My meeting w/Mayor Cook

Williams Lake City Hall

Earlier today and as I noted in previous blog posts - I had the opportunity to meet with Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook.  In our 30 minute conversation - we discussed the following:

1) Dropbox at WL City Hall

2) Correspondence Process at WL City Hall

3) 2013 Budget Process

4) 2011 Annual Report

5) Suggestions for Procedure Changes - WL Council

On #1 - she gave me her commitment to look into my concerns, namely the current dropbox at WL City Hall presents challenges to our local seniors' and those with disability challenges

On #2 - she indicated that discussions on this have been occurring internally and that a "tightening-up" of process may be forthcoming in the future

On #3 - Polite discussion occurred here but I asked that the "fundamentals" of this year's budget process (open, transparency, public engagement) be used for the basis for 2013 but that Council hash out the budget process in July/August, inform Staff, and then complete the budgeting process for 2013

On #4 - I informed Mayor Cook of my feelings that I feel the Annual Report is not in keeping with others in similar sized communities (like Quesnel/100 Mile House) including 2012 Goals, up to date Council picture, and the 2011 Audited Financial Statements.  The latest Annual Audited Financial Statements/current year goals are mandatory as per Section 99(2) of the Community Charter

On #5 - I suggested that delegations with specific requests to a specific Committee (General Governance, Planning and Ops or Community Services), rather than to Council first, then to Committee.  Delegations for updates referred to Committee of the Whole, while presentations still occur at Regular Council Meetings.  Also - prior public notification of In-Camera meetings (paper and electronic).  Finally - that a look into allowing members of the public (1 or 2) to serve on Council's 3 Committees (note - this model is already used successfully in Port Coquitlam for years now.  Members of the public on Council Committees would still be excluded from in-camera sessions as they are not sworn officials)

All in all - a very productive session, provided Mayor Cook follows up immediately with her Staff on these items...

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City of Quesnel prepares for High Water...

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel website:

Given the recent heavy rainfall, the Fraser and Quesnel Rivers have risen dramatically.

The City is expecting the Fraser to peak before noon on Wednesday, June 20, but not at a level that requires any evacuation alerts.

That said, the following are some points for residents to consider:

a) Be prepared and informed.
b) Prepare a 72-hour kit if you live in a low-lying area (click for more info here)

c) The City has placed safety barriers along portions of the Riverfront Trail or roadways; the public is asked to respect those barriers.

d) Stay away from rivers, creeks and their banks – keep careful watch over children and pets.

e) Exercise caution and patience when using the Davie Street railway crossing and the
Elliott Street entrance on to Marsh Drive in West Quesnel.

f) Listen to local radio for updates regarding evacuation alerts, warnings etc.

g) The City checks the river level on a regular basis while monitoring infrastructure such as roads, trails, and storm, water and sewer lines to ensure public safety.

Click for more information about flooding preparedness here

For information about river alerts and warnings, visit the River Forecast Centre website here

WL Council Highlights - June 19th meeting

Present - Mayor Cook and Councillors Bonnell, Bourdon, Hughes, Rathor, Walters and Zacharias

Staff Present:

Geoff Goodall - Acting CAO

Cindy Bouchard - Manager of Legislative Services/Corporate Officer

Tom Chung - IT Manager

Pat Higgins - Director of Finance

Anne Burill - Manager of Social Development

WL Council adopted its' Agenda, as amended (2 Late Items), and adopted the Minutes of its' June 5th meeting

Delegations:

1) Mayor Cook presented a 'Certificate of Merit' Award to Kayla Moleschi
2) Patrick Newsome/Abbi Taylor presented the 'Youth Forum' Report to Council

Business:

1) Council received for information the cheque runs for the periods ending June 7th/14th

Editor's Note - Councillor Rathor raised a concern about no Council Resolution approving the City paying for 'Leaders Moving Forward' (group formed by Mayor Cook about a year ago) most recent dinner...

2) Council adopted a number of Central Cariboo Joint Committee Recommendations as follows:

a) That a working group be formed and report back to the Joint Committee on the idea of a Community Foundation - Councillor Danica Hughes was opposed

b) Council received the report of the Director of Community Services regarding the financial impact of the chlorine incident

c) Council received a report from the City's Director of Recreation Services re: 2013-2015 CMRC Fees and the proposed 2% increase for each year of the term be endorsed excluding the parking rates.

d) Council adopted a Joint Committee recommendation that a report be brought back to the Joint Committee regarding options to the parking rates in the CMRC Fees and Charges Bylaw.

e) Council adopted a Joint Committee recommendation that the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services budget and capital plan be amended to allow the temporary liquid chlorine disinfection system to be upgraded to a permanent system immediately and consideration of the installation of a UV system for the Sam Ketchum Pool be deferred to the 2013 capital budget discussions.

3) Council referred the report of Junior Council on the Youth Forum to the Community Services Committee

4) Council approved the 2011 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) as presented and the Mayor was authorized to sign Schedule 8 on behalf of Council.

5) Council authorized Staff to install a four (4) way stop sign at the intersection of Tenth Avenue and Smedley Street and Staff notify the affected property owners of the proposed change in traffic pattern, as per City Policy

6) Council awarded the contract for the inspection of City bridges to MMM Group Ltd. for a three-year term for the total price of $35,410, excluding HST

7) Council authorized entering into an encroachment agreement with 409569 B.C. Ltd., Inc. [Diamonds and Dust] for the canopy sign located at 160 Second Avenue North, with all costs of registration to be borne by the property owner.

8) Council authorized the licence of occupation agreement with Platform Properties for an off-site sign on the boulevard of Pioneer Drive for the Prosperity Ridge Commercial Park for a ten-year term at $500 per year, with eight five-year options to renew

9) Council awarded the contract for door replacement at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex to Stampede Glass Ltd. for the total price of $51,316.19, excluding HST

10) Council agreed to recognize the 2012 nominees for the Accessibility Award of Merit and send letters of appreciation to the Best Western Hotel, Atwood Medical Clinic and the Gendun Drubpa Buddhist Center commending them on their efforts in making their places of business more accessibly friendly for the community

11) Council agreed to provide letters of support to the local Child Development Centre for their NDI application and to the Interior Science Innovation Council to the BC Accelerator Network

12) Council recieved the minutes of the May 23rd Central Cariboo Joint Committee and endorsed the recommendations contained therein (save the ones adopted by Council earlier in the meeting)

13) Council approved the 2012 Street Party (WL Central Business Improvement Area)
14) Council received 2 In-Camera Resolutions as follows:

a) Appointment of Geoff Goodall as Acting CAO to August 1st
b) Appointment of either CAO/Acting CAO as Deputy Corporate Officer

15) Late Item #1 - Council adopted Bylaw #2155, 2012 (remove requirement to furnish Audited Financial Statements to City of WL from WL Central Business Improvement Area)

16) Late Item #2 - Council authorized Mayor Cook to sign the agreement for legal services with Pushor Mitchell LLP in conjunction with the creation of a limited partnership with the Williams Lake Indian Band for the Williams Lake Community Forest.

17) Council recieved the Council Information Package (NCLGA Connector, No. 107) as of June 19th

My take on City of WL 2011's Annual Report

Update on June 18th at 2:26pm  - A reader has pointed out to me that the City of Williams Lake Annual Report is missing its' 2011 Audited Financial Statements, again in contrast to that in Quesnel's/100 Mile House's Annual Reports.  Section 98(2)(a) of the Community Charter, in this regard, says:

The annual report must include the following:

(a) the audited annual financial statements referred to in section 167 (4) [of the Community Charter] for the previous year;

Again - I'll raise this matter with Mayor Cook on Wednesday...

Original Blog Post:

Last week - the City of Williams Lake (City) gave notice, like its' counterparts in BC, of its' intention to adopt an Annual Report on Thursday, June 28th at 5:00pm in WL Council Chambers (requirement of the Community Charter).  You can read the City's 2011 Annual Report here

Some of the things I found, as a resident, disappointing include:

1) No picture of current Williams Lake City Council as well as up to date Council Committee Information??? Contrast that to the City of Quesnel whose 2011 Annual Report has pertinent and up-to-date information as well as its' current Council Members  - read their report here

2) No Corporate Goals for 2011-2014.  Only reference to 2008-2011.  6 months after an election.... and nothing???  Quesnel Council meanwhile included its' 2012 Corporate Goals in its' Annual Report (see above link to the City of Quesnel 2011 Annual Report)

On the positive side - there was a information item from the City's Director of Finance which is positive to hear her (Pat Higgins) talk about fiscal challenges of the City.  I'd like to see her address, in future versions, what the challenges are, in plain English, for the upcoming year and that her message in the Annual Report follow the CAO Message

Also - I wonder if the community is interested in pursuing a District Heating system (and the big bill that would bring), in light of concerns expressing as to the fiscal challenges that a upgraded Sam Ketchum Pool/Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex would bring.  Some say that the District Heating proposal (like the Dog Park) is nothing more than politicians pursuing a pet project and is not in line with taxpayers' views.  Finally - Council may try to argue that the District Heating proposal is a goal contained within the City's OCP.  While true - the OCP is just a "vision" and does not bind this and future Councils' to any suggestions contained therein as the OCP can be changed by any Council, regardless if that change is supported by the public

Like I posted yesterday on the City's dropbox - I have a meeting with Mayor Cook on Wednesday and I intend to briefly raise this subject with her on Wednesday

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CRD Board Highlights - June 14th/15th meeting

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Support for the Cariboo Ski Touring Club

The Regional District will provide a letter of support for the Cariboo Ski Touring Club’s funding application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust North Cariboo Regional Development Account. If the $85,000 request is approved, the funds will be used to purchase a new snow groomer for the Hallis Lake Cross Country Ski Area. Further information about the Northern Development Initiative Trust program and their funding programs is available online at www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca

UBCM Resolutions

During recent CRD Board meetings, the Directors endorsed the re-submission of the Strategic Engagement Agreements resolution to the 2012 Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention, and identified additional resolution topics. The additional resolutions include the discontinuance of funding for the Community Access Program (CAP), awareness and recognition of work-place fatalities and tourism resort taxation levels. The CRD will also be taking several resolutions which were endorsed during the 2012 North Central Local Government Association convention in May. Resolution topics include fencing adjacent to highways; fencing and agricultural interfaces; the protection of potable water; the release of dangerous offenders, and noxious weeds on range lands. The UBCM convention will be held in Victoria, September 24 to 28, 2012.

Special Projects Fund Requests Authorized

The Board authorized the allocation of Special Projects funds from Electoral Areas B, F and H for various projects throughout the region. Up to $800 of Electoral Area B Special Initiative Funds will be used for pumping of Milburn Lake and Bouchie Lake outhouses and cleaning supplies for the facilities. The Board also approved up to $2,000 for the Arts on the Fly Music Festival. In Electoral Area H, up to $550 was approved for two signage projects including directional signs and five bulletin boards at Gateway, Buffalo Creek, Mahood Lake, Forest Grove and Hawkins Lake.

Support for Child Development Centre Association

A letter of support will be provided to the Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre Association for their application of $30,000 to the Northern Development Initiative Trust. If approved, the funding will be used for renovations and expansion of the Child Development Centre in Williams Lake.

Farm Credit Canada Applications

The Regional District will be providing letters of support to the both the Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department Association (WVFDA) and the Alexis Creek Community Club for their funding applications to the Farm Credit Canada Program. The WVFDA is applying for $1,000 to purchase equipment for the Wildwood disc golf course. The CRD has also supported this project in a previous meeting by authorizing $1,000 from the Area D Economic Development budget. The Alexis Creek Community Club will also be submitting an application to the Farm Credit Canada Program to obtain funds to begin renovations at the Alexis Creek Community Hall.

CRD and RDFFG Travel Back In Time

The CRD Board of Directors and staff travelled back in time to the Barkerville Heritage Site for the first of two 2012 Board on the Road events. The event was held in honour of Barkerville’s 150th Anniversary. On Thursday, June 14, the regular Board meeting took place in the Wake Up Jake Restaurant. The meetings continued on Friday morning with the CRD’s Committee of the Whole session from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. The CRD was joined by the neighbouring Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG) for a session to discuss topics and issues of mutual concern between 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. During this session, the CRD and the RDFFG signed the Barkerville Accord, a document which outlines how both Regional Districts will continue to work collaboratively on issues and topics of mutual interest. In keeping with tradition, the meetings wrapped up with the CRD hosting a community barbeque which saw proceeds donated to Barkerville.

Upcoming Meetings

June 27 - Special Board Meeting
July 12 - Special Board Meeting (Review of Proposed Solid Waste Management Plan)
July 13 - CCRHD and CRD Board meetings

New Dropbox installed at WL City Hall

Earlier this year - I wrote to Williams Lake Council's "General Governance Committee" asking that consideration be given to installing a dropbox at Williams Lake City Hall to allow utility/property tax payments to be placed into a secure facility after hours (see picture at left)

However - as you can see in the picture, one has to squat or kneel to place your utility/property tax payment into the secure box for pickup by City Finance Staff the next business day

As Mayor Cook herself has stated - this community has a sizable seniors' population in Williams Lake and this box is not, in my opinion, convenient for them or even for those with disability challenges.  My original intent was for a full sized dropbox that you could drop payments off - standing up, similar to other dropboxes at financial institutions and also at the local Ministry of Forests office on Borland Street

I have a meeting with Mayor Cook on Wednesday morning from 9:30am - 10:00am and I intend to, as part of that meeting, raise my concern with this dropbox as I don' think the City will reverse itself on this particular dropbox but I respect the fact that City Hall is itself open to any/all ideas to make the City more friendly towards the taxpayers' needs/desires....

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Cariboo/Fraser-Ft. George RD's commit to Barkerville Schoolhouse Project

Joint Release of Cariboo & Fraser-Fort George Regional Districts:

The Cariboo Regional District and Regional District of Fraser-Fort George are providing a total of $10,000 in grants to Barkerville Heritage Trust to support the construction of a replicate Williams Creek Schoolhouse.

Each Regional District is contributing $5000 to Barkerville’s efforts to rebuild the Williams Creek Schoolhouse. The 12 Electoral Areas of the Cariboo Regional District along with member municipalities of 100 Mile House, Quesnel, Wells and Williams Lake contributed equally to raise its $5,000 grant.

The original schoolhouse was destroyed by fire decades ago.  Currently, school children and their teachers on fieldtrips have their 1860 “Schoolhouse Experience” in a cramped space less than half the size of the original school. 

Barkerville is a vibrant National Historic Site of Canada whose role is the preservation, conservation and sharing of history of the region and the great Cariboo Gold Rush.  Every year, teachers bring their classes to Barkerville to learn about life in the 1860’s – be it the science and technology of mining, domestic and school life or the social, cultural and economic aspects of this pioneering town.

 “We are excited to contribute to this exciting project,” says Cariboo Regional District Chair, Al Richmond.  “Over 2,000 students from across BC visit Barkerville every year. It will be great to have a space that can better accommodate these groups while still ensuring an authentic 1800’s schoolhouse experience.”

“We are pleased to join with the Cariboo Regional District to support the Williams Creek Schoolhouse project,” says Art Kaehn, Chair of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.  “This is a tangible example of how two organizations can come together to support a place like Barkerville, which is an incredible tourism and cultural resource for our area of the province.”

The funding announcement was made during a joint meeting between the two Regional Districts held in Barkerville on Friday: a first for the two Regional Districts.  As part of the festivities, both Regional Districts signed the “Barkerville Accord”, where they both agree to work collaboratively on issues of mutual interest in advancing the economic well-being and prosperity of the North and Central regions of BC.

Upcoming WL Council Business - June 19th

a) 4 Way Stop Sign coming to Smedley St and 10th Ave - read here

b) WL Council requested to support Northern Development Initiative Trust application by local Child Development to renovate their existing building - read here and here

c) Letter of Support for Interior Science Innovation Council - read here/here

d) No Accessibility Merit Award in 2012 - read here

e) New Doors for CMRC - read here

f) Two In-Camera motions formally appointing Geoff Goodall as Acting CAO for the City of Williams Lake - read here/here

City of WL 2011 SOFI Report out...

As required by the Financial Information Act by June 30th of each year - the City of Williams Lake has produced its 2011 Statement of Financial Information or SOFI Report.

The report details the full audited financial statement for the City as well as remuneration/expenses paid to the City's 7 elected officials and those appointed officials (Staff) who made over $75,000 and total sum paid to City Staff who made under $75,000

As far as Williams Lake Council goes:

Name	Office	Expenses – End of 2011	Expenses – End of 2010	Remuneration – to end of 2011
Tom Barr	Councillor	$2,128.40	$4,672.89	$13,970.00
Ivan Bonnell	Councillor	$75.00	n/a	$1,270
Geoff Bourdon	Councillor	$3,916,78	$3,546.60	$15,240.00
Kerry Cook	Mayor	$6,782.12	$10,048.87	$43,687.92
Natalie Hebert	Councillor	$0.00	$1,925.88	$6,350.00
Danica Hughes	Councillor	$75.00	n/a	$1,270
Surinderpal Rathor	Councillor	$9,596.58	$979.61	$15,240.00
Laurie Walters	Councillor	$4,995.07	$2,726.23	$15,240.00
Sue Zacharias	Councillor	$4,025.61	$2,101.31	$15,240.00

Please note - Natalie Hebert resigned her seat in July of 2011 and Tom Barr did not seek re-election in last November's civic elections

Councillor Rathor will have some explaining to do to account for his $9,596.58 in submitted expenses.  I think if one accounts for $5,000 for FCM in Halifax, $2,000 for UBCM in Vancouver and $1,000 for the NCLGA Conference in Prince Rupert (even with car pooling), that still leaves roughly $1,000 unaccounted for....

Update - June 16th at 4:48pm - Councillor Rathor has called me to clarify that travel and related expenses to FCM are accounted for in a separate budget line and don't count towards the $5,000 travel budget line that the 6 City of Williams Lake Councillors' have access to

Meanwhile - the Top 3 City Staff earners at Williams Lake City Hall are as follows:

Name	Position	Expenses – end of 2011	Expenses – end of 2010	Remuneration
Brian Carruthers	CAO	$21,288.70	$14,607.68	$149,482.69
Geoff Goodall	General Manager of Planning & Ops	$1,233.84	$899.03	$115,836.79
Kevin Goldfuss	Director of Muni Services	$2,868.99	$3,300.79	$106,314.67

The City of Williams Lake also paid out $5,350,986.76 in remuneration for those who made under $75,000 with expenses submitted totaling $32,318.96

You can read the full 2011 SOFI Report here

Eric Wickham calls it quits....

Earlier this week - North Cariboo Multi-centre Fundraising Committee Chair Eric Wickham handed in his resignation.  No official reason has been given

For his part - CRD Area 'C' Director John Massier expressed his support for the project and strongly feels that there continues to be very strong local/provincial political will for the North Cariboo Multi-Centre but the federal partnership for this project is missing...

With just over a year and a half to go before the local taxpayer committment of $15 million for this project expiring (expires in November of 2013) - Mr. Wickham's resignation is not good news and I feel strongly that you are not likely to see any committment on Ottawa's part because if they gave money to Quesnel, then they would be, in a moral sense, obligated to put money towards future renovations for the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex upgrades (in whatever form that takes locally), but watch for North Cariboo politicians (CRD/City of Quesnel) to continue to armtwist local MP Dick Harris into delivering $$$ for the North Cariboo Multi-Centre all the way up to November of 2013 to make the project a reality...

Local Gov't Mtgs - Week of June 18-22

Wells - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 19th at 7:00pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Ave)

SD #28 - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, June 20th at 7:00pm in the SD #28 Boardroom (401 North Star Rd, Quesnel).  View the Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 19th at 6:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  View the Agenda here

Cariboo Connector Meeting (Fox Mtn Rd to Carson Dr)

Courtesy of the BC Ministry of Transportation/Infrastructure

The Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure and the City of Williams Lake invite the public to attend a Project Development Open House to preview plans for the four-laning of Highway 97 between Carson Drive and Fox Mountain Road and to provide input on this project

Ministry/Municipal staff will be available to provide information & answer questions

This project is one of nine improvement projects associated with the Phase 2 Cariboo Connector Program announced on April 13th, 2012

The drop-in open house is scheduled for the following date & time:

Thursday, June 21st from 4-8pm
Williams Lake City Hall (450 Mart Street)

For more information, please contact:

Sue Stankievech - Project Manager
Ph: 250-828-4333
Email: Sue.Stankievech@gov.bc.ca

Quesnel & District Leisure Services seeks input on online registration...

The Quesnel and District Leisure Services Department is seeking the public's input on whether or not to allow electronic registration for recreation/leisure programming

You can fill out an online form here or pick up a copy of the form at the Quesnel & District Recreation Centre (500 North Star Rd, Quesnel) which is located by McDonald's.

BC supports further liquor reform...

By Hon. Rich Coleman
Minister of Energy and Mines

With Bill C-311 currently before the Senate, I want to reassure British Columbians our government is committed to opening domestic markets for B.C. wines.

This week, our senior liquor officials attended meetings in Quebec with their provincial counterparts where the direct shipment of wine was discussed. The meetings provided the first forum since Bill C-311 passed in the House of Commons where jurisdictions across the country could discuss the growing interest surrounding ecommerce and the direct shipment of wine.

Our government recognizes direct sales are important to our wine industry, and we are prepared to champion further changes and reforms. That being said, it is also important for people to understand this is a very complicated issue, which will require the co-operation of other provinces and territories.

Contrary to some public reports, Bill C-311 does not allow for the direct sale of liquor. To allow this to happen, we need the co-operation and support of other provinces because Bill C-311 simply clarifies a province’s right to set limits to the quantity that can be imported and in what manner.

It’s worth noting that debate by federal MPs in the House of Commons also clearly articulated that the purpose of Bill C-311 is to remove restrictions overseen by Ottawa and allow provinces to set policy that they feel is appropriate. Lawmakers in Ottawa have recognized that liquor importation should be a provincial responsibility and each jurisdiction should be free to set their own policies.

On June 7, 2012, we set our personal limits for the importation of tax-free liquor into British Columbia. This move aligns our rules with Ontario, Nova Scotia and the Yukon, which are among the highest in Canada.

It was a step forward and much more work will be required together with other provinces and territories to ensure we create a more open, level and competitive playing field for B.C.’s wine industry. Once again, I want to assure your readers that work has begun in earnest.

Quesnel's Mayor sets the record straight...

Earlier this week - Quesnel resident Pat Morton suggested Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom should pay back local taxpayers' over $10,000 for expenses claimed by Mayor Sjostrom... now Ms. Sjostrom has responded to Ms. Morton's allegations - read that here

In addition - local MP Dick Harris backs Quesnel's Mayor on how the process of claiming expenses and receipt of an elected official's salary as 1/3 tax free - read that here

Quesnel Council Highlights - June 11th meeting

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Local receives award

Council presented Wes (Trevis) Sissons with a Certificate of Appreciation honouring him as the recipient of the 2012 BC Community Achievement Award for outstanding acts of dedication and commitment to Quesnel. His wife, Cheryl Sissons was also recognized for her support.

Farewell to Katimavik volunteers

Katimavik Project Leader Victoria Blais (far left) introduced what is hopefully not the last group of Katimavik volunteers. These 11 students have been working in our schools, hospitals, and local shops. They come from as far away as New Brunswick. In April, the Federal Government pulled their funding commitment to the program. In a letter to the Prime Minister in May, our Council lobbied the government to reinstate the program across Canada.

RCMP agreement renewed

The current occupancy agreement expires in July, 2012. The buildings debt has now been retired, so the capital portion of the occupancy agreement has been reduced. The agreement is a 5-year rollover and will expire July, 2017. Council accepted the recommendation to extend the agreement to 2017.

Northern Health’s campaign

Northern Health and community partners have launched a campaign that aims to educate northerners on the benefits of early HIV testing and treatment in efforts to prevent the spread of HIV throughout northern BC. Testing is now available in Prince George. The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS estimates that 25 per cent of people who are HIV-positive are unaware of their diagnosis. It is important to remember that HIV is a chronic, manageable disease - not a death sentence. Testing is available for anyone between the age of 13 to 65.

Auditor’s report received

City Auditor Mr. R.E. Rasmussen filed a Section 172 report to Council as requested by Ms. P. Morton. Section 172 of the Statutory Requirements addresses “Complaints to council or auditor about financial affairs”. These documents can be viewed on the City’s website at www.quesnel.ca/Council-Splash.html and by clicking on “Agendas and Minutes”. The cost to date of the report requested by Ms. Morton is $8,767.50 plus HST. Council received the report.

handyDART service on the move

City Council approved the recommendation by staff that free handyDART service will be provided for the Antique Machinery Park’s Family Fun Day on June 23. The cost to the City is approximately $250.

Other news

• Council approved Fran Macpherson being named to the Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation board for a two-year term.
• Correlieu Community Track may have the last 75% of track rubberized this summer pending confirmation of remaining funds, weather conditions and scheduling.
• The resolution by the FCM (“Federation of Canadian Municipalities”) and member municipalities was fully supported by Council. The FCM is launching a new plan in 2014 for infrastructure funding called “Building our Future”.
• A license of occupation was approved for T. MacEwan on a property located at the corner of Baker Dr and Milburn Ave for an annual lease rate of $250.

Important Dates

June 23 - Antique Machinery Park - Family Fun Day
August 04 - Artists at Skyfest

City of WL makes 2011 Annual Report available...

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The 2011 City of Williams Lake Annual Report is now available for the public to view. It can be viewed here or members of the public can receive a paper copy at WL City Hall (450 Mart St) from 8:30-4:30pm Monday thru Friday

Williams Lake City Council will consider the Annual Report at a special meeting at 5 p.m on June 28 in Williams Lake Council Chambers. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting and to present submissions or ask questions with respect to the report. Copies of the report will also be available at the meeting.

According to provincial legislation, a municipality must produce an annual report each year, and hold a public consultation session before it is submitted to the province. According to the Community Charter, it must contain:

• the municipality's audited annual financial statements for the previous year;
• a list of the permissive tax exemptions provided by council, and for each exemption, the amount of property tax that would have been imposed during the previous year if the exemption had not been granted;
• a report on the municipality's services and operations for the previous year;
• a progress report on the performance of the municipality with respect to established objectives and measures;
• a statement of objectives and measures that will be used as the basis for determining the municipality's performance during the current year and following year; and
• the details of any declarations of disqualification made against individual council members during the previous year.

For further information, please contact Acting Chief Administrative Officer Geoff Goodall 250-392-1766 or ggoodall@williamslake.ca

PG Council makes available detailed expense accounts

At their last meeting - Prince George City Council decided, with Councillor Albert Koehler opposed, to make available, to the public, the detailed expense accounts of all members of Prince George City Council.  Read the story from the PG Free Press here

Meanwhile - PG Free Press Editor Bill Phillips criticizes PG City Councillor Cameron Stolz for voting for Vancouver City Councillor Raymond Louie for the position of 3rd Vice President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, rather than for his colleague (PG City) Councillor Garth Frizzell.  I, for one, agree with Mr. Phillips that Stolz's actions should be called into question... and I look forward to Councillor Frizzell continuing to speak his mind at PG City Council meetings, regardless of how his opinions are received...

Read Mr. Phillips well-written (and well deserved on Stolz's part) editorial here

BC provides $2.4 million in funding for Barkerville

Courtesy of the BC Government:

Premier Christy Clark announced $2.4 million today to support Barkerville’s operations as Western North America’s largest historic site.

“Our government is proud to support the preservation of Barkerville,” said Premier Clark. “With more than 125 historic buildings, Barkerville is a great place for families to learn more about this important part of our history, and a fabulous destination for visitors to British Columbia.”

Today’s funding is part of $21 million over three years announced as part of Budget 2012 for the 11 provincial heritage properties, and provides support for both operations and maintenance of the sites. Each provincially owned property is operated by a site manager, such as the Barkerville Heritage Trust.

“We are delighted with this commitment to three-year funding,” explained Sue Morhun, chair of Barkerville Heritage Trust. “Having financial certainty allows us to continue our stewardship of this world-class heritage attraction in the Cariboo.”

This year Barkerville is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Cariboo Gold Rush. In 1862, Billy Barker found gold at Williams Creek, a discovery that brought more than 100,000 people to the Cariboo between 1862 and 1870 to seek their fortune. In the 1860s Barkerville was the largest city west of Chicago and north of San Francisco and was instrumental in the founding of the Colony of British Columbia.

Barkerville is a provincially, nationally and internationally recognized historic site. It is located 80 km east of Quesnel. Barkerville’s attractions include Theatre Royal shows, exhibits, entertaining street theatre during the summer, and unique Victorian-era shops.

Visit Barkerville this summer: http://www.barkerville.ca/

Update - Sam Ketchum Pool Updating Process

A few days - I blogged on the fact that the Pool Task Force was engaging the pool around what to do to fix the Sam Ketchum Pool/Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex and my own take on it - read that blog post here

Now - the City of Williams Lake/Cariboo Regional District has made the same presentation information available to the public last week on their websites including how to contact Geoff Paynton/Deb Radolla at the City of Williams Lake. Read all the relevant information here (contact info and general info) and here (actual presentation)