MLA's pay to be frozen for two years

In not a entirely unexpected measure, Premier Campbell has announced that all MLA's pay is frozen for 2010 & 2011 to deal with the Province's fiscal challenges. This is, in addition, to all members of the provincial cabinet foregoing 10% of their pay until the Province returns to balanced budgets

The entire press release is below:

The annual cost-of-living compensation adjustment for government MLAs will be frozen for the next two years in recognition of the budget challenges facing British Columbia, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.

“The global economic downturn is still having a major impact on government revenues, and we are grateful for the public service’s recognition of the tough choices we face as we commence contract negotiations for the coming years,” said Premier Campbell. “In recognition of the progress made to date with public-sector agreements already announced that provide for no wage increases for the next two years, the Province has decided to suspend the cost-of-living compensation increase for all government MLAs for the next two budget years.”

Government will pursue measures to suspend the annual April 1 consumer price index adjustment for the next two years, effectively freezing MLA pay. The compensation freeze will be effective for 2010 and 2011, which covers the same period as the existing public-sector contract negotiation mandate. In addition, all members of cabinet will continue to forgo ten per cent of their ministerial compensation until the Province returns to balanced budgets.

Steve Rant - Outcome of Jan 19th Committee of the Whole (WL Council) Meeting

Last night, WL Council, meeting in Committee of the Whole had a good and healthly discussion on a variety of subjects including:

• Draft Secondary Suite Policy
• 2010-2014 Financial Plan - Next Steps
• Purchase of Tandem Trailer for the City's Float
• Community Arts Council's Financial Status

However, it was unfortunate that Councillor Walters chose not to remove herself from the meeting when the issue of the Community Arts Council came up for discussion. Now, it is well know that Councillor Walters has been, at one time, a member of the Studio Theatre Society. It is also known that she spoke at the last AGM of the Community Arts Council.

From an ethical point of view, she would have done herself a huge favour by taking the "high road" and remove herself from any discussion involving the Community Arts Council, especially if it involves City or Central Cariboo tax dollars. Doing this would have ensured that she can continue to advocate for the Arts community but without opening herself up to questions about potential conflicts. Sadly, this probably won't be the last time that I comment on a situation like this involving the Community Arts Council and Councillor Walters. Mayor Cook could have easily solved a situation like this by not appointed Councillor Walters to be in charge of the Arts & Culture File on Council.

Committee of the Whole (WL Council) Highlights - Jan 19th, 2010

Present:

Mayor Kerry Cook (Committee Chair) and Councillors Bourdon, Rathor, Walters and Zacharias

Absent:

Councillors Tom Barr & Natalie Montoya

Staff Present:

Brian Carruthers – CAO
Geoff Goodall – GM of Planning & Operations
Anne Burill – Social Development Manager
Randy Isfeld – Director of Protective Services
Deb Radolla – Manager of Active Living
Cindy Bouchard – Acting Corporate Officer

Meeting called to order at 6:33pm

Minutes

Minutes of the November 24th, 2009 Committee of the Whole Meeting were adopted

Business:

F2 – CRD/City of WL Phase 2 Rural Fire Protection Agreement

The Director of Protective Services reviewed his report with the Committee

The Committee recommended to Council –

That Council approve the Fire Boundary Phase 2 Expansion Agreement between the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District and the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the City”

Carried

Director of Protective Services left the meeting at 6:40pm

A1 – City Policy Review

Discussion ensued thereon by Committee members. The CAO reviewed Sue Moxey’s report with the Committee

The Committee recommended to Council –

“That Council declare redundant the Policies identified by the Director of Corporate Services and further, Staff bring forward recommendations to update remaining City Policies to reflect current processes and practices.”

Carried

F1 – 2010-2014 Financial Plan Review

The CAO reviewed the report of the General Manager of Corporate Services with the Committee

The Committee recommended to Council –

“That Council receive the 2010-2014 Financial Plan Schedule Report for information.”

Carried

D1 – Secondary Suites

The Manager of Social Development gave a Powerpoint Presentation to the Committee on the subject of Secondary Suites

The Presentation included:

• Definition of “Secondary Suites”
• What a Secondary Suite Policy seeks to accomplish
• Why Secondary Suites are becoming more popular & benefits of Secondary Suites
• Best Practice Guidelines from other communities on a Secondary Suite Policy
• Issues/Questions on developing a Secondary Suite Policy
• Public Engagement Approach – Community Meetings, Fact Sheets

Discussion ensued thereon by Committee members

The Committee recommended to Council –

“Council receive the report of the Manager of Social Development and Staff report back to Council on Staff, Financial and Revenue Implications with regard to a Secondary Suite policy”

Carried

D2 – Water Advisory Committee (Proposed Amendment to its’ Terms of Reference)

Discussion ensued thereon

The Committee recommended to Council –

That Council endorse the recommendation from the Water Advisory Committee and approve amending the Terms of Reference to allow for an increase from 6 to 7 members; and further, Dan Colgate be appointed as a member of the Committee.

Carried

C1 – Community Arts Council (Financial Status Report)

The CAO reviewed his report with the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon by Committee members

The Committee recommended to Council –

“Council receive the December report from the Community Arts Council, Staff discuss with the Community Arts Council the outstanding $9,163 back rent and Council approve occupancy of studio space in the old Fire Hall for the Spinners/Weavers, Potter’s Guild and Artists Society and office space for the Community Arts Council at a rental rate to be negotiated and approved by Council”

Carried

C2 – City Parade Float

The Manger of Active Living reviewed her report with the Committee

The Committee recommended to Council –

“That Council endorse Option “B” (Purchase of a 16 – 20 foot tandem axel car trailer) as outlined in the report of the Manager of Active Living dated December 2nd, 2009”

Carried

Adjournment:

The meeting adjourned at 8:36pm

Torch Route in WL & New Alexis Creek Indian Band Chief

In the Williams Lake Tribune today:

The Olympic Torch Route for Williams Lake has been announced - more here

Tsi Del Del Indian Band (Alexis Creek) has a new Band Chief - more here

SD #27 engages the Public to balance its' 2010-2011 Budget

The Board of Education for SD#27 has finalized its' public consultation schedule for consideration of how to balance the 2010-2011 Budget

More background information is here

The Schedule is:

Date Time Place

February 2, 2010 - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. - (staff - CCTA) Peter Skene Ogden Secondary

February 2, 2010 - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - (staff - IUOE) Peter Skene Ogden Secondary

February 4, 2010 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - (public) Peter Skene Ogden Secondary

February 8, 2010 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - (public) Williams Lake Secondary

February 11, 2010 - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. - (staff - CCTA) Cataline Elementary School

February 11, 2010 - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - (staff - IUOE) Cataline Elementary School

February 17, 2010 - 12:00 (noon) - 2:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Anahim Lake

February 17, 2010 - 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Tatla Lake

February 24, 2010 - 12:00(noon) - 2:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Alexis Creek

March 2, 2010 12:00 - (noon) - 2:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Dog Creek

March 3, 2010 12:00 - (noon) - 2:30 p.m. - (staff and public) Naghtaneqed

The Board of Education (SD #27) will adopt its' 2010-2011 Budget on Thursday, April 15th, 2010. The meeting usually begins around 7:00pm

COW Agenda Item (City of WL Council) - Local Arts Council Financial Status Update

On Tuesday, WL Council, meeting in Committee of the Whole, will be receiving a report from the City's CAO regarding a financial status update of the Community Arts Council.

A portion of the recommendation going to the Committee leaves me really concerned. For the record, the offending portion is:

"That Council provide direction to staff with respect to recovery of outstanding rent for the occupancy of Heritage House totaling $9163 as of December 31, 2009"

City Staff have suggested in their report that Council could waive the $9,163.00 debt owed to the City, by way of Resolution.

Unfortunately, that would set a precedent that I don't want to see set. Furthermore, I believe that by waiving the debt, it would run afoul of Section 25(1) of the Community Charter, at least in spirit, which prohibits a Council from providing direct financial assistance to business. Now, although the Community Arts Council is, by definition, a "non-profit", the outcome is the same. If the Community Arts Council can not afford to pay its' debt to the City, then the City should pursue actions to collect on the debt including the possibility of imposing a "one strike and you're out" rule on their new home at the former City Fire Hall if the Community Arts Council missed 1 rent payment. Also, waiving the debt would also send a very poor political message to homeowners' who are, at this time, struggling to pay their mortgage.

I hope Council sends a message to the Community Arts Council - you owe us $9,163 and it will be paid. Taxpayers' expect no less.

Local Government Meetings in Cariboo-Chilcotin - Week of Jan 18-22

A number of local governments in the region are having meetings' this upcoming week:

Monday, January 18th - City of Quesnel (meets in Committee of the Whole, then a Special Open Meeting)

http://quesnel.fileprosite.com/contentengine/document.asp?id=4021

Tuesday, January 19th - City of WL (meets in Committee of the Whole)

http://williamslake.ihostez.com/contentengine/document.asp?id=7996

Thursday, January 21st at 5:00pm - Central Cariboo Joint Committee (meets in CRD Boardroom)

Thursday, January 21st at 7:00pm - CRD/City of WL Joint Town Hall to discuss 2010 CRD Budget (meets at new City of WL Fire Hall - corner of Hodgson Rd and South Lakeside Drive, across from Canadian Tire)

Friday, January 22nd - Cariboo Regional District

http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/crddirectors/2010%20agendas/January/January%2022,%202010/agenda.htm

Province approves Prosperity Mine Project

WL Tribune reports the Province has granted an Environmental Certificate for the Prosperity Mine Project, west of Williams Lake. More info here

Thursday News Round-up

In the Tribune today:

1) Mackenzie Avenue Borrowing Bylaw Counter-Petition Process Starts Jan 21 - more here

2) Federal Environmental Assessment Panellist Morin will not be asked to recuse herself (Prosperity Mine Project) - more here

3) WL Council signs 5-year lease with CMHA for Heritage House - more here

4) Local Arts Council awaits completion of renovations to old Fire Hall - more here

Steve Rant - Outcome of January 12th, 2010 WL Council Meeting

1) Use of Emergency Powers at 238 Crosina Crescent

Last night, Council agreed in a 6-1 Vote to invoke using emergency powers, as provided by Section 20(2) of the Community Charter with respect to actions taken for a failed retaining wall at 238 Crosina Crescent

The debate was quite lively when Councillor Rathor spoke on the issue and he spoke 3 times on the issue. His concerns are the same as mine:

i) How does declaring an emergency 3 months after the fact constitute an emergency?

I believe Mayor Cook should have used her authority to declare an emergency later that morning (retaining wall failed at 2:00am). Council, I'm sure, would have agreed to ratify the order, had it been presented to Council

Also - Staff should have notified the homeowners' at 238 Crosina Crescent about this motion of emergency powers, just like they did when Council was presented with a "Remedial Action Resolution". Again, it's about Customer Service

At this time, a report about division of costs pertaining to the failed retaining wall will be presented to Council at a future meeting, at which point, Council could decide to:

i) assign no costs to the homeowners'
ii) seek the homeowners to pay for a portion of costs
iii) seek the homeowners to pay for all costs

In this case, I believe that because the wall was certified by City Staff, after receiving a certified engineering stamp from a Certified Civil Engineer with regard to the Retaining Wall, all costs should be borne by the City

2) Mayor Cook's Council Appointments in 2010

Mayor Cook released her Council appointments for 2010 and they are, as follows:

Mayor Cook - Administration & Policing
Councillor Rathor - Recreation Services
Councillor Montoya - Social Services and Environment
Councillor Barr - Financial Services and Emergency Ops & Planning
Councillor Walters - Community Services
Councillor Bourdon - Economic Development
Councillor Zacharias - Public Works and Development Services

I was disappointed on various fronts, including:

1) No Councillor was doing a bad job at their Portfolio and all Portfolios in 2009 should have remained the same for 2010

2) Several Conflicts of Interest now arise, due to the changes Mayor Cook has imposed:

Councillor Zacharias - given her role at United Concrete and concrete is used in Public Works projects, the Portfolio should have remained with Councillor Rathor, who quite frankly was doing an excellent job at Public Works and Development Services

Councillor Walters - given her historical association with the Studio Theatre Society (a member of the Community Arts Council and the Arts Council was a major proponent of the local Arts and Culture Function), I question her objectivity on this file in the Community Services Portfolio

Bottom Line - I would suggest that Mayor Cook was more interested in protecting her friends on Council, rather than putting Councillors in the right Portfolios and with the exception of Councillors Zacharias and Walters, all other Councillors are in the right Portfolios

WL Council Meeting Highlights - January 12th, 2010

Present: Mayor Cook and Councillors’ Zacharias, Bourdon, Walters, Barr, Montoya and Rathor

Staff Present:

B. Carruthers – CAO
D. Lazzarin – GM of Corporate Services
G. Goodall – GM of Planning & Operations
C. Bouchard – Acting Corporate Officer
T. Chung – Manager of IT

Meeting called to order at 7:30pm

Minutes of December 15th, 2009 Council Meeting approved

1 Late Item added to the Agenda (Mayor Cook’s Council Appointments for 2010)

Delegations:

1) Staff-Sgt Warren Brown (Detachment Commander – WL RCMP) presented Crime Stats for period ending December 31st, 2009. All Crime Stats show year-over-year decrease (December 31st, 2009 vs December 31st, 2008) and various initiatives of WL RCMP Detachment with regard to Crime Prevention

2) Mayor Cook presented “Community Spirit Awards” to Columneetza & WL Secondary Students with regard to their participation in the December 4th, 2009 “Challenge Day” event. A video of “Challenge Day 2009” was presented to Council and a “Certificate of Appreciation” was presented to Mayor Cook for Council helping to sponsor “Challenge Day 2009”.

Business:

1) Council confirmed renewal of the Police Based Victim Service Program Agreement for the fiscal year April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 and staff were authorized to complete the necessary funding application for submission to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

2) Council approved a Staff Recommendation to deny a request from Yang Zhang and Yan Meng to waive a $37.94 penalty for paying their Utility Invoice late

3) Council approved waiving Transit fees on January 28, 2010 from 3:00 pm to 9:30 pm to facilitate the transportation of residents to the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration at the Stampede Grounds on Thursday, January 28th, 2009.

4) At the request of WL Elks Lodge, Council approved installation of two handicap parking stalls adjacent to the Elks Lodge at 98 South First Avenue in the Spring of 2010

5) Council authorized entering into the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund Contribution Agreement between the Province and the City of Williams Lake for the Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation Project.

6) Council approved the following with respect to the alternative approval process for Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2108 for the Mackenzie Avenue Rehabilitation Project:

a) for purposes of the alternative approval process, the determination of City electors be established at 7,922;
b) elector response forms for this process be in the form of Attachment "A" to this report;
c) the deadline for the receipt of elector response forms at City Hall be Monday, February 22, 2010, at 4 p.m

Alternate Approval Process forms to be available on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

7) The report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee dated January 5, 2010 regarding lack of transportation options for disabled persons was received and referred to the Development Services & Public Works Portfolio for a recommendation back to Council.

8) Council made the following declarations, with regard to use of Emergency Powers at 238 Crosina Crescent:

a) That the failure of the retaining wall located at 238 Crosina Crescent created an emergency as under Section 20(2) of the Community Charter;

b) That Council ratifies all actions taken by City staff, employees, agents or contractors to alleviate the emergency and assess the safety of the site and,

c) That the City is empowered to recover all its costs from the owner of 238 Crosina Crescent, including the costs of retaining the services of Golder Associates and Evergreen Geotechnical Inc

Item approved on the following vote:

Yeas – Mayor Cook and Councillors Montoya, Barr, Walters, Bourdon and Zacharias
Nays – Councillor Rathor

9) Council approved the City of Williams Lake Accessibility Award of Merit guidelines and criteria and that the program is to be included on the City website and other promotions as appropriate.

10) Council authorized the Mayor and Acting Corporate Officer to sign the lease agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association for use of Heritage House.

11) Council approved the Street Naming application and added the name "HOLTOM" to the list of approved names for consideration in future street naming processes

12) Council received for information Mayor Cook’s Council Appointments for the 2010 Term

Item approved on the following vote:

Yeas – Mayor Cook and Councillors Montoya, Barr, Walters, Bourdon and Zacharias
Nays – Councillor Rathor

Information/Announcements by Council Members:

Members of Council made announcements around events occurring in Williams Lake

Meeting adjourned at 9:32pm

Bits 'N Bites

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas holidays with friends and family :)

I see that my blog counter has gone up significantly over the last few days so I thought I'd update my blog on various news pieces - here and there:

From the Ottawa Citizen:

The Canadian media secured a major victory Tuesday when the Supreme Court of Canada put its seal of approval on a new defence to protect journalists from lawsuits.

The new libel defence, called "responsible communication," can shield media outlets, even if they had some of the facts wrong, provided they can show they did everything they could to get the story right.

In a 9-0 ruling, the court concluded that current defamation laws lean too heavily toward protecting reputations, at the expense of freedom of expression guarantees in the Charter of Rights.

"Freewheeling debate on matters of public interest is to be encouraged and the vital role of the communications media in providing a vehicle for such debate is explicitly recognized," wrote Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin.

The ruling is a win for the Ottawa Citizen and the Toronto Star newspapers. The court, in two separate rulings, ordered new trials so the publications could use the fresh defence to protect themselves in lawsuits brought against the papers.

Justice McLachlin said the new defence brings Canada in line with several other countries that have strengthened their defamation laws so that stories of public interest need not be perfect.

The court set out guidelines for judges and juries to consider when deciding whether stories are in the public interest and whether the publications did everything they could to get them right.

The above also pertains to Internet Bloggers, like myself

The Williams Lake Tribune this week is running stories that they covered in 2009. You can read more at http://www.wltribune.com, or pick a copy of the Williams Lake Tribune tomorrow

Premier Campbell still insists, in multiple year end interviews, that he'll lead the BC Liberal Party into the 2013 Provincial General Election. We'll have to wait and see on that one - first, he has to pass a Leadership Review at the BC Liberal Party's 2010 Biannual Convention

Also - speculation is running rampant that Prime Minister Harper will prorogue or recess Parliament so he can get control of Senate Committees after 5 Liberal Senators retire on January 1st, 2010. It is a smart move on his part, given Liberal Senators' desire to amend Conservative Government Bills as of late including Bills C-15 (Drug Sentencing Bill) and C-52 (Consumer Protection Act)


A reminder that Local Government Meetings will resume early in the New Year, starting with Quesnel City Council meeting in a Delegation Session on Monday, January 4th, 2009 at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers.

Williams Lake Council will meet for the first time in 2010 on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 at 7:30pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers

The CRD Board of Directors' is scheduled to meet for the first time in 2010 on Friday, January 22nd, 2010 in the CRD Boardroom

Don't forget - if you are planning to go out on New Years' Eve, please don't drink and drive. Take a taxi, bring along a designated driver or take advantage of the Red Nose Service. I'm sure that the RCMP will be out in full force including Road Blocks

Pioneer Group starts new Biomass Division

The Pioneer Group is getting a $20 million repayable loan from the Northern Development Trust to start a new Biomass Division. See below for the entire press release

Press Release:

Pioneer Biomass, a new subsidiary of the Pioneer Group, will soon be operational with funding support from the Government of Canada’s ‘Community Adjustment Fund’ and Northern Development Initiative Trust’s ‘Capital Investment and Training Rebate’ program. The Pioneer Group is a family owned business that includes log homes, land development, logging, trucking and forest management.

The Government of Canada, through the Community Adjustment Fund, provided $1,150,000 toward the project as part of the $20 million repayable loan contribution to the Northern Development Initiative Trust to support the most affected communities in central and northern BC, helping to reduce the short-term impacts of the economic downturn. "Our Government, through the Community Adjustment Fund, is providing a timely, targeted stimulus to western Canadian communities, helping reduce the impacts of the global recession," said The Honourable Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George. "This project will help create jobs and maintain employment in Williams Lake, helping our community overcome the challenges currently facing our region."

The new start-up is also strongly supported by the Province of British Columbia. "I am pleased to take part in this important announcement of new job creation in our region. The forest industry has and will continue to be an integral part of the Cariboo economy," said Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett. "I want to congratulate the people responsible and I look forward to hearing about the success of this project as it moves forward."

In addition, the Northern Development Initiative Trust has approved funding under the 'Capital Investment and Training Rebate' program to support the creation of twenty-four jobs associated with the start-up. "We are very pleased to provide funding to this important project," stated Northern Development Chair Evan Saugstad. "Northern Development is recognizing the value of this industry sector to the economic growth and diversification of our communities in central and northern British Columbia through the Capital Investment and Training Rebate program."

Pioneer Biomass will utilize two custom-built horizontal grinders with support equipment to produce wood fibre that will be sold for pellet production and hog fuel biomass for cogeneration plants in the Cariboo region. Capitalizing on current trends, a special emphasis will be placed on utilizing mountain pine beetle logging waste.

"Northern Development clearly recognizes the challenges facing businesses who are looking to hire and train new workers with their Capital Investment and Training Rebate program," said Marcel Therrien, Director, Pioneer Biomass. "This funding plays an important role in our ability to move forward with this project." Pioneer Biomass plans to begin operations early in the New Year.

"Northern Development’s program is highly responsive, builds on the competitive advantages of northern BC to attract investment and create jobs, and recognizes the importance of these new jobs for our city," stated Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook. Cariboo Regional District Chair Al Richmond also expressed support for the project. "The twenty-four jobs created through the start-up of Pioneer Biomass is exciting news for Williams Lake and the central Cariboo region."

To date, thirteen projects have been approved under Northern Development's Capital Investment and Training Rebate Program. Northern Development's investment of $5.85 million has resulted in 684 jobs being created over the next two years with a total investment of $48 million throughout central and northern BC.

About Canada’s Economic Action Plan

Canada’s Economic Action Plan will provide a total of $1 billion over two years to communities throughout Canada, including $306 million across Western Canada under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF). The fund will help reduce the short-term impacts of restructuring in communities across Canada heavily reliant on resource-based industries, including forestry, mining, agriculture, and fisheries, as well as communities that depend on the manufacturing sector.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca

About Northern Development Initiative Trust

Northern Development Initiative Trust is an independent regional economic development corporation, originally funded by the Province of British Columbia, and is focused on stimulating economic growth and job creation in central and northern British Columbia. Over $85.8 million in funding has been committed to 471 projects with a total project value of over $842 million.

Year-End Statement from the CRD Chair

Recently, the re-elected CRD Chair (Area 'G' Director Al Richmond) delivered the following year-end statement celebrating the successes of the Cariboo Regional District in 2009:

"As we look towards 2010, the Cariboo Regional District is more than ever poised to continue providing quality services and strong regional representation to all residents of the Cariboo Chilcotin. As another year at the CRD is drawing to a close today, I have the great satisfaction of looking back over 2009.

Our region can be proud of its achievements. It was a year of accomplishments and reward. These rewards were the result of many hours of hard work by both Board members and staff. Despite the current economic conditions, the affects of the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic and the various other challenges we have all faced throughout the year, I can assure you that the CRD remains committed to striving to provide the best in service quality to our residents in a cost efficient manner.

Public consultation has always been of prime importance to our organization and in 2009 we once again undertook a rigorous schedule of activities starting with the Town Hall meetings in January and February. We presented the five year financial plan and proposed budget to residents in all 12 electoral areas and our four member municipalities. The Regional District also conducted two regularly scheduled Board meetings in rural communities of the Cariboo Chilcotin—on June 18/19 in Lone Butte and September 17/18 at Chimney Lake.

2009 was also a great year for the CRD’s participation at both the North Central Municipal Association (NCMA) and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) conventions. On Friday May 8, 2009, at the NCMA conference in Dawson Creek, the Cariboo Regional District was awarded the coveted 2009 Gold Star Award for its successful resolution "Continuation of the Union of British Columbia (UBCM) Community Tourism Funding Program". The CRD resolution spoke to the continuation of the UBCM Community Tourism Funding Program which has allowed for the development of many tourism based projects throughout the region and the province.

During that same conference, the CRD presented a number of other successful resolutions including; taxation to support the SPCA; local government access to the proceeds of crime, corporate voting category for non‐resident business owners; and access for people with mental disabilities.

In September 2009, the NCMA changed its name to the North Central Local Government Association to be a more inclusive association that will service all local governments including municipalities, regional districts and First Nations.

2009 proved to be another busy year for CRD Directors and staff at the UBCM conference in Vancouver. From September 28 to October 2, local government representatives including the CRD Board and staff met in Vancouver to attend workshops, vote on proposed resolutions from across the province and lobbied the provincial government through ministerial meetings on local issues on behalf of their constituents. During the

UBCM conference, the Cariboo Regional District received an award for its 2008 Annual Report and Town Hall Meeting Budget Booklet. The Report won Honourable Mention in the category of Financial Reporting. 2009 marked the second time in CRD history to win the UBCM Excellence Award Honourable Mention for Financial Reporting with its first win coming in 2007 for the inaugural Annual Report.

The awards were not limited to the local government conferences. In June 2009, the CRD’s award winning ways continued as the CRD along with the City of Quesnel were presented with the Canadian Public Relations Society’s National Don Rennie Memorial Award for Excellence in Government Communications. The project, which had been submitted by the Regional District of Fraser Fort George staff, was focused on open and transparent communications to allow residents to make an informed decision for the future of the North Cariboo Multi‐Centre and its future borrowing.

And during the year, our very own Area J Director Alex Bracewell was honoured in Victoria after receiving a BC Community Achievement Awards for his work in developing wheelchair accessible trails in Tatlayoko. His commitment to developing the Cariboo Chilcotin as a wheelchair tourism destination and on a greater scale; an accessible and inclusive region, is extremely admirable and we are very proud of his accomplishments. Congratulations again Alex.

Throughout the year, we accomplished a lot. We met and continue to meet our residents’ needs:

In January, we officially opened the long‐awaited new library branch in Quesnel and construction on the CRD’s 100 Mile House branch is well underway with an estimated completion date of March 2010.
The Environmental services department made some vital improvements to the Horse Lake water system and completed the newly constructed Alexis Creek water system. Our water systems now service approximately 2,600 properties.
Our Protective Services Department and the CRD Emergency Operations teams were almost constantly activated this summer starting in May with the 70 Mile Fire until mid September with the Lava Canyon fire and many other fires in between. Throughout the earlier of months of 2009, this same team was activated for approximately eight different flooding events.
We signed two new Memoranda of Understanding with the Cities of Quesnel and Williams Lake.
And to cap off 2009, on November 30, the CRD was awarded the prestigious title of the Forest Capital of Canada for 2010 and 2011. Along with its member municipalities and the CCCTA, the Forest Capital program will be highlighted at the 2010 Games in Vancouver, BC with representation at BC Street Pavilion as part of the City of Richmond’s Ozone celebrations.

Building and creating partnerships, enhancing services, undertaking capital projects, informing the public and responding to residents’ needs is what building this region together is all about. Our organization will continue to respond to community and residents’ needs and thereby achieving our goal of Building Communities Together.

I would like to thank all the Board members and staff for the support during 2009 and look forward to working with each and every one of you in the upcoming year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each and every one of you. Thank you."

Standard & Poor's confirms Province of BC's Triple-A Credit Rating

I've received the following press release from the Province, advising that Standard and Poor's has re-confirmed the Provincial Government's Triple-A Credit Rating:

From the press release:

VICTORIA – Standard & Poor’s has affirmed the Province of British Columbia’s credit rating at AAA, the highest possible, noting the Province’s debt reduction has given B.C. an increased capacity to respond to the global recession, Finance Minister Colin Hansen announced today. “This is the third of the large agencies to confirm British Columbia’s high credit rating,” said Hansen. “The debt reduction we achieved –about $4 billion over the past three-year period–has meant we avoided much larger increase in debt that otherwise would have resulted from the recession.” S&P’s report notes, “Good cash and investment balances coupled with solid access to capital markets support what we view as B.C.’s strong credit profile.…

Supplementing this immediate support is solid access to capital markets for short- and long-term debt funding.” In October, Hansen and Ministry of Finance staff met with institutional investors and major investment firms in New York, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. The tour’s purpose was to broaden B.C.’s investor base, encourage investors to buy B.C. bonds and to update investors on developments within the Province. These measures help maintain the Province’s low borrowing costs and strengthen investor confidence in B.C. “Our government is working hard to ensure British Columbia recovers from the economic slowdown in the shortest time possible,” said Hansen. “The ongoing scrutiny from investors and bond rating agencies reminds us we cannot afford to become complacent. We need to remain prudent with our fiscal plans in order to effectively manage through the downturn and into recovery.”

Since November 2004, the Province has received seven credit rating upgrades. Most recently, Dominion Bond Rating Service upgraded B.C.’s credit rating to AA (high) in May 2007, Standard and Poor’s upgraded B.C. to AAA in May 2007, while Moody’s Investors Service upgraded B.C. to AAA in October 2006

Responses to Questions from Mayor Cook

I recently had an opportunity to send a lengthy email to Mayor Cook on the following:

1) Lack of WL Council consistency on how late items are added to WL Council's Meeting Agenda

2) Inconsistency of appointing the City of WL CRD (Cariboo Regional District) Director to the CRD Board

This is the answer I got:

Hi Steve

We are dealing with the late item issue. Thanks for the reminder

In addition to that answer, she copied the CAO (Chief Administrative Officer) of the City on the email as well

Quite frankly, I was disappointed with her response on various levels

1) She has no experience at the CRD Board (either observing or being appointed as a former CRD Director or Alternate, when she was a City Councillor (1996-1999)

2) She didn't apologize for not ensuring that Council actions are consistent with:

i) Local Government Act & Community Charter
ii) Council Procedure Bylaw

3) She has been Mayor for 1 Year and the process for including late items on Council Agendas have been the same since mid-2004

And while I'm at it, she has cc'd (carbon copy) a lot of my emails to City Staff, even those that were directed at her personally. Sometimes, it is appropriate, such as in this case, to refer emails to City Staff for clarification. But when an email is sent directly from a member of the public to an elected official expressing an opinion, said elected official should respond in kind to the public's concern without Staff assistance.

I have high hopes that things might be different in 2010, with Mayor & Council - City of Williams Lake....then again, I won't be holding my breath on that one....

Steve Rant - Outcome of December 15th, 2009 WL Council Meeting

Last night, WL Council held their final meeting in 2009 and while some good things came out of the meeting (2 Delegations that perform Christmas songs), some things came out that Mayor Cook deserves to be criticized for:

1) Appointment of CRD Director

Pursaunt to Sections 784 and 786 of the Local Government Act (LGA), a municipal council is required to appoint 1 Muncipal Director (Section 784 of LGA) and 1 Alternate Director (Section 786 of LGA). Last night, Council passed the following motion as it pertains to the City of WL Director on the CRD Board for 2010:

That Mayor Kerry Cook be appointed as the CRD Director for Williams Lake for 2010, in accordance with Section 784 of the Local Government Act and that Councillor Sue Zacharias be appointed Alternate CRD Director for Williams Lake for 2010, in accordance with Section 786 of the Local Government Act and finally that Councillor Surinderpal S. Rathor be appointed as the Second Alternate City Director to take the place of Mayor Kerry Cook and Councillor Sue Zacharias

This motion is, in my view, contrary to advice I received from Sue Moxey (Director of Corporate Services - City of Williams Lake) on August 24th, 2004 when I specifically asked if the City could have 1 Director and 2 Alternates, to which she replied:

Further to your request to Mr. DeFeo (former City of Williams Lake CAO), Section 786 of the Local Government Act outlines the provision of alternate municipal directors. As the City has only one municipal director, we may only appoint one alternate director

So, the LGA says that if you have 1 Municipal Director, then you can have 1 Alternate. Now, the more Municipal Directors you have on a Regional District Board, then you can also have as many Alternate Directors. The formula being: "x" Municipal Director(s) = "x" Alternate Directors, with "x" being the exact number of Municipal Directors on a Regional District Board, whether "x" is 1, 2, 3, 5, etc

Now, the City should have limited the motion to appointing Mayor Cook as the CRD Director for Williams Lake with Councillor Zacharias appointed as Alternate. If both Mayor Cook or Councillor Zacharias could not attend, then, with sufficient notice, WL Council could have voted to temporarily replace Councillor Zacharias with someone else as Alternate CRD Director (City of WL) for a specific meeting or meetings, as WL Council sees fit

2) Mayor Cook's changes to Council Portfolios for 2010

Last night, the CAO's report with regard to Mayor Cook's changes to Portfolios, Committee appointments, etc was set to be debated and voted upon. However, Mayor Cook chose to withdraw it as Councillor Rathor was absent. In my view, this report could have easily been voted upon because Councillor Rathor could have been informed beforehand of the changes and then move forward. Routine items should not be held up due to the absence of 1 Council member

3) Consideration of Late Items

WL Council, at its' meeting last night, was set to consider 2 Late Items. Now, Council's Procedure Bylaw says, on late items:

"An item of business not included on the Agenda must not be considered at a Council meeting unless introduction of the late item is approved by Council at the time allocated on the Agenda for such matters"

Councillor Rathor, when in attendance, always makes sure that late items are formally approved on the Agenda at the beginning of the meeting. Mayor Cook did not call for a motion to add the 2 Late items to the Agenda. Now, I know my blog readers' will wonder -- How do I know this?

The answer is -- I was at the meeting last night and not once did I hear Mayor Cook ask for a motion to add the late items to the Agenda or a member of Council objecting to the late items be considered without formally adding them to the Agenda and that is a lack of leadership on Mayor Cook's part. She knows the process, being in office for 1 year and clearly knows better

4) Mayor Cook's comments on 1 Year in Office:

Last night, as Mayor Cook was reciting all the things that she has done in her 1st year in office as Mayor, she made the following comment:

" this is the best non-political Council that I've served on"

A little reminder to her that politics makes the world go round. Is it right or fair? Not really. In a perfect world, the game playing that goes on provincially and federally wouldn't occur, but as we know, the world is not perfect. Councils, since time immemorial, have been politically vocal on issues. Sometimes, it earns them "brownie-points" with the political masters in Victoria/Ottawa and sometimes not

Now, an example of this is:

After Mary Sjostrom was sworn in as Mayor of Quesnel on December 1st, 2008. The then-Minister of Transportation (Hon. Kevin Falcon) paid her a visit a few days later. Some might call that being lucky, but I call it for what it is - paying back Quesnel for electing a BC Liberal friendly Mayor (it's no secret that Mary Sjostrom has supported the BC Liberals', even as a Quesnel City Councillor). She was also appointed as the only Director on the BC Transit Board, from outside the urban areas of BC. Again, some can call it luck, but again, I call it for what it is - paying back Quesnel for electing a BC Liberal friendly Mayor. Again, history is full of examples where when local voters elect a Mayor that is friendly towards the governing party in Victoria or Ottawa, usually taxpayer funded goodies are sure to follow. Might be immoral or wrong, but it is reality and probably will be for a long time to come unless/until taxpayers wholeheartedly demand a change to the "system"

WL Council Meeting Highlights - December 15th, 2009

Present:

Mayor Cook with Councillors Montoya, Barr, Walters, Bourdon and Zacharias

Absent:

Councillor SPS Rathor

Staff Present:

Sue Moxey - Director of Corporate Services
Brian Carruthers - CAO
Geoff Goodall - GM of Planning & Operations
Tom Chung - IT Manager
Anne Burill - Social Development Manager

Meeting called to order at 7:30pm

Minutes of Dec 1st, 2009 Council meeting adopted

Delegations/Presentations:

1) Performance by the Sugar Cane Drummers (Williams Lake Indian Band)
2) Christmas Carols 'Reindeer Boogie' and 'The Climb' Performed by Cindy Lightfoot and LeRae Haynes, and Joined by Carmen Williams, Megan Law, Mackenzie Howse, Danielle Schultz and Stevie Fitz-Gerald for 'The Climb'
3) Chief Joe Alphonse, Tl'etinqox-T'in (Anahim) Government - Greetings to Mayor and Council

• Thanked Council for inviting him to address them
• Mayor Cook presented Chief Alphonse with a card of appreciation

4) Bob Sunner, President, Williams Lake Central Business Improvement Area (WLCBIA) re: Downtown Surveillance Camera Project

• All steps completed prior to Stage 1 completion and formally requests release of the $50,000, being held in trust, for this project
• Thanked all partners, including the City of Williams Lake, for making the new facility at 3rd Avenue and Oliver Street (old Petro-Can station) a reality. Grand Opening: Spring of 2010
• Presented the first months’ rent to Councillor Barr (Council’s Finance Portfolio Chair)

5) Judy O'Neill, Manager, Williams Lake Central Business Improvement Area (WLCBIA) re: "Community Corner" Update

Business:

1) Council approved a 1-year extension to the RCMP Operational Support position and the hiring of a PRIME Coordinator position effective January 1, 2010 at a total cost of $120,000.

2) Council appointed Cindy Bouchard as Acting Corporate Officer for the City of Williams Lake upon the retirement of Sue Moxey, Director of Corporate Services, with authority to undertake the statutory duties of Corporate Administration under the Community Charter, pending the recruitment of a Manager of Legislative Services.

3) Council appointed Mayor Kerry Cook as CRD Director for Williams Lake for 2010, in accordance with Section 784 of the Local Government Act. Councillor Sue Zacharias was appointed Alternate CRD Director for Williams Lake for 2010, in accordance with Section 786 of the Local Government Act. Councillor Surinderpal S. Rathor was appointed as the Second Alternate City Director to take the place of Mayor Kerry Cook and Councillor Sue Zacharias

4) Council approved the Memorandum of Understanding as proposed by the Cariboo Regional District for a shared Emergency Social Services (ESS) role

5) Council received the information package from the Williams Lake Central Business Improvement Area (WLCBIA) regarding the surveillance camera project and the information will now be forwarded to the Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor-General with a request to authorize release of the $50,000 grant to the WLCBIA; and further, Council reaffirmed the commitment of the previous Council to provide in-kind assistance toward the installation of camera components in the downtown area. (Delegation #4 from earlier tonight spoke to this item)

6) Council awarded the contract for the supply of unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel to Petro Canada for the tendered price of 0.9244 per litre and 0.9431 per litre respectively, including tax, based on a yearly consumption of 70,000 litres each.

7) Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2085 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2086 (Jamboree Hotel Project – BC Housing) were reconsidered and adopted.

Mayor Cook declared a conflict of interest on the next item as she is a resident of Woodland Drive and Councillor Geoff Bourdon, as Acting Mayor, assumed the Chair at 8:18pm

8) Council approved retaining TRUE Consulting Group to complete preliminary design for Option 1 of the sanitary proposal and Option 3 of the water proposal for the Woodland Drive infrastructure extension, including installation of a 250mm diameter watermain for future use, for a cost of $64,430.00 plus GST; and further, Staff were authorized to investigate any funding opportunities that may be available for this project and begin a public consultation process with affected property owners on Woodland Drive

Mayor Cook re-entered Council Chambers at 8:24pm and reassumed the Chair

9) Council agreed to provide a letter of support to Community Futures and the British Columbia Community Forest Association (BCCFA) for their application for REDI funding to aid in the development of a program to help strengthen the relationships between post-secondary research, teaching and Community Forests in rural BC

10) Council agreed to send a letter to the Williams Lake Field Naturalists advising that they have no objection to the proposed renovations to the Scout Island Nature Centre, the enclosing of the present outdoor porch for an indoor educational room and construction of an outside viewing platform and exit stairs, subject to the appropriate permits being obtained.

11) Late Item – Council received the 2010 Strategic Budget Direction document

12) Late Item #2 - Council approved City of Williams Lake participation with the Cariboo Regional District and other member municipalities at the Richmond O-Zone BC Street initiative during the 2010 Olympics; and further, that up to four Staff be permitted to staff the BC Street booth on a voluntary basis and have the use of City vehicles for travel to and from Richmond

Announcements by Mayor & Council:

Councillor Montoya – reviewed her 1st year on Council
Councillor Barr – reviewed the past year serving on Council
Councillor Walters – reviewed her 1st year on Council
Councillor Bourdon – reviewed his 1st year on Council
Councillor Zacharias – reviewed her 1st year on Council
Mayor Cook – reviewed her 1st year on Council

Adjournment:

Meeting adjourned at 9:07pm and reconvened In-Camera, in accordance with Section 90(1 “e” and “j”) of the Community Charter

WL Council Meeting Agenda Amended

In a surprise today, WL Council has had its' meeting agenda amended as follows:

Items withdrawn:

1) That the report of the Chief Administrative Officer dated December 11, 2009 outlining the appointments of Mayor Kerry Cook for Council appointments of Portfolios, Standing Committee Delegates, Ad Hoc/Select Committees and Community Committees for the 2009/2010 term be received for information

See my previous blog entry on this item:

http://bclcarsouth.blogspot.com/2009/12/steve-rant-mayor-cook-councillor.html

2) That pursuant to the report of the Planner dated December 3, 2009, Council accept the application from Westridge Ventures to amend City of Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw No. 1825 by changing the zoning of the Remainder of Lot A, Plan PGP43545, District Lots 8841 and 8842, Cariboo District from Manufactured Home Park (R-5) to Single Family Residential (R-1) subject to the applicant submitting a detailed geotechnical report and subdivision servicing plan from a professional engineer, including a storm water management plan, fire flow calculations and servicing details for water, sewer and storm services; and further, Council give first reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2107 and the application be referred to the Advisory Planning Commission for their comments and recommendations

City Staff typically will ask the Mayor/CAO to approve withdrawing items from the Agenda if there are issues pertaining to an agenda item that need further work prior to Council considering the item or items

Hopefully, Mayor Cook will speak tonight as to why Item #1 was withdrawn as I am interested myself as to why Mayor Cook felt the need to withdraw the item

Tuesday News Round-up

In your Williams Lake Tribune today:

i) "Cow Boss" statue at 8th Ave. & Oliver Street vandalized - more here

ii) Taseko questions the bias of 1 member of the Federal Environmental Assessment Review Panel on the Prosperity Mine Project - more here

iii) Diana French (Tribune columnist) talks about Federal MP's not doing their job on the federal vote on the HST Legislation - more here

*** Reminder - WL Council meets tonight for the final time in 2009. The meeting starts at 7:30pm in WL Council Chambers ***