2017 LGLA Forum Wrap-up

Courtesy of the Local Government Leadership Academy:

Thank you to all of those who joined us in Richmond for our 2017 Leadership Forum. We had

upwards of 150 delegates in attendance, from 127 municipalities and 18 regional districts

representing all regions of the province. This number included 12 Mayors, 8 Chairs, 46 Councillors

and 61 Electoral Area Directors – as well as one Improvement District Trustee, 16 senior local

government staff members, two provincial staff and a handful of local government consultants

and non-profit employees.

We had an excellent line-up of speakers addressing the Forum theme of Communication:

Listening, Connecting, Leading, as well as an incredible graphic recorder – Sam Bradd –

chronicling the event through a series of posters capturing the highlights from individual sessions.

Many of the presentations and handouts from the forum are now available on the LGLA website

– with more to come. Sam Bradd’s drawings are all available for download, either as images to

view or in special 11X17 print format. He has also provided an article that gives tips on how best

to use the images after the event. Please access all Forum resources through the following link:

http://lgla.ca/events/2017-leadership-forum-2/. Photos and audio recordings will also be

available soon…

If you haven’t yet completed our ONLINE EVALUATION, you have until 5:00 pm tomorrow,

February 10, to do so. All respondents who include an email address will be entered into a draw

to win a free 2018 LGLA Leadership Forum registration. Please take a few moments to provide

your feedback and your suggestions for improvement. Click on the following link to complete the

survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LGLAForum2017.

And remember to check out the LGLA Certification Program. You may already qualify for a Level

I, II or III Certificate in Local Government Leadership. It’s just a matter of recording your time in

office and learning events you’ve attended and submitting your application. Please visit the

Programs page on the LGLA website for all the details: http://lgla.ca/programs/.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you again next year!

BC proposes new tax credit for VFD/SAR Volunteers

Courtesy of the Province of British Columbia:

The Province intends to introduce a new tax credit for B.C.’s volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers as part of Balanced Budget 2017, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto and Finance Minister Michael de Jong announced today.

Subject to legislative approval, thousands of volunteers throughout the province may soon be eligible for a $3,000 non-refundable tax credit, providing a benefit up to $151.80 each year.

“B.C.’s volunteer firefighters and search and rescue members play a critical role in the safety of British Columbians,” said Yamamoto. “These local heroes leave the comfort of home to rush out into often dangerous and unpredictable conditions, in every type of environment, to provide a beacon of hope to both those lost and to the families waiting at home. The tax credit announced today is a small token of thanks for their selfless service, and for the incredible contributions these men and women provide to their communities.”

The new tax credit will be available for volunteers who provide at least 200 hours of volunteer service to a volunteer fire department, an eligible search and rescue organization or a combination of both. The credit will be available for the 2017 tax year.

Combined with a similar federal credit, volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers may be eligible for up to $601.80 in non-refundable credits each year.

“We are fortunate in B.C. to have thousands of skilled and dedicated volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers who risk their lives and contribute their time to keep us safe,” said de Jong. “I think I speak on behalf of all British Columbians when I say, we appreciate the work these individuals do, and this tax credit is just one of the small ways we can express our gratitude.”

On March 2, 2017, the Province of B.C. along with the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA), Provincial Emergency Program Air (PEP AIR), and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) will unveil a memorial for search and rescue volunteers in British Columbia who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and to honour all those that serve. This monument will sit adjacent to the newly unveiled B.C. Emergency Services Garden of Honour, and existing memorials dedicated to British Columbia’s fallen Law Enforcement officers, Fire Fighters, and Paramedics.

“Many small communities in B.C. rely heavily on volunteer firefighters and search and rescue groups to provide protection and assistance in times of need,” President of the Volunteer Firefighters Association of BC Bob Stevens said. “This proposed tax credit will greatly benefit those many volunteers who give so much time and effort, often with no remuneration. This recognition by the Province is very much appreciated."

“Search and rescue volunteers contribute an incredible amount of time away from their families and workplaces to save the lives of lost or injured people. They also contribute financially, buying personal protection equipment, clothing and ready packs to operate safely in variable terrain and weather,” President of the BC Search and Rescue Association Chris Kelly said. “This tax credit will relieve some of the financial burden carried by these volunteers, and shows the commitment the Province of B.C. has to the volunteer search and rescue program and its members.”

Quick Facts:

* According to the BC Search and Rescue Association, there are 2,500 volunteers in 80 search and rescue groups in B.C.
* These volunteers respond to more than 1,400 incidents each year. In 95% of cases, subjects are found or rescued within the first 24 hours.
* According to the Volunteer Firefighters Association of BC, there are 177 active volunteer fire departments with about 4,500 volunteer firefighters.

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Feb 13-17

The following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting next week, as follows:

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 14th at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue).  On the Agenda:

* Request to utilize the Wells-Barkerville School Facilities Gym for the 2017 Wells-Barkerville Graduation Students
* Second Intake of the District of Wells Grants In Aid Funding
* Proposed Changes to the Grant in Aide Function
* Consent Calendar
* In-Camera Meeting as per Sections 90(1c,d,e,k - labour,security,land and negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

School District #28 (Quesnel) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, Feb 15th at 7pm in the SD28 Boardroom (401 Northstar Rd).  On the Agenda:

* Superintendent's Report/Monthly Intentions Report
* Amended Budget Bylaw for Fiscal Year 2016/2017
* 2017/2018 Budget Planning Process
* Cancellation of Continuing Education Retail Progress
* Trustee Remuneration
* Committee Reports

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Session on Tuesday, Feb 14th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Jeff Pelley, Inspector/Detachment Commander & Dave Dickson, Manager of Community Safety re: Police Commission Report
* Councillor L. Walters re: Travel - Rural Healthcare Summit - Ottawa, Ontario
* River Valley Transportation Plan

View the full Agenda here

100 Mile House - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 14th at 6pm in 100 Mile Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue).  When available, the Agenda can be viewed here

Cariboo Regional District:

North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 14th at 3pm in the CRD Quesnel Office (101 - 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).

On the Agenda:

* Quesnel Volunteer Citizen of the Year Nominations
* Deferred Item - Appointment of Co-Chair for North Cariboo Joint Committee
* Remaining North Cariboo Appointments for 2017
* North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Draft Terms of Reference
* In-Camera Session: 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

North Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 14th at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations (2) -- Quesnel Kangaroos & Alex Fraser Park Society

* NC Quesnel Arena Project Status Report
* Arena Replacement Project - Fundraising & Communication Update
* Arena Replacement Project Transition Report
* Joint Planning Committee Draft Terms of Reference - Committee Review
* 2017 Capital Budget Amendments - North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Service
* Request from Quesnel Council - JPC Resolution to endorse grant application to the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition for the development of a Master Trails Strategy

View the full Agenda here

CRD Board Highlights - Feb 9th meeting

Present: Chair A. Richmond; Directors T. Armstrong, J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, B. Kemp, J. Sorley, M. Wagner, D. Cash, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, R. Sharpe, B. Simpson, W. Cobb and M. Campsall

Meeting called to order at 10:13am

Meeting Agenda/Minutes of the Jan 13th, 2017 CRD Board Meeting adopted

Delegations MOB was received

Business:

Development Services:

a) North Cariboo Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5072, 2016 (Area B) was given 1st/2nd Readings

b) Interlakes Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5073, 2016 and South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No, 5074, 2016 (Area L) were given 1st/2nd Readings

c) The following Planning Bylaws were adopted:

i) Chilcotin Area Rural Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 5019, 2016 (Area J).  Board divided.  Approved by the following Electoral Area Directors' vote:

Affirmative - Chair Richmond; Directors Armstrong, Bruce, Massier, Forseth, Kemp, Sorley, Wagner, Anderson and Coakley

Negative - Director D. Cash (Area I)

ii) Williams Lake Fringe Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5022, 2016 (Area D)
iii) Williams Lake Fringe and 150 Mile House Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5023, 2016 (Area D)
iv) Quesnel Fringe Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5033, 2016 (Area B)
v) Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5034, 2016 (Area B)

d) The Board approved two Development Variance Permit Applications, as follows:

i) DVP #66/2016 - Area B
ii) DVP #70/2016 - Area B

e) The Board approved Temporary Permit Application #69/2016 (Area F)

f) The Board received a report from the Manager of Development Services on Animal Control in Electoral Areas

Meeting recessed at 10:57am
Meeting resumed at 11:03am

Delegation:

Members of the North Cariboo Agriculture Working Group, appeared before the Board to discuss the formation of an Agriculture Advisory Committee

A Question/Answer period ensued

Chair Richmond, on behalf of the Board, thanked the delegation for their time/information

Meeting recessed at 11:35am to CCRHD Board
Meeting resumed at 12:48pm

g) The Board received the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission Decisions Report as of January 20, 2017

h) The Board received a report from the Manager of Development Services regarding re-appointment of members to the Board of Variance and directed Staff to bring back the item at the March 3rd Board Meeting

Finance:

a) The Board received/ratified the monthly cheque register for the month of January 2017 of $3,406,770.02

b) The Board directed that any one of the Chair, Vice-Chair, or Finance Chair together with any one of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, or Manager of Financial Services, be appointed as the signing officers for the Cariboo Regional District’s financial undertakings and that the “Resolution Regarding Banking” be completed accordingly and forwarded to its appointed financial institution

Administration:

a) The Board received a report of the Corporate Officer in regards to Policy #11-10A-26, which calls for interested elected officials to put their name forward for the CRD’s appointment to the NCLGA Board

b) The Board appointed Directors A. Richmond, T. Armstrong and B. Coakley to the 2017 Parcel Tax Review Panel and directed the Panel meet at 10:30am on Feb 27th in the District of 100 Mile House Council Chambers

c) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of Feb 9th, 2017

d) The Board received a letter from the BC Utilities Commission in regards to residential inclining block electricity rates

e) The Board received a letter from the Hon. Mike De Jong, BC's Minister of Finance, in regards to taxation of electricity for business and industrial use, and concerns for BC's forest industry

f) The Board received a letter from Mark Zacharias, Assistant Deputy Minister, Environmental Protection Division for the Ministry of Environment, dated January 30, 2017, regarding the Mount Polley proposal to amend Environmental Management Act Permit PE-11678

g) The Board received Prioritization of Board Resolutions as of January 24th, 2017

Resolved - That a letter be forwarded to BC Hydro requesting that they appear at a future Board meeting in regards to their Hydro policy for the next 5 year period

Committee or Commission Minutes/Recommendations:

a) The Board received the Dec 7th, 2016 meeting minutes of the Heritage Steering Committee and endorsed two recommendations from that meeting as follows:

i) Heritage Registry
ii) Nominations for New Stop of Interest Signs

b) The Board received the Dec 13th, 2016 meeting minutes of the North Cariboo Joint Committee
c) The Board received the Jan 9th, 2017 meeting minutes of the South Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus and endorsed 1 recommendation from that meeting:

i) 2017 South Cariboo Community Committee Appointments for 2017

d) The Board received the Jan 9th, 2017 meeting minutes of the South Cariboo Joint Committee and endorsed two recommendations from that meeting:

i) South Cariboo Community Enhancement Foundation Contribution Agreement - No further renewal
ii) South Cariboo Recreation Centre Expansion Project Working Group Establishment and Update

Director Cash left the meeting at 1:31pm

e) The Board received the Jan 10th, 2017 meeting minutes of the North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus and endorsed two recommendations:

i) Amendment to December 13, 2016 North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus Resolution -- 25th Annual Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run
ii) 2017 North Cariboo Community Committee Appointments for 2017

f) The Board received the Jan 18th, 2017 special meeting minutes of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus and endorsed 1 recommendation from that meeting:

i) WL River Valley Transportation Plan - Letter to City of WL for Joint City/CRD Letter to MOTI

g) The Board received the Jan 25th, 2017 meeting minutes of the Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus and endorsed 2 recommendations from that meeting:

i) 2017 Central Cariboo Community Committee Appointments for 2017
ii) McLeese Lake Boat Launch - Letter to MLA Oakes/Transportation Minister Todd Stone

h) The Board received the Jan 25th, 2017 meeting minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee and endorsed two recommendations from that meeting:

i) Appointment of Steering Committee Members for 2018 NCLGA Conference Bid (Director J. Sorley/Councillor L. Walters and CRD Mgr of Communications/City Staff Member)
ii) CMRC Arena Elevator Assessment - 2020 Capital Budget of $420,000 from Central Cariboo Recreation Service

Invitations:

a) The Board received an invitation from Emily Epp in regards to attending a documentary film screening of 'Over 18' in Williams Lake on March 8, 2017

Corporate Bylaws:

a) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to Cariboo Regional District Security Issuing (108 Mile Water System Improvements) Bylaw No. 5076, 2017

Director Requests:

a) At the request of Director R. Sharpe -- The Board agreed to write a letter of support for the Heritage BC Update: Tax Credit Call to Action

b) At the request of Director J. Sorley - the following was authorized:

i) Letter of Support in regards to a proposed 1-year moratorium on forest service road deactivations in Horsefly and request to MLA's Oakes/Barnett to review this matter with them
ii) Up to $500 from Area 'F' Director Initiative Fund to host a public meeting, with Staff support, in regards to a noise bylaw for Electoral Area F and the FCM 2017 Convention funding resolution be reduced from "up to $5,000" to "up to $4,500"

Resolved - That the following recommendation from the Feb 8th Committee of the Whole meeting be endorsed:

That a letter be forwarded to NDIT supporting the position of CCBAC on the Pine Beetle Recovery Account, as follows:

* That the remaining Pine Beetle Recovery Account funds be distributed over the next five years to the communities most affected by the mountain pine beetle; and

* That the communities most affected by the mountain pine beetle be allowed to apply directly for Pine Beetle Recovery Account funding without having to apply for the Regional Advisory Committee funding

Directors reported out on their recent activities in their Electoral Areas/Municipalities

Resolved - That Adam DeKroon be appointed as a member of the Parkland Recreation Commission.

Resolved - That Cuyler Huffman be appointed as a member of the Electoral Area F Advisory Planning Commission.

Meeting adjourned at 2:35pm

CCRHD Board Highlights - Feb 9th meeting

Present: Chair M. Wagner; Directors T. Armstrong, J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, B. Kemp, J. Sorley, A. Richmond, D. Cash, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, R. Sharpe, B. Simpson, W. Cobb, and M. Campsall

Meeting called to order at 9:30am by CRD CAO J. Bell

The CAO called 3 times for nominations of CCRHD Vice-Chair

Director Forseth nominated Director Sorley.  Director Sorley accepted her nomination

Director Coakley nominated Director Simpson.  Director Simpson accepted his nomination

Directors B. Simpson/J. Sorley then addressed the Board. The Board then voted, the CAO/Corporate Officer went into the Committee Room to count the ballots and returned to the meeting to declare that Director B. Simpson was elected Vice-Chair of the CCRHD for 2017

Resolved - That the ballots for Vice-Chair be destroyed

Chair M. Wagner then resumed the Chair

Meeting Agenda/Minutes of the Jan 13th CCRHD Board Meeting adopted

Business:

1) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Reading and adoption to Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Capital Expenditure Residential Care Addition (Fischer Place, 100 Mile House) Bylaw No. 127, 2017

2) The Board received a Photo Submission from Northern Health, dated January 23, 2017, announcing improved access to breast cancer screening at GR Baker Memorial Hospital

3) The Board received a letter from Thomas Guerrero, A/Executive Director for the Ministry of Health, in response to the Board's request for Likely to be added to the
list of rural and remote communities to be included in the Community Paramedicine Initiative, denying the Board's request

4) The Board received a News Release from Interior Health announcing that contracts have been awarded for the creation of 16 withdrawal management beds (detox) in three communities, including four beds in Williams Lake

5) The Board received a report of the Corporate Officer, in regards to Policy No. CCH.11-10A-5 Taxation and directed that the policy be repealed.

6) The Board directed that any one of the Chair or Vice-Chair, together with any one of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, or Manager of
Financial Services, be appointed as the signing officers for the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District’s financial undertakings and that the “Resolution
Regarding Banking” be completed accordingly and forwarded to its appointed financial institution.

7) The Board received the "Hospital Consent Calendar" as of Feb 9th, 2017

8) The Board received an urgent request from Director J. Sorley in regards to Hospital Capital Provincial Priorities and directed that a letter be forwarded to the Ministry of Health expressing the strategic importance of both GR Baker and Cariboo Memorial Hospital projects with a copy of the letter to go to MLA's Oakes/Barnett and further a letter be forwarded to local First Nation Band Councils' requesting that they provide letters of support for both GR Baker/Cariboo Memorial Hospital projects

At 10:12am, the meeting recessed

At 11:35am, the meeting resumed

Delegation:

Debbie Strang, Health Service Administrator, and Penny Anguish, Chief Operating Officer, for Northern Health, appeared before the Board to provide an update

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair, on behalf of the Board, thanked Ms. Strong/Anguish for their time/information

Meeting adjourned at 11:57am

Committee of the Whole Session (Cariboo RD) - Feb 8th mtg

Present: Chair A. Richmond; Directors T. Armstrong, J. Bruce, J. Massier, S. Forseth, B. Kemp, J. Sorley, M. Wagner, B. Anderson, B. Coakley, R. Sharpe, W. Cobb, M. Campsall and Alternate Director L. Roodenburg (Quesnel)

Meeting called to order at 12:34pm

Meeting Agenda/Minutes of the Dec 15th COW Meeting adopted

Director S. Forseth declared a perceived conflict of interest on the next item as he works at the Best Western Williams Lake Hotel and left the meeting at 12:35pm

Delegation: 

Amy Thacker and Pat Corbett from the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, appeared before the Committee to request a letter of support for the Regional Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) application

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Ms. Thacker/Mr. Corbett for their time/information

Director W. Cobb left the meeting at 1:03pm

Director S. Forseth returned to the meeting at 1:20pm

Business: 

1) Corporate Priority Reports

The Committee reviewed Corporate Priorities Reports (Strategic Goals, Routine Business Plan Goals and Additions to Workplace)

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the 3 Corporate Priority Reports (Strategic Goals, Routine Business Plan Goals and Additions to Workplace) be received

2) Discussion About Cabinet Ministers’ Visits Within the Cariboo Regional District

The Committee had before it a report of the Corporate Officer
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received

3) Deferred Consideration of Endorsement of First Nations Relations Committee Resolutions

The Committee had before it a report of the Deputy Corporate Officer
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received

4) Northern Development Initiative Trust

The Committee had before it a letter from CCBAC regarding a Letter to NDIT regarding Access to Mountain Pine Beetle Fund, a report from the Corporate Officer and a report from Director S. Forseth regarding CRD Policy on NDIT Applications

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Reports be received and the letter from CCBAC be received and a letter be forwarded to NDIT supporting the position of CCBAC on the Pine Beetle Recovery Account, as follows:

* That the remaining Pine Beetle Recovery Account funds be distributed over the next five years to the communities most affected by the mountain pine beetle; and

* That the communities most affected by the mountain pine beetle be allowed to apply directly for Pine Beetle Recovery Account funding without having to apply for the Regional Advisory Committee funding

and finally, that in the absence of knowledge of material legal, ethical, or other improprieties, the CRD will support all applications to the NDIT for funding, without regard to project’s merit.

5) Review of CRD Governance Structure

The Committee had before it a report of Director S. Forseth in regards to an informal review of the CRD Governance Structure

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received

6) Update from the CAO on the Board’s Strategic Plan

The Committee had before it a report of Director S. Forseth requesting the CAO update the Board on its' Strategic Plan at its' April Committee of the Whole Meeting
Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Report received and that a mid-term review of the Strategic Plan take place at the September 14th Committee of the Whole meeting

Meeting adjourned at 2:40pm

Quesnel Council Highlights - Feb 7th meeting

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

PST Exemption on Electricity to Protect Forestry Jobs

Eight Mayors, from communities that are dependent on forestry-related jobs, are requesting that industrial and business operations be exempt from paying the Provincial Sales Tax on commercial BC Hydro rates, as per the recommendation of the BC Commission on Tax Competitiveness.  This lobbying effort is to protect and support forestry jobs in the communities of Quesnel, Mackenzie, Taylor, Vernon, Port Alice, Port Alberni, Power River and North Cowichan, especially where electricity-intensive mills that manufacture pulp, paper and value-added wood products.  This lobbying effort is particularly time sensitive due to the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement that expired on October 12, 2015 and the United States can apply duties to Canadian lumber having a negative impact on the entire forest industry.

Governance Model – North Cariboo Joint Planning Advisory Committee

The North Cariboo Joint Planning Advisory Committee is a joint advisory group made up of elected officials from the City’s municipal Council and four rural electoral areas, of the Cariboo Regional District, that surround the City of Quesnel.  This joint advisory committee has never had a formal Terms of Reference outlining the purpose of this joint advisory committee that reports to both the Quesnel City Council and the Cariboo Regional District Board.  Council discussed a draft Terms of Reference, brought forward by City staff, and discussed the direction that Council would like to see this joint advisory committee proceed with.  Next steps include the draft Terms of Reference being discussed at the February 14, 2017 North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee meeting.  

2017 Operating Budget

Council heard an overview of the City’s proposed 2017 operating budget.  This budget will not be finalized until the City receives final property/improvement assessments from BC Assessment in March 2017 that may have a small impact on the City’s proposed 2017 operating budget.  Below is a summary of the City’s proposed 2017 operating budget using proposed estimated values:

•  2.5% increase for total taxation revenue required (Capital and Operating budgets)

o             This includes $311,300 in supplementals being funding from general taxation, Gas Tax funds and 2016 surplus.

o             This also includes $125,000 increase to the Capital Reinvestment Reserve (used for capital infrastructure projects … roads, storm water, sidewalks)

o             The hard-to-predict snow removal budget is now at $900,000 for 2017; this number represents the average costs over the last five years.

o             A tax increase of $56.21 for the average residence (valued at $177,448), or $30.48 per $100,000 of assessed value.  Comparatively speaking, Quesnel’s residential taxes are low relative to the rest of the province.  Quesnel’s residential taxes are in the bottom quartile. 

o             An average tax increase of $92.88 for the commercial business class tax per $100,000 of assessed value.

o             Major and light industry taxation levels remain frozen at 2015 dollar amount for three years, as per Council’s tax framework.

•  BC Assessment’s first assessments are in showing an increase of 3.5% to the average Quesnel residence in assessed value.  Properties with increases higher than the average will see higher tax increases and those with lower increases will see lower tax increases. 

•  Quesnel’s Major Industry taxation levels will see a significant change in 2017 (even with the major industry taxation levels frozen at 2015 levels for three years) due to the expiration of the 10-year 226 revitalization exemption for the West Fraser Sawmill resulting in:

o             30% increase to the City’s taxation revenues from the West Fraser Sawmill; and

o             6% decrease, on average, to the rest of the City’s folios included in the major industry class.

To view the entire 30-page Preliminary Budget Overview, please visit Page 32 of the Agenda at:  https://quesnel.civicweb.net/filepro/documents?expanded=1353,84664,85537&preview=86277

Next Meetings

- February 14th at 5:30 pm – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee    

- February 21st at 7 pm - Regular Council

WL Council Highlights - Feb 7th

Present: Mayor W. Cobb; Councillors I. Bonnell, S. Nelson, J. Ryll, C. Smith, L. Walters and S. Zacharias

Meeting called to order at 6pm

Mayor Cobb acknowledged that the meeting was taking place on traditional Shuswap territory

Meeting Agenda/Minutes of the Jan 24th, 2017 Meeting of Council were adopted

Delegations:

1) Tim Rolph, from the Williams Lake Stampede Association, appeared before Council to provide an update on the Association's activities

A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked Mr. Rolph for his time/information

2) Sue Hemphill, from the Williams Lake Field Naturalists, appeared before Council to discuss Agenda Item E3 (Reject Fee for Service Agreement Renewal - Scout Island Nature Centre)

A Question/Answer period ensued

Mayor Cobb, on behalf of Council, thanked Ms. Hemphill for her time/information

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque listings for the periods ending January 26 and February 2, 2017

2) Council approved travel and Council compensation for Councillor J. Ryll to attend the meeting to discuss BC Ferry Service hosted by the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia in Victoria, BC on February 14, 2017

3) Council endorsed three corporate resolutions in order to achieve dissolution of the Central Cariboo Economic Development Corporation, and City Staff were directed to take the necessary steps to complete the dissolution, including, but not limited to, distribution of all assets and satisfaction of any debts, liabilities and payables as outlined by legal counsel

4) Council received an application for Development Permit No. 01-2017 - Wensley Architecture - 715 Oliver Street and directed Staff to work with the applicant in developing a revised site design that will address the staff recommendations and that further consideration of the Development Permit be brought forward to a future Council meeting

5) Council ratified a Poll of Council conducted on January 31, 2017 authorizing Staff to set a Public Hearing date of February 21, 2017, at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers at City Hall for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2258 and the appropriate notices and advertising be issued. Council also gave 2nd Reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2258, 2017

6) At the request of Councillor I. Bonnell - Council agreed to ask the Ministry of Environment and Atlantic Power to advise the City of Williams Lake on what additional measures they will take, beyond the permit requirements, to ensure that the burning of rail ties does not pose environmental or health risks to the community

7) Council adopted 6 Committee of the Whole recommendations from their Jan 31st meeting as follows:

a) 2017 Grants for Assistance - Approved Applications

	ORGANIZATION	AMOUNT APPROVED
1.	Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre Association	$ 4,000
2.	Navy League of Canada – Chilcotin Branch	$ 2,000
3.	Rocky Mountain Rangers Army Cadet Sponsoring Committee	$ 2,000
4.	Williams Lake Blue Fins Swim Club	$ 3,000
5.	Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club	$ 2,000
6.	Williams Lake Curling Club	$ 10,000
7.	Williams Lake Cycling Club	$3,000
8.	Williams Lake Off Road Motorcycles Association	$2,000
9.	Williams Lake Stampeders Hockey Club	$1,500
10.	Williams Lake Trail Riders Association	$5,000
11.	Youth for Christ	$500
	TOTAL	$35,000

At 7:23pm, Councillor Smith declared a conflict of interest on Item 3 and left the meeting.  At 7:24pm, Councillor Smith returned to the meeting

b) Fee for Service Agreements for the 2017-2019 period:

	ORGANIZATION	3 YEAR TERM(2017-2019) AMOUNTS APPROVED
1.	Community Policing Committee	$15,000
2.	Boys & Girls Club of Williams Lake and District (NOOPA)	$15,000
3.	Stampede Queen’s Committee	$5,000
4.	Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Williams Lake	$15,000
5.	Williams Lake Hospice Society	$16,900
6.	Youth for Christ	$5,000
7.	Stampede Association	$25,000
8.	Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society (Water Wise Program)	$38,600
9.	Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society (Waste Wise Program)	$24,500
10.	Social Planning Council	$5,000
11.	Williams Lake Food Policy Council	$5,600
	TOTAL	$170,600

Councillors Nelson/Zacharias declared conflicts of interest on Items 5, 8 and 9 & left the meeting at 7:26pm and returned to the meeting at 7:27pm

c) That the Fee for Service Agreement (2017-19) for the Scout Island Nature Centre in the amount of $12,500 be approved. Council divided.  Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Councillors Bonnell, Nelson, Ryll, Smith, Walters and Zacharias
Negative - Mayor W. Cobb

Resolved - That a meeting be set up between Council/WL Field Naturalists to discuss Scout Island as soon as possible

d) That the Fee for Service Agreement (2017-19) for the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce be approved for $150,000 per year.  Council divided.  Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Mayor Cobb; Councillors Nelson, Ryll and Zacharias
Negative - Councillors I. Bonnell, C. Smith and L. Walters

e) That the request for a Fee for Service in the amount of $5,000 from the Potato House Sustainable Community Society be denied and they be encouraged to apply to the Seeding Start Ups program.  Council divided.  Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Mayor W. Cobb; Councillors Bonnell, Nelson, Ryll, Smith and Zacharias
Negative - Councillor L. Walters

f) Staff be directed to perform an administrative review of the Fee for Service and Grant in Aide Program and bring a report back to Committee of Whole for Council's consideration.

8) Council received a letter from the Honours and Awards Secretariat of BC dated January 24, 2017 regarding the 2017 Call for Nominations for the Order of British Columbia and directed that the information be posted on the City's website

9) Council gave approval for Special Occasion Liquor Licenses on April 21, 22 and 23, 2017 at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex in connection with the WL Indoor Rodeo, subject to RCMP Approval

Members of Council reported out on their recent activities
The CAO provided an oral report

The Mayor responded to questions from the media (WL Tribune/Goat and Cariboo Country Radio)

Meeting adjourned at 7:57pm

Post-Event Report -- 2017 UBCM EA Director Forum/LGLA Leadership Forum

As is my usual practice after attendance at a local government conference - find below my "Post-Event" report of my attendance at the 2017 UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) Electoral Area Directors' Forum and LGLA (Local Government Leadership Academy) Annual Leadership Forum

If you have any questions/concerns - please don't hesitate to contact me at sforseth@cariboord.ca or by phone at 250-267-6725

Thanks!

~SF

Area D Memo Re 2017 UBCM and LGLA Conference by Steve Forseth on Scribd

Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - January 2017

In the month of January 2017 - I attended the following meetings:

* January 3rd - Meeting with Wildwood VFD Chief R. Worsley
* January 6th - Meeting with CRD Mgr of Environmental Services P. Hughes
* January 9th - Wildwood Community Association Meeting
* January 13th - CRD/CCRHD Board Meetings
* January 18th - Special CC Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting
* January 25th - Meeting with MOTI at McLeese Lake re: Parking on Forglen Rd, CC Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting, Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting and presentation of Playbook Training Certificates to members of the Wildwood VFD

* January 31st - Day 1 of the UBCM Electoral Area Directors Forum

As for expenses charged in January 2017:

* January 13th - $185 for CCRHD/CRD Board Meetings
* January 18th - $75 for Special CC Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting
* January 25th - $75 for Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting
* January 31st - $75 for attendance at Day 1 of the UBCM Electoral Area Directors Forum

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Feb 6-10

The following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting next week, as follows:

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 7th at 7pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (2nd Floor - 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Committee Report -- Policy/Bylaw Review Committee
* Letter to Province - Remove PST from Electricity for Commercial/Industrial Customers
* North Cariboo Joint Planning Advisory Committee - Governance Model
* City of Quesnel 2017 Operating Budget
* Northern Development Trust Initiative Trust Grant Applications (Arena 2/Soccer Facility)
* Bylaw of the Month - February 2017 - Business Licenses
* College of New Caledonia - Request for Letter of Support for NDIT Grant Application

View the full Agenda here

Executive Committee meeting (Councillor Elliott - Chair/Mayor Simpson plus Staff) on Tuesday, Feb 7th at 10am in Quesnel Council Chambers.  On the Agenda:

* Strategic Plan Review
* Community Engagement Calendar

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 7th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart Street).  On the Agenda:

* Delegations (2) -- Tim Rolph, WL Stampede Association President re: Update & Sue Hemphill, WL Field Naturalists re: Recommendation to Reject Fee for Service Agreement for Scout Island

* Dissolution of the Central Cariboo Economic Development Corporation
* Travel Expenses - Tourism/BC Ferry Discussion (Councillor J. Ryll)
* Permit Process - Atlantic Power (Report of Councillor I. Bonnell)
* Endorse Recommendations from the Jan 31st Committee of the Whole Session -- 2017 Grants in Aide/Fee for Service Agreements
* Order of British Columbia - 2017 Call for Nominations
* Special Occasion Liquor License Request - Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo Association

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District: 

Finance/Audit Committee Meeting on Wednesday, Feb 8th at 9:30am in the CRD Committee Room (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake) to discuss 'Value for Money - Library Services".  View the full Agenda here,

Infrastructure/Broadband/Cell Committee Meeting on Wednesday, Feb 8th at 11am in the CRD Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation - Falko Kadenbach, Vice-President of ABC Communications, to speak about a grant application for internet services in the South Cariboo and request for support

View the full Agenda here

Committee of the Whole Session on Wednesday, Feb 8th at 12:30pm in the CRD Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Amy Thacker/Pat Corbett from CCCTA (Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast Tourism Association) re: Support for MRDT Tax (Hotel Tax)

* Corporate Priority Reports
* Northern Development Initiative Trust discussion
* Requests from Director Forseth regarding NDIT Policy, CRD Governance Review, Strategic Plan Update

View the full Agenda here 

CCRHD Board Meeting on Thursday, Feb 9th at 9:30am in the CRD Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Election of Vice-Chair for 2017
* Capital Expenditure Bylaw 127 (Residential Care - Fischer Place, 100 Mile House)
* Northern Health - GR Baker Memorial Hospital Celebrates Improved Access to Breast Cancer Screening
* Ministry of Health - Community Paramedicine Initiative Request for Likely
* Interior Health - Contracts Awarded for Withdrawal Management Beds
* Request to Repeal Taxation Policy No. CCH.11-10A-5
* Update Banking Resolution
* Delegation (11:30am) -- Debbie Strang, Health Service Administrator, and Penny Anguish, Chief Operating Officer, for Northern Health, to provide an update.

View the full Agenda here

CRD Board Meeting on Thursday, Feb 9th at 9:45am in the CRD Boardroom.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation (11:00am) -- Lori Fogarty, Treasurer, and members of the North Cariboo Agriculture Working Group,to discuss the formation of an Agriculture Advisory Committee

* Dog Control in Rural Areas
* Various Planning Items
* Banking Resolution Update
* Appointments to the 2017 Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel (Dirs. Richmond, Wagner, Coakley)
* NCLGA Regional Representative Appt for 2017/18 Term (currently Director J. Sorley)
* Consent Calendar
* 3 Responses to Board Letters -- BC Utilities Commission - Residential Inclining Block Electricity Rates; Minister of Finance - Taxation of Electricity for Business and Industrial Use and Ministry of Environment - Mount Polley Proposal to Amend Environmental Management Act Permit

* Various Committee/Commission Minutes/Recommendations for Endorsement
* Cariboo Regional District Security Issuing (108 Mile Water System Improvements) Bylaw No. 5076, 2017 (1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings/Adoption)
* Requests from Directors R. Sharpe (Letter of Support - Heritage Tax Credit Bill) and J. Sorley (Proposed Moratorium on Road Deactivations in Horsefly and Access Area 'F' Director Initiative Fund for Noise Bylaw Community Meeting)

View the full Agenda here

Note to Readers in Williams Lake and surrounding Rural Communities:  - the Sam Ketcham Pool will take a 9-12 week shutdown starting on Monday, February 6th to transition between Phase 1 and 2 of the Sam Ketcham Pool Renovation Project.  Read full details here

Also, for those in Quesnel/Surrounding Rural Communities: - the Annual Quesnel Winter Carnival starts this evening (Fri Feb 3rd) goes until Sunday.  See more details here

More upcoming Williams Lake events - click here
More upcoming Quesnel events - click here

Finally - 3 Open Houses, put on by the BC Ministry of Aboriginal Relations/Reconciliation in respect of the Nenqay Deni Accord to be held next week as follows:

Feb 6th in Williams Lake - 3-7pm at the Ramada Williams Lake Hotel
Feb 7th in Alexis Creek - 1-5pm at the Alexis Creek Community Hall
Feb 8th in Nimpo Lake - 2-5pm at the Nimpo Lake Community Hall

Quesnel Council Highlights - Jan 31st mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

2018 Firefighter Games

Cody Dillabough, Fire Chief, and Devon Rusk, Fire Prevention Officer, both of the Barlow Creek Volunteer Fire Department (BCVFD), highlighted that the BCVFD will be hosting the 2018 Firefighter Games in Quesnel on July 6–8, 2018.  These Games will draw firefighter teams from across the province to compete in two days of fun and challenging firefighters games to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Canada. For a sneak peak of what to expect as a spectator at these Games, please visit ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47lBJKh-Als.

Quesnel Housing & Community Profile – Northern BC Housing Study

Marlene Morris, Co-Director of the Community Development Institute at the University of Northern British Columbia, presented highlights of the Northern BC Housing Study:  Housing Solutions for Changing Communities on behalf of BC Housing.  Council heard “legacies of the past (The Long Boom:  1950 – 1980; The 1980’s Crisis; and Post 2000)” and how these historical events affect the current housing inventory in Quesnel.  Also highlighted was the “Northern BC Housing Study Findings” that includes data around population, households, housing stock, and housing market trends in Quesnel.  To better understand local key trends/opportunities/challenges influencing housing demand and supply, the study compared 10 communities in the north:  100 Mile House, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Kitimat, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, Smithers, Terrace and Williams Lake. 

New Public Safety and Police Committee

Responding to one of the key recommendations “to form an oversight body to look at policing agreements and policing costs”, contained in the Policing Audit completed by the Auditor General for Local Government, Council included in its 2017 Strategic Plan to “Develop a Policing Committee of Council with mechanisms to allow public involvement; this may also include community input into all emergency services lead by the City”.  Appointments have been made to the new “Pubic Safety and Police Committee” that is a Council Standing Committee.  One of the first tasks of this Committee will be to draft a Terms of Reference and to review the Quesnel’s Municipal Policing Unit Agreement.  The first meeting is scheduled to take place February 2017. 

Grant Applications 

Council passed resolutions to enable the following grant applications to be submitted by City Staff:

• Trail Development Projects - Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition

• Update the 2007 Quesnel & Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan - Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition AND the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative

• North Cariboo Specific Fibre Utilization Analysis - Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition

• Professional and Skilled Trades Recruitment and Relocation – Northern Development Initiative Trust

• Quesnel and District Museum Renovations - British Columbia / Canada 150

Local Government Elected Officials - Federal/Provincial Elections

Council heard a summary of legislative and other corporate considerations that do not require a local government elected official to step down from their seat on municipal council should they enter into a federal/provincial election campaign and/or become successful in their bid for the MP/MLA seat.    

Quesnel Traffic Study and Highway 97 Safety Improvements 

The Quesnel Transportation Study that was conducted in 2015/2016 by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) that was to assist with making Highway 97 safety improvements in Quesnel appears to have stalled.  Council passed a resolution strongly encouraging MOTI to present a full public reporting of the results of MOTI’s Traffic Flow Analysis at an open public Quesnel City Council meeting; create a MOTI Technical Team to work with Quesnel City staff to assist the City with its major capital project planning that interfaces with Highway 97; and requests the Provincial government to take immediate steps to improve Highway 97 safety conditions in the City of Quesnel limits.  Please visit the Home Page of quesnel.ca for full details.   

Next Meetings

- February 7^th at 7 pm - Regular Council

- February 14^th at 5:30 pm – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee