Post Notes for the Council Meeting of March21st 2011

Delegations
Sioux Browning and Linda Holmes made an appealing presentation on the potential sites for The Cranbrook Arts Centre. An Art Centre is a much-needed facility in Cranbrook and the preferred choice at this time would be Firehall No 1.

At a later point in this meeting under Business Arising a recommendation was made by staff to the effect that title to this building remain with the city and that the building be used by the city for housing the fibre optic hub, Search and Rescue, displaying the city’s antique fire trucks and for meeting space. Councillor Whetham moved that an amendment be placed on this recommendation to the effect that this arrangement be revisited after three years with a view at that time to consider its use for the Arts Council. In this way the Arts Council has time for fund raising. This was carried.

Administrative Update

The complete update can be read at:
http://cranbrook.ihostez.com/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=1419

Councillor Whetham accepted this solicitor's particular interpretation of the issue concerning public access to the proposed park adjacent to Shadow Mountain but hopes in the interest of the public this issue will be revisited at a future date.

Editorial Comment
One must wonder what the rationale of Council must be in supporting the creation of Cranbrook's only river frontage park but effectively banning access to a large number of the citizens (except private residents and guests of Shadow Mountain) with the use of this interpretation of their OCP and Bylaws.  Councillor Wavrecan compared this park to the Community Forest by saying that not all citizens have access to all city parks.  Firstly the Community Forest is not owned by the city although it is a huge asset of the city's and secondly it is very accessible to all in many places.  We can be sure this issue will not go away.

Correspondence


The City agreed to advertise Trash to Trash Day (which will be held on April 23rd) in its weekly advertising.

Council endorsed Earth Hour, which will be held this Saturday March26th. Residents are encouraged to participate by turning off all electrical appliances, lights etc at this time to save energy.

http://www.earthhour.org/

Committee Recommendations


Several people were appointed to Committees of Council. Their names likely will be available on the City website.

New Business
RDEK referral regarding proposed rezoning of an area at Jim Smith Lake was turned down. The city has a policy and an agreement with the RDEK of not approving subdivision into small parcels of land, which fall within a ten kilometre radius of the Post Office.

Bylaws
The Report Recommendation from Corporate Services regarding The Five Year Financial Plan was withdrawn from the agenda.