Post Notes for the Council meeting of February 6th 2012

Delegations

1. Corporal Pat Prefontaine reported that due to a concentrated focus on four prolific offenders there has been a 40% reduction in violent offences in the last quarter. The PARTY (Prevent Alcohol and Risk related Trauma in Youth) program is being restructured but the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is underway in schools.

2. Chris Dadson, President Tourism BC gave a slide presentation demonstrating the ups and downs of tourism in BC. Tourism has currently levelled off after a rise and then substantial fall over the last ten years. 2/3 of all BC’s visitors are from Alberta but the UK holds the top spot for international visitors followed by Germany and Western Europe. BC is looking to see a climb in visitors from China now that Canada has received approved visitation status by that country. The number one interest for visitors is National Parks. New marketing strategies for BC include a series of apps for I phone, Androids and Blackberry. (Search for Kootenay apps). 9% of total employment in BC is involved with tourism.

3. Jennifer Krotz, Columbia Basin Trust, CBT Grants This delegate did not appear.

4. Sioux Browning and Linda Holmes from the Cranbrook and District Arts Council reviewed their strategy and plans for the eventual operation of Firehall no. 1. They also requested in kind support for a series of Concerts in the Park this coming summer.

Administration Update
CAO Pearce reviewed the report concerning Secondary Suites, Community Builder of the Year Award, Council meeting DVD recordings and the Public Library, Wastewater Improvement program, report from Fire and Emergency Services, Lift at Senior’s Hall
The Complete Report can be read at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=1947

Correspondence 9.1 – 9.6

9.2 A letter raising the issue of small animal husbandry within city boundaries was referred to The Family and Community Services Committee for further discussion.

9.4 The request for bus passes for MT. Baker students to the Business Expo and Career fair March 8th was granted.

Business Arising

10.1 Shaw Cable rebroadcasting
A resolution to send a letter to Shaw expressing dissatisfaction with rebroadcasting of Council meetings was passed.

10.2 Sidewalk Snow clearing

It was resolved to not introduce a bylaw requiring residents clear their sidewalks after a snowfall but that encouragement continue to be given. It was moved by Councillor Whetham however, that staff look into the potential for consolidating the sidewalk clearing services that the city currently does, into contiguous routes rather than the disconnected clearing that is now done and at no extra cost to the city. This resolution passed by a vote of 6 to 1. Councillor Scott opposed.

10.3 Development Cost Charges and Municipal Assist Factors

Council was presented with a series of tables showing how various assist factors would affect the setting of a new DCC rate.

Councillors Pallesen and Scott both expressed their view that assist factors should be kept to 51% as in the past, in order to encourage development in these tough economic times. Councillors Whetham and Cross expressed their concerns with this arrangement as it amounts to a large subsidy from taxpayers to the developer for cost of roads, storm sewer, sewer and water for the new development.

Mayor Stetski pointed out that DCCs have not been reviewed since 2004. With an assist factor of 1% for a single-family home in a low density area the cost to the developer would rise from $2,032.00 to $11,409.00.

Councillor Whetham expressed his view that rationales for the varying rates need to be examined and varying needs should be taken into account.

The matter was deferred.

DCCs were a large topic in the Growth Management Study and more information is available both on the City website and under the tab at the top of this page. It should be noted Cranbrook’s DCC rate has been one of the lowest in the area and there has been no increase for 8 years.

Invasive Plant Management Program


The motion to not contribute to the Invasive Plant Management Program passed by the last Council in the fall of 2011 was rescinded by a vote of 5 to 2, Councillors Scott and Pallesen opposed. A new motion to contribute to the program with an amount of $9600.00 was passed by a vote of 5 to 2, Councillors Scott and Pallesen opposing.

Mayor Stetski expressed his concern that without Cranbrook’s participation the program within the RDEK cannot go ahead. Councillors Pallesen and Scott expressed their views that this is a rural issue and that Cranbrook has a program within the city limit and that a decision to not participate had already been made.  Councillors Pallesen and Scott also objected to the City paying the 'lion's share' of this program despite Cranbrook's relatively small area.  Councillors Whetham, Cross and Mayor Stetski gave reasons for the city’s need to participate, explaining the very large population of Cranbrook is a large and contributing factor, (by way of their use of the rural areas) to the invasive weed problem which is very real and is endangering biodiversity.

New Business

12.1 Traffic management Notice of Motion from Councillor Warner
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=1958

12.2 Proposed City Promotion Production Segment for Today in America at a cost of $24800.00. Not recommended.

12.3 Front yard setback for North Star Motors, Variance Permit to reduce setback
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=1960
Approved

12.4 More on the application from North Star Motors
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=1961
Approved.
The concern of hand watering trees and shrubs was raised, as this method of watering is not sufficient for establishment of trees and shrubs. Director Staudt pointed out there is now $125000.00 hold back for landscaping.

12.5 Façade Renovation Application for Community Connections Society 16, 12 Av N. – the old Shannon’s Fabric Block
Approved.

12.6 Adjustment to Fire and Emergency Services to extend Response Boundary to include Highway 3 and 95A to include the area of the Spray Irrigation Site.
Approved

Bylaws
Due to advertising error the Public Hearings for The Slaterville OCP bylaws 3737 and 3739 must re rescheduled. Rescheduled for February 20th.