Post Notes for the Council Meeting of May 28, 2012

Wayne Staudt took the oath of office as the Interim Chief Administration Officer while the process of appointing a new CAO takes place.  Previous CAO Pearce has left to take a position in Vernon.  It is expected Mr. Staudt will fill this position for a period of approximately three months.

Delegations


5.1 RCMP Delegation; Crime Statistics for the last quarter.
These statistics can be read at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2293
Sgt. Laurie Jalbert highlighted the fact that the offender caught for the recent high number of break-ins plead guilty and was sentenced to five years.
51 drivers were removed from the road. 109 for the year to date.
9 distracted driving offences.  Distracted driving will become a focus for a designated period in the future.
The watch on prolific offenders is working well to reduce crime.  Bar Watch is successful.
The school programs D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education and) as well cyberbullying are up and running.
The force is down nine members at present due to transfers in having difficulty selling their properties in other locations.

There were several comments and questions to Sg. Jalbert concerning cycling.  In the discussion that followed Councillor Whetham requested some sort of awareness for cyclists around their responsibility to follow the 'rules of the road' within traffic.  With cycling becoming a much more popular method of transportation the importance of bike training, rodeos, safety and mutual respect were stressed for both cyclists and drivers.  All agreed on these issues.

5.2 Mount Baker Interact - Proposition regarding a Community Youth Action Plan
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2294
Thea Rodgers and Paniz Khosroshahy presented their ideas for art bike racks. Partly as an outcome of the recent youth Columbia Basin Trust Youth Conference in Kimberley, these students would like to enhance Cranbrook's bike culture.  Through a PowerPoint presentation they presented their ideas with some intitial draft form designs for Council's input.  This presentaion was very well received, encouragement given and some members of the gallery followed up with resource information after the presentation.

Council Enquiries
Councillor Pallesen had received a concern through Gary Lancaster regarding seniors concerns with Smart Meters.  Discussion indicated persons have the right to refuse the meter by placing a sign on their property and following up with a phone call.
Councillor Cross asked that there be a focus on outdoor watering practises in the city's advertising.  Councillor Cross also reported confusion over the proposal to rehabilitate parts of Joseph Creek.  A motion had previously passed that this proposal from community groups would go ahead.  However a series of emails received by some members of council and those volunteers involved, indicated a reluctance from some members of council  to accept  international professional expertise on the protection of  such waterways, a preference being shown for more access to water's edge for children to splash and more access for dogs being recommended.  Councillor Pallesen stated this is an 'urban stream' and should be accepted as such.

Comment
It is heartening to know the plan will go ahead.  Joseph Creek is not a manufactured piece of urban landscaping but originates naturally in the mountains, supplies our water and goes on to flow into the St Mary's River and subsequently becomes part of the Columbia River network.  As a fish-bearing stream it deserves the very best in environmental practice.


Councillor Warner had received an enquiry regarding speed limit time zone differences between playgrounds and school zones - one being dusk and one being 5:00pm.  Sgt Jalbert had left by this time but it was noted that times are usually posted.


There are still two places on the Community Builder Committee.  Mayor Stetski encouraged people to apply.  Details available on the City website.

Administration Updates
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2295


- Slaterville Implementation Update,
- Bus Idling Policy
John Darula has formulated a new idling policy.

- Dam Safety Review (Idlewild and Phillips)- will go ahead at a lesser cost than expected

- 2012 Annual Capital Roads Program is running into some difficulty in that infrastructure issues with sewer and water mains are much greater than anticipated and will be considerable more expensive than the budget allows.

- Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Program Status - Phase 2
A ribbon cutting ceremony was requested by the Province to ackowledge the 'almost' completion of this vast work.  It will be held at the Pump House on the Spray Irrigation Fields between 3:00- 4:00pm on June 8th with MLA, MP and Mayor present.

- Electronic Tender Bidding Initiative  Mayor Stetski asked for an in-house workshop for local contractors to address concerns with this new program.

- Engineering Services Acquisition Policy
-Flight Information Display Screens
- Northstar Rails to Trails Update.  The allocated budget will take care of repairs need.  A Trans Canada Trail Dedication Ceremony will be held at the bridge on June 2nd 2:00pm.  All trail lovers invited.


- New Horizons for Seniors Grant - Yet another garden for Cranbrook.
- Canada Day - Sunrise Rotary are working with the City to organise celebrations, hopefully for Moir Park contingent on grant approval.

- Handicap Parking Rec Plex - more than most recreational complexes
- Summer Reading Club
- Zero Emission Electric Vehicle.  Considerable research has gone into this with pros and cons being taken into consideration but a decision has yet to be made.  Councillor Pallesen would rather wait until technology has advanced more.  Councillor Pallesen wondered where such a vehicle could be recharged about town.  More information on this can be read within the administration report.

Comment
There might be a minimal cost to setting an example but without forward thinking and leaders to demonstrate, a culture change in care for the environment will not happen.



Correspondence
All correspondence can be read beginning:
 https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2296


9.1 RDEK Highlights
9.2 RCMP Press Release
9.3 Round the Mountain Festival
9.4 UCBM Correspondence
9.5 Correspondence RCMP
9.6 Cranbrook Society for Community Living
9.7 Letter from JJ's Custom Cakery - Charity Fundraiser for the Girl's and Boys Club
9.8 Rails to Trails special event on June 2
9.9 Request for sponsorship for the Ktunaxa Charity Golf Tournament
9.10 Ministry of Justice re: Recycling
9.11 Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals Nominations
9.12 Letter re: breastfeeding support
9.13 Kootenay Ice Golf Tournament
9.14 SPARC BC - Access Awareness Day
9.15 Letter from the Mayor of Vernon to BC Hydro supporting their citizens ability to refuse smart meters
9.16 Letter from Associates Medical Clinic regarding pot holes in the back alley
9.17 CAP Youth Initiative Program
9.18 Sunrise Rotary Club - Canada Day 2012
9.19 Invitation to Small Business Roundtable
9.20 ICBC Cost Sharing Opportunities - Road Improvement Program
9.21 BC Transit - door accessibility for people with disabilities

9.22 IPAD app especially designed for Mayor's and Elected Officials
Councillors Warner and Davis opposed the the recommendation that an assessment report on this new technology be brought back to council in September.  The recommendation carried.  Councillor Scott absent.

9.23 Friends of the Cranbrook Public Library

9.24 Letter from Stu Deeks re: Composting Household Waste
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2321
This topic which has arisen before will be put into the workplan for 2013-2014.

9.25 Letter from the United Way re: United Way Financial Centre
9.26 East Kootenay Brain Injury Association

Committee Recommendations

11.1 Cranbrook in Motion Committee Recommendations
- that speed bumps NOT be installed along 14th Avenue, 200 block north
- that the City in collaboration with the College of the Rockies install a bus shelter
Carried.

- that Council approve the use of free transit during the Cranbrook Farmers Market for those riders carrying reusable, recyclable bags.  It was explained this idea will be used as a promotion (in conjunction with transit who will promote the idea) for the Public Transportation System. Carried, with Councillor Davis opposed.  Councillor Scott absent.

New Business


12.1 To consider the draft policy for Electronic Changeable Copy Signs
to view the proposed policy: https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2325
Carried. Councillor Warner opposed.  Councillor Warner appeared to find the policy too restrictive.

12.2 To seek a resolution of Council authorizing application for funding in the amount of $95,000 under the Gas Tax Agreement's Innovation Fund in support of the project entitled "Development of a Bioenergy
Sector Economic Economic Assessment Tool"
Carried.

12.3 2012 Capital Roads Program - Water Mains
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2327
There was considerable discrepancy between original estimates and current predicted costs.  This transfer will reduce the shortfall.
Carried.


Bylaws


13.1 Development Cost Charge Bylaw 3740,2012
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2328
Some discussion ensued about an amendment which might reduce the assist factor for storm drainage.  It was partly agreed to this being this forward at a later reading and after public input. First Reading - carried with Councillors Cross and Whetham opposed.   This draft will now be made available for public input.

13.2 Cemetery Amendment Bylaw 3748,2012
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2329
Adopted.

13.3 Leisure Services Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 3749,2012 - to freeze rental fees
Adopted.