Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Quesnel Council Highlights - May 28th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

2012 Strategic plan adopted

Council has formally adopted its strategic plan for 2012 to 2014. The plan outlines new, special, and one-time initiatives, but does not outline the regular day-to-day operations of the City. As part of the plan, Council has identified key areas upon which it will focus. Those areas are:
-Sustainability in all Planning
-Community Health and Safety
-Financial Stability of the Corporation
-Economic Diversification
-Infrastructure Re-investment
-Environmental Stewardship
-Governance

A more detailed look at these areas will be provided in the City's 2011 Annual Report, which will be released in mid-June.

Lobbying for infrastructure

The City will forward a resolution to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities regarding infrastructure reinvestment. The FCM meet in Saskatoon June 1 to 4 for their 75th annual conference. The City's resolution requests that the Federal Government be lobbied to commit to creating stable and predictable funding programs that renew the partnership with municipalities in addressing vital infrastructure needs.

Long-term occupancy approved

The City and Great Canadian Rail Tour Company (the operators of the Rocky Mountaineer) will enter into a five-year licence of occupation allowing the latter to use the BC Rail Building for its tourism ventures. While the City doesn't own the building (it is leased from BCR Properties), it is able to sub-lease some of the space to the GCRTC. The agreement generates roughly $8,000 per year in rental revenue, with an automatic 2% increase built in for each year. This year marks the company's seventh in Quesnel.

Other News

-The City will purchase a new one-ton, flat-deck truck for its fleet. The original estimate for the truck was $36,000. After the bid process, a little more than 41,000 is required to purchase the vehicle. Council approved the $5,000 increase, with funds to come from the City's equipment reserve fund.

-The City will create a new category of permissive tax exemptions for land owned by non-profit organizations for the development of affordable housing. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

-Council recognized several employees for their years of service with the City. Candace King, Kewal Bagri, Dianah Bergeson (25 years) and Chris Schroeder (35 years) all received thanks from Council for the work they do every day. Council also congratulated Dale Gunter, who has retired after 22 years of service.

-This year's annual Prospector Car Club Show & Shine takes place Aug. 24, 25 and 26, with the downtown show scheduled for the 26th. A number of road closures are scheduled for that day, including:
-The 200 block of Reid Street, starting at the Credit Union.
-The 300 and 400 blocks of Reid Street.
-Barlow and St. Laurent Avenues, from alley to alley on each side of Reid Street.

-The City received a "ROPE (Recognition of Performance Excellence) Award from the Provincial Airtanker Centre for excellent service provided at the airport during the 2010 fire season.

-Council approved Doug Larsen being named to the Quesnel Community and Economic Development Board for a two-year term.

Proclamations

June 2 - Access Awareness Day
June 8-14 - World Oceans Week

Important Dates

June 6 - Clean Air Day - City offering free transit.
June 7 - Quesnel Tillicum Society AGM, 7 p.m., Friendship Centre.
June 23 - Antique Machinery Park - Season Opening barbecue.

Next Delegation/Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday June 4, 7 p.m.
Next Regular Council Meeting: Monday June 11, 7 p.m.
Next North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting: Tuesday June 12, 5:30 p.m.

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