Thursday, September 30, 2010

3 School Mechnical System Upgrades in Cariboo-Chilcotin School District

From School District #27:

Annual savings to be achieved with 3 School Mechanical Upgrades!

The Board of Education of School District No. 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) passed three bylaws on Tuesday, Sept 28th which will allow them to proceed with three Energy Efficiency Mechanical Upgrades in District schools.

These bylaws will provide over $700,000 in Ministry of Education funding which the District will match for the following projects:

•Mile 108 Elementary will receive a full geo-exchange system that includes a geothermal loop field which will replace the current fluid cooler (cooling tower). The system will provide increased efficiency, reduced maintenance and significant reductions in Green House Gas (GHG) emissions.
•Naghtaneqed Elementary/Secondary School, located in Nemiah Valley will receive a full HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) mechanical upgrade. This will result in better air quality, reduced moisture problems, reduced maintenance and reductions in GHG emissions.
•Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary School will receive a new BioEnergy boiler heating system. This system uses wood pellets which are locally produced. The system ties into the current heating system and will be the primary source of heat for the school. The system will greatly reduce heating costs and GHG emissions, while supporting the local pellet production industry.
The energy efficiencies in all these projects will result in over $65,000 in annual savings for the District.

The Board also passed a bylaw to replace 11 school buses valued at $1.25 million from Ministry of Education funding.

Clarification on 2nd Avenue & Oliver St Project starting Tues Oct 12th

From the City of Williams Lake:

While the City is asking for the public’s cooperation during the October 12th to 29th construction phase of the 2nd Avenue and Oliver Street traffic light and sidewalk upgrades by avoiding the intersection when possible, we would like to clarify that all businesses in this area will be fully accessible and pedestrians will be directed around the construction site.

Please use extreme caution when accessing this intersection during these dates.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Cariboo Regional District receives $10,000 Infrastructure Planning Grant

The Province of BC awarded a $10,000 Infrastructure Planning Grant to the Cariboo Regional District - Electoral Area 'E' to study improving the Water and Sewer System in the Dog Creek Rd (Mountview) Area

See more here

Colin Hansen: HST Rate Cut "Pure Fantasy"

BC Finance Minister Colin Hansen responds to the suggestion from former BC Premier Bill Vander Zalm that the Premier will announce Friday at the UBCM Convention that the HST Rate will be reduced as "pure fantasy"

See more here

4 Year Terms for Local Governments defeated

At the UBCM (Union of BC Muncipalities) meeting today, delegates defeated a Resolution asking Victoria to extend terms of local governments from 3 to 4 years by a vote of 280-354

See the Williams Lake Tribune story here

Mayor Sjostrom re-elected to UBCM Board

From the City of Quesnel:

Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom will begin a seventh year on the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Board, having been elected this year as second Vice-President. Sjostrom has served six years on the Board, two as the North Central Municipal Association president, three as director-at-large and one as third vice-president.

“It’s an honour to have my peers in local government from across British Columbia continue to place their trust in me as a member of the UBCM executive,” said Sjostrom. “As a Board member I have the opportunity to work with senior government officials while helping keep Quesnel City Council and our residents abreast of trends and issues that are of interest or concern at the provincial level. It’s an advantage for Quesnel to be represented on the UBCM Board.”

Sjostrom was a representative on the Local Government Task Force in 2010 and also chairs the Off Road Vehicle Working Group. She was chair of the Community Economic Development Committee in 2009. She was also a member of the Convention Committee and a member of the Presidents Committee. In previous years she has held a number of positions, including: Resolutions Committee member, Convention Committee vice-chair; Tourism Advisory Committee chair; and Small Communities Policing Task Force member.

This year’s UBCM annual convention is in Whistler and runs from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1.

Quesnel Council works hard at UBCM

From the City of Quesnel:

Quesnel City Council has had a full schedule at this year’s Union of British Columbia Municipalities annual convention in Whistler. On top of attending seminars, speeches and resolution debates, Council also attended meetings to lobby for issues of concern to Quesnel residents.


Up first, City representatives met with Minister Michael de Jong from the Ministry of Public Safety to discuss the rising costs to municipalities of providing policing. They also discussed concerns around grow-ops and violence in our communities related to crime.


Another meeting, this time with Minister Rich Coleman from the Ministry of Housing and Social Development, allowed the City to present its recently completed Affordable Housing Needs Assessment. Council suggested that funding could be made available for communities like Quesnel to develop affordable housing strategies.


“It’s critical that Council take the opportunity to speak with various ministers about issues that we’re facing,” said Mayor Mary Sjostrom. “The UBCM convention is a great venue that provides us that opportunity. We’re able to speak to the topics and the Ministers typically have their staff respond. It’s a good way to open or continue a dialogue on matters of interest to Quesnel residents.”


This year’s UBCM annual conference is in Whistler and runs from Monday Sept. 27 to Friday Oct.1. Six members of Quesnel City Council are attending.

Week Delay to Traffic Light Upgrade Project at 2nd Avenue & Oliver Street

From the City of WL:

The City of Williams Lake would like to advise the general public that the new starting date for this project is October 12th, 2010 with the anticipated completion date of October 29th, 2010.


During this time the City will be doing Traffic Light and sidewalk upgrades that will disrupt traffic flow at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Oliver Street.


“The Traffic Lights at 2nd Avenue and Oliver Street have been identified as exceeding their life expectancy. This traffic light upgrade will provide improved traffic flow and assist the City in reducing its carbon footprint through new technology,” states Councilor Sue Zacharias. "The voice walk indicator system and improved sidewalk ramps support the City's accessibility initiative.”


If possible, please avoid the 2nd Avenue and Oliver Street intersection completely. If unable to avoid the construction site, please use extra caution.


To minimize traffic disruption, the existing traffic lights will be operational during the upgrade and the new system will be operational on October 15th, 2010. The City will commence replacement of the removed concrete sidewalk on October 18th.


The City of Williams Lake thanks the public for their patience and cooperation while this project is underway.

City of WL & RCMP respond to CTV-BC News re: Jail Cell incident at WL RCMP Detachment

After last night's CTV-BC news story about a jail incident at the Williams Lake RCMP Detachment, both the City of Williams Lake & RCMP - "E" Division have both responded to this media story

See the City of Williams Lake response here
See the RCMP - "E" Division response here

Also - the BC Civil Liberties Association has formally filed a complaint against the local WL RCMP Detachment Commander - Staff Sgt Warren Brown.  See the Williams Lake Tribune story here

Note - It is unfortunate that the CTV-BC news story has put Staff-Sgt Warren Brown in such a negative light.  Every time I see him at a Williams Lake Council or Committee of the Whole Council meeting, he really seems a warm person and wanting to do the right kind of criminal prevention activities for our community

HST Rate Cut Coming..?

FightHST announcing that it has reliable sources that BC Premier Gordon Campbell will announce at the UBCM (Union of BC Muncipalities) Annual Conference on Friday that the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) Rate will be reduced. 

If true, then that calls into question the provincial government claim that the HST Rate of 12% could not be reduced until 2012

See more here

Referendum or Initiative vote on the HST

In his column today, Vancouver Sun political columnist Vaughn Palmer looks at the difference between an referendum vote & initiative vote conducted on the topic of the HST and what those options entail and how they relate to the political problems that the BC Liberals' have on the HST

See here

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

WL RCMP in the news....

On CTV-BC, BC Civil Liberty Association head David Edy questions the actions of the local RCMP Detachment Commander Warren Brown while trying to subdue a suspect in the local jail.  The story comes with actual video from the local RCMP Detachment so you can judge Staff-Sgt Warren Brown's actions for yourself.  This is the kind of news that Williams Lake doesn't need from provincial media

See here

$30,000 in School Community Connections Grants used for 2 projects in Cariboo-Chilcotin School District

Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett announcing that the local school district has received $30,000 in School Community Connections (SCC) grants for 2 projects - 1 at Wildwood Elementary and 1 at Forest Grove Elementary

See more here

Mike De Jong --> Bill Vander Zalm has a secret agenda when it comes to the HST & Recall

In Thursday's Globe and Mail - Ian Bailey has an article that quotes Mike De Jong (BC Attorney-General) making a strong suggestion that Bill Vander Zalm has a secret and horrible agenda when it comes to the HST & Recall of BC Liberal MLA's

See here

My question is - will we see other senior BC Liberal Cabinet Ministers' coming out and personally attacking Bill Vander Zalm??  Time will tell but it's a fair guess that voters' upset at the BC Liberals' over the introduction of the HST will see through it as a desperate attempt to discredit Mr. Vander Zalm by a desperate provincial government that knows it is done

HandyDART only service to proceed in portions of CRD Areas D to F

The Cariboo Regional District has released the final results of the vote conducted on Sat Sept 25th on the issue of transit & HandyDART or HandyDART only in portions of CRD Areas D, E and F.

On the issue of a Transit & HandyDART combined service - the final number is 117 yeas and 150 nays.  This proposed Function will not be submitted to the CRD Board for adoption.  However, the trial transit service will continue until December 31st, 2010

On the issue of a HandyDART service only - the final number is 145 yeas and 117 nays.  This proposed Function will now submitted to the CRD Board for adoption. 

The max cost for taxpayers' in portions of CRD Electoral Areas D, E, F is $2.82 per $100,000 of property assessment on basis on land and improvements

Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project - Weekly Update

Work Currently Underway


• Paving of the top lift for the main part of the street will be complete by Wednesday. This marks the end of the major component of the Mackenzie Avenue project.

• Many streets that connect to Mackenzie Avenue require tie-in paving, which is currently underway.

• The final grading for the mixed-use path should wrap up by Wednesday, September 29, at which time it will be prepared for paving. Fine tuning of the grade was required here, which pushed the grading completion back.

• The application of centerline and markings along Mackenzie will begin Monday, October 4.

• It is expected that the parking area of the Community Arts Centre will be paved Thursday, September 30.

-

Cariboo Regional District praised for Wildfire Planning

Today, the Hon. Pat Bell (Minister of Forests) praised 6 local governments for their work on wildfire planning including our Cariboo Regional District

See more here

Update on re-opening Highway #20

The Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure provides an update on when Highway #20 to Anahim Lake and points beyond may re-open

See here

PAC (Parent Advisory Council) money announced for Cariboo-Chilcotin

The Ministry of Education has released the individual school PAC Gaming Grant (Parent Advisory Council) amounts for this year which totals $11,126,354.68

In 100 Mile House - PAC's there will receive $24,820.00

At Horse Lake Elementary - their PAC will receive $3,780.00

At 108 Mile Elementary - their PAC will receive $4,160.00

At Lac La Hache Elementary - their PAC will receive $800.00

At 150 Mile House Elementary - their PAC will receive $6,500.00

At Big Lake Elementary - their PAC will receive $500.00

At Alexis Creek Elementary/Jr Secondary - their PAC will receive $780.00

In Williams Lake, PAC's will receive $65,218.33

In Quesnel, PAC's will recieve $73,140.00

For invididual PAC amounts for Williams Lake or 100 Mile House - see here

UBCM Rural Delegates miffed over 2 new Seats for Metro Vancouver

At the UBCM Convention today, delegates debated a motion to allow Metro Vancouver delegates to have 2 additional seats on the UBCM (Union of BC Muncipalities) Executive and rural delegates openly expressed their displeasure at the move

See more here

UBCM defers vote on 4 Year Local Government Terms

After a 1st vote of 268-244 and much arguing over procedural rules and passionate debate on changing the local government term from 3 to 4 years which included the following comments:

Lloyd Forman (Area 'A' Director of the Fraser Valley Regional District) - if you have 4 year terms, why  not term limits too

Ellen Woodsworth (Vancouver City Councillor) - 4 year terms necessary for stability/maturity

John Ranns (Mayor of Metchosin) - 4 years too long for politicians, too long to keep people focused

Randy Halyk (Kitimat Councillor) - need 4 year term to learn local issues

Ralph Forsyth (Whistler Councillor) - 4 year terms harmful for young people trying to establish their career and running for local gov't office

A re-vote on the UBCM Resolution to extend local government terms from 3 to 4 years will occur tomorrow (Thursday) morning

In other UBCM News:

1) UBCM Delegates have approved a Resolution (Motion) calling on Victoria to move the date of the next local government election from November to October

2) UBCM Delegates have defeated a Resolution (Motion) calling on Victoria/Ottawa to amalgamate provincial and federal environmental assessment rules

Work at 2nd Avenue & Oliver St commences next Monday

From the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake would like to advise the general public that starting October 4th through to October 22nd, 2010, the City will be doing Traffic Light and sidewalk upgrades that will disrupt traffic flow at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Oliver Street.


“The Traffic Lights at 2nd Avenue and Oliver Street have been identified as exceeding their life expectancy. This traffic light upgrade will provide improved traffic flow and assist the City in reducing its carbon footprint through new technology,” states Councilor Sue Zacharias. "The voice walk indicator system and improved sidewalk ramps support the City's accessibility initiative.”


If possible, please avoid the 2nd Avenue and Oliver Street intersection completely. If unable to avoid the construction site, please use extra caution.


To minimize traffic disruption, the existing traffic lights will be operational during the upgrade and the new system will be operational on October 8th, 2010.


The City will commence replacement of the removed concrete sidewalk on October 11th. This construction is anticipated to be completed by October 22nd, 2010.


The City of Williams Lake thanks the public for their patience and cooperation while this project is underway.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Ottawa refuses to shoulder more costs for RCMP services

Ottawa announced today at the 107th UBCM Convention that it will not budge from the traditional RCMP funding models for communities in BC:

0 - 5,000 - do not pay
5,000 - 15,000 - 70% paid by local community and 30% paid by Victoria/Ottawa
15,000+ - 90% paid by local community and 10% paid by Victoria/Ottawa

See here

Note - This news is extremely disappointing given Victoria has said that no local government will be allowed to look at starting its' own muncipal police force.  Given that Ottawa is refusing to assist BC communities with their escalating police costs, Ottawa/Victoria should allow muncipalities to look at the option of starting its' own muncipal force, if it turns out that doing so works out cheaper for our local government policing budget

Province shelves possible tax deal for small/medium sized towns in Industrial Taxation issue

In the Vancouver Sun, they are reporting that the Province has told the delegates at the 107th UBCM Convention that it doesn't to follow through with a tax deal to help small and mediums towns/cities/villiages and districts deal with the thorny issue of industrial taxation

See here

Note - I'm of the opinion that the issue of Industrial Taxation should be settled on a community by community basis as the proposed deal between the Province & UBCM would not truly solve the issue of Industrial Taxation, which is that each community should look hard at the services it offers and ask if, given the economic circumstances, it is appropriate under the circumstances

Why launch a recall campaign against BC Legislature Speaker Bill Barisoff?

Tom Fletcher, Legislative Bureau Chief for Black Press, reviews why he thinks that FightHST has added the BC Legislature's Speaker & MLA for Penticton Bill Barisoff to the Recall MLA List which totals 19 MLA's now

See here

Wally Oppal (former BC Attorney-General) heads up Willy Pickton Inquiry

Hon. Mike De Jong (BC Attorney-General) has appointed Wally Oppal (former BC Attorney-General) to head up the Willy Pickton Public Inquiry. 

However, some groups including the Union of BC Indian Chiefs', have come out and criticized the move

Note - The provincial government has goofed on this move, given Wally Oppal is a former politician and it has the appearance of paying Mr. Oppal, a defeated candidate in the 2009 Provincial Election in Delta-South, back for losing the election in Delta-South.  The provincial government should find another ex-judge or eminent individual that has no connection to politics or to the Pickton court case

See the story from CBC-BC's website here

Forest Fuel Removal Project done appropriately.....?

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to go for a walk in the forest behind Cataline Elementary which is located on Blair Street.  The picture you see on the left is an example of, at least, 12 piles that look like the pic on the left.  When I raised this matter with the City's Fire Chief Randy Isfeld in July of this year, he indicated to me that there had been work on-going in this forest to remove forest fuels to prevent Interface Fires, similar to the ones we all saw in Kelowna in 2003 as this forest abuts several homes on 11th Avenue

Since then, nothing has been done.  I fail to understand why it takes months to resolve a problem like this.  Surely, there are records of who did the work and to tell that individual/group to correct this.  Now, it is true that there are cement barriers at access points to this forest but it would take only 1 homeless individual to light this pile for warmth for it to get out of control and force residents' to flee their homes unnecessarily. 

Also - this could be a "make-work" project for unemployed individuals in our community or even youth that have court-imposed community hours and make this forest a even better place to take our dogs or kids for walks/hikes

Councillor Zacharias should meet with City's Advisory Planning Commission

Williams Lake Tribune ran my letter to the editor calling on Mayor Cook, Councillor Sue Zacharias and appropriate City Staff to meet with the City's Advisory Planning Commission (APC) after Councillor Zacharias suggested at the September 21st WL Council meeting that the APC didn't do its' homework on Zoning Amendment Bylaw #2119

See the letter here

TNG Tribal Chief Joe Alphonse on Prosperity Mine Procurement Session

In today's Williams Lake Tribune, TNG Tribal Chief Joe Alphonse expressed his disbelief that Taseko Mines is hosting, in partnership with the WL & District Chamber of Commerce, a procurement session for the eventual building of the $800 million Prosperity Mine, west of Williams Lake

See his letter here

FightHST & Other Agendas

Vancouver Sun Political Columnist Vaughn Palmer looks into revelations that some connected to FightHST and the HST Initiative Petition may have other agendas at play

See more here

Highway #20 to remain closed for the foreseeable future

The Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure has announced today that Highway #20, west of Williams Lake, will remain closed for the foreseeable future, due to the high level of rain that has fallen to date.  It is anticipated that it could be weeks before Highway #20 could re-open

See more here

Monday, September 27, 2010

No Transit in portions of CRD Electoral Areas D, E, F but HandyDART will proceed

Over the weekend, voters' in portions of CRD Electoral Areas D, E,F voted on two options for transit/HandyDART and HandyDART only

On Transit/HandyDART - it was defeated by a vote of 117-150

On HandyDART only - it was approved by a vote of 145-117

With the vote complete - taxpayers' in parts of CRD Electoral Areas D, E, F can expect to see a tax on their property tax bill for HandyDART only of $2.82 per $100,000 of property assessment on land/improvements in 2011

Cariboo Regional District activates Level 2 EOC - flooding in Area 'J'

Williams Lake Tribune is reporting that the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) has activated its' Level Two Emergency Operations Center due to flooding in Electoral Area 'J'.  A Emergency Social Service Center has been established in Williams Lake for those people evacuated from Area 'J', due to flooding

See more here

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Washout on Highway #20 15 kms West of Williams Lake

Williams Lake Tribune is reporting that Highway #20 is washed out about 15 kms west of Williams Lake and also 20 kms east of Bella Coola.  DriveBC.ca reports that Highway #20 may re-open Monday morning but puts' that prediction as low

See here

Will the BC Liberals' be still government by September 24th, 2011

Vancouver Province Political Columnist Micheal Smyth looks ahead to whether or not the BC Liberals' can hang on to its' hold as the Provincial Government by September 24th, 2011

See more here

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Vaughn Palmer - BC NDP Leader still faces criticism within her own party

Vancouver Sun Political Columnist Vaughn Palmer discusses in today's column how BC NDP Leader Carole James faces criticism within her own party on her approach to courting other groups' support (business, etc) that are not traditional BC NDP supporters'.

See here

Friday, September 24, 2010

CRD Public Consultation Policy on Regulatory Bylaws is lacking

Last August, the CRD Board passed a new Policy requiring that Regulatory Bylaws be subject to Public Consultation prior to adoption.  So far, the CRD Board has passed a number of regulatory bylaws to which those bylaws haven't made the mainstream media and public discussion forums.

A more recent example of this is on Friday, September 17th, the CRD Board gave 3rd reading to its' new Building Bylaw which updates the requirements for how/when a building permit is sought and expires.  The CRD has failed to actively promote this pending Bylaw except posting it on the CRD's website (http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/) and calling that "public consultation".  That is not public consultation in my mind and I intend to discuss this with CRD Directors' and encourage them to live up of the spirit of their Public Consultation Policy on Regulatory Bylaws. 

While I'm at it - the City of Williams Lake is coming soon to the 1st anniversary of its' vow to change the way it deals with the public vis-a-vis regulatory bylaws (Anniversary on November 24th).  The City will be sending a powerful political message (all talk, no action) if November 24th came and passed with no demonstrated action on a policy with regard to regulatory bylaws in the City of Williams Lake

CRD Referendum Vote on Central Cariboo Transit Saturday

Just a reminder that the Cariboo Regional District is conducting a vote on a proposed Central Cariboo Transit Function tomorrow at Wildwood Elementary  - 4252 Wildwood Rd (Area 'D'), Mountview Elementary - 1222 Dog Creek Rd. (Area 'E') and 150 Mile House Community Hall/Fire Hall - 3038 Pigeon Road (Area 'F') and the Williams Lake CRD Office (Suite D - 180 North 3rd Avenue).  Two early vote opportunities were held previously on September 15th and 17th. 

You can get the precise details on if your property is in the proposed Function area and other relevant details at http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/WhatsNew/Referenda.aspx.  If you don't want this Function to appear on your tax bill for 2011, then you need to get to either Wildwood/Mountview Elementary Schools, 150 Mile Community Hall or the CRD Williams Lake office on Saturday.  The usual proof of 2 pieces of identity will be required (drivers' license and proof of property (ie - utility bill))

As soon as I receive or hear about the vote results, I will post them here

Board of Education (SD #27 - Cariboo-Chilcotin) meets next Tuesday

The Board of Education for School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) meets next Tuesday at the Board of Education office (350 North 2nd Avenue - besides Marie Sharpe Elementary)

See the Agenda/Reports here

Taseko Mines (Prosperity Mine proponent) holds procurement session for Prosperity Mine site

On Tuesday, September 28th from 2-4pm at the Gibraltar Room, Taseko Mines and the WL & District Chamber of Commerce will be holding a information session for contractors & construction providers'.  The session is intended to help prepare these groups to get ready for the possible construction of the $800 million Prosperity Mine, if it is approved by Ottawa later on this year

You are asked to pre-register with the WL & District Chamber office by calling 250-392-5025 or by email: visitors@telus.net

This is not an employment opportunities session.  That will come later on in the process

Easy solution to fix the HST dilemma but politically, it may be too late

Vancouver Sun columnist Don Cayo says that there is a simple economic solution to the HST fiasco, as far as the public goes, but from a political standpoint, it is likely too late to stop either recalls in January 2011 or if that fails, the downfall of the BC Liberals' in 2013

See more here

Town Hall Radio Program Resumes October 7th

I've just received an email from Tom Tompkins (local "Rush FM" station manager) who advises me that the "Town Hall with City of WL Mayor Kerry Cook" radio program will resume Thursday, October 7th at 8:40am

I'm glad to see that the radio program will continue as it is useful for City residents' to know what is going on in their City

But I'd like to see once a month where people can call in and ask questions of Mayor Cook or her alternate on this radio program or even hosting, at WL City Hall, a Town Hall meeting where people can show up and fire any question they want at the Mayor/City Councillors'

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Town of Summerland & Long-Term Borrowing

Earlier in the year, Summerland voters' rejected long-term borrowing for its' local recreation facility, now voters' there have rejected in a counter-petition, $3.1 million in long-term debt to build a new RCMP Detachment Building.  See the article from tomorrow's (Friday) Globe and Mail here

But, the question I have is - is this a sign of things to come in muncipal governments & regional districts borrowing plans in the Province of BC?

Province of BC releases new Wildfire Strategy

The Hon. Pat Bell (Minister of Forests and Range) released this morning a new Wildfire Strategy to help reduce the Interface Forest Fire risk among other things

See the strategy here

Walt Cobb - Wait for the 2013 Provincial Election

Williams Lake Tribune columnist (and former MLA and City of WL Mayor) Walt Cobb argues why Anti-HST forces should wait until May 14th, 2013 (date of next provincial election) rather than using recall to get rid of sitting Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett

See here

Also - Cariboo-North NDP MLA Bob Simpson fires back at Walt Cobb & Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett over Prosperity Mine. 

See here

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

City of Quesnel appoints Interim City Manager (CAO)

Quesnel City Council has named Jack Marsh as the Interim City Manager, effective September 24th.  Marsh, the current Director of Public Works, will fill the role until a Permanent City Manager is named.

"Jack has been with the City for more than 35 years; he knows the City, our staff, the challenges we face and the opportunities we can take advantage of," said Mayor Mary Sjostrom. "I know he'll do a great job for us as we go through the transition period."

Marsh replaces current City Manager Byron Johnson, who has accepted an offer to become the Chief Administrative Officer with the province's newest municipality, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality.

Long-time Deputy Works Superintendant Ken Coombs will be the Acting Director of Public Works while Marsh is the Interim City Manager. Coombs has been with the City since 1991 and regularly fills in as Public Works Director during vacations.

The City is in the process of recruiting a new city manager, and plans to have a replacement in place early in 2011.

Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project - Weekly Update

Work Currently Underway

• Paving of the top lift is underway. It is expected that all lanes will be complete, from Highway 97 in the north to the Stampede Grounds, by Wednesday, September 22. A few street tie-ins remain to be completed, so drivers should continue to use caution at intersections.

• The current schedule indicates that the intersection of Highway 20 and Mackenzie Avenue will be paved the night of Monday, September 27, so delays can be expected at that time.

• The final grading for the mixed-use path should wrap up by Wednesday, September 22, at which time it will be prepared for paving.

• Works are also nearing completion on the drainage improvement areas near Borland Road. Only a few minor items remain. This includes adjustment of a catch basin near the intersection at Highway 97, and construction of a swale.

Steve Rant - September 21st WL Council Meeting

1) Councillor Zacharias and APC/Public Hearings

As many of you know, the City of Williams Lake has an Advisory Planning Commission or APC and WL Council may appoint up to 7 people to sit on this Commission to take a look at Land-Use Matters from a citizens' perspective early in the land-use process prior to adoption by Council.  Council asked the City's APC at its' July 27th meeting to review and provide recommendations' on Zoning Amendment Bylaw #2119.  Of the 6 APC members', only two could make this meeting (myself and Trevor Mathis).  Consequently, Mr. Mathis and myself decided to recommend Williams Lake Council proceed to 2nd Reading on Bylaw #2119

On September 7th - WL Council met with Councillor Sue Zacharias participating via teleconference.  Also, a Public Hearing was held on Bylaw #2119 however provincial law mandates that any Councillor or the Mayor that is not physically present at the Public Hearing may not participate in the Public Hearing (Councillors' Zacharias/Barr were not present and therefore could not participate).  During the Public Hearing, both Elke and Karl Reiner raised some concerns that they had on Bylaw #2119.  After the Public Hearing, Council decided to ask Staff for a report on the concerns brought forward by the Reiners' and the report was to be tabled at the September 21st WL Council meeting

Last night - during consideration of the City Planners' report (comments during the Public Hearing on Bylaw #2119), Councillor Sue Zacharias stated outright that she was "appalled" with what took place during the Public Hearing, based on what she read in the Public Hearing minutes of September 7th in addition to suggesting that the Reiners' made a lot of accusations that were not defendable.  What I find appalling is to launch an unfounded and uncharacteristic attack upon the Reiners' without affording them an opportunity to respond in kind and yes, I did go personally to Elke Reiner and say that I was sorry that Councillor Zacharias say what she said to the Reiners' and Councillor Zacharias did not represent my views.  In a Public Hearing, you are supposed to come to the Public Hearing with an open mind and listen to what the public has to say.  It doesn't say a Council member has to agree 100% with what the public has to say but to suggest that what the public says during a Public Hearing is "appallling" crosses the line.

In addition, Councillor Zacharias suggesting that the City's APC members' (all 6) didn't do their homework and suggested that they were lazy on Bylaw #2119.  As a 6 year member of the City's APC as Vice-Chair and serving my 2nd year as Chair of the CRD (Cariboo Regional District) Area 'D' APC, I do a ton of work to ensure my fellow members' know what is being considered and to try and address their concerns.  If Councillor Zacharias doesn't like the job we're doing as APC members' (APC falls within Councillor Zacharias' Portfolio), then she should have the "cojones" to show up at an City of WL APC meeting and say so in person.  But don't do it at a Council meeting where we, as APC members', can't respond to her concerns

2) Mayor Cook, Councillor Rathor and Round-table Discussions

At the end of every WL Council meeting, there is an opportunity for each City Councillor and the Mayor to provide an oral report on what he/she are up to in the community.  When it was Mayor Cook's turn, she announced the good news that Deni House was set to re-open, however Councillor Rathor wanted to raise the point (and a good one at that) that Deni House has been opened/closed by Interior Health twice before and is this a true story or are we being suckered again to which Mayor Cook shut down Councillor Rathor.  Talk about acting like Josef Stalin.  Is she really afraid to hear what Councillor Rathor has to say?.  Really - the only point Councillor Rathor was trying to make was that Interior Health has suckered the community in over Deni House twice and not to buy in to the "good news" story from Interior Health.  If former City of WL Mayors' Rick Gibson/Scott Nelson allowed Surinder Rathor to speak his mind without interruption, then Kerry Cook should do the same.  It is the polite and honourable thing to do, even if you don't agree with what a City Councillor has to say

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

WL Council Meeting Highlights - September 21st

Present:

Mayor Cook and Councillors Bourdon, Hebert, Rathor, Walters, Zacharias and Barr (via teleconference)

Staff Present:

Brian Carruthers - CAO
Cindy Bouchard - Manager of Legislative Services
Lilliana Dragowska - Planner
Tom Chung - IT Manager
Wendy Dalman - Corporate Services Clerk
Cindy Walters - Planning Clerk
Annie McKitrick - Acting Social Development Manager

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm
Minutes from September 7th meeting, as amended, approved

Delegations/Presentations:

1) Mayor Cook, on behalf of Council, presented a “Community Hero Award” to Zachariah Jeff

2) WL RCMP Detachment Commander (Staff/Sgt) Warren Brown appeared before Council to present crime stats.  See his presentation here

Business:

1) Council approved the annual Halloween Fireworks show & bonfire on Sunday, October 31st, 2010 at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds and the community was encouraged to attend

2) Council approved a reduction in the speed limit on Duncan Road from 50km/h to 30km/h.

3) Council received for information a report from the City’s Transportation & Building Manager regarding an upgrade to the WL Regional Airport fuel supply system to meet Ministry of Forests air tanker base requirements

4) Council agreed to enter into several tax revitalization agreements with:

• Dr. Rudy Wassenaar - 249 Barnard Street

• Freedom DSJ Enterprises Inc – 112 4th Avenue North

• Pioneer Glass & Aluminum Ltd – 113 Yorston Street

Council asked Staff to bring forward Tax Revitalization Bylaw #2077 for review at a future Committee of the Whole meeting. As well, Staff will bring forward a report on financial implications of tax revitalization agreements at a future Committee of the Whole meeting

5) Council gave 3rd reading and adoption to Zoning Amendment Bylaw #2119 (Westridge Ventures Ltd)

6) Council adopted several Committee of the Whole recommendations, as follows:

• Council declared redundant 34 Council Policies

• Council received the Final Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report containing the City's Corporate Greenhouse Gas inventory results, recommended reduction targets, and next steps and Council committed to reducing the City's greenhouse gas emissions from the baseline year of 2008 by 33 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050, these targets being consistent with BC's Climate Action Plan pursuant to the Provincial Government's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act, Bill 44, in order to complete both Climate Action Charter Step 2 and Partners for Climate Protection Milestone 2.

• Council approved the enactment of a task force comprised of representatives from the public, private and community sectors to explore the possibility of the redevelopment of the Cariboo Lodge Site; and City Staff were asked to report back with a proposed Terms of Reference.

• Council approved the Community Garden Policy and the Model of a Lease for the use of City property for Community Gardens and staff were authorized to work with the Food Policy Council committee of the Social Planning Council to finalize the lease for the properties located on the Cariboo Lodge site and at the bottom of Williams Lake Secondary School on Carson Drive

7) Council received an email from Rick Roy requesting a letter of support for an grant application to the Williams Lake & District Credit Union for a video biography documentary series and agreed to give Mr. Roy a letter of support in his application to the WL & District Credit Union

8) Council proclaimed the week of November 14th to November 21st as “Restorative Justice Week” in the City of Williams Lake

9) Council proclaimed the week of October 3rd to 9th as “Fire Prevention Week” in the City of Williams Lake

Council members’ then made oral reports on issues/events occurring in the City

Meeting adjourned at 8:05pm

Council then convened an In-Camera (Closed) Meeting, in accordance with Section 90(1)(b) of the Community Charter –

(personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award or honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the municipality on condition of anonymity)

Marilyn Baptiste - Ottawa "must' kill Prosperity Mine proposal

In a Op-Ed (Opinion Editorial) in the Globe and Mail - Xeni Gwet'in (Nemiah Valley) Band Chief Marilyn Baptiste pleads with the Federal Cabinet to kill the Prosperity Mine proposal, west of Williams Lake

See here

Note - While I respect the views of Chief Baptiste, the regional needs of people require that the Federal Cabinet approve the Prosperity Mine proposal and they do so forthwith

Monday, September 20, 2010

Effort to recall BC Liberal MLA's gets underway

Fight HST released their list of 18 BC Liberal MLA's for recall.  The official Recall List is:

•Donna Barnett - Cariboo Chilcotin
•Ida Chong - Oak Bay Gordon Head

•Terry Lake - Kamloops North Thompson
•John Slater - Boundary Similkameen
•Marc Dalton - Maple Ridge Mission
•Colin Hansen - Vancouver Quilchena
•Bill Bennett - Kootenay East
•John Les - Chilliwack
•Bill Barisoff- Penticton
•Steve Thompson - Kelowna-Mission
•John Rustad - Nechako Lakes
•Ron Cantelon - Parksville Qualicum
•Eric Foster - Vernon Monashee
•Don McRae - Comox Valley
•Norm Letnick - Kelowna-Lake Country
•Jane Thornthwaite - North Vancouver-Seymour

•Joan McIntyre - West Vancouver Sea to Sky
•Ben Stewart - Kelowna Westside

The Premier also said - "This is actually a serious matter. ... This is not a reality television show,”. “This is about the future of people that are working in the forest industry or in mining. ... I think it’s getting more and more obvious to British Columbians that Mr. Vander Zalm’s agenda is to get attention for himself

The BC Liberals obviously forgot the cardinal rule when in a crisis - don't give freebies for people to come back at you

Terry Lake obviously acts more like a bully than a honourable gentleman.  Probably is also taking his lead from his "Boss" - Premier Gordon Campbell after he said about Chris Delaney - a bully and a petulant child. “As far as I’m concerned, he can get stuffed"


The comments from Campbell and Lake will ultimately serve to motivate further the public to recall MLA's like Donna Barnett and Terry Lake.  Campaigns can start November 15th but Fight HST has now said that they'll start January 1st, 2011 and I suspect that very vulnerable MLA's like Donna Barnett are finished, given their public love for Premier Campbell and the public is now waiting impatiently to cast their ballot to recall their local MLA

Saturday, September 18, 2010

City of WL to do Water Main Flushing on 9th to 12th Avenues near Toop Rd & Western Avenue

Please be advised that the City of Williams Lake Water Division will be cleaning and flushing reservoirs and water mains starting September 23, 2010 for approximately a four week period.
The areas that will be affected are:
• All of Western Avenue
• 9th Avenue North through 12th Avenue North continuing across Highway 97 into the Toop Road area
Residents may experience a slight discolouration of their tap water. Running a tap for a short period of time will clear this up.
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

HST declared Constitutional

Yesterday, BC Supreme Court Justice Robert Bauman declared BC's Harmonized Sales Tax as constitutional, even though the tax was initially approved through a "Order-in-Council" or BC Cabinet Order

See here (Globe and Mail - BC Edition) and here (WL Tribune) for details

Also - FightHST says a major announcement is forthcoming on Tuesday, September 21st at 10:00am on the future of the anti-HST movement.  Stay tuned - this fall will certainly heat up in BC Politics

Local Government Meetings in Cariboo-Chilcotin - Week of September 20th - 24th

There are a number of local government meetings this upcoming week in the Cariboo-Chilcotin:

Monday, September 20th - City of Quesnel

In-Camera (Closed to the Public) Council Meeting which starts at 5:00pm at Quesnel City Hall

Tuesday, September 21st - City of Williams Lake

Regular Council Meeting which starts at 6:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart Street)
See the Agenda/Reports here

Thursday, September 23rd - City of Williams Lake

City of WL Staff hosting a Public Consultation Meeting on proposed False Alarm Bylaw.  Meeting starts at 6:00pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart Street)

Note:

1) No Local Government Meetings' will occur next week as all elected officials will be in Whistler for the 2010 UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) AGM (Monday, Sept 27th to Friday, October 1st)

2) City of WL Staff will host a second Public Consultation Meeting on a proposed False Alarm Bylaw on Thursday, September 30th from 6-8pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers

Friday, September 17, 2010

CCRHD agrees to provide funding to re-open Deni House

Williams Lake Tribune is reporting that the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital Board or CCRHD has voted unanimously to provide the nearly $1.9 million required to renovate and re-open Deni House

See here (Note - there will be a story on this in Tuesday's Williams Lake Tribune)

Palmer - Campbell didn't tell BC Liberal Caucus about simple majority pledge for HST

In today's Vancouver Sun, political columnist Vaughn Palmer discusses the fact that the Premier's pledge of a simple majority of voters' who vote in favour of FightHST's proposed HST Extenguishment Act will kill the HST was not even discussed beforehand with the BC Liberal Caucus.  See here

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Town Hall Radio Program Dead.......?

On Thursday, I got up at 8:30am to get ready to listen to my favorite radio program - Dale Taylor interviewing the City of Williams Lake Mayor or her alternate discussing City of Williams Lake issues.  The radio program is called "Town Hall" and it's been in place since 2007 when Mr. Taylor interviewed former City of Williams Lake Mayor Scott Nelson

However, the program did not air today and I found that curious given Dale had stated in July that this radio program would resume in September

I fully intend to follow-up with Dale to see about the present status of the "Town Hall" radio program and to inquire about its' future and I'll let you know what I discover

Lessons learned about Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Function?

In late 2008, Central Cariboo residents' gave consent, via counter-petition, to establishing the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function

In 2009 & 2010 - residents' in Electoral Areas D & E have raised constant concerns about this Function - how it was established and how local First Nations (Williams Lake & Soda Creek) can access funding from this Function but yet they (First Nations') do not pay into this Function, via a contribution contract with the Cariboo Regional District

At last night's (Wednesday) Central Cariboo Joint Committee meeting, the Joint Committee considered a late request from Graham Kelsey, President of the newly-established Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society (CCACS) for approval of $30,000 to cover the period of August 1st to December 31st, 2010.  The Society was formed in July of this year, consistent with the Joint Committee's earlier decision to have a Society operate the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function

Also at Wednesday's Joint Committee meeting, the Joint Committee was considering the 2011 Business Goals for the local Arts & Culture Function

The proposed Business Plan for Aug-Dec 2010 for the new CCACS was:

1. To discuss with the City of Williams Lake access to and management of the Central Cariboo Arts Centre.



2. To make banking arrangements with a financial institution.


3 To define the membership of the Society and a membership fee structure (at present the only members are the five founding Directors) in accordance with the criteria established by the Working Group.


4. To identify and appoint four additional Directors in accordance with the recommendations of the Working Group.


5. To develop a communications plan.


6. To develop working policies for the operation of the Society.


7. To begin the development of a full business plan for 2011


8. To hire a Coordinator


9. To provide funding for some arts and culture activities in the October through December period.

This request I should add was submitted on July 14th and was tabled with all members of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee (7 Members of WL City Council & CRD Directors' for Electoral Areas D, E, F, J and K) the night before the meeting.  Given the request is complex, certainly an emergency meeting in July or August could have been scheduled and not on the same night that the 2011 Business Goals for the entire Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Function.  Now, I should be able to see in early October, when the minutes of Wednesday's Joint Committee meeting are available, what the Joint Committee did with the CCACS request.  I should add that I don't have an issue with the CCACS's Business Plan Goals #1-7 for Aug-Dec 2010 however Goals 8+9 should not proceed until they've (CCACS) met with the public and that the CCACS has a stable governance model in place before Goal #9 (Funding of some Arts and Culture activities)  In addition, I have a serious problem when the CCACS  proposes that the adjudication panel consist of 2 CCACS Directors' which is a conflict of interest in my mind.  Far better that members of this adjudication panel certainly have experience in the Arts and Culture Sector (of which we have many in Williams Lake) but have no direct/indirect connection to the CCACS
 
Goals 8+9 should be deferred until the CCACS talks to the public with the local politicians to let people know what is happening with the local Arts and Culture Function otherwise I am left to conclude that our local politicians are in it for themselves and not serving the public interest, like they're supposed to.  I had plans to discuss this with City Councillor Laurie Walters, Williams Lake Council's "Arts and Culture Liaison" but evidently has chosen not to reply to my emails - likely because I have been critical of her political performance in the past.  This is no excuse and I feel quite strongly that you serve the entire public and not those who are friendly to you.  This is why politics is referred to as public service because you aren't supposed to pick and choose which emails from the public you respond to - if you are in local government, you are supposed to respond to all emails/phone calls because all of them are supposed to be important.  This criticism also applies to City Councillor Sue Zacharias and Mayor Cook.  If you want to get an answer from City Councillors - talk/email to Surinder Rathor, Geoff Bourdon or Natalie Hebert.  They provide the public with an answer (email/phone call), regardless of who sends the email or calls
 
If you want a full copy of this late report to the Joint Committee - please contact me at sforseth000@hotmail.com and I'll be glad to forward you a copy of it

Inconsistent Decision-Making....?

Globe and Mail - BC Edition has a story about Siegfried Reuter seeing hypocrisy, owner of Taseko Lake Resort, over having his expansion application rejected by the BC Government over First Nations & Environmental concerns yet the BC Cabinet gave the green light to the Prosperity Mine proposal

See here

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Parking Violation Fines going up....?

At Tuesday's Committee of the Whole meeting and I apologize that I didn't include this in my regular Committee of the Whole meeting highlight but I wasn't in the room when discussion concluded on this item

City of WL Staff are proposing that the usual parking violation fines increase from $20 to $75, given it is cost prohibitive to pursue outstanding $20 tickets rather than $75 ones.  There will be incentives for people to pay out their parking fines if they pay in a short period (ie - reduction from $75 to $25 if you pay within 48-72 hours).  Again - I don't know what Council did with this item but I wanted to bring it forward for the community's attention as media rarely attend Committee of the Whole meetings'

City of WL announces formation of Cariboo Lodge Task Force

From the City of Williams Lake:

Williams Lake Committee of Whole Council is recommending that Council, at its' September 21st meeting, approve the formation of a Task Force to explore development opportunities for the old Cariboo Lodge facility on 4th Avenue

According to Councillor Natalie Hebert, "The City purchased this facility in 2007 in order to have the ability to influence future development of the site. This Task Force will have a mandate to examine the various housing and development needs in the City and make recommendations to Council with respect to how the site can be best utilized."

Formation of the Task Force follows a request to Council from the Senior's Advisory Committee to consider developing the site exclusively for seniors housing. "It is incumbent upon Council to carefully consider all needs in the community when determining the future of Cariboo Lodge," states Mayor Kerry Cook. "The Task Force will provide a community based approach to planning for the future of this valuable community asset."


Assessments of the Cariboo Lodge facility have determined varying degrees of non-compliance with the Building Code and structural deficiencies in the two older wings of the building. The newer Heritage House wing meets all current standards and has been leased to the Canadian Mental Health Association for a care facility. It is anticipated that any future use of the facility for housing would require demolition of the two older structures
 
However, it should be noted:
 
1) Councillor Sue Zacharias said at Tuesday's Committee of the Whole Council meeting, as far as members' who may sit on this Task Force go, people should apply to Council to be appointed to this Task Force.  Everyone in Williams Lake will know lots of people who have direct knowledge of the Cariboo Lodge site issue and those people are the only ones who should be appointed to this Task Force.  Furthermore, if we are looking at the future development of Cariboo Lodge, then the Task Force should only be restricted at looking at how Cariboo Lodge can be developed into a Seniors' Facility of some sort - nothing else in my mind and likely the community's mind will do and let's leave the other housing issues in the community to a different Committee/Portfolio or Task Force
 
2) The old Poplar Glade school site has sat dormant for quite a few years now and why isn't Williams Lake City Council looking at that site and trying to acquire it for low-income housing for families.  The site still has an outdoor gym which would go hand-in-hand with a low-income housing site, similiar to Glendale Place

Mackenzie Avenue Rehab Project Update

Work Currently Underway:

• The top layer of asphalt in all lanes is complete from the overpass near Soda Creek Road to Highway 97, and crews have begun to re-install the concrete barrier that was moved. Paving is now proceeding south of Soda Creek Road in the southbound lane

• The bottom lift(s) of asphalt is complete in all areas except the section between Highway 97 and Highway 20 (near Borland Road). This area has been milled and is ready for paving.

• Hand grinding of the concrete sections was completed earlier in the week, which was necessary to fine tune the milling done previously. This milling appears to have greatly improved the ride quality of the concrete sections.

• Drainage works and preparation for the mixed-use/bicycle path in the southern portion of Mackenzie are underway and are nearing completion.

• The timing issues with the traffic lights at Frizzi Road appear to be solved. Everything is currently functional, but the intersection will continue to be monitored.

FightHST Team to release MLA Recall Plan next week

FightHST is announcing today that given the Premier's statements about the "binding" referendum on September 24th, 2011 with regard to the HST Initiative Petition and accompanying HST Exteguishment Act (simple majority required to pass it but refuses to change the law to provide certainty), they will be releasing a Recall Strategy for BC Liberal MLA's next week - See their press release here

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

WL Committee of the Whole Highlights - September 14th meeting


Present:

Mayor Cook and Councillors Bourdon, Herbert, Rathor, Walters, Zacharias and Barr (via teleconference)

Staff Present:

Brian Carruthers – Chief Administrative Officer
Cindy Bouchard – Manager of Legislative Services
Wendy Dalman – Corporate Services Clerk
Annie McKitrick – Acting Manager of Social Development
Brad McRae – Senior Bylaw Officer
Lilliana Dragowska – ICSP Coordinator

Minutes of August 31st Committee of the Whole Meeting adopted

Business:

1)      Central Cariboo Fee for Service & Grant-in-Aide Discussion Paper

The Chief Administrative Officer reviewed his report with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Committee Action – Report received for information

2)      Deletion of Redundant Council Policies

The Chief Administrative Officer reviewed his report with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Committee Action – Committee of the Whole recommends:

Council approve deleting the attached Policies of Council due to redundancy or duplication

3)      2011 Strategic Budget Direction

The Chief Administrative Officer reviewed his report with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Committee Action – Committee of the Whole recommends:

Council receive the report on the proposed 2011 Budget Process and the week of October 18-22 be set for the 2011 Strategic Budget Direction meeting

4)      Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets

The ICSP Coordinator reviewed her report with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Committee Action – Committee of the Whole recommends:

Council receive the attached Final Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report containing the City’s Corporate Greenhouse Gas inventory results, recommended reduction targets, and next steps; and further, Council commit to reducing the City’s greenhouse gas emissions from the baseline year of 2008 by 33 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050, these targets being consistent with BC’s Climate Action Plan pursuant to the Provincial Government’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act, Bill 44, in order to complete both Climate Action Charter Step 2 and Partners for Climate Protection Milestone 2

5) Task Force to explore options for Cariboo Lodge site

The Acting Social Development Manager reviewed her report with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Committee Action – Committee of the Whole recommends:

Council approve the enactment of a task force comprised of representatives from the Public, Private and Community sector to explore the possibility of the redevelopment of the Cariboo Lodge Site

6)      Community Garden Policy & Lease of City Property for Community Gardens

The Acting Social Development Manager reviewed her report with the Committee
Discussion ensued thereon

Committee Action – Committee of the Whole recommends:

Council adopt the Community Garden Policy and the Model of a Lease for the use of City property for Community Gardens and staff be authorized to work with the Food Policy Council committee of the Social Planning Council to finalize the lease for the properties located at the Cariboo Lodge site and at the bottom of Williams Lake Secondary School on Carson Drive

7)      Verbal Report from Councillor Hebert on Scout Island Nature Centre – follow-up to presentation on Joint Funding for Scout Island Nature Island

Councillor Hebert reviewed with the Committee issues relating to the Scout Island Nature Centre site (request for Joint Funding)

Discussion ensued thereon

Mayor Cook, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Councillor Hebert for her oral report

Williams Lake City Council then convened an In-Camera (Closed) Meeting, in accordance with Section 90(1j) of the Community Charter – prohibited release of information in a document relating to business interests of Third Parties

Minister Hansen: We will not pass the HST Extenguishment Act if approved by the voters' next September

Williams Lake Tribune has a story which quotes BC Finance Minister Colin Hansen suggesting that if the voters' approve, in a referendum on September 24th, 2011, to adopt the HST Extenguishment Act, the provincial government does not plan to pass that draft Bill in the House but instead plans to withdraw the HST in its' entirety. 

See more here

Gas Line ruptured at Cameron Street reconstruction project

1:51PM UPDATE - From the City of Williams Lake:


Please be advised that the ruptured gas main has been shut off and repairs are currently underway.
Streets in vicinity of Cameron Street that were temporarily closed are now reopened.



From the City of Williams Lake:

The contractor working on reconstruction of Cameron Street between 3rd and 5th Avenues ruptured a 2” natural gas main late this morning.
Williams Lake Fire Department and RCMP have responded to the incident and Terasen Gas is on scene and is in the process of shutting off the affected gas line.
Risks associated with the leak are minimal and students at Marie Sharpe are not being evacuated at this time.
Streets in vicinity of Cameron Street have been temporarily closed as a precaution until the leak has been repaired

Quesnel Council Highlights - September 13th meeting


Quesnel a Solar Community

Quesnel is the latest community to be named a Solar Community by SolarBC. The City has received a $5,000 grant to be used for future solar initiatives. The Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre makes use of solar technology to provide hot water for the pools, greatly reducing natural gas costs. SolarBC is funded by the federal and provincial governments with a mandate of making solar hot water accessible, affordable and a practical energy solution.

Transit fares increased

Some Quesnel Transit fares will increase on January 1, 2011, the first time fares have increased since 2003. An adult will pay $1.75 for a ride, up from $1.50. The price of a monthly pass for seniors and students, however, remains unchanged at $25. The changes will generate roughly $9,000 per year.
Quesnel Transit has enjoyed remarkable success since its inception in 2001. Annual increases in ridership have become the norm, with new partnerships forged with First Nations and Northern Health adding to the system's productivity and use.
Below are the new fares (with the old fares in brackets).
     
            Cash Fare          Day pass    Monthly Pass
Adult       $1.75 ($1.50)     $3.50 ($3)  $35 ($30)
Senior      $1.50 ($1.25)     $3 ($2.50)  $25 ($25)
Student     $1.50 ($1.25)     $3 ($2.50)  $25 ($25)

Grants in Aid program eliminated

City Council opted to eliminate its Grant in Aid program. Council is anticipating another challenging budget process in 2011 and as the City regularly contributes to the Quesnel Community Foundation, it was felt that there was no reason for the City to continue operating a similar program. If future grant funds should become available, the City will be able to forward those funds to the QCF.

Notices on title placed

Council approved placing notice on title on two properties. The sites, located at 114 Lowe St. and 2489 Larch Ave., underwent varying types of construction or demolition projects but have not had the appropriate inspections completed. The notices serve as warnings to future purchasers of the property that the projects were not completed in accordance with local building regulations.

Other News

At a special meeting held Sept. 7, Council awarded the contract for entrance improvements to the Fraser River Footbridge. The tender was awarded to Vachon Construction for $245,817, including HST. Some of the work includes: removing the existing planters, pavers and posts at each end of the bridge; installing new planters, pavers and posts; and adding a section of sidewalk on the east side from the bridge to the existing parking lot just south on Front Street.

Important Dates

September 16 - Cariboo Regional District Community BBQ - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the West Fraser Fire Hall 

Sept. 17 - CRD "Board on the Road" meeting - 9:30 a.m. at the West Fraser Fire Hall.

September 16-18 - Federation of BC Woodlot Associations and Woodlot Product Development Council's Joint Annual General Meeting and Conference in Quesnel.

September 17, 6:30 p.m. - Women's Memorial Monument unveiling - on Riverfront Trail at the end of Bowron Avenue near the Hwy. 97 overpass.

September 19 - Terry Fox Run

October 23 - Quesnel and District Child Development Centre Annual Variety Show Fundraiser

Proclamations

September - Big Brothers/Big Sisters Month Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 - Right to Know Week October 18 to 24 - Waste Reduction Week Oct. 18 to 23 - Child Development Week

Future Quesnel Council or North Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting Dates:

Next North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting 
September 14


Next Delegation Meeting: 
October 4


Next Regular Council Meeting: 
October 18 

Next Committee of the Whole Meeting: 

October 25

City of Quesnel ratifies mediated agreement with CUPE 1050


Quesnel City Council has ratified a contract agreement with CUPE Local 1050, which represents approximately 114 City employees. City and CUPE bargaining teams met with a mediator on Sept. 2 and 3 to reach a tentative agreement. That agreement was endorsed by the union membership on Sept. 8 and by Council on Sept. 13.
The agreement covers a three-year term, retroactive to June 8 2010. The unionized employees will receive a zero per cent increase in year one, followed by a 1.5 per cent increase in year two and a two per cent increase in year three. In January 2011, full-time employees will receive a $1,000 lump sum payment in lieu of any increase in pay for the first year, with part-time employees receiving a prorated amount. While the payment is the equivalent of a .5 per cent increase in the first year, it costs the City less over the long term as the amount doesn't compound with any future wage increase.

"We have outstanding employees who provide quality services for our residents," said Mayor Mary Sjostrom. "City Council wanted to ensure we negotiated a deal that was in step with the economic realities this community is facing. I'm pleased that the mediation process was successful and that we were able to come to an agreement."

Now that the CUPE Local 1050 agreement is in place, the City will move towards finalizing a contract with its employees at the Quesnel and District Arts & Recreation Centre, who are represented by CUPE Local 1050-01. For information on those discussions, visit www.city.quesnel.bc.ca/negotiations

Province of BC's First Quarter Report for 2010-2011 Fiscal Year

Today, BC Finance Minister Colin Hansen released the Province's 1st Quarter Fiscal Report which reports a deficit of $1.4 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31st, 2011

See here

Premier Campbell says Simple Majority kills the HST

At yesterday's Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives meeting, the Committee decided to refer the HST Initiative Petition with the accompanying draft Bill (HST Extenguishment Act) to Elections' BC for the conduct of a non-binding referendum on September 24th, 2011.  Under the current rules, a Initiative Vote (referendum) passes if both:

1) 50% of ALL registered voters' in the Province of BC vote in the non-binding referendum (some 1.5 million BC voters' MUST vote or the referendum fails)

2) A simple majority of BC's voters' MUST pass the initiative in 56 of the 85 provincial Electoral Districts'

However, late in the afternoon, BC Premier Gordon Campbell stated that JUST a simple majority of the voters' would have to pass the Initiative in order for the government to rid the Province of the HST.  However, this statement is not consistent with the existing Recall & Initiative Act.  Former BC Premier and FightHST Co-Leader Bill Vander Zalm has called upon BC Premier Campbell to change the Recall & Initiative Act to comply with Premier Campbell's stated intentions' - see Mr. Vander Zalm's letter to Premier Campbell here.

If the Premier refuses to change the Recall & Initiative Act, how can BC voters' honestly believe the Premier stated intentions with the HST Petition Referendum next September.....?  Short of this, I still don't see how recall campaigns will not be launched on November 15th or later.  It will be interesting to see if FightHST decides to launch a recall campaign against Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett first or certainly in the first batch of MLA's, given her recent public media statements that she stands by the Premier

News You Can Use

In the Williams Lake Tribune:

* Tribune reporter Erin Hitchcock interviewed me yesterday about my resignation from the local BC Liberal Riding Association & my public call for Premier Campbell to retire - see here

* Cariboo-North MLA Bob Simpson calls on the Province to have a Task Force on how to proceed with the Prosperity Mine issue - See here.
(Note - regardless of how one feels' on the Prosperity Mine issue - a healing process of some sort needs to be considered & implemented because it is not healthy for the non-native/native communities to be so divided over one economic issue when, if we work together, the economy can be much stronger as true partners

* Tribune columnist Diana French discusses my & Scott Nelson's call for Premier Campbell to retire - see here

In the Vancouver Province:

* Township of Langley Mayor Rick Green has been formally censured and stripped of his GVRD appointments for the remainder of this local government term (November 30th, 2011) by Township Council for misleading them for 7 months - see here (Note - this is an rare act - it is somewhat unheard of for a muncipal council to censure a Mayor)

In the Vancouver Sun:

* Political Columnist Vaughn Palmer discusses the Standing Committee of Legislative Initiatives decision to send the HST Initiative Petition & how it buys the BC Liberals' one year - see here