REGULAR COUNCIL 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 26, 2007

Transcription

1 REGULAR COUNCIL 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 26, 2007 PRESENT: ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Jim Eglinski Councillor Dan Davies Councillor Don Irwin Councillor Karen Simpson John Locher, City Manager Carol Susak, Director of Corporate Administration Therese Jean, Director of Finance Patti Murray, Director of Community Services Horacio Galanti, Director of Engineering Jim Rogers, Director of Protective Services Victor Shopland, Director of Public Works and Utilities Keith Redl, RCMP Inspector Sarah Tittemore, Director of Marketing and Communications Grace Fika, Manager of Human Resources Janet Prestley, Deputy City Clerk 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. Notice of New Business: The following items were added to the agenda: meeting date with Grande Prairie City Council in Grande Prairie, two letters from School District No. 60 regarding Today and Tomorrow and the School Community Connections Application. 3. Adoption of Agenda by Consensus: The Regular Council meeting agenda was adopted as amended by consensus.

2 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 2 4. Adoption of Minutes: Special February 19, 2007 Special Council Meeting February 12, 2007 Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2007 Public Hearing Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1889, 2007 Inclusion of H1 - Home Industrial Zoning February 12, 2007 Public Hearing Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1890, 2007 SW 1/4, Sec. 36, Twp. 83, W6M, Peace River District RESOLUTION NO. 81/07 THAT, the minutes of the Special Council Meeting of February 19, 2007, Regular Council Meeting and Public Hearings of February 12, 2007 be approved. 5. Business Arising Out of the Minutes: North Central Municipal Association Submission of Resolutions to 2007 Annual General Meeting RESOLUTION NO. 82/07 THAT, the City of Fort St. John submit a resolution to the North Central Municipal Association requesting that the Provincial Government consider implementing legislation that would reduce the speed limit when passing stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks with lights on and when workers are present in a construction or maintenance zone, AND FURTHER THAT, the fine for those vehicles speeding while passing these emergency situations be double. Mayor Eglinski spoke with a BC Air Ambulance representative who clarified that BC Air Ambulance will use Stars Ambulance when the situation is applicable and when it is more efficient to use them. This representative suggested that people requiring air ambulance service to contact Stars Ambulance directly for assistance rather than contacting BC Air Ambulance. This will eliminate possible errors when conveying information.

3 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 3 5. Business Arising Out of the Minutes: North Central Municipal Association (continued) Submission of Resolutions to 2007 Annual General Meeting RESOLUTION NO. 83/07 THAT, Council ask the North Central Municipal Association to invite Stars Ambulance to make a presentation outlining their services at the NCMA s annual general meeting in May, Councillor Simpson stated that some young people 17 or 18 years old are forever in new driver mode due to previous driving infractions which inhibits their ability to obtain gainful employment in the oil and gas industry. She suggested that the Province consider reducing the age for the learner s licence to 14 years old. Councillor Simpson noted that the current strict restrictions on the learner s licence would remain but this would allow the driver to gain an additional two years worth of driving experience. Inspector Redl reported that the Federal Government implemented graduated licences since their mandate is for Canada to have the safest roads in the world by RESOLUTION NO. 84/07 THAT, the City of Fort St. John submit a resolution to the North Central Municipal Association requesting that the Provincial Government reduce the learner driver s licence age to 14 years from the current age of 16, THAT, the strict driving restrictions for learner licences remain in place, AND FURTHER THAT, this reduction in the age requirement would allow those teenagers aged 17 and older to be able to obtain gainful employment in the oil and gas industry without driving restrictions. Councillor Simpson mentioned that the penalties imposed for driving infractions should reflect the severity of the infraction since some the penalties are extreme. RESOLUTION NO. 85/07 THAT, the City of Fort St. John submit a resolution to the North Central Municipal Association requesting that the Province conduct a review of the penalties imposed for driving infractions for new drivers to ensure that the severity of the infraction is consistent with the penalty allocated, AND FURTHER THAT, the Province should take the new driver s driving record into consideration when determining the penalty for the driving infraction.

4 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 4 6. Presentations: Length of Service Award Scott Travis - 10 Years Mayor Eglinski presented Mr. Travis with his length of service award and thanked him for his services. The Director of Protective Services and the Manager of Human Resources left the meeting. Northern British Columbia Winter Games Peter Timmins, Paul van Nostrand and Ben Mitchell-Banks Presentation to the City The delegation presented a picture taken by Eagle Vision of the Northern BC Winter Games ice sculpture to City Council. Mayor Eglinski thanked the delegation for this gift. Salvation Army Captain Ben Lippers and Captain Isobel Lippers Presentation by WinterLights CoChair Councillor Irwin Councillor Irwin presented Captains Ben and Isobel Lippers, Salvation Army, with a WinterLights certificate that recognized the Salvation Army for the services they provide in Fort St. John and for being a community anchor. Councillor Irwin explained that the City received this award at the symposium held earlier this month in Ontario. 7. Delegations: None 9. Correspondence: Local Government Program Services Funding Advisory - Phase 1 Community Tourism Program Application Deadline The letter from the Local Government Program Services reminding municipalities of the Phase 1 Community Tourism Program s deadline date was received for information. Alliance of Concerned Citizens of BC Manufactured Home Parks in Your Area The letter from the Alliance of Concerned Citizens of BC regarding manufactured home parks was received for information.

5 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 5 9. Correspondence: Canadian Dental Assistants' Association Certified Dental Assistants in BC The letter from the Canadian Dental Assistants Association regarding the certification of dental assistants in BC was received for information. Union of British Columbia Municipalities In the House Newsletter: Housing the Centrepiece of Provincial Budget The Union of British Columbia Municipalities newsletter entitled Housing the Centrepiece of Provincial Budget was received for information. City of North Vancouver Resolution Requesting the Provincial Government to Increase the Minimum Wage The letter from the City of North Vancouver regarding their resolution requesting the Provincial Government to increase the minimum wage was received for information. Union of British Columbia Municipalities Highlights of the February 1-2, 2007 UBCM Executive Meeting The Union of British Columbia Municipalities newsletter outlining the highlights of the February 1 2, 2007 UBCM Executive Meeting was received for information. Union of British Columbia Municipalities BC - Alberta Trade Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) The correspondence from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities regarding the BC/Alberta Trade Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement was received for information. School District No. 60 Today and Tomorrow School District No. 60 s letter requesting a meeting with the Mayors of Fort St. John, Taylor, Hudson s Hope and the Peace River Regional District Chair to discuss planning needs for the future was received for information. It was noted that the meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, March 13, The Director of Corporate Administration will confirm whether or not Councillors can attend this meeting as well. School District No. 60 School Community Connection Application The School District s letter regarding the school community connection grant application was received for information. The City Manager contacted the

6 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 6 9. Correspondence: School District No. 60 (continued) School Community Connection Application School District suggesting that out of school child care be considered as the project with an appropriate agreement being put into place. RESOLUTION NO. 86/07 THAT, staff continue to work with School District No. 60 to submit a school community connection application for out of school child care. 10. Council Information Package Adoption: Administration Report No. 47/07 Council Information Package RESOLUTION NO. 87/07 THAT, Administration Report No. 47/07 Council Information Package be received for information. Ombudsman Councillor Irwin asked for clarification regarding the Ombudsman s process in reviewing complaints. The City Manager would investigate the process and report back to Council. 11. Reports by Mayor & Council on Meetings and Liaison Responsibilities: Councillor Ackerman University of Northern British Columbia Northeast Regional Advisory Council Meeting - March 26, 2007 The letter from the University of Northern British Columbia advising of a Northeast Regional Advisory Council Meeting scheduled for March 26, 2007 was received for information. Councillor Simpson: participated in the Special Council Meeting regarding the Enerplex s design build recommendation, attended the Regional District s Board meeting.

7 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page Reports by Mayor & Council on Meetings and Liaison Responsibilities: Councillor Irwin: attended the WinterLights National Symposium, participated in the Special Council Meeting regarding the Enerplex s design build recommendation. Councillor Davies: participated in a Northern Rockies Alaska Highway Tourism Association meeting, attended a Downtown Revitalization Committee meeting, attended the City s Spirit Square public informational meeting, attended the Sunrise Rotary Club s Sweetheart s Ball, spent the weekend in Prince George with the Cadets. Mayor Eglinski: participated in a Solid Waste Committee meeting, attended a senior s dance hosted by the Sunrise Rotary Club, met with a BC Air Ambulance representative, attended the Provincial Parliament s open session, attended the 100th birthday celebrations for Alice (Thomas) Richards. Deputy Commissioner - Pacific Region and Commanding Officer "E" Division Request to Attend the Change of Command Parade and Ceremony in Vancouver, BC on March 8, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 88/07 THAT, Mayor Eglinski and RCMP Inspector Redl be authorized to attend the Pacific Region and Commanding Officer E Division s Change of Command Parade and Ceremony in Vancouver on March 8, Public and Statutory Hearings and Public Meetings: The meeting recessed at 6:00 p.m. and reconvened at 6:11 p.m. RCMP Inspector Redl left the meeting. Public Hearing Report RESOLUTION NO. 89/07 "THAT, the public hearing report for Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1891, 2007 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1892, 2007 be received."

8 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 8 8. Public and Statutory Hearings and Public Meetings: Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1891, 2007 Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1892, 2007 Lot 1, Block 28, Plan 8780 ( A Street) Seymour Pacific RESOLUTION NO. 90/07 "THAT, Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1891, 2007 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1892, 2007 be read for a third time and adopted by title only." Public Hearing Report RESOLUTION NO. 91/07 "THAT, the public hearing report for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1893, 2007 be received." Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1893, 2007 Inclusion of Micro Brewery in Zoning Bylaw No. 1303, 1996 City Initiative Councillor Davies asked if there was a liquor licence requirement for the City to host a public meeting to allow a micro brewery to be established on a specific property. The City Manager replied that tasting is allowed within a micro brewery but drinking is not allowed so the licensing regulations do not apply. The intent of micro breweries is to sell locally brewed beverages to local drinking establishments. RESOLUTION NO. 92/07 "THAT, Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1893, 2007 be read for a third time and adopted by title only."

9 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page 9 8. Public and Statutory Hearings and Public Meetings: Public Hearing Report RESOLUTION NO. 93/07 "THAT, the public hearing report for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1895, 2007 be received." Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1895, 2007 Inclusion of Secondary Suite in R2, R4, RM1 and RM2 Zones City Initiative Councillor Irwin asked if other municipalities regulations were reviewed when developing the City s specifications. The City Manager replied that the regulations within the City s bylaw are the standard throughout the Province. RESOLUTION NO. 94/07 "THAT, Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1895, 2007 be read for a third time and adopted by title only." Public Meeting Report RESOLUTION NO. 95/07 "THAT, the public meeting report for Daryl Wark's Development Variance Permit Application for Street be received." Development Variance Permit Street - Daryl Wark Councillor Davies asked which setback would be affected by this variance. The City Manager replied that this is a side yard setback variance and is a corner lot. RESOLUTION NO. 96/07 "THAT, staff prepare the Development Variance Permit for Daryl Wark Street to provide a reduction in minimum exterior side yard setback from the required m (10 feet) to m (9 feet)."

10 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page New Business: City of Grande Prairie Meeting Between City Councils Grande Prairie City Council suggested three possible dates for a joint Council/senior management meeting in Grande Prairie. Council was asked to select one of the following dates: April 24, 25 or 26, Council confirmed April 25, 2007 as the preferred meeting date. The City Manager reported that the City van will leave City Hall at 3:30 p.m. for Grande Prairie. 12. Reports from City Manager and Administration: Administration Report No. 43/07 E & H Ventures Ltd. Partial Lane Closure Within Block 1, Plan 8551 RESOLUTION NO. 97/07 THAT, staff be authorized to proceed with the lane closure process for a portion of the lane within Block 1, Plan 8551 as indicated in Administration Report No. 43/07. Administration Report No. 44/07 Mayoral Collar Council discussed the collar s design. RESOLUTION NO. 98/07 THAT, it be recommended that the sterling silver mayoral collar at a cost of $2, be selected with the costs to come from the Council Contingency Account. Administration Report No. 45/07 Strategic Approach to Tourism Development RESOLUTION NO. 99/07 THAT, a community meeting to review and revise the existing Community Tourism Essentials Plan be held to obtain public input for an official City of Fort St. John Community Tourism Plan, AND FURTHER THAT, a Terms of Reference for a Tourism Task Force for Council review and approval be submitted.

11 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page Reports from City Manager and Administration: Administration Report No. 46/07 Cheque Listing Report for December 2006 and January 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 100/07 THAT, Council receive the attached Cheque Listing Report for December 2006 and January 2007 for information. Administration Report No. 48/07 Enerplex Construction Award The City Manager provided an overview of the proposed cost savings for the Enerplex s construction. Council discussed the suggested elimination of the tenant space walls under the oval. The City Manager explained that the area should not be developed until a tenant is found. This would allow the tenant to design the space according to their needs. Mayor Eglinski informed Council that Councillors Evans and Ackerman voiced their approval for option 2. The Mayor reported that Councillor Christensen could not be reached to obtain his comments. Councillor Davies asked if the Federal Government had reached a decision for recognizing and funding sports facilities. The City Manager replied that staff is currently trying to schedule meetings with Federal Ministers to lobby for funding. RESOLUTION NO. 101/07 THAT, approval is granted to enter into a contract with the preferred proponent for the Enerplex Construction for their proposed Option 2 (second level oval) at a cost not to exceed $36,240,598, AND FURTHER THAT, a Purchasing Protocol be utilized with the preferred proponent to realize negotiated savings for early payment for materials. RESOLUTION NO. 102/07 THAT, Fort St. John City Council write a letter to the Federal Government stating that the Federal Government should be a full partner in the City s Enerplex project and that this project is unique and is only one of three speedskating facilities of its kind in North America.

12 City of Fort St. John Regular Council Meeting Page Works in Progress: None 14. Bylaws: None 15. New Business: Council Calendar The Council Calendar was received for information. Councillor Davies reported that there is an Economic Development committee meeting tomorrow. Inspector Redl returned to the meeting. 16. Notice of Motion: None 17. Resolution to Move to Closed Meeting: None 18. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m. Confirmed by Council this 12th day of March, 2007 CERTIFIED CORRECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 124 OF THE COMMUNITY CHARTER WILLIAM JAMES EGLINSKI, MAYOR CAROL SUSAK, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION