TOWN OF SMITHERS. Mayor Bachrach called the meeting to order (6:32 p.m.).

Transcription

1 TOWN OF SMITHERS MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1027 ALDOUS STREET, SMITHERS B.C. ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016, AT 6:30 P.M. Council Present: Taylor Bachrach, Mayor Gladys Atrill, Councillor Phil Brienesse, Councillor Shelley Browne, Councillor Bill Goodacre, Councillor Frank Wray, Councillor. Council Excused: Greg Brown, Councillor. Staff Present: Anne Yanciw, Chief Administrative Officer Dianna Plouffe, Director of Corporate Services Leslie Ford, Director of Finance Mark Allen, Director of Development Services Keith Stecko, Fire Chief Rob Blackburn, Airport Manager Roger Smith, Director of Works and Operations Janice McKay, Recording Secretary. Media Present: C. Gareau, The Interior News. 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Bachrach called the meeting to order (6:32 p.m.). 1.1 APPROVAL OF AGENDA (including Supplemental Items) Wray/Goodacre THAT Council approves the agenda and the following Supplemental Item: 12.1 Updated Report ADM dated August 22, 2016, from D. Plouffe, Director of Corporate Services, recommending signing of the Lease Agreement between the Town and Bulkley Valley Bright Beginnings Childcare for space in the Ranger Park Building ( ). 2. PUBLIC HEARING 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.1 REGULAR - AUG Atrill/Wray THAT the minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held August 9, 2016, be adopted. Page 1 of 13

2 3.2 C.O.W. - AUG Atrill/Wray THAT the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held August 9, 2016, be adopted (Airport Terminal Modernization Project). 4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 5. PETITIONS AND DELEGATIONS 5.1 L. VANCADSAND - WESTERN CANADA SAREX Lynn VanCadsand, Zone Commander, representing Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) Air and the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), presented the Town with a Certificate of Appreciation for Smithers Regional Airport's involvement in the Western Canada SAREX held August 5 to 7, Smithers hosted an excellent event and it was the first time that it was held so far north. Approximately sixty people participated, with aircraft from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia taking part. The event included a meet and greet dinner, exercise briefings, and three tasks for each crew to complete. The competition tested the skills of pilots, navigators, spotters, and search coordinators. Seven targets were located between Quick and Houston. The Saskatchewan team took first place, with the British Columbia team taking second place. Ms. VanCadsand thanked R. Blackburn and his Staff, and L. Ford, for going above and beyond to make the Western Canada SAREX so successful. She asked Council to consider donating space in the expanded Airport terminal where PEP Air/CASARA volunteers can meet and store equipment. PEP Air/CASARA volunteers work jointly with Ground Search and Rescue. 5.2 TOURISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE - MRDT Jane Stevenson, Gladys Atrill, and Al McCreary from the Smithers Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC), spoke regarding the Destination BC application to move the percentage of Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT), also known as the Hotel Tax, from 2% to 3%. The current 2% generates approximately $126,000 per year. It is estimated that there will be $48,000 in additional revenue per year for tourism marketing programs. The Province retains 0.2% of the additional 1% to go towards provincial marketing campaigns. Page 2 of 13

3 6. COUNCIL REPORTS 6.1 COUNCILLOR ATRILL Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council A strategic plan, tactical plan, and budget have been prepared and reviewed by hoteliers, with 9 of 11 properties approving the one percent increase, exceeding the required 51% approval rate. The next step is for Council to adopt a new bylaw which is on tonight's agenda for three readings. It is hoped that the application will be submitted by October 1 and that the 3% tax would be implemented in July A. McCreary advised that Smithers is one of the grandfathered communities, which started collecting the tax in He would not like to give up the grandfathered clause. Some communities are seeing an increase in non-resident investors, which tends to mean less community support. All people benefit from the success of the mandatory tax. He encouraged Council to consider continuing the $10,000 in funding, so that Smithers may remain one of the leaders in the north. G. Atrill clarified that it was Council's position that the grandfathered clause would stay, which has been confirmed by Destination BC. The clause can only go away at a municipality's request. In response to questions from Council, G. Atrill explained that the lack of First Nations' visitor experiences, identified as a weakness in the information package, means that there are limited, purchasable opportunities (designated places to go) to experience First Nations' culture and that this is one area that is being targeted for additional funds. Regarding the reduced number of tour buses travelling through Smithers, A. McCreary advised that approximately 250 buses go through Smithers each year. Ferry service every second day has placed a constraint on bus travel, as well as the number of buses that the ferry can accommodate per day. The biggest concern is the inconsistency of BC Ferries, as tours are booked two years in advance. On the positive side, there has been an increase in the number of Fully Independent Travellers (FIT). G. Atrill acknowledged Dave McKenzie for his work on the TAC, Jane Stevenson's and Leslie Ford's work on the application, and the TAC and hoteliers for their support ATRILL REPORT Councillor Atrill reported that she attended the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Board meeting held August 18, 2016, and a meeting with D. Donaldson, MLA, Stikine, and J. Horgan, Leader of the BC New Democratic Party. She spoke at the Old Church 10th anniversary celebration, on behalf of Council. Page 3 of 13

4 6.2 COUNCILLOR BRIENESSE BV POOL The dated August 12, 2016, from the Bulkley Valley Regional Pool and Recreation Centre presenting Financials (May and June), Minutes (April 20, May 18) and Manager's Reports (May 18, June 15, August 10), was presented. Councillor Brienesse advised that he is unable to attend the upcoming quarterly meeting BRIENESSE REPORT Councillor Brienesse commented that this year's annual Guitar Camp, hosted by the Bulkley Valley Folk Music Society, attracted participants from Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Britain. 6.3 COUNCILLOR BROWN None. 6.4 COUNCILLOR BROWNE BROWNE REPORT Councillor Browne advised that she enjoyed the AltaGas tour and recommended other Council members experience the tour the next time that it is offered. 6.5 COUNCILLOR GOODACRE VISITOR STATS The Visitor Statistics from the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce for the period ending July 31, 2016, were presented ( ) GOODACRE REPORT Councillor Goodacre reported that he attended the Old Church anniversary celebration, noting that he was on the Restoration Committee and that the Town played a big role in the restoration project's success by purchasing the property. 6.6 COUNCILLOR WRAY WRAY REPORT Councillor Wray reported that he enjoyed the AltaGas tour and advised that Loren Kelly of AltaGas would like to see more northern Mayors and Councillors participate in a future tour. Page 4 of 13

5 6.7 REPORT OF MAYOR BACHRACH MAYOR REPORT Mayor Bachrach thanked Council for covering for him while he was away. 6.8 REPORT OF RDBN AREA A DIRECTOR 7. STAFF REPORTS 7.1 STAFF (A) REPORTS SHARED HISTORIES RESEARCH MATERIAL Report ADM dated July 18, 2016, from A. Yanciw, Chief Administrative Officer, recommending approval of the Agreement on Disposition of Research Materials for the Shared Histories: Wet'suwet'en-Settler Relations in Smithers, project, was presented Brienesse/Browne THAT Council approves the Agreement on Disposition of Research Materials for the Shared Histories: Wet'suwet'en-Settler Relations in Smithers, project CENTRAL MOUNTAIN AIR LEASE Report ADM dated August 8, 2016, from D. Plouffe, Director of Corporate Services, recommending signing of the Lease Agreement with Central Mountain Air, for space in the Smithers Regional Airport Terminal Building, was presented ( ) Brienesse/Browne THAT Council authorizes the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to sign the Lease Agreement between the Town and Central Mountain Air Ltd. for space in the Smithers Regional Airport Terminal Building for a five-year term commencing on September 1, 2016, and expiring on August 31, Page 5 of 13

6 BC LTD. LEASE Report ADM dated August 8, 2016, from D. Plouffe, Director of Corporate Services, recommending signing of the Lease Agreement between the Town and BC Ltd. for use of land at the Smithers Regional Airport, was presented ( ) Browne/Wray THAT Council authorizes the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to sign the Lease Agreement between the Town and BC Ltd. for use of land at the Smithers Regional Airport for a five-year term commencing August 1, 2016, and expiring July 31, NORTHERN LIGHTS AIR LTD. LEASE Report ADM dated August 8, 2016, from D. Plouffe, Director of Corporate Services, recommending signing of the Lease Agreement between the Town and Northern Lights Air Ltd. for an aviation hangar ( ) Wray/Atrill THAT Council authorizes the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to sign the Lease Agreement between the Town of Smithers and Northern Lights Air Ltd. for an aviation hangar at the Smithers Regional Airport for a five-year term commencing October 15, 2016, and expiring on October 14, VENDING MACHINE LICENCE Report ADM dated August 10, 2016, from D. Plouffe, Director of Corporate Services, recommending signing of a Licence Agreement between the Town and C. Fitzpatrick and J. Butz to operate a vending machine at the new arena, was presented ( ) Atrill/Wray THAT Council authorizes the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to sign the Licence Agreement between the Town of Smithers and Chris Fitzpatrick and Jessica Butz to operate a vending machine at the New Arena for a three-year term commencing September 1, 2016, and expiring on August 31, Page 6 of 13

7 7.1.6 COAST MOUNTAIN GM ADVERTISING AGREEMENT Report ADM dated August 12, 2016, from D. Plouffe, Director of Corporate Services, recommending signing of the Advertising Agreement between the Town and Coast Mountain GM for the 2016/ /19 winter ice seasons expiring May 31, 2019, for advertising on the Civic Centre ice resurfacer, was presented ( ) Wray/Browne THAT Council authorizes the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to sign the Advertising Agreement between the Town and Coast Mountain GM to advertise on the ice resurfacer located at the Civic Centre for the 2016/ /19 winter ice seasons expiring May 31, CALDERWOOD REALTY ADVERTISING AGREEMENT Report ADM dated August 12, 2016, from D. Plouffe, Director of Corporate Services, recommending signing of the Advertising Agreement between the Town and Calderwood Realty for the 2016/ /19 winter ice seasons expiring May 31, 2019, for advertising on the Civic Centre ice resurfacer, was presented ( ) Browne/Brienesse THAT Council authorizes the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to sign the Advertising Agreement between the Town and Calderwood Realty for advertising on the ice resurfacer located at the Civic Centre for the 2016/ /19 winter ice seasons expiring May 31, DEVELOPMENT PERMIT D16-03 PRESTIGE HUDSON BAY LODGE Report dated August 16, 2016, from A. Watson, Planner, recommending approval of the Form and Character Development Permit Application D16-03 for property located at 3251 Highway 16, with one condition, was presented ( ) Wray/Browne THAT Council approves Form and Character Development Permit Application D16-03 for the property located at 3251 Highway 16, legally described as Lot 1, Section 30, Township 4, Range 5, Coast District Plan 9678 Except Plan PRP42801, provided that a final Landscape Plan is submitted with refundable security provided. Page 7 of 13

8 7.1.8 cont d Brienesse/Atrill THAT Motion be amended by adding, "AND THAT approval be granted conditional upon the signs meeting the new Sign Bylaw requirements". MOTION WITHDRAWN. The main motion was voted on with the final wording being as follows: THAT Council approves Form and Character Development Permit Application D16-03 for the property located at 3251 Highway 16, legally described as Lot 1, Section 30, Township 4, Range 5, Coast District Plan 9678 Except Plan PRP42801, provided that a final Landscape Plan is submitted with refundable security provided BV BRIGHT BEGINNINGS CHILDCARE - LEASE Report ADM dated August 8, 2016, from D. Plouffe, Director of Corporate Services, recommending signing of the Lease Agreement between the Town and Bulkley Valley Bright Beginnings Childcare for space in the Ranger Park Building, was presented ( ) Brienesse/Wray THAT Council varies the agenda by bringing Supplemental Item Updated Report ADM dated August 22, 2016, from D. Plouffe, Director of Corporate Services, recommending signing of the Lease Agreement between the Town and Bulkley Valley Bright Beginnings Childcare for space in the Ranger Park Building, forward to this point in the meeting Wray/Brienesse Council authorizes the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to sign the Lease Agreement, as written in Supplemental Item 12.1, between the Town of Smithers and Bulkley Valley Bright Beginnings Childcare, for space in the Smithers Ranger Park Building located at 3736 Sixteenth Avenue for a three-year term commencing September 1, 2016, and expiring on August 31, Page 8 of 13

9 7.2 STAFF (B) REPORTS Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council MAJOR PROJECTS AND RFP PROCESS M. Allen, Director of Development Services, gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding major projects and the request for proposals process, as requested by Council. The presentation outline included the following project phases: a) concept; b) funding; c) design; d) tender; e) construction; and f) completion. M. Allen will his notes to Council MONTHLY REPORTS The monthly reports for July 2016 from: a) Airport; b) Development Services; c) Fire Department; and d) Works and Operations, were presented SAND AND GRAVEL TENDER Report W/OPS dated August 5, 2016, from R. Smith, Director of Works and Operations, advising that B and A Rentals Ltd. was the successful bidder for the Request for Tenders for the annual stockpile supply of sand, gravel and crushed rock, was presented (2240) PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR CONCERNS Report ADM dated August 12, 2016, from A. Yanciw, Chief Administrative Officer, regarding inappropriate public behaviour concerns in the downtown, was presented ( ) Brienesse/Wray THAT Councillor Goodacre and Mayor Bachrach meet with Smithers Community Services Association (SCSA) to inform SCSA that the Town would like to be an active partner in their working group and to provide any further details that SCSA may require in order to complete the grant application to the Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association (PGNAETA). 8. BYLAWS 8.1 BYLAW 1789 Report DEV dated August 15, 2016, from A. Watson, Planner, recommending third reading of "Bylaw Sign Bylaw", was presented Brienesse/Browne THAT "Bylaw No Sign Bylaw" be read a third time. Page 9 of 13

10 8.2 BYLAW 1795 Councillor Atrill declared a conflict of interest, as a Contractor to the Bulkley Valley Economic Development Association, and left the Chambers (9:15 p.m.). Report FIN dated August 15, 2016, from L. Ford, Director of Finance, introducing Bylaw No for readings, was presented Brienesse/Wray THAT "Bylaw No Three Percent (3%) Accommodation Tax" be read a first and second time Brienesse/Wray THAT "Bylaw No Three Percent (3%) Accommodation Tax" be read a third time. Councillor Atrill returned to Chambers (9:16 p.m.). 9. CORRESPONDENCE (A) ITEMS 9.1 T. SMITH - OUTDOOR RINK The letter dated August 4, 2016, from Tom R. Smith providing suggestions on how to go about replacing the outdoor skating rink and addressing Council's concerns regarding liability, planning, and funding issues, was presented ( ) Wray/Goodacre THAT Council rescinds its earlier direction to remove the asphalt surface of the outdoor ice rink located at Central Park, and the Town works with T. Smith to re-instate the previous rink Brienesse/Wray THAT Motion be amended by adding "AND THAT Policy ADM Community Partnerships be followed". The main motion, as amended, was voted on with the final wording being as follows: THAT Council rescinds its earlier direction to remove the asphalt surface of the outdoor ice rink located at Central Park and the Town works with T. Smith to re-instate the previous rink; AND THAT Policy ADM Community Partnerships be followed. Page 10 of 13

11 9.2 MUSTARDS LAST STAND The dated August 10, 2016, from E. Norton, Mustards Last Stand, requesting approval regarding the proposed location, as well as the proposed days and months of operation for his mobile food cart, was presented ( ) Atrill/Wray THAT, contingent upon fulfilling all bylaw requirements, Council permits E. Norton, owner of Mustards Last Stand, to set up his mobile restaurant on the southwest sidewalk of the 3800 Block of Broadway Avenue adjacent to Bovill Square Brienesse/Atrill THAT Motion be amended by replacing "adjacent to Bovill Square" with "at Bovill Square". OPPOSED: COUNCILLOR WRAY. The main motion, as amended, was voted on with the final wording being as follows: THAT, contingent upon fulfilling all bylaw requirements, Council permits E. Norton, owner of Mustards Last Stand, to set up his mobile restaurant on the southwest sidewalk of the 3800 Block of Broadway Avenue at Bovill Square. Mayor Bachrach clarified that Council is considering Bovill Square to be one location, including the southwest sidewalk. 9.3 RUSSELL - BENCH REQUEST The letter dated August 11, 2016, from C. Russell wishing to donate funds for a park bench, with two plaques, to be placed along the Smithers perimeter trail in one of C. Russell's three preferred locations, was presented ( ) Brienesse/Browne THAT Council approves the request from C. Russell to donate a park bench, with two plaques, to be installed along the Smithers perimeter trail at the location of C. Russell's choosing, provided the applicant covers one hundred percent of the costs. Page 11 of 13

12 10. CORRESPONDENCE (B) ITEMS - RECEIVE FOR INFORMATION 10.1 GAS TAX - COMMUNITY WORKS The letter dated July 28, 2016, from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities regarding distribution of the first of two Community Works Fund payments for 2016/2017, was presented ( ) WESTERN CANADA SAREX The Certificate of Appreciation for the Western Canada SAREX held August 5 to 7, 2016, in Smithers, presented by the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association and the Provincial Emergency Program Air, was presented ( ). 11. CORRESPONDENCE (D) ITEMS Annual Report, Office of the Ombudsperson, was presented Annual Report, Success By 6, was presented. 12. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS APPROVED FOR DISCUSSION 12.1 BV BRIGHT BEGINNINGS CHILDCARE - LEASE See Staff Report OTHER/NEW BUSINESS 13.1 FALL FAIR PARADE Mayor Bachrach reminded Council that the Fall Fair parade takes place on August 24, 2016, at 7:00 p.m FIELD TO TABLE DINNER Mayor Bachrach advised that the Bulkley Valley Farmers' Market Field to Table Dinner has been cancelled for COMMUNITY BBQ Councillor Browne advised that N. Cullen's annual Community Barbecue is being held on August 26, 2016, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Bovill Square, with proceeds going to the Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter. Page 12 of 13

13 14. PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD 14.1 L. BOLSTER L. Bolster, Extreme Signs and Stripes, reiterated comments made during her August 9, 2016, presentation to Council, that relief lettering is not essential to maintain an Alpine Theme. She showed a photograph of a newly-constructed storefront on Main Street and expressed her view that the building does not look alpine and that straight, steel, cut-out lettering, although it will conform to the new Sign Bylaw, will not give the building an alpine look. 15. ADJOURNMENT Atrill/Brienesse THAT the Regular Meeting of Council be adjourned (10:11 p.m.). Taylor Bachrach Mayor Anne Yanciw Chief Administrative Officer Certified a True and Correct Copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1027 Aldous Street, Smithers, B.C. Dianna Plouffe Corporate Officer Page 13 of 13