at a cost of $25,000.
Key Points:
• Current road infrastructure appears to be at capacity with the recent opening of Wal-Mart and will require longer term monitoring.
• Prosperity Ridge wants to develop the second phase of their development for additional retail and service.
• There must be adequate vehicle access to the site in order to allow removal of a no-build covenant.
• Options for adequate traffic flows include upgrades to South Lakeside Drive and associated intersections from Hwy 20 to Prosperity Way or a new, dedicated access road from Hwy 20 above Parallel Wood Products.
• Due to long term implications/benefits for other businesses in the area and the residents of South Lakeside Drive, the City wants to identify the most practical and financial viable option for enhancing traffic capacity.
Extension of Services to Dog Creek Road Area
Council passed a resolution, approving in principle, the request of the CRD to explore options for extending municipal water and/or sewer services to the Dog Creek Road area.
Key points:
• Residents of the lower Dog Creek Road area are experiencing water quality issues associated with contaminated wells.
• The CRD is exploring options to provide these residents with water and/or sewer service.
• One option is to extend the City water and sewer services beyond the City boundary on a fee for service basis.
• This resolution allows the CRD to further investigate this option, at no cost to the City of Williams Lake.
Now, contrast that to previous Council Highlights issued by the City (from the September 9th, 2008 meeting of WL City Council):
Delegations
Several delegations appeared at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
The City said goodbye to Corporal Dan Brennan of the RCMP and recognized his 20 years of service to the Community with a certificate of recognition. Sponsors for the Brahma Bull statue were recognized with framed photographs donated by Woodland Jewellers.
Irene Willsie presented Council with information regarding the upcoming “Take Back the Night” walk against violence event which will take place on September 26th 2008 at 5:30 starting from Boitaino Park. The final presenter was Laurie McKenzie who presented a petition with 2500 signatures from citizens requesting additional
RCMP officers to help combat crime in the City.
Revitalization Tax Exemption
Council gave three readings to the bylaw and directed staff to proceed with the required
advertising. The tax exemption bylaw allows property owners in the downtown specified area to maintain their current level of City taxes for up to three years based on a minimum
investment (improvement) to their property.
City Requests Reimbursement
Council will send a letter to Interior Health putting them on notice they will be billed
annually on a per call basis until such time that they fulfill their mandate of providing a detox
centre and/or demonstrate a significant reduction in the utilization of RCMP resources to
deal with the issue of intoxication on the community. The RCMP report that there were
over 1200 reported cases and 800 arrests due to persons intoxicated in the community. Council recognizes that this is taking much needed resources away from the RCMP and feels that Interior Health needs to be a participant in a solution.
Supportive Housing Complex
The public hearing was held prior to Tuesdays’ Council Meeting. Council then gave third
reading and adopted the bylaw for the OCP and zoning amendments which will bring a new
Supportive Housing Complex for the Cariboo Friendship Society. Council acknowledge the
hard work of everyone involved and gave credit to the fact that the project will be done to LEED "Gold” environmental standards.
The City Turns 80
2009 is the official 80th birthday of the City of Williams Lake. Council directed staff to
prepare a celebration to recognize the event.
Proclamations
The week of October 5th – 11th, 2008 has been proclaimed as "Fire Prevention Week" in the
City of Williams Lake, pursuant to City Policy. The week of September 29th to Oct 5th has been declared as “Celebrate Life” week in the City.
Support for BC Heritage Sites
At the request of BC Heritage Properties, Council directed staff to write a letter of
support encouraging the Provincial Government to support BC Heritage Sites which include
Barkerville, Cottonwood House and Hat Creek Ranch.
Firehall Contract
The Construction Management Contract for the new firehall was awarded to Liberty Contract Management Inc. from Vancouver in the amount of $550,000. Liberty will be
responsible for tendering the various components of the firehall which has a total
budget of $6.5 million. The expectation is that many of the tenders will remain local.
Construction on the firehall will likely start this fall or early spring.
Zoning Approvals
Council gave 2nd reading to the application from Aviator Hotel which will see a 136 room, five story hotel located beside the Loon Restaurant. A Public hearing will take place on October 14th.
Quite frankly, the Council Highlights of September 8th is a shining example of how a Council Highlights should be done. The Council Highlights on December 1st is a shining example of how not to do Council Highlights
Council Highlights should include:
* Delegations received
* Major Business conducted including a brief description of the item discussed
* Any Bylaw(s) considered
* Any Proclamations issued
Now, that doesn't stop the City from issuing press releases on specific items that Council considered that require more detailed information, so the public is aware of it
I hope and pray that Council will do the above, with regard to its' Council Highlights in the future
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Time Change: City of WL Budget 2010 Public Consultation Meeting
I've just been informed that the Public Consultation Meeting, with regard to the City of WL 2010 Budget, has had its' meeting start time changed. So, unless things change, the particulars of the meeting are:
Date: Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Williams Lake Council Chambers
I urge all of my blog readers' to come to this meeting and tell your elected members of Williams Lake City Council what your priorities for the 2010 Budget are
Date: Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Williams Lake Council Chambers
I urge all of my blog readers' to come to this meeting and tell your elected members of Williams Lake City Council what your priorities for the 2010 Budget are
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
City of WL 2010 Budget Process
From the City of Williams Lake website:
2010 Budget Process
City Council will be holding a Public Information Meeting at 6:30pm on Tuesday, December 8th in Council Chambers to provide an overview of Council’s Strategic Direction for the 2010 Budget process. The meeting will include an overview of the 2008-2011 Corporate Priorities, additional Corporate Priorities for 2010 and budget targets for the 2010 operating and capital budgets.
Budget development is at the very preliminary stages and no budget scenarios will be provided at this time. Council will be seeking general input of the direction and targets it has set for the 2010 budget. Additional public meetings will take place in the new-year once budget scenarios/options have been developed.
In 2008, Council committed that they would provide an enhanced level of public consultation as the annual budgets are developed. Traditionally, the public have only been provided with an opportunity to review the budget as a last step in the process. The public are now being provided more opportunities for input at earlier stages in the process.
2010 Budget Process
City Council will be holding a Public Information Meeting at 6:30pm on Tuesday, December 8th in Council Chambers to provide an overview of Council’s Strategic Direction for the 2010 Budget process. The meeting will include an overview of the 2008-2011 Corporate Priorities, additional Corporate Priorities for 2010 and budget targets for the 2010 operating and capital budgets.
Budget development is at the very preliminary stages and no budget scenarios will be provided at this time. Council will be seeking general input of the direction and targets it has set for the 2010 budget. Additional public meetings will take place in the new-year once budget scenarios/options have been developed.
In 2008, Council committed that they would provide an enhanced level of public consultation as the annual budgets are developed. Traditionally, the public have only been provided with an opportunity to review the budget as a last step in the process. The public are now being provided more opportunities for input at earlier stages in the process.
Steve Rant - Procedural Fairness & WL Council
Natural Justice, which also includes the notion of procedural fairness is partially described as:
(from Wikipedia)
"Proceedings should be conducted so they are fair to all the parties - expressed in the Latin maxim 'audi alteram partem': 'let the other side be heard'."
(from Wikipedia)
"Proceedings should be conducted so they are fair to all the parties - expressed in the Latin maxim 'audi alteram partem': 'let the other side be heard'."
The City of Williams Lake Council is beginning to acquire a number of examples where this principle has not been applied
Such examples include:
1) Failure to notify the public of WL Council's intention to adopt Bylaws #2093 (Traffic Control Bylaw, relative to prohibition of placing of material and vehicles on boulevard's in the City) and Bylaw #2102 (Animal Control Bylaw)
2) Failure to give reasonable notice to the public of either an In-Camera or Special Meeting of Council including the calling of Special or Regular meetings of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee (including this Friday's Joint Committee meeting, with regard to the Arts and Culture Function - next steps) and next Tuesday's public meeting with regard to the 2010 Budget - Reminder, that this meeting is on Tuesday, December 8th @ 7:00pm in Council Chambers
This Council must learn and understand that their actions must be seen to be fair to all. It is not enough to say: we've always done it this way, so what's the problem..?
On the subject of next week's public consultation meeting for the City's 2010 Budget, for Mayor Cook to say - well, I told members of the WL & District Chamber of Commerce of this meeting and announced it at the recent "Imagine Our Future" community workshop and call it "notice" is at the height of arrogance. The general public at large doesn't get to attend either of these meetings.
If the standard for notifying the public for a Public Hearing on a Land Use Bylaw is 9 days, then I would think that it should be the rule that notice of a meeting of Council, whether Regular or Special on any subject should be at least 7 days before the meeting takes place. This rule should also be enforced for any Committee of Council including the Central Cariboo Joint Committee
Failure to consider this means that WL Council is not meeting the "public interest" test which requires that Council's actions must be viewed as being fair to all sides
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
WL Council Meeting Highlights - December 1st, 2009
Present: Mayor K. Cook and Councillors SPS Rathor, T. Barr, and L. Walters
Absent: Councillors G. Bourdon, S. Zacharias and N. Montoya
Staff Present:
Brian Carruthers – CAO
Cindy Bouchard – Corporate Services Records Coordinator
Geoff Goodall - General Manager of Planning & Operations
Tom Chung – IT Manager
Meeting called to order at 7:30pm
Minutes of the November 17th, 2009 Council meeting approved
Delegations/Presentations:
Representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion described to Council some of the services that they provide to the City and area
Mayor Cook then presented representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion with a “Community Spirit Certificate”
Business:
1) Council approved the following Council Meeting schedule for 2010:
January 12 & 26
February 9 & 23
March 9 & 23
April 6 & 20
May 11 & 25
June 8 & 22
July 6 & 20
August 10 & 24
September 7 & 21
October 5 & 19
November 9 & 23
December 7 & 21
2) Council approved the following “Acting Mayor” List for 2010:
January - Councillor Tom Barr
February - Councillor Geoff Bourdon
March - Councillor Natalie Montoya
April - Councillor Surinderpal Rathor
May - Councillor Laurie Walters
June - Councillor Sue Zacharias
July - Councillor Tom Barr
August - Councillor Geoff Bourdon
September - Councillor Natalie Montoya
October - Councillor Surinderpal Rathor
November - Councillor Laurie Walters
December - Councillor Sue Zacharias
3) Council set Friday , January 2, 2010 as Wrestling Day in the City of Williams Lake, in accordance with Council Policy #115
4) Council agreed to recommend to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch that Signal Point Gaming be allowed to operate until the following dates/times over the holiday season:
To 1:00am - December 27-30, 2009
To 2:00am - December 31st, 2009
5) Council approved the lease for the Ministry of Forests Tanker Base at the Williams Lake Regional Airport with an annual rent of $40,905.00, and the Mayor and Corporate Officer was authorized to sign on behalf of the City.
6) Council approved an increase of hangar lease rates at the Williams Lake Regional Airport to a standard $1.86/m2 to be implemented upon renewal of each individual lease
7) Council approved the ICBC Contribution Agreement which provides $5,000 of funding towards the 8th Avenue / Oliver Street traffic signal upgrades that were completed in August of 2009.
8) Council gave 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Reading to Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2108, 2009, and Staff were directed to obtain the approval of the Inspector of Municipalities to permit the borrowing of up to $3,500,000 to undertake the project, subject to obtaining the approval of the Electors through an Alternative Approval Process (AAP), as outlined in Section 86 of the Community Charter. The CAO noted that this process will take about 80 days to complete, starting tonight and the public will kept informed during the Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation project
9) Council adopted Bylaw #2106, 2009 (2010 Borrowing in Anticipation of Revenue Bylaw)
10) Council adopted a number of recommendations from the last Committee of the Whole meeting including:
• Request from WLCBIA to re-consider its’ request for a Grant in Aid in 2010 for the Annual Street Party be referred to the next Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting and that Council support the request of the WLCBIA to reconsider its’ Grant in Aid application in 2010 for the Annual Street Party
• Refer a request to consider the establishment of a City/CRD Fee for Service arrangement to be funded 70/30 (City/CRD) to the next Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting
• Council authorized Staff to retain TRUE Consulting Group for engineering services to develop road network improvement options necessary to provide a sufficient level of service to the Prosperity Ridge development at a cost of $25,000 from the 2010 budget
• The Public submissions regarding the prohibition of boulevard parking in the new Traffic Control Bylaw No. 2093 on Tuesday, November 24th were received and Staff were asked to investigate and report back to Council through the Development Services and Public Works Portfolio.
• Staff asked to bring forward a Policy on Public Consultation with regard to Proposed Regulatory Bylaws for Council’s consideration
• Council approved in principle the request of the Cariboo Regional District to explore options of extending municipal water and sewer services to the Dog Creek Road area; and further, Staff be authorized to work in conjunction with the Cariboo Regional District to explore infrastructure extension possibilities
11) Council received a letter from the District of Mackenzie regarding the Regional Geologist position based at the PG Mining & Minerals’ division office and agreed to send a letter of support to the Energy, Mines and Petroleum Products Minister (Hon. Blair Lekstrom) supporting the position of the District of Mackenzie on this subject and that the letter, from the District of Mackenzie, be forwarded to the MLA’s for Cariboo-North and Cariboo-Chilcotin for their information
12) LATE ITEM - Council endorsed the application for a Community / Institutional Free Crown Grant for land adjacent to the Williams Lake Regional Airport
Information/Announcements by Council Members:
Councillor Walters:
• Trip to China with Councillor Bourdon & Alan Madrigga (Economic Development Manager) – Council Report to come forward soon regarding this trip
• Attended the Cariboo Hospital Trust Foundation Gala this past Saturday. $30,000 was raised at the Gala
• Reminder to use Operation: Red Nose service during the holiday season
Councillor Barr:
• Request to ensure advertising regarding next Tuesday’s 2010 Budget meeting with the public takes place
Councillor Rathor:
• Crime Stats, year to date. Thanked everyone who worked together to reduce the crime stats this year
• Thanks to MP Dick Harris for his assistance for infrastructure project applications
• Mackenzie Avenue – request to community to support this project and will work to ensure that the public is kept informed throughout this process
• Expressed satisfaction that next Tuesday’s meeting with the public on the 2010 Budget will be taking place. Requested that the public come out and tell your elected members of Council what your Budget priorities are
• Wished everyone a happy holiday season and reminded everyone not to drink & drive. If you plan on drinking at an event, please make alternate arrangements (ie - use the Operation: Red Nose service, take a taxi or use a designated driver)
Mayor Cook:
• Attended the Wal-Mart Grand Opening on Wednesday, November 25th. Wal-Mart gave out several cheques to non-profit groups in the community
• Thanked members of the local Winter Lights Committee for their hard work, with regard to the event last Friday
• Will be a reader at the “Christmas Carol” reading at the Anglican Church on Sunday
Meeting adjourned at 8:50pm
Absent: Councillors G. Bourdon, S. Zacharias and N. Montoya
Staff Present:
Brian Carruthers – CAO
Cindy Bouchard – Corporate Services Records Coordinator
Geoff Goodall - General Manager of Planning & Operations
Tom Chung – IT Manager
Meeting called to order at 7:30pm
Minutes of the November 17th, 2009 Council meeting approved
Delegations/Presentations:
Representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion described to Council some of the services that they provide to the City and area
Mayor Cook then presented representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion with a “Community Spirit Certificate”
Business:
1) Council approved the following Council Meeting schedule for 2010:
January 12 & 26
February 9 & 23
March 9 & 23
April 6 & 20
May 11 & 25
June 8 & 22
July 6 & 20
August 10 & 24
September 7 & 21
October 5 & 19
November 9 & 23
December 7 & 21
2) Council approved the following “Acting Mayor” List for 2010:
January - Councillor Tom Barr
February - Councillor Geoff Bourdon
March - Councillor Natalie Montoya
April - Councillor Surinderpal Rathor
May - Councillor Laurie Walters
June - Councillor Sue Zacharias
July - Councillor Tom Barr
August - Councillor Geoff Bourdon
September - Councillor Natalie Montoya
October - Councillor Surinderpal Rathor
November - Councillor Laurie Walters
December - Councillor Sue Zacharias
3) Council set Friday , January 2, 2010 as Wrestling Day in the City of Williams Lake, in accordance with Council Policy #115
4) Council agreed to recommend to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch that Signal Point Gaming be allowed to operate until the following dates/times over the holiday season:
To 1:00am - December 27-30, 2009
To 2:00am - December 31st, 2009
5) Council approved the lease for the Ministry of Forests Tanker Base at the Williams Lake Regional Airport with an annual rent of $40,905.00, and the Mayor and Corporate Officer was authorized to sign on behalf of the City.
6) Council approved an increase of hangar lease rates at the Williams Lake Regional Airport to a standard $1.86/m2 to be implemented upon renewal of each individual lease
7) Council approved the ICBC Contribution Agreement which provides $5,000 of funding towards the 8th Avenue / Oliver Street traffic signal upgrades that were completed in August of 2009.
8) Council gave 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Reading to Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2108, 2009, and Staff were directed to obtain the approval of the Inspector of Municipalities to permit the borrowing of up to $3,500,000 to undertake the project, subject to obtaining the approval of the Electors through an Alternative Approval Process (AAP), as outlined in Section 86 of the Community Charter. The CAO noted that this process will take about 80 days to complete, starting tonight and the public will kept informed during the Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation project
9) Council adopted Bylaw #2106, 2009 (2010 Borrowing in Anticipation of Revenue Bylaw)
10) Council adopted a number of recommendations from the last Committee of the Whole meeting including:
• Request from WLCBIA to re-consider its’ request for a Grant in Aid in 2010 for the Annual Street Party be referred to the next Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting and that Council support the request of the WLCBIA to reconsider its’ Grant in Aid application in 2010 for the Annual Street Party
• Refer a request to consider the establishment of a City/CRD Fee for Service arrangement to be funded 70/30 (City/CRD) to the next Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting
• Council authorized Staff to retain TRUE Consulting Group for engineering services to develop road network improvement options necessary to provide a sufficient level of service to the Prosperity Ridge development at a cost of $25,000 from the 2010 budget
• The Public submissions regarding the prohibition of boulevard parking in the new Traffic Control Bylaw No. 2093 on Tuesday, November 24th were received and Staff were asked to investigate and report back to Council through the Development Services and Public Works Portfolio.
• Staff asked to bring forward a Policy on Public Consultation with regard to Proposed Regulatory Bylaws for Council’s consideration
• Council approved in principle the request of the Cariboo Regional District to explore options of extending municipal water and sewer services to the Dog Creek Road area; and further, Staff be authorized to work in conjunction with the Cariboo Regional District to explore infrastructure extension possibilities
11) Council received a letter from the District of Mackenzie regarding the Regional Geologist position based at the PG Mining & Minerals’ division office and agreed to send a letter of support to the Energy, Mines and Petroleum Products Minister (Hon. Blair Lekstrom) supporting the position of the District of Mackenzie on this subject and that the letter, from the District of Mackenzie, be forwarded to the MLA’s for Cariboo-North and Cariboo-Chilcotin for their information
12) LATE ITEM - Council endorsed the application for a Community / Institutional Free Crown Grant for land adjacent to the Williams Lake Regional Airport
Information/Announcements by Council Members:
Councillor Walters:
• Trip to China with Councillor Bourdon & Alan Madrigga (Economic Development Manager) – Council Report to come forward soon regarding this trip
• Attended the Cariboo Hospital Trust Foundation Gala this past Saturday. $30,000 was raised at the Gala
• Reminder to use Operation: Red Nose service during the holiday season
Councillor Barr:
• Request to ensure advertising regarding next Tuesday’s 2010 Budget meeting with the public takes place
Councillor Rathor:
• Crime Stats, year to date. Thanked everyone who worked together to reduce the crime stats this year
• Thanks to MP Dick Harris for his assistance for infrastructure project applications
• Mackenzie Avenue – request to community to support this project and will work to ensure that the public is kept informed throughout this process
• Expressed satisfaction that next Tuesday’s meeting with the public on the 2010 Budget will be taking place. Requested that the public come out and tell your elected members of Council what your Budget priorities are
• Wished everyone a happy holiday season and reminded everyone not to drink & drive. If you plan on drinking at an event, please make alternate arrangements (ie - use the Operation: Red Nose service, take a taxi or use a designated driver)
Mayor Cook:
• Attended the Wal-Mart Grand Opening on Wednesday, November 25th. Wal-Mart gave out several cheques to non-profit groups in the community
• Thanked members of the local Winter Lights Committee for their hard work, with regard to the event last Friday
• Will be a reader at the “Christmas Carol” reading at the Anglican Church on Sunday
Meeting adjourned at 8:50pm
Update: Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting on Friday, December 4th
Earlier, I had indicated that a special meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee would take place on Friday, December 4th at 5:00pm. I wish to clarify that information with the following:
Special Meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee
Location: WL City Hall - Committee Room #1
Date: Friday, December 4th
Time: 4:00pm
Meeting Agenda Items to follow ASAP. But the future direction of the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function is one Agenda item. As well, there will be an In-Camera session at this meeting - whether before or after the meeting, I am still unsure but as soon as I know, I'll let my readers' know here
Special Meeting of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee
Location: WL City Hall - Committee Room #1
Date: Friday, December 4th
Time: 4:00pm
Meeting Agenda Items to follow ASAP. But the future direction of the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function is one Agenda item. As well, there will be an In-Camera session at this meeting - whether before or after the meeting, I am still unsure but as soon as I know, I'll let my readers' know here
Tuesday News Round-up
In your Williams Lake Tribune today:
i) Story on yesterday's announcement that the Cariboo Regional District had received the prestigious title of "Forest Capital of Canada" for 2010 & 2011 from the Canadian Forestry Association - more here
ii) Taseko has entered into a joint venture with a Japanese firm for operations at Gibraltar Mines - more here
iii) From the "Good News" department, a young man faithfully returns a wallet belonging to a senior living at WL Seniors' Village - more here
iv) Story on the housing market being active in 2010 - more here
In the Vancouver Province, political columnist Micheal Smyth talks about the 2 year battle that BC NDP Leader Carole James will have to hang on to her post - more here
Also - Mayor Kerry Cook has informed me that a "pre-budget" consultation meeting with the public will take place on Tuesday, December 8th. The meeting is likely to be held in Council Chambers and the meeting to start at 7:00pm. Some questions that my readers should consider thinking about are:
i) What are your priorities for the 2010 Budget?
ii) Do you want your Council to hold the line on municipal taxes? Would you accept a cut in services or capital spending to achieve this goal?
iii) Do you want to see your Council increase spending in capital or operations? And where?
Please think about these 3 questions and bring your answers to this meeting and any other questions that pertain to the 2010 Budget to this meeting and let your elected members of WL Council know so that they may have your thoughts as they enter into the 2010 Budget deliberations process.
i) Story on yesterday's announcement that the Cariboo Regional District had received the prestigious title of "Forest Capital of Canada" for 2010 & 2011 from the Canadian Forestry Association - more here
ii) Taseko has entered into a joint venture with a Japanese firm for operations at Gibraltar Mines - more here
iii) From the "Good News" department, a young man faithfully returns a wallet belonging to a senior living at WL Seniors' Village - more here
iv) Story on the housing market being active in 2010 - more here
In the Vancouver Province, political columnist Micheal Smyth talks about the 2 year battle that BC NDP Leader Carole James will have to hang on to her post - more here
Also - Mayor Kerry Cook has informed me that a "pre-budget" consultation meeting with the public will take place on Tuesday, December 8th. The meeting is likely to be held in Council Chambers and the meeting to start at 7:00pm. Some questions that my readers should consider thinking about are:
i) What are your priorities for the 2010 Budget?
ii) Do you want your Council to hold the line on municipal taxes? Would you accept a cut in services or capital spending to achieve this goal?
iii) Do you want to see your Council increase spending in capital or operations? And where?
Please think about these 3 questions and bring your answers to this meeting and any other questions that pertain to the 2010 Budget to this meeting and let your elected members of WL Council know so that they may have your thoughts as they enter into the 2010 Budget deliberations process.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Breaking News - CRD awarded title of "Forest Capital of Canada
At a press conference this morning, the Cariboo Regional District was awarded the prestigous title of "Forest Capital of Canada" for 2010 & 2011
Congrats to Staff/Directors at the Cariboo Regional District, Staff and Councils throughout the Cariboo-Chilcotin and Forest Industry Leaders in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region for successfully lobbying for this prestigous title of "Forest Capital of Canada"
I look forward to seeing the Cariboo Regional District using the designation of "Forest Capital of Canada" to enhance our economic development efforts in 2010 & 2011
Congrats to Staff/Directors at the Cariboo Regional District, Staff and Councils throughout the Cariboo-Chilcotin and Forest Industry Leaders in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region for successfully lobbying for this prestigous title of "Forest Capital of Canada"
I look forward to seeing the Cariboo Regional District using the designation of "Forest Capital of Canada" to enhance our economic development efforts in 2010 & 2011
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Steve Rant - City of WL Deputy Mayor & Mackenzie Avenue
On Tuesday, WL Council is set to meet and one of the topics for discussion is the appointment of Acting Mayors for 2010. For the record, this is the recommendation from City of WL Staff on this subject:
That pursuant to the report of the Corporate Services / Records Management Coordinator dated November 25, 2009, Council designate Councillors as Acting Mayor for the calendar year 2010, pursuant to the following schedule:
January - Councillor Tom Barr
February - Councillor Geoff Bourdon
March - Councillor Natalie Montoya
April - Councillor Surinderpal Rathor
May - Councillor Laurie Walters
June - Councillor Sue Zacharias
July - Councillor Tom Barr
August - Councillor Geoff Bourdon
September - Councillor Natalie Montoya
October - Councillor Surinderpal Rathor
November - Councillor Laurie Walters
December - Councillor Sue Zacharias
I do not see any reference to Councillor Rathor being re-appointed as Deputy Mayor for 2010 and I believe that calls into question the sincerity of Mayor Cook's promise to make Councillor Rathor as Deputy Mayor of the City for the entire term.
Also, on Council's Agenda for Tuesday, Council will be considering a recommendation from Staff to give 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Reading to Bylaw #2108 - Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation Loan Authorization Bylaw which, if adopted, would permit Council to borrow "up to" $3.5 million for the re-paving of Mackenzie Avenue from where it meets with Highway 97 South (by Husky Gas Station) to Highway 97 North (the Connector)
I sent Brian Carruthers (City of WL CAO) two emails on this subject and he notes the following:
i) The degree of work on any given section of Mackenzie Avenue will depend on the condition of the pavement/base and susceptibility to future damage/failure.
ii) The Mackenzie Rehab and Pavement Management Plan are two separate projects. The Mackenzie feasibility study will take a comprehensive look at the entire length of Mackenzie, the current condition and what will be required to rehabilitate the road based on the failures it is experiencing. The Pavement Management Plan will provide direction with respect to priorities for repaving and reconstruction of our general road network in the municipality and will provide a longer strategy
That pursuant to the report of the Corporate Services / Records Management Coordinator dated November 25, 2009, Council designate Councillors as Acting Mayor for the calendar year 2010, pursuant to the following schedule:
January - Councillor Tom Barr
February - Councillor Geoff Bourdon
March - Councillor Natalie Montoya
April - Councillor Surinderpal Rathor
May - Councillor Laurie Walters
June - Councillor Sue Zacharias
July - Councillor Tom Barr
August - Councillor Geoff Bourdon
September - Councillor Natalie Montoya
October - Councillor Surinderpal Rathor
November - Councillor Laurie Walters
December - Councillor Sue Zacharias
I do not see any reference to Councillor Rathor being re-appointed as Deputy Mayor for 2010 and I believe that calls into question the sincerity of Mayor Cook's promise to make Councillor Rathor as Deputy Mayor of the City for the entire term.
Also, on Council's Agenda for Tuesday, Council will be considering a recommendation from Staff to give 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Reading to Bylaw #2108 - Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation Loan Authorization Bylaw which, if adopted, would permit Council to borrow "up to" $3.5 million for the re-paving of Mackenzie Avenue from where it meets with Highway 97 South (by Husky Gas Station) to Highway 97 North (the Connector)
I sent Brian Carruthers (City of WL CAO) two emails on this subject and he notes the following:
i) The degree of work on any given section of Mackenzie Avenue will depend on the condition of the pavement/base and susceptibility to future damage/failure.
ii) The Mackenzie Rehab and Pavement Management Plan are two separate projects. The Mackenzie feasibility study will take a comprehensive look at the entire length of Mackenzie, the current condition and what will be required to rehabilitate the road based on the failures it is experiencing. The Pavement Management Plan will provide direction with respect to priorities for repaving and reconstruction of our general road network in the municipality and will provide a longer strategy
I would note that while I concur with the above, it would be appropriate to involve the public somehow prior to work commencing on Mackenzie Avenue as I believe the public will legitimately ask for the City's long term vision for road repairs.
Also, with the state of the local economy the way it is - a demonstration to the public of a long term vision of how the rehabilitation of the entire Mackenzie Avenue length fits into the City's long term economic and strategic plans would be appropriate.
Again, if this is not done, this would call into question the legitimacy of Mayor Cook's comments in the fall of 2008 around how approval for long-term borrowing for the new Fire Hall was done and how she indicated that she would do better.
When running for office - it is always ok to criticize the current office holders for their actions, but what it is not ok is to criticize and then to do exactly what you say you wouldn't do. There is only one word for that - hypocrisy.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Local Government Meetings in Cariboo-Chilcotin - Week of Nov 30 - Dec 4
There are several meetings by local governments in Cariboo-Chilcotin this upcoming week:
Cariboo Regional District - no meeting next week, but meets on Friday, December 11th
City of Quesnel - meets on Monday, November 30th at 7:00pm in Quesnel Council Chambers
The link to the Agenda/Reports for their meeting is here
City of Williams Lake - meets on Tuesday, December 1st at 7:30pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers
The link to the Agenda/Reports for their meeting is here
District of 100 Mile House - meets on Thursday, December 3rd at 11:45am in a Special Meeting
The link to the Agenda is here
Also, the Central Cariboo/City of Williams Lake Joint Committee will meet in a Special Meeting on Friday, December 4th. It'll likely be at City Hall - Committee Room #1 at 5:00pm. I'm also told that an In-Camera meeting will occur - if before or after the meeting, I'm not sure. One topic of discussion, in the public portion of the meeting, will be the outcome of the Wednesday, November 25th Public Meeting on the Service Delivery Plan for the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function and any written comments received on this Plan and what recommendation(s) the Joint Committee will provide to the CRD Board on the Service Delivery Plan for its' December 11th meeting
Cariboo Regional District - no meeting next week, but meets on Friday, December 11th
City of Quesnel - meets on Monday, November 30th at 7:00pm in Quesnel Council Chambers
The link to the Agenda/Reports for their meeting is here
City of Williams Lake - meets on Tuesday, December 1st at 7:30pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers
The link to the Agenda/Reports for their meeting is here
District of 100 Mile House - meets on Thursday, December 3rd at 11:45am in a Special Meeting
The link to the Agenda is here
Also, the Central Cariboo/City of Williams Lake Joint Committee will meet in a Special Meeting on Friday, December 4th. It'll likely be at City Hall - Committee Room #1 at 5:00pm. I'm also told that an In-Camera meeting will occur - if before or after the meeting, I'm not sure. One topic of discussion, in the public portion of the meeting, will be the outcome of the Wednesday, November 25th Public Meeting on the Service Delivery Plan for the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function and any written comments received on this Plan and what recommendation(s) the Joint Committee will provide to the CRD Board on the Service Delivery Plan for its' December 11th meeting
Friday, November 27, 2009
Summerland Council - Out of Work?
In a shocking turn of events, the entire Council of Summerland could be disqualified from office after admitting that they all (Mayor and Councillors') accepted anonymous donations of over $50, prohibited by the Local Government Act.
More on this story from News 1130:
SUMMERLAND (NEWS1130) - Who is running Summerland? The Vancouver Sun reports all six councillors and Mayor Janice Perrino have admitted in campaign finance disclosure statements that they took anonymous donations during the last municipal election. That's illegal if it's more than $50.
The penalty? Disqualification from office. The problem is, no one is in charge of enforcing the law and firing the the mayor and councillors.
Update: The Vancouver Sun has more on this story here
More on this story from News 1130:
SUMMERLAND (NEWS1130) - Who is running Summerland? The Vancouver Sun reports all six councillors and Mayor Janice Perrino have admitted in campaign finance disclosure statements that they took anonymous donations during the last municipal election. That's illegal if it's more than $50.
The penalty? Disqualification from office. The problem is, no one is in charge of enforcing the law and firing the the mayor and councillors.
Update: The Vancouver Sun has more on this story here
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