TOWN OF SMITHERS. Media Present: M. Dekkema, The Peak; S. Komadina, CFTK-TV; and D. Mesec, The Interior News.

Transcription

1 TOWN OF SMITHERS MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1027 ALDOUS STREET, SMITHERS, B.C. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2012, AT 7:30 P.M. Council Present: Taylor Bachrach, Mayor Norm Adomeit, Councillor Mark Bandstra, Councillor Phil Brienesse, Councillor Bill Goodacre, Councillor Frank Wray, Councillor. Council Excused: Charlie Northrup, Councillor. Staff Present: Susan Bassett, Director of Corporate Services Leslie Ford, Director of Finance Mark Allen, Director of Development Services Andrew Hillaby, Director of Recreation, Parks and Culture Rob Blackburn, Airport Manager Wilf Taekema, Director of Works and Operations Janice McKay, Recording Secretary. Staff Excused: Deborah Sargent, Chief Administrative Officer Keith Stecko, Fire Chief. Media Present: M. Dekkema, The Peak; S. Komadina, CFTK-TV; and D. Mesec, The Interior News. 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Bachrach called the meeting to order (7:30 p.m.) APPROVAL OF AGENDA (including Supplemental Items) APPROVAL OF AGENDA Adomeit/Bandstra THAT Council approves the agenda and the following supplemental items: 14.1 Advisory Planning Commission member application form submitted by Laura Bakermans ( ) Letter dated February 14, 2012, from Vince Hall, 3644 Third Avenue, opposing Bylaw Letter dated February 14, 2012, from Gordon Elmore, 3676 Third Avenue, opposing Bylaw Page 1 of 16

2 2. PUBLIC HEARING 2.1 PUBLIC HEARING - BYLAW 1677 Mayor Bachrach opened the Public Hearing for "Bylaw No Town of Smithers Zoning Bylaw No Amendment No " (3652 and 3664 Third Avenue) at 7:34 p.m. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to allow the public to make representations to Council regarding Bylaw No which would rezone the property located at 3652 and 3664 Third Avenue from R-2 Low Density Residential to R-3 Medium Density Residential in order to construct an 8-unit apartment. S. Bassett advised that the Town received the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure's approval on January 16, 2012, and read aloud written submissions (Supplemental Agenda Items 14.2 and 14.3) from Vince Hall (opposed) and Gordon Elmore (opposed) and confirmed that no additional letters were received regarding Bylaw No Mayor Bachrach called the first time for submissions from the gallery. Jeremy Penninga, 3435 Poplar Road, Smithers: J. Penninga noted that: a) there is an increased need for higher density construction; b) there is almost no R-3 zoning in Smithers; c) no locations for R-3 zoning are identified in the Official Community Plan; d) although this is a good location for this type of development, it is understandable why the neighbours would have concerns; and e) the Town needs to highlight areas where these types of developments can be built in the future. James Fisher, 3671 Fourth Avenue, Smithers: J. Fisher advised that: a) the proposed parking lot lies directly adjacent to the back of his property and the parking lot will not be aesthetically pleasing; b) traffic snarls on King Street has increased since Baristas moved into the former Blue Pearl office; c) traffic levels will increase if the development proceeds; d) it is unlikely that drivers will use the Third Avenue (primary) access to the parking lot and will instead use the alleyway to access the parking lot, even though the alley contains potholes; e) the proposed development affects the serenity of the quiet, family-type neighbourhood and will affect property values; f) there is limited visibility, especially during the winter, when vehicles pull out onto King Street, with several near misses being observed at the four-way stop sign; g) the current view of trees and mountains will be replaced by a wall and a parking lot; and h) it is his preference that the property contain single family dwellings or duplexes. Page 2 of 16

3 In response to questions from Council, J. Fisher confirmed that: a) the existing apartment building, located on the same block, creates increased vehicular and foot traffic in the alley; b) the new apartment building will have a dramatic visual impact at its proposed height; c) the development changes a quiet, family neighbourhood to a bustling hub; d) the alley will require significant investment and paving it would have both good and bad consequences; e) he and his neighbour will have to build a fence, at their cost, to maintain privacy and security; f) from a traffic volume perspective, he would prefer that the parking lot not be accessed from the alley; and g) he purchased his home three years ago. Jackie Bordeau, 3671 Fourth Avenue, Smithers: J. Bordeau expressed concerns regarding: a) the parking lot's small area which must accommodate approximately 12 vehicles in a very tight space; and b) the closeness of the dumpster to the adjacent property and the noise created when it is emptied at 5:00 a.m. Ingo Oevermann, 3683 Fourth Avenue, Smithers: I. Oevermann advised that: a) he and his wife have lived in their home since 1972; b) the proposed 8-plex will be on a small piece of property with parking required for 16 vehicles, plus visitors' parking; c) parking in front would increase traffic near the school which is not advisable; d) he is concerned about the loss of view and increased traffic; d) he would have opposed the construction of the current apartment building on that block and believes that the parking lot should have been located on the south side of the building; e) vehicles using the alley, including the garbage truck which empties out the dumpsters, create a cloud of dust; and f) the former Blue Pearl office is a poor location for a coffee shop. Mayor Bachrach called a second time for submissions. Mayor Bachrach called a third and final time for submissions to Bylaw No. 1677, and, receiving none, closed the Public Hearing at 7:55 p.m. Page 3 of 16

4 2.2 PUBLIC HEARING - BYLAW 1678 Mayor Bachrach opened the public hearing for "Bylaw No Town of Smithers Zoning Bylaw No Amendment No " (Text amendment M-1) at 7:55 p.m. The purpose of the public hearing is to allow the public to make representations to Council regarding Bylaw No that would amend the text in M-1 Light Industrial Zone to include "Food Exchange" as a permitted use. S. Bassett confirmed that no written submissions were received regarding Bylaw No Mayor Bachrach called the first time for submissions from the gallery. Dana Gorbahn, 1237 Sunnypoint Drive, Smithers: D. Gorbahn advised that: a) he is the Executive Director of High Road Services; b) Council is aware of the work of Innovation Foods; c) at the meeting held at Innovation Foods, Councillor Northrup touched on some of the good things happening in British Columbia, whereby Councils are using creativity to help non-profit agencies reach their goals and aspirations; d) currently there is no zone that fits the operations of Innovation Foods; e) the applicant is not asking for a substantial change to what is contained in the current zoning; and f) Innovation Foods wants to continue to provide valuable services that bring about economic social growth. Ingo Oevermann, 3683 Fourth Avenue, Smithers: I. Oevermann stated that: a) Innovation Foods is a good venture; and b) food services generally means that there will be increased traffic and, therefore, Council should look at accommodating parking for Innovation Foods. Mayor Bachrach called a second time for submissions. Mayor Bachrach called a third and final time for submissions to Bylaw No. 1678, and, receiving none, closed the Public Hearing at 8:01 p.m. Page 4 of 16

5 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES REG JAN 24 Adomeit/Bandstra THAT the minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held January 24, 2012, be adopted. C.O.W. FEB 6 Bandstra/Wray THAT the notes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting held February 6, 2012, be received (Smart Meters). 4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES ITEMS MADE PUBLIC THAT Report ADM dated February 1, 2012, from D. Sargent, Chief Administrative Officer, recommending no items be made public from the Special (In-Camera) meeting of Council held January 10, 2012, be received; AND THAT no items be brought forward at this time ( ). 5. PETITIONS AND DELEGATIONS 5.1 TOURISM SMITHERS G. Atrill presented an update on Tourism Smithers. She reported that Tourism Smithers is the destination marketing organization for Smithers and area and that it has been over a year since Tourism Smithers has been affiliated with the Town of Smithers. The presentation included: a) structure; b) areas of responsibility and what is entailed in carrying them out; c) associations, including Northern BC Tourism, BC Destination Marketing Association, BC Nordic Marketing Society, and BC Sport Tourism Network; d) partnerships, including tourism businesses, sport organizations, suppliers, Chamber of Commerce, Regional District and B.V. Museum; e) funding sources, including the 2% Additional Hotel Room Tax, Tourism BC, and private sector buy-in; f) the value of tourism and of the tourism information centre to Smithers; f) tourism marketing and advertising through the use of print, broadcast, web, and social media via Facebook and Twitter; g) upcoming events, including hosting the winner of the ski trip won during the Vancouver Snow Show, the upcoming Vancouver Outdoor Adventure Show Page 5 of 16

6 being held March 3 and 4, 2012, and the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon Conference being held April 27 and 28, 2012, where she will be a panelist on the subject of tourism and resource development; and h) upcoming opportunities, including the 2013 Smithers Centennial and the 2015 Canada Winter Games being held in Prince George. G. Atrill reported that the Globe and Mail is doing an article about the Burnie Glacier Chalet and Off-Piste Magazine is doing an article about the Hankin-Evelyn backcountry ski area. Councillor Wray commended G. Atrill on the premiere of The Grey. 5.2 LITERACY E. Heinemann-Pesch, Literacy Outreach Task Group, Smithers Community Services Association, made a presentation regarding literacy in which she requested that the Mayor proclaim February as "Literacy Awareness Month" and that Council support, as individuals, the "Praise-a-Reader" fundraising campaign to purchase or renew newspaper subscriptions. The presentation included: a) the importance of literacy; b) understanding literacy; c) measuring literacy; d) five levels of literacy; e) literacy and Workplace Safety; f) the literacy challenge; g) literacy and graduation statistics; h) local literacy programs; i) nine areas that literacy encompasses; j) economic and social costs of low literacy; k) adaptability skills; l) identifying low literacy in our community or workplace; m) five ways that Town Hall can address literacy issues; and n) literacy connections. See New Business SMITHERS BRIDGING COMMITTEE Five members of the Smithers Bridging Committee presented Council with feast bags to encourage Council members to attend feast celebrations. An educational feast will be held on February 16, 2012, at the Moricetown School and Mayor Bachrach advised that he will be attending the feast. 6. COUNCIL REPORTS 6.1. COUNCILLOR ADOMEIT BVRPRC THAT the dated January 23, 2012, from the Bulkley Valley Regional Pool and Recreation Centre presenting the Draft December 31, 2011 Financial Statements and 2010 to 2011 comparison, be received ( ). Page 6 of 16

7 6.2. COUNCILLOR BANDSTRA FINANCE JAN 31 Bandstra/Adomeit THAT the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting held January 31, 2012, be adopted. FINANCE JAN 31 AND FEB 7 Bandstra/Adomeit THAT the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting held February 7, 2012, and reconvened February 7, 2012, be adopted ( ) COUNCILLOR BRIENESSE BRIENESSE REPORTS Councillor Brienesse advised that he participated in the well attended Alzheimer s Walk for Memories with the Mayor COUNCILLOR GOODACRE None COUNCILLOR NORTHRUP FFMC JAN 23 Bandstra/Adomeit THAT the minutes of the Fall Fair Management Committee meeting held January 23, 2012, be received ( ). Direction was given to Administration to investigate the use of chemical free methods of controlling invasive plants at the Fairgrounds Bandstra/Wray THAT Council approves the Northern Saddle Club's request for the new location for the clean shavings bin. Page 7 of 16

8 VISITOR STATS Bandstra/Adomeit THAT the Visitor Statistics from the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce for the period ending January 31, 2012, be received ( ) COUNCILLOR WRAY None REPORT OF MAYOR BACHRACH GALORE CREEK Adomeit/Brienesse THAT the Galore Creek Copper-Gold-Silver Mine Brief Project Overview and 2012 Update, be received ( ). APC APPTS Bandstra/Wray THAT Report ADM dated January 19, 2012, from Mayor Bachrach regarding appointments to the Advisory Planning Commission, and APC member application form submitted by Laura Bakermans (Supplemental 14.1), be received; AND THAT Council ratifies the appointment of Paul Mott to the Advisory Planning Commission for a one-year term. OPPOSED: COUNCILLOR BRIENESSE. CARRIED Brienesse/Wray THAT Council ratifies the reappointment of the following Commission members for a one-year term: Casda Thomas; Colin Bruintjes; Anne Griffith; Sgt. Kirsten Marshall; Bob Mitchell, William (Bill) Garner; and Dave Pellow OIL SANDS TOUR Adomeit/Brienesse THAT the letter dated February 6, 2012, from the Alberta Enterprise Group inviting Mayor Bachrach to a tour of oil sands facilities being held March 7, 2012, be received; AND THAT the Mayor be authorized to attend ( ). Page 8 of 16

9 6.7.4 MAYORS REPORTS Mayor Bachrach reported that he attended the: a) Alzheimer s Walk for Memories; b) premier screening of The Grey; c) NW Regional Advisory Committee of the Northern Development Initiative Trust via conference call; d) Finance Committee meetings; e) Art Gallery opening; f) meeting with Carl Lutz, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure with the Chief Administrative Officer; g) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Conference to give the welcoming address; h) Recycling Society meeting; i) Chamber of Commerce meeting; j) Smithers Health Committee meeting; and k) Ground to Griddle Neighbourhood Kitchen. Mayor Bachrach advised of the following upcoming meetings and events, including: a) Moricetown Mini Feast; b) Omineca Beetle Action Coalition meeting; c) Rock Talk; d) Oil Sands Tour; d) "Future is Local" conference; and e) Steering Committee meeting for the upcoming Mayors Summit. 7. STAFF REPORTS 7.1. STAFF (A) REPORTS RELEASE OF COVENANT THAT Report DEV dated February 3, 2012, from A. Walker, Planner, recommending discharge of covenant PM33751 on Lots 2-6 Plan PRP42839 located on Third Avenue, be received; 7.2. STAFF (B) REPORTS AND THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to sign the release document to discharge covenant PM33751 ( ) NEW ARENA Brienesse/Adomeit THAT Report PR dated February 7, 2012, from A. Hillaby, Director of Recreation, Parks and Culture, and M. Allen, Director of Development Services, presenting a new arena construction proposal update, be received ( ). Page 9 of 16

10 8. BYLAWS BYLAW 1677 Wray/Goodacre THAT "Bylaw No Town of Smithers Zoning Bylaw No Amendment No " (3652 and 3664 Third Avenue), be postponed to February 28, OPPOSED: COUNCILLORS BANDSTRA CARRIED. AND BRIENESSE. BYLAW 1678 Brienesse/Wray THAT "Bylaw No Town of Smithers Zoning Bylaw No Amendment No " (text amendment M-1), be read a third time and adopted. BYLAW 1657 Brienesse/Bandstra THAT Report FIN dated January 31, 2012, introducing Bylaw No for readings, be received; AND THAT "Bylaw No Local Area Service (4200 Block of Second Avenue) Establishment and Loan Authorization", be read a first and second time Adomeit/Brienesse THAT "Bylaw No Local Area Service (4200 Block of Second Avenue) Establishment and Loan Authorization", be read a third time. 9. CORRESPONDENCE (A) ITEMS ALTAGAS Adomeit/Bandstra THAT the dated January 25, 2012, from AltaGas Ltd. regarding economic development opportunities in Smithers, be received ( ) Wray/Adomeit THAT a Committee of the Whole meeting with AltaGas and A. Stroet, Economic Development Officer, be scheduled to discuss economic development opportunities. Page 10 of 16

11 PLANT SALE Wray/Adomeit THAT the letter dated January 19, 2012, from the Bulkley Valley Genealogical Society requesting the use of Goat Statue Park for the Annual Perennial Plant Sale being held May 26, 2012, be received; AND THAT Council approves the request ( ) NH PARTNERING WITH COMMUNITIES Brienesse/Wray THAT the letter dated January 20, 2012, from Dr. C. Jago and C. Ulrich, Northern Health, inviting Mayor Bachrach and three Councillors to attend the "Partnering with Communities to Improve Primary Health Care" networking session being held March 15, 2012, in Prince George, be received; AND THAT Mayor Bachrach and Councillor Goodacre be authorized to attend ( ) SSS GRAD 2012 Adomeit/Bandstra THAT the letter dated January 13, 2012, from E. J. Cameron, Principal of Smithers Secondary School inviting Mayor Bachrach to give a brief address at the graduation ceremonies being held June 23, 2012, be received; AND THAT Mayor Bachrach give a brief address to the Smithers Secondary School graduates ( ) SSS GRAD 2012 Adomeit/Brienesse THAT the letter dated January 13, 2012, from E. J. Cameron, Principal, Smithers Secondary School, requesting use of the Civic Centre for the graduation ceremonies being held June 23, 2012, and set-up beginning June 18, 2012, be received; AND THAT Council approves the request ( ). Page 11 of 16

12 USW POLICY PAPER Brienesse/Bandstra THAT the letter dated January 20, 2012, from District 3, United Steelworkers, presenting a policy paper submitted to the B.C. Ministry of Forests regarding log export and offering to meet with Council, be received ( ). NCLGA Adomeit/Bandstra THAT the letter dated January 26, 2012, from the North Central Local Government Association seeking nominations for the Executive, be received ( ). FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING Brienesse/Wray THAT the letter dated January 24, 2012, from the Canadian Union of Public Employees requesting Council urge the Federal Government to not limit its infrastructure funding for local governments to public private partnerships, be received ( ). 10. CORRESPONDENCE (B) ITEMS - RECEIVE AND REPLY 11. CORRESPONDENCE (B) ITEMS - RECEIVE FOR INFORMATION THAT the letter dated January 13, 2012, from Smithers Community Services Association thanking Town Staff for contributing to the 2011 Christmas Hamper Program, be received ( ). THAT the letter dated January 31, 2012, from K. Kingston, 4124 Second Avenue, suggesting the Local Area Service Policy be reexamined to enable the Town to proceed with a project with the support of the broader tax base and response from M. Allen, Director of Development Services, dated February 7, 2012, be received. Bandstra/Brienesse THAT Administration prepare a report to Council on how to accelerate and fund road repair ( ). Page 12 of 16

13 THAT the dated January 24, 2012, from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities presenting information regarding the "Healthy Families BC Communities Initiative Consultation Overview" and registration, be received ( ). THAT the letter dated January 16, 2012, from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, promoting February as "Heart Month in Canada", be received ( ). THAT the letter dated January 20, 2012, from the Northern Development Initiative Trust presenting a $7500 cheque for the 2011 Grant Writer Funding Program, be received ( ). THAT the letter dated January 18, 2012, from N. Skuce, ForestEthics, regarding the report "Drive Change: Case Studies for Sustainable Transportation Options in Northern British Columbia" (report in D Items), be received ( ). THAT the letter dated January 4, 2012, from M. Cory, Senior Vice- President, CN, congratulating Mayor Bachrach on being elected Mayor, be received ( ). Adomeit/Goodacre THAT the Mayor send a letter to CN requesting their participation in the 2013 Centennial Celebration and follow up the letter with a telephone call. THAT the letter dated January 12, 2012, from the Canadian Union of Public Employees congratulating Mayor Bachrach and Council on being elected, be received ( ). Page 13 of 16

14 THAT letter dated January 16, 2012, from Heritage BC advising that February 20 to 26, 2012, is "Heritage Week", be received ( ). THAT letter received January 31, 2012, from Pitch-In BC, seeking municipal patrons, be received ( ). THAT the letter received January 19, 2012, from the British Columbia Water and Waste Association regarding Drinking Water Week 2012, be received ( ). THAT the letter dated January 23, 2012, from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police advising of an increase to pension contribution rates for Federal employees, be received ( ). THAT the News Release dated February 7, 2012, from the Ministry of Health announcing "Age-friendly BC" grant recipients, be received ( ). THAT the letter dated February 3, 2012, from four unions advising that March is "Community Social Services Awareness Month", be received ( ). 12. CORRESPONDENCE (C) ITEMS Page 14 of 16

15 13. CORRESPONDENCE (D) ITEMS Adomeit/Bandstra THAT Growing Tomorrow, Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia, Winter 2012, be received. Adomeit/Bandstra THAT Driving Change: Case Studies for Sustainable Transportation Options in Northern British Columbia, by N. Skuce, ForestEthics, be received. 14. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS APPROVED FOR DISCUSSION & 14.3 See See OTHER/NEW BUSINESS LITERACY MONTH PROCLAMATION REQUEST Brienesse/ THAT the proclamation request from the Literacy Outreach Task Group be deferred until a legal opinion is obtained regarding the Town's proclamation policy. MOTION LOST DUE TO LACK OF A SECONDER Adomeit/Brienesse THAT February be proclaimed "Literacy Month". OPPOSED: COUNCILLORS BANDSTRA, BRIENESSE, AND WRAY. DEFEATED W. Taekema advised that the Chamber of Commerce roof has been replaced and reported on initiatives undertaken by the Town in 2011 to mark "Drinking Water Week". Council directed W. Taekema to proceed with similar initiatives for the 2012 Drinking Water Week. 16. PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD None. Page 15 of 16

16 17. NOTICE OF SPECIAL (IN-CAMERA) MEETING(S) OF COUNCIL PURSUANT TO SECTION 92 OF THE COMMUNITY CHARTER NOTICE OF IN-CAMERA Adomeit/Goodacre THAT, pursuant to Section 92 of the Community Charter, Council gives notice and exercises its authority and excludes the media and the public, except for municipal staff, from the Special (In-Camera) meeting being held Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. to deal with matters falling under Section 90, Subsection 1 and/or 2 of the Community Charter. 18. ADJOURNMENT ADJOURN Adomeit/Bandstra THAT the Regular Meeting of Council be adjourned (10:07 p.m.). Taylor Bachrach Mayor Susan Bassett Director of Corporate Services Certified a True and Correct Copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 1027 Aldous Street, Smithers, B.C. Susan Bassett Director of Corporate Services Page 16 of 16