Development Variance Permit – 262 Reid Street
Council approved to vary the parking requirements of a proposed commercial/residential complex at 262 Reid Street. The applicant is intending to renovate the existing building that would accommodate two commercial units on the ground floor and eight apartment units on the second floor. All seven off-street parking would be located in the back of the building, adjacent to the laneway.
Borrowing – Loader and Landfill Compactor
Council approved, from the City’s 2019 Capital Plan budget, borrowing $360,000 for a new Loader, and $670,000 for a new Landfill Compactor. The City will borrow funds from the Municipal Finance Authority, at a rate of 2.45%, over five years.
Fleet Review and Capital Plan
The City’s equipment is aged and significant replacements are required. The City recently underwent a review of its fleet with Council passing the following recommendations:
- Council adopted the Fleet Replacement Policy with recommended replacement cycles.
- Council approved:
- The 10-year capital plan proposed by the consultant with minor amendments made by staff, as required, but with the intent to update the fleet and move to the vehicle replacement cycles included in the Vehicle Replacement Policy.
- Adopted the Fleet Replacement Plan developed. The increased annual replacement funding required by this plan will reduce repair costs, improve vehicle reliability, and lower the City’s carbon footprint. Further, the financing models will enable the City to follow the recommended Fleet Replacement Plan.
- Going forward borrowing will utilize 5-year debentures from the Municipal Finance Authority until the Equipment Reserve is at a sufficient self-sustaining level.
Forestry Initiatives Program - Update
Following are the highlights of the Forestry Initiatives Program:
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
- Fuel Treatment – fuel managing the Airport lands, 10 Mile Lake Provincial Park, and Dragon Mountain Communication Towers. The City is collaborating with the Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development (“FLNRORD”) Ministry on fuel treating Milburn Mountain communications towers and Marsh Road subdivision.
- Prescription Development (500+ Acres) - prescriptions are being developed for Pinnacles Provincial Park, South Hills Range Land, Sugar Loaf Park, Dragon Mountain Road, West Fraser Road, Garner Road, and Claymine Trails.
- Research on Airport Lands - Forestry Initiatives Program is collaborating with FP Innovations on a research project to study fuel loading, machinery and harvesting methods, and contributing to the fuel management community of practice. In late October, a group of researchers from UBC, FP Innovations, and BC Wildfire Service are visiting the site to see the progress. UBC will use the area for PhD students to study fuel management.
Private Land Strategy for Fire Mitigation
- FireSmart on Private Lands – carried out 14 property assessments, and an assessment of City-owned buildings and landscaping. The City also convened four FireSmart Community Champion workshops, Wildfire Preparedness Day on June 8, and attended four farmer’s markets with BC Wildfire Service.
The Forestry Innovation Centre
- Grand Opening – 60 people attend the grand opening on September 18, 2019.
- Tracking Use – The Forestry Innovation Centre is being used for meetings and visiting researchers.
- School Groups – Talks with Baker Creek Enhancement Society and Genome BC to develop curriculum-based education program.
- Open House – A public open house is being scheduled for November 2019.
- Wood Works Award – The Forestry Innovation Centre was the recipient of this award that recognizes the support of the BC Wood Industry.
The Future of Forestry Think Tank Human Resources Session
On September 19 and 20, 2019, 60 participants convened to discuss human resources training in forestry.
- City working with CNC and BC Wildfire Service on a Fuel Management Training opportunity for spring 2020.
- Quesnel School Groups – talks with Baker Creek Enhancement Society and Genome BC to develop curriculum-based education program. City working with Baker Creek Enhancement Society, Genome BC, FLNRORD Ministry and Quesnel School District #28 to determine curriculum based forestry opportunities both in class and at the Forestry Innovation Centre.
2020 Community Resilience Investment Program Funding
- The proposal is to run FireSmart education and events (Preparedness Day, farmer’s markets, etc.), FireSmart rebates for 15 properties, and fuel treating South Hills Range Land.
Bylaws
1874 – Zone Amendment – Cannabis Retail Stores – Maximum of Five Stores – Third Reading
1876 – Permissive Tax Exemptions – Non Profits 2020-2023 – Third Reading
1878 – Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment – Religious Schools Services 2016-2025 – Third Reading
Next Meetings
6 pm – October 29, 2019 – Regular Council Meeting
6 pm – November 5, 2019 – Regular Council Meeting (Inaugural – Year 2 of 4-Year Council Term)