Regular Council Meeting July 13th July 23, 2009
Posted by admin in : Fernie , add a comment1) Council Endorsement for possible establishment of a Boys and Girls Club Branch in Fernie
Members of the Boys and Girls Club Initiative advised Council of their interest and aim to establish a Boys and Girls Club for Fernie. Member Kerri Wall provided an overview of the philosophy of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and requested Council endorsement for the group’s proposal. Ms. Wall noted the group’s desire to work collaboratively with the City and other community groups and that the intent is not to duplicate existing services. Boys and Girls Clubs in Canada are an afterschool resource to working parents providing quality programming in over 700 community locations. Council endorsed the concept and recommended the group present to the Leisure Services Advisory Board.
2) Lease Approved for Fernie Creative Minds Preschool
Council approved the lease of a portion of Max Turyk School and Grounds to Heather Skaien dba Fernie Creative Minds Preschool. The lease is for a period of one (1) year commencing August 1, 2009 with a right of renewal for five (5) additional one (1) year terms, at an initial rate of $4,755.36 per year plus additional rent, being a proportionate share of variable costs defined in the lease, in accordance with the requirements of the Community Charter.
3) Notice of Lease approved for Creative Energy Arts Factory.
Council authorized Notice of Intended Disposal (a lease) of a portion of Max Turyk School to Alana Rybar O/A Creative Energy Arts Factory for a period of one (1) year commencing August 1, 2009 with a right of renewal for five (5) additional one (1) year terms, at an initial rate of $3,922.92 per year plus additional rent, being a proportionate share of variable costs defined in the lease, in accordance with the requirements of the Community Charter. The lease will be returned after statutory notice for consideration of approval by Council.
4) Working Model of Akamina #2 Cable Tool Oil Rig on long term loan to the Fernie Derrick Society
Council gave its approval to have the Working Model of the Akamina #2 Cable Tool Oil Rig leased for the sum of $1.00 to the Fernie Derrick Society for a term of ninety-nine (99) years for the purpose of assessment, repair and public display. The Rig will return to the City of Fernie in the event that the Society dissolves or in no longer able to care for or properly display the model.
5) Council supports funding a feasibility assessment for a Waste to Energy Project
Elk Valley Subregion Directors within the Regional District of East Kootenay have been in discussions about solid waste costs and alternatives to reduce trucking costs and tipping fees and possibly generate revenue from sale of power through a Waste to Energy project. The Elk Valley Subregion Directors provided municipalities with a report outlining the Waste to Energy process and requested funding support.
Council passed a resolution agree to contribute $6250.00 towards a high level assessment evaluating requirements necessary to make Waste to Energy feasible in the Elk Valley. The funds represent the City of Fernie’s share of the project costs and Council recommended that the Regional District of East Kootenay reimburse municipalities their proportional share of any surplus Solid Waste Management funds remaining at the conclusion of the fiscal year.
6) Development Variance Permit Applications
Council authorized the issuance of Development Variance Permit No. DVP-221 to Alan and Karina Agate. The permit authorizes the applicants to legalize the siting of the existing single detached dwelling, located at 116 – 15th Street, and to:
a. Vary the minimum side and rear yard setbacks and the maximum parcel coverage in order to construct a rear addition
b. Vary the maximum sundeck and step projections to construct a front sundeck and to,
c. Vary the maximum sundeck projections to construct a rear sundeck.
Council authorized the issuance of Development Variance Permit No. DVP-222 to Schickedanz Properties BC Ltd., c/o Keith Ekman, Ekman Land Surveying Ltd. The permit authorizes the proponent to legalize the siting of the 17-unit multi-family buildings, located at 1422 and 1462 6th Avenue, and to:
a. Vary the minimum front yard setback and to
b. Vary the off-street parking requirements from 2.0 sparking spaces per dwelling unit to 1.4 parking spaces per dwelling unit.
7) Bylaws
a. Bylaw No. 2102 Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw No. 1727, Amendment Bylaw No. 2, 2009 was granted first, second and third readings. This bylaw amends the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw No. 1727 by requiring all residential subdivisions or developments where the land use is to be rural residential to connect to the community sewer system. The change responds to recommendations contained in the 2009 Draft Stage 1 Report for the Liquid Waste Management Plan prepared by Urban Systems which discourages “on-site septic systems for further development within the City boundary”. Further, the change aligns with smart growth principles and policies.
b. Bylaw No, 2100 Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw 93, 2009 was granted first and second readings and referral to a Public Hearing. The rezoning of 972 – 6th Avenue (Lots 8 & 9, Block 46, District Lot 4588, Kootenay District, Plan 734A) would change the lands from R1 – Single Family Residential to R1B – Single Detached Plus Residential. The zoning change would allow a single family residence plus secondary sited either in the principal building or a detached one.
c. Bylaw 2103, cited as 2009 -2013 Five Year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No, 2103 was adopted. This bylaw serves to amend 2009-2013 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2095 to include expenditures and offsetting funding for modifications to the Aquatic Centre chlorination system, the reconstruction of the centre gazebo at Rotary Park, the shared purchase of an arena floor with the District of Sparwood and works required to protect exposed water and sewer pipelines in the Elk River.
d. Bylaw 2104, cited as Recreation Facility Reserve Fund Expenditure Bylaw No. 2104 was adopted. This bylaw authorizes the expenditure of funds from the Recreation Facility Reserve to finance all, or a portion of, the replacement of the roofs over the Annex Room and the Zamboni Room at the Fernie Memorial Arena, modifications to the chlorination system at the Aquatic Centre and the shared purchase of an arena floor with the District of Sparwood.
e. Bylaw 2015, cited as Tax Sale Property Reserve Fund Bylaw No. 2105 was adopted. This bylaw authorizes the expenditure of funds from the Tax Sale Property Reserve to finance a portion of the costs associated with the replacement of the roof at City Hall.
f. Bylaw 2106, cited as Capital Works, Machinery and Equipment Reserve Fund Bylaw No. 2106 was adopted. This bylaw authorizes the expenditure of funds from the Capital Works, Machinery and Equipment Reserve to finance a portion of the costs associated with the replacement of the roof at City Hall.
Regular Council Meeting July 10, 2009
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1) Development Variance Permits
Development Variance Permit No. 226 was approved for 902 4th Avenue to legalize the siting of the existing principal building, the maximum front step, eve and sundeck projections and to vary the minimum front and side yard setbacks and maximum parcel coverage from 35% to 42%.
Development Variance Permit No. 227 was approved for 171 2nd Avenue to legalize the siting of the existing principal building, the existing attached carport and the rear detached garage and further, to vary the maximum parcel coverage from 35% to 38%, the minimum front yard setbacks for the second story addition and the maximum front yard setbacks to accommodate the open porch, steps and eve projections.
2) 2009 Annual Report
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provided an overview of the 2009 Annual Report. The Annual Report is one method of reporting the City’s activities and efforts and is intended to enhance accountability and understanding of municipal operations. The Report begins with messages from the Mayor and CAO, highlights
including the City of Fernie Vision, Mission and Values and the strategic objective, targets and measures for the City of Fernie for 2009 and 2010. The Report also includes an overview of 2008 municipal services and operations and a progress report respecting 2008 goals, strategies and measures, and the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 including the Auditor’s report, consolidated financial position, activities, cash flows, reserves, statutory reserves and equity in physical assets. The Report also contains un-audited statistical information for the previous five years and the City’s Five-Year Financial Plan and 2008 grant amounts, The report is available at City Hall or online at: www.fernie.ca
3) Community Futures East Kootenay
Mr. Rob Gay, General Manager of Community Futures East Kootenay provided an overview of the services provided by the Community Futures which include consultation, training, business loans and business planning guidance for local entrepreneurs. For more information about Community Futures, visit their website at http://www.cfek.ca/ or their offices located at 110A Slater Road, Cranbrook or call 1-800-661-2293.
4) Rio Tinto
Mr. Steve Hovis, Principal Geologist and Mr. Matt Jeschke, Regional Community Manager for Rio Tinto Exploration and Mr. Richard Prokopanko, Director, Government Relations with Rio Tinto Alcan were in attendance. Mr. Hovis provided an overview of Rio Tinto, the Crowsnest Coal Project, work completed in 2008 and the 2009 work plan which, as a result of the economic downturn, is minimal. Mr. Hovis also described geological problems to overcome in order to develop a viable mine and explained Rio Tinto’s commitment to communities and sustainability practices. A copy of the presentation is on the City of Fernie website at www.fernie.ca under the “News” section.
5) Notice of Lease approved for Fernie Creative Minds Preschool
Council authorized Notice of Intended Disposal (a lease) of a portion of Max Turyk School and Grounds to Heather Skaien dba Fernie Creative Minds Preschool. The lease, as proposed is for a period of one (1) year commencing August 1, 2009 with a right of renewal for five (5) additional one (1) year terms, at an initial rate of $4,755.36 per year plus additional rent, being a proportionate share of variable costs defined in the lease, in accordance with the requirements of the Community Charter. The lease will be returned after statutory notice for consideration of approval by Council.
6) Council Supports Joint Grant Application with College of the Rockies and Fernie Trail Alliance for Trails
Following a presentation by Ms. Leah Bradish, Manager of the College of the Rockies – Fernie and Elk Valley Campus and Ms. Amanda Ridgeway, Fernie Trail Alliance, Council agreed to support a joint application to the federally funded Community Adjustment Fund for a “Tourism through Trails” development project. The project, if successful in receiving grant funds, would receive an additional $20,000 from the City of Fernie (taken from the 2009 trails portion of the British Columbia Resort Municipalities hotel room tax transfer program) to support a comprehensive review of trails in and around Fernie. The review could include a trails inventory, needs and gap analysis, mountain bike and trail user profile, assessment of education needs for guides, instructors, trail building and maintenance as well as an economic study identifying commercial opportunities available in the Fernie area.
7) Arena Flooring Partnering Agreement
Council approved the Arena Flooring Partnering Agreement that outlines roles and responsibilities between the City of Fernie and the District of Sparwood concerning use, access and insurance for the arena flooring. The arena floor covering would allow arena facilities in Fernie and Sparwood to hold more events and potentially increase rental revenue and facility usage. The budget allocated to purchase the flooring, storage containers, storage racks is $150,000 with the cost being split equally between the District of Sparwood and the City of Fernie each contributing up to $75,000.
Special Occasion Liquor Licence Application Approved for Fernie Heritage Cemetery Restoration Society
Council approved the Special Occasion Liquor Licence Application for the Fernie Heritage Cemetery Restoration Society authorizing the Society to host a “Beer Garden” during Canada Day events held in Prentice Park on July 1st, 2009 as a fundraising activity.
9) Draft Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Plan Endorsed.
Council endorsed the draft Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Plan presented by Ms. Megan Walsh. The draft plan outlines current City of Fernie and community emission levels and future projected emission trends. The plan further provides policy and practical recommendations for implementation. The plan sets out corporate goals for emission reductions to meet the requirements of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Partner for Climate Protection and may help the City meet its pledge under the Climate Action Charter to become carbon neutral. The plan also recommends public education and incentives that could be used to encourage residents to make changes to reduce emissions at the individual level.
10) Fernie Economic Development Opportunity Identification Forum and Results of On-line Survey.
The report outlining results from the June 9th Fernie Economic Development Opportunities Identification Forum and Results from an On-line Survey, written by Mike Stolte of Mike Stolte and Associates was received by Council. The report highlights the three main projects that emerged from the forum which are a Gateway project to beautify the east entrance to the City including a partnership with the Grizzly Centre, affordable housing and opportunities to explore what might be done to achieve more affordable housing in the community and lastly, the possibility of establishing an Economic Development office or officer position to approach economic development from a regional perspective. The report can be viewed on the City of Fernie website at: www.fernie.ca
11) Bylaws
Bylaw No. 2103 cited as 2009-2013 Five Year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2103 was granted first three readings. This bylaw serves to amend 2009-2013 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2095 to include expenditures and offsetting funding for modifications to the Aquatic Centre chlorination system, the reconstruction of the centre gazebo at Rotary Park, the shared purchase of an arena floor with the District of Sparwood and works required to protect exposed water and sewer pipelines in the Elk River.
Bylaw No. 2104 cited as Recreation Facility Reserve Fund Expenditure Bylaw No. 2104 was granted first three readings. This bylaw authorizes the expenditure of funds from the Recreation Facility Reserve to finance all, or a portion of, the replacement of the roofs over the Annex Room and the Zamboni Room at the Fernie Memorial Arena, modifications to the chlorination system at the Aquatic Centre and the shared purchase of an arena floor with the District of Sparwood.
Bylaw No. 2105 cited as the Tax Sale Property Reserve Fund Expenditure Bylaw No. 2105 was granted first three readings. This bylaw authorizes the expenditure of funds from the Tax Sale Property Reserve to finance a portion of the costs associated with the replacement of the roof at City Hall.
Bylaw No. 2106 cited as the Capital Works, Machinery and Equipment Reserve Fund Expenditure Bylaw No. 2106 was granted first three readings. This bylaw authorizes the expenditure of funds from the Capital Works, Machinery and Equipment Reserve to finance a portion of the costs associated with the replacement of the roof at City Hall.