TOWN OF SMITHERS. Mayor Bachrach called the meeting to order (7:31 p.m.) Bandstra/Wray THAT Council approves the agenda. CARRIED.

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, JULY 8, 2014, AT 7:30 P.M. Council Present: Taylor Bachrach, Mayor Norm Adomeit, Councillor Mark Bandstra, Councillor Phil Brienesse, Councillor Bill Goodacre, Councillor Charlie Northrup, Councillor Frank Wray, Councillor. Staff Present: Susan Bassett, Acting Chief Administrative Officer Leslie Ford, Director of Finance Mark Allen, Director of Development Services Andrew Hillaby, Director of Recreation, Parks and Culture Keith Stecko, Fire Chief Rob Blackburn, Airport Manager Roger Smith, Director of Works and Operations Janice McKay, Recording Secretary. Staff Excused: Deborah Sargent, Chief Administrative Officer. Media Present: A. Owen, Moose FM; and R. Jensen, The Interior News. 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Bachrach called the meeting to order (7:31 p.m.) APPROVAL OF AGENDA (including Supplemental Items) Bandstra/Wray THAT Council approves the agenda STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Standing item dated February 5, 2014, was presented. 2. PUBLIC HEARING 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.1 REGULAR - JUN Wray/Brienesse THAT the minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held June 24, 2014, be adopted, as amended, by clarifying that Councillor Northrup reported that he was unable to attend the Pool's Annual General Meeting, but noted that no politicians from the Town of Smithers, Village of Telkwa, or Regional District of Bulkley Nechako were in attendance, and that there was not a quorum. Page 1 of 15

2 4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 4.1 ITEMS MADE PUBLIC Report ADM dated June 25, 2014, from S. Bassett, Acting Chief Administrative Officer, recommending no items be made public from the Special (In-Camera) Meeting held June 10, 2014, was presented ( ). 4.2 RISE & REPORT - PERIMETER TRAIL There was a "Rise and Report" by Mayor Bachrach making public the following item from tonight's Special (In-Camera) meeting: The section of Perimeter Trail from Schibli Street to Dogwood Park (Second Avenue), where erosion is taking place, remains closed until further notice. Clear barriers will be erected to ensure public safety. 5. PETITIONS AND DELEGATIONS 5.1 BV SOCCER C. Bateman, President of the Bulkley Valley Soccer Society, and B. Price, representing the Men's Soccer League, and B. Irvine, representing the Women's Soccer League, gave a presentation outlining a five-phase proposal to improve soccer field conditions at Chandler Park. The following points were raised in the presentation: a) Chandler Park soccer fields have been the cause of injury due to their poor condition; b) there are over 1,100 users, 800 of which are children; c) despite the number of users, improvements to Chandler Park soccer fields have not been identified, by Council, as a high priority; d) having three fields would lessen the impact on the current space; and e) adults often quit soccer because of the impact of the hard, compacted ground. The first two phases have been completed or are very close to completion. They include compiling information on field usage, creating a three-field layout, assistance from Town Staff, conducting topographic and soil surveys, and gathering information on field maintenance, equipment, and irrigation. The next two phases entail removing the track close to Vancouver Street and replacing it with turf, relocating the track around the perimeter of the Park, removing the remaining track and replacing it with soil and seed, levelling the field to create a large, flat canvas in which fields can be periodically moved, and upgrading irrigation. Page 2 of 15

3 6. COUNCIL REPORTS The final phase includes progressive improvements, such as upgrading regular maintenance, using sand rather than gravel, replacing problem field areas, regular aeration, removal of plugs, fertilization, and regular irrigation. The requests to Council were as follows: a) to make improvements to Chandler Park fields a priority; b) to make application for grants a priority and allow Staff to provide technical and grant assistance; c) to assist in the removal of track, replacing soil and adding turf or seed; and d) an ongoing commitment to upgrade the machinery and field maintenance budgets. In response to questions and comments from Council, the delegation advised: a) their goal is to create a proper field right from the start and to gradually and uniformly change from a clay field to a sand-based field; b) turf will be used because it takes too long to wait for grass seed to grow; c) extending the soccer season right up to the hockey season would keep hockey players fit; d) a presentation will be made to the Regional District; e) using Chandler Park for purposes other than soccer would be acceptable provided no damage is done to the fields; f) sprinkler heads should not pose any problem to players; g) there are mixed feelings among the users regarding artificial turf; h) artificial turf could be a consideration, once the fields are at a working level and funding is in place; i) the Society tries to keep the costs down to between $80 and $100 per child; and j) Nature's Pantry and Seabridge Gold have provided financial donations to the Society for field improvements. B. Price offered the Council members, who did not attend the July 2, 2014, tour of the Chandler Park fields, the opportunity to do so. Mayor Bachrach advised that Council will respond, at the August 12, 2014, Regular Meeting, to the delegation's first request which is to consider making "improvements to Chandler Park fields" a corporate priority COUNCILLOR ADOMEIT None. Page 3 of 15

4 6.2. COUNCILLOR BANDSTRA BANDSTRA REPORT Councillor Bandstra advised that he attended the Canada Day event and provided highlights of the New Arena Building Advisory Committee meeting held at noon today COUNCILLOR BRIENESSE BRIENESSE REPORT Councillor Brienesse reported that he participated in the Canada Day event and attended the Midsummer Festival. He advised that he attended the July 7, 2014, Smithers and District Transit Committee meeting. G. Curren, Senior Regional Transit Manager, BC Transit, who is the new representative for our area, made several positive remarks regarding the Smithers and District transit service COUNCILLOR GOODACRE GOODACRE REPORT Councillor Goodacre reported that he attended the Midsummer Festival and that he was unable to attend the Canada Day celebrations COUNCILLOR NORTHRUP FFMC - JUN 18 The minutes of the Fall Fair Management Committee meeting held June 18, 2014, were presented Northrup/Brienesse THAT Council vary the agenda to bring forward to this point in the meeting the letter dated June 16, 2014, from the Bulkley Valley Folk Music Society requesting a License or Memorandum of Understanding between the Society and the Town of Smithers and voting membership on the Fall Fair Management Committee (Item 9.1) Northrup/Bandstra THAT Council direct Staff to prepare a report for the October Fall Fair Management Committee meeting regarding the effects of allowing licenses to the Bulkley Valley District 4H Council, the Smithers Rodeo Club, and any other fairgrounds' user groups, for Fairgrounds' property. Page 4 of 15

5 6.5.2 NORTHRUP REPORT Councillor Northrup reported that he attended: a) Nathan Cullen's barbecue which celebrated his tenth year as the Member of Parliament for Skeena-Bulkley Valley; and b) Canada Day events held at Bovill Square; and c) a meeting with representatives of the Bulkley Valley Soccer Society held at the Chandler Park fields COUNCILLOR WRAY Councillor Northrup advised Council that he met with a local company that would like to be a corporate sponsor to provide funds for a yearly liability insurance policy for Bovill Square events. None REPORT OF MAYOR BACHRACH MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Bachrach presented his written Mayor's Report dated July 8, 2014, and updated Council regarding the Regional District of Bulkley- Nechako landfill financial analysis meeting held June 25, He thanked Staff for organizing the Canada Day events and the Fire Department for bringing the ladder truck to Bovill Square to display the Canada flag. 7. STAFF REPORTS 7.1. STAFF (A) REPORTS ACTIVE 911 K. Stecko, Fire Chief, gave a presentation regarding the new application "Active911" and showed a demonstration video of what the application can do. The digital messaging system, powered by ipads located in each response vehicle, delivers alarms, maps, floor plans, hydrant locations, and other critical information to first responders in real time and tracks Fire Department responses. The application eliminates the need to have large volumes of hardcopy documentation on board. The application can be downloaded to SmartPhones and the system can track the location of volunteer firefighters to determine how many are enroute to an incident, thereby allowing truck preparations to begin immediately. The license fee is $523 per year. K. Stecko advised that he will be applying for a Union of British Columbia Municipalities 2014 Community Excellence Award for Best Practices in Operations. Page 5 of 15

6 7.1.2 D14-02 SMITHERS MALL Report DEV dated June 26, 2014, from A. Watson, Planner, recommending approval of Form and Character Development Permit Amendment Application D14-02, for 3664 Highway 16, was presented (Smithers Mall) ( /D14-02) Adomeit/Brienesse THAT Council approves Form and Character Development Permit Amendment Application D14-02, for the property located at 3664 Highway 16 (Smithers Mall) ( /D14-02) ELECTION OFFICIALS Report ADM dated June 25, 2014, from S. Bassett, Director of Corporate Services, recommending appointment of election officials for the Municipal General Election, was presented ( ) Brienesse/Wray THAT Council appoint election officials to conduct the Town of Smithers' 2014 Municipal General Election, and the positions to be paid as follows: a) Chief Election Officer, to be the Chief Administrative Officer or designate, to be paid $1,500; b) Deputy Chief Election Officer, to be the Director of Corporate Services or designate, to be paid $1,000; and c) ten election officials to be appointed by the Chief Election Officer or the Deputy Chief Election Officer, to be paid $200 each. OPPOSED: COUNCILLOR NORTHRUP UBCM MTGS WITH MINISTERS Report ADM dated June 25, 2014, from S. Bassett, Director of Corporate Services, requesting Council's direction regarding meetings with Ministers to be held during the 2014 Union of British Columbia Municipalities conference, was presented ( ). The following meeting topics were suggested: a) Passenger Transportation along Highway 16 and Rail Safety Response Times - Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure; b) Funding for Northwest Community College resource development training programs - Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training /Minister Responsible for Labour; c) the needs of the Bulkley Valley District Hospital, including being properly stocked to accommodate a possible influx of patients, due to regional resource development projects (i.e. Kispiox work camps) - Minister of Health; and d) Campaign Financing and Recreation Facility Priorities - Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Council will rank the meetings via . Page 6 of 15

7 7.1.5 ASPHALT SIDEWALKS Report DEV dated June 27, 2014, from M. Allen, Director of Development Services, recommending award of the 2014 Asphalt Sidewalks Maintenance Contract, was presented ( / A) Northrup/Adomeit THAT Council approves the Selected Bid process in Purchasing Policy FIN-006; AND THAT Council awards the 2014 Asphalt Sidewalks Maintenance Contract # A to LB Paving Ltd. (Smithers), in the amount of $32,800, excluding GST SIDEWALKS MAINTENANCE CONTRACT Report DEV dated June 30, 2014, from M. Allen, Director of Development Services, recommending waiving Downtown Sidewalk Improvement Policy OPS-004 to enable red brick sidewalks to be included in the 2014 contract, was presented ( / ) Adomeit/Brienesse THAT Council waives Downtown Sidewalk Improvement Policy OPS- 004 to enable the downtown core priority sidewalk reconstructions in red brick paving stones to be included in the 2014 sidewalks maintenance contract ( / ) WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT BAR SCREEN Report DEV dated July 3, 2014, from M. Allen, Director of Development Services, recommending an amendment to the Capital Plan and award of the Wastewater Treatment Plan Headworks Upgrade Screen and Washpress Installation contract, was presented ( / ) Wray/Adomeit THAT Council approves amending the 2014 Capital Plan by increasing the Sewage Treatment Plant Bar Screen Replacement budget by $45,000, from $257,363 to $302,363, with funds to come from the Utility Operating Surplus; AND THAT Council awards the Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Upgrade Screen and Washpress Installation contract to IDL Projects Inc. from Prince George, in the amount of $125,920, excluding GST. Page 7 of 15

8 7.2. STAFF (B) REPORTS CURB CUT - LETDOWNS Report DEV dated June 26, 2014, from M. Allen, Director of Development Services, advising that Accessible Curb Cut/Letdowns Program Contract # has been awarded to B.V. Weedbusters, was presented ( / ) WORTHY ENTERPRISE'S PAVING Report DEV dated July 2, 2014, from M. Allen, Director of Development Services, regarding Worthy Enterprise's parking lot paving project completion, was presented ( ) Northrup/Wray THAT a letter be sent to Worthy Enterprises advising that all outstanding development permit issues, for property located at 3847 Third Avenue, must be completed by August 12, CURBSIDE RECYCLING Report W/OPS dated June 27, 2014, from R. Smith, Director of Works and Operations, reporting on curbside recycling, was presented ( ). 8. BYLAWS 8.1 BYLAW Brienesse/Adomeit THAT "Bylaw No Five-Year ( ) Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1747, Amendment No. 1", be adopted. 8.2 BYLAW Bandstra/Wray THAT "Bylaw No South Trunk Storm Sewer Unused Debenture Borrowing Funds", be adopted. 9. CORRESPONDENCE (A) ITEMS 9.1 BVFMS REQUESTS See and Page 8 of 15

9 9.2 HAPPY PIG The letter dated June 27, 2014, from the Happy Pig Organic Farm requesting approval to continue operating its food truck on Thursdays and Fridays in Central Park next to CICK Community Radio, was presented ( ). See Goodacre/Adomeit THAT Council grants approval to the request from the Happy Pig Organic Farm to continue to operate its food truck from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays in Central Park next to CICK Community Radio ( ) Brienesse/Bandstra THAT Motion be amended by adding the word "interim" before the word "approval". OPPOSED: COUNCILLORS ADOMEIT, DEFEATED. BANDSTRA, BRIENESSE, GOODACRE, NORTHRUP, WRAY AND MAYOR BACHRACH Northrup/Goodacre THAT Motion be amended by adding, "AND THAT Council's approval be in effect until the end of 2014". The main motion, as amended, was voted on with the final wording being as follows: THAT Council grants approval to the request from the Happy Pig Organic Farm to continue to operate its food truck from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays in Central Park next to CICK Community Radio; AND THAT Council's approval be in effect until the end of Page 9 of 15

10 9.3 FRIENDSHIP CENTRE - LETTER OF SUPPORT The letter dated June 26, 2014, from the Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society requesting a letter of support to accompany a New Horizons for Seniors grant application for the "Astiliayez Sizuh Sindeh - Come Sit with Me Awhile" program, was presented ( ) Brienesse/Wray THAT Council provides a letter of support to the Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society to accompany a New Horizons for Seniors grant application for the "Astiliayez Sizuh Sindeh - Come Sit with Me Awhile" program. 9.4 USW - WESTRAY AMENDMENTS The letter dated June 16, 2014, from the United Steelworkers requesting Council pass a resolution supporting enforcement of the Westray Amendments to Canada's Criminal Code, was presented ( ). 9.5 FRACKING MORATORIUM The dated June 19, 2014, from B. Woollam, Duncan, requesting Council pass a resolution for a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, was presented ( ) 10. CORRESPONDENCE (B) ITEMS - RECEIVE AND REPLY 11. CORRESPONDENCE (B) ITEMS - RECEIVE FOR INFORMATION 11.1 NDI - NSC RIDING FACILITY The letter dated June 6, 2014, from the Northern Development Initiative Trust advising that the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities application from the Northern Saddle Club for an all season riding facility was approved subject to confirmation of other sources, was presented ( ) MINE RESCUE CATERING The letter dated June 16, 2014, from the Mine Rescue Committee Chair thanking the banquet caterers and servers, was presented ( ) CN IN YOUR COMMUNITY The letter dated June 13, 2014, from CN following up on the luncheon held during the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' conference, was presented (booklet in 'D' Items) ( ). Page 10 of 15

11 11.4 CEPA The letter dated June 12, 2014, from the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA), providing an information package regarding CEPA, was presented (information package in 'D' Items) ( ) OATH OF OFFICE The dated June 19, 2014, from Minister C. Oakes advising that Local Governments may adopt a customized Oath of Office, was presented ( ) FISH FARMS The dated June 19, 2014, from the Friends of Wild Salmon advising that the Province of British Columbia Finfish Aquaculture Order approved March 27, 2008, regarding the northern fish farm moratorium, is still in effect, was presented ( ) BCVOH The letter dated June 16, 2014, from the British Columbia Victims of Homicide regarding training sessions for Homicide Loss Support Group Facilitators being held in Terrace in September 2014, was presented ( ) NORTHERN MEDICAL PROGRAM TRUST The letter dated June 16, 2014, from the Northern Medical Programs Trust marking the tenth anniversary of the successful program and thanking the Town for its support and financial contribution, was presented ( ) SCIF The dated June 27, 2014, from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development regarding the 2014 Strategic Community Investment Fund, including transfers to the Town of Smithers for Small Community Grant and Traffic Fine Revenue funds, was presented ( ). Page 11 of 15

12 11.10 HERBICIDE COMPLAINT The letter dated June 27, 2014, from L. McArthur and T. Pendray, Smithers' residents, to the Northwest Invasive Plant Council regarding application of herbicide Lontrel 360 adjacent to their property, was presented ( ) Wray/Brienesse THAT a letter be sent to the Northwest Invasive Plant Council (NWIPC) asking if there are alternative methods, to Lontrel, for treating weeds in Smithers Goodacre/Bachrach THAT Motion be amended by adding, "AND THAT the letter request that the NWIPC inform the Town of Smithers of work that they have done in the community, specifically indicating what product is being applied and where, and suggesting that NWIPC report to the Town of Smithers on an annual basis." The main motion, as amended, was voted on with the final wording being as follows: THAT a letter be sent to the Northwest Invasive Plant Council (NWIPC) asking if there are alternative methods, to Lontrel, for treating weeds in Smithers; AND THAT the letter request that the NWIPC inform the Town of Smithers of work that they have done in the community, specifically indicating what product is being applied and where, and suggesting that NWIPC report to the Town of Smithers on an annual basis MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY The letter dated June 25, 2014, from Muscular Dystrophy Canada, BC/Yukon Branch, acknowledging the Smithers Volunteer Fire Department for its 2013/14 contribution of $635,000, was presented ( ) GRANT WRITER - JUNE The letter dated June 16, 2014, from Aspen Grove Resources, presenting the Grant Writer Interim Report dated June 2014, was presented ( ). Page 12 of 15

13 12. CORRESPONDENCE (C) ITEMS 13. CORRESPONDENCE (D) ITEMS 13.1 Curb Magazine, 2014, City-Region Studies Centre, was presented N2K, July 2014, Black Press, was presented 13.3 Your Grads of 2014, The Interior News, was presented CN in Your Community 2014: Building Stronger, Safer Communities, was presented (letter in 'B' Items) The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association information package was presented (letter in 'B' Items). 14. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS APPROVED FOR DISCUSSION 15. OTHER/NEW BUSINESS 15.1 SILVERKING HELICOPTERS R. Blackburn advised that: a) Silverking Helicopters is expanding operations and is in the process of building a hangar; and b) he will be meeting with a car rental company this week FNESS K. Stecko reported that the First Nations Emergency Services Society Safety Expo held in Smithers June 25, to 28, 2014, was a great success, with over 100 firefighters participating. The Smithers Volunteer Fire Department was involved in supporting certification training courses. A large number of spectators observed the Saturday competition held at Walnut Park School. The Moricetown Fire Department will be heading to the Provincials ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL ICE TIME Councillor Brienesse reported that St. Joseph's School had concerns regarding their new ice times and that Ebenezer School may also share similar concerns. Staff advised that they have been working with St. Joseph's School directly to satisfy concerns A. LOGAN Councillor Adomeit advised that Arden Logan passed away. Mr. Logan was once a Town employee and served as a volunteer firefighter. Page 13 of 15

14 15.5 SVFD FUNDRAISING FOR M.S. Councillor Wray congratulated the Smithers Volunteer Fire Department for their Muscular Dystrophy fundraising contribution. 16. PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD 16.1 BVFMS LICENCE REQUEST Regarding Item 9.1, K. Diemert, Vice-President, Bulkley Valley Folk Music Society (BVFMS), clarified that the BVFMS initiated a request, in 2011, for a license with the Town for the area of the fairgrounds occupied by the BVFMS building. It was at that time that the Northern Saddle Club (NSC) advised that the NSC did not want to continue to be responsible for any liability with regard to the BVFMS building. K. Diemert advised that the BVFMS will undertake a proposal, for a license with the Town, and will submit it for consideration in the preparation of the Staff Report being included on the October Fall Fair Management Committee meeting agenda (see Item and 9.1) M. THIMER Regarding Item 9.2, M. Thimer, owner of Happy Pig Organic Farm, requested clarification regarding how long her food truck is allowed to operate at Central Park. It was confirmed to her that the truck may operate at Central Park until the end of Regarding Council's discussion tonight concerning: a) imposing a new fee for the use of Town-owned property by mobile vendors/restaurants; and b) how long Council's approval for use of the Town-owned property by a mobile restaurant/vendor remains in effect, Mayor Bachrach explained that the new Business License Bylaw was adopted on June 24, 2014, and that these items were not considered at that time. M. Thimer emphasized that the mission of Happy Pig Organic Farm, and its mobile operations, is to support and sell local products and to offer good food to local people. Page 14 of 15

15 17. NOTICE OF SPECIAL (IN-CAMERA) MEETING(S) OF COUNCIL PURSUANT TO SECTION 92 OF THE COMMUNITY CHARTER Bachrach/Adomeit 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 August 12, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. to deal with matters falling under Section 90, subsections (1) and/or (2) of the Community Charter. 18. ADJOURNMENT Adomeit/Wray THAT the meeting be adjourned (10:00 p.m.). Taylor Bachrach Mayor Susan Bassett Acting Chief Administrative Officer Certified a True and Correct Copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council meeting held Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1027 Aldous Street, Smithers, B.C. Susan Bassett Acting Corporate Administrator Page 15 of 15