Post Notes for the Council Meeting of July 16th

Public Hearing Regarding Zoning Amendment Bylaw 3753 
This item concerned a zoning amendment for a non-conforming six unit cluster development in Slaterville.  There were no members of the public present to voice concerns although one letter from a neighbour of the property was submitted.  Dennis Pocha did not support the zoning change to accommodate this cluster development as he felt a neighbouring property did not meet code.  The matter of the neighbouring property was examined by staff and found to be within all regulations.
The zoning bylaw to accommodate this property was later in the meeting, approved.  This will enable the property to remain as is and work but not additions will be permitted to the existing properties.


5.1 Delegation


Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Duncan Whitlock and Karen Marcus  in a Power Point presentation described the work of the Columbia Basin Environmental Network.  CBEEN provides curriculum linked presentations and field trips for students in the area.  At the end of September 2012, CBEEN is excited to be bringing Dr. Jane Goodall to Cranbrook.  Dr. Goodall will present her message of hope with her Roots and Shoots lecture.  She will also be working with local school children.  Mr Whitlock requested some support from Council for this event as they have almost reached their funding goal.  
Council requested administration to examine their dates at the Key City Theatre and to see if they could provide some in kind assistance.
If all funding is achieved tickets will go on sale later this summer.

Council Inquiries
Councillor Warner brought up the topic of Councillors attendance at the UBCM (Union of British Columbia Municipalities) conference scheduled for this September in Victoria.  In the past, Councillors, administrators and some partners have attended this conference at the taxpayers expense.  (Whether spouses have attended at taxpayers expense is not clear at this time).  While Councillor Warner appreciated this is a very valuable and professional conference he expressed concern over the nature of some alternative field trip offerings, such as 'Paddling the Victoria Harbour', should attendees choose those over more professional information.  Councillor Whetham expressed the feeling that it was not necessary for all Councillors to necessarily attend for all five days of offerings at considerable expense to the taxpayers and Councillor Cross expressed her feelings that spouses should not accompany at taxpayers expense. Councillor Davis addressed Councillor Warner by saying, "I think there was a purpose in what you were saying and the purpose was to give the impression to whoever is watching this that is just one big party.  I resent that and I think you were just playing to an audience. I feel sorry for you."
Mayor Stetski concluded the discussion by requesting that all involved look at the programs and decide what is suitable.  He felt everyone on Council should have the opportunity to attend the Conference.

7.1 Administration Updates
All can be read in detail at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2414


CAO - Conflict of Interest
Further to comments expressed by Councillor Diana J.Scott, the City's Solicitor has advised the pursuant that the writing of articles by Councillor Warner's capacity as a journalist, would not require him to declare a conflict of interest.

Councillor Scott stated she would like to address this item of business.  After it appeared Councillor Scott was going to relate her speech to one particular Councillor, Mayor Stetski interjected and said, "I will allow this if you stick to the general writing of articles in the paper rather than a personalized review." 
Despite the legal opinion from the City solicitor, Councillor Scott continued to pressure and tried to express her difficulty with a Councillor expressing a personal opinion in a public way. She also stated, "One Councillor is writing an article for a news publication once a week, fifty two weeks a year.  Other Councillors do not have that opportunity and I feel its unfair".  She also felt the word of a Councillor who is heard or published in the news media might carry more weight than one who is not.  
Mayor Stetski pointed out the every Councillor does have the opportunity to write a column and that in the future every Councillor will identify that they are on Council and that they are not speaking for Council but for themselves.


Slaterville
In accordance with recommendations made in the Slaterville Neighborhood Plan and with the assistance of the City's Public Works Department, traffic calming measures have been implemented.

Compliments about these measures from some residents of Slaterville have been passed on to Council.

Corporate Communications Officer
Extending Low Flow Toilet Rebate Program to Businesses


This is not allowed under Municipal Law as it would in effect be subsidizing business.

Economic Development
In response to a Councillor inquiry regarding the possibility of the City introducing a rain barrel program.  City staff have stated that rain barrels could, to a modest extent help reduce water consumption. They are readily available at local retailers however the City might want to consider a rebate program such as the Low Flow Toilet Rebate.

Engineering/Public Works
Concerns about the amount of time allowed to cross at the intersection of Baker St. and 10th Ave. S.
At present 17 seconds is allowed to cross the road. This has been extended to a total of 20 seconds.

Engineering
Building Permits for the 2nd quarter saw total construction value of $14.3 million as compared to $9.1 million last year.

Development Cost Charges
After public consultation and unless otherwise directed staff shall proceed with the recommended DCC's with assist factors set at 11% for water and sewer and 51% for road and storm projects.
Once again this topic stimulated considerable discussion.  Council has a recommendation from administration on the table.  Much compromise has been made in an effort to reduce the Development Cost Charges but even though Cranbrook's DCC rates will remain at levels considerably lower than most surrounding communities, under the new proposal, residential cost charges to the developer will double.  The unique circumstances of Sparwood which benefits from the mining industry, enable that community to waive all DCC charges.  The high recommended rates of assistance (i.e 51%  for roads and sewer) from the City caused the most discussion.  Commercial and Industrial assist rates for storm sewer and road will be negotiable.  If, for example a new commercial development does not use excess amounts of water and if permeable paving is installed the assist rate might be increased.  However these rates will not be negotiable for residential development, resulting in the taxpayers assisting the development costs by 51%.  Considering Cranbrook faces tens of millions of dollars of new upgrades to its sewer and road systems Councillors Whetham and Cross felt the assist rate should be lowered to 11%.  This would allow for a little more recovery of necessary funds to cover the cost of new development.  Councillor Davis felt that the costs should remain as they are and the decision be deferred once more. In the end a decision was made to go ahead with a motion to accept administration's recommendation.  The motion carried with a vote of 4 to 3.


Comment
Once again it appears as though taxpayers will continue to subsidize infrastructure for new development.

Correspondence


9.1 RDEK Highlights
9.2 Wildsight Apple Capture Program
9.3 Nesika Awards
9.4 Cops for Kids Mayors Challenge
9.5 Letter expressing support for the City in not allowing chickens farming in the City
9.6 Letter from Maureen Gordon supporting the City's decision to not allow chickens farming in the City.
9.7 Tim Hortons Day Camp
9.8 Community Infrastructure Improvements
9.9 2012 UBCM Convention Meeting
9.10 Letter from Dawn and Doug Storgaard regarding the weed vegetation along Joseph Creek and how it has become a dumping group for garden waste and other garbage.
It was pointed out that subsequent to the receipt of this concern, Councillor's Cross and resident Stewart Wilson went and pulled several bags full of weeds from this area of Joseph Creek which is a social corridor.  As a result of their discussions with neighbours, an initiative to be implement some riparian restoration and beautification has begun.
9.11 Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network is sponsoring Dr. Jane Goodall to speak in Cranbrook but are requesting support from the City of Cranbrook.
See above.
9.12 School Speed Zones
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2426
9.13 Mopars in the Mountains Car Show
9.14 A letter from Jim Cameron requesting  that Imperial Daughters of the Order of the Empire drinking fountain be returned to its original location in Rotary Park

10.1 Business Arising
Protection of Fish Habitat in Waterways - A resolution that the City of Cranbrook call upon the Federal Government to abandon proposed changes to Section 53(1) of the Fisheries Act that would see the removal of provision banning or limiting activities that result in the "harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat".
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2429
Councillor Pallesen wished to postpone this motion in order to speak to MLA Bennett as she had been unable to speak to MP Wilks in order to gather more information .  This issue came before Council at a previous meeting and information was provided in the Council package for Council to read.  Councillor Pallesen indicated she she did not know about Joseph Creek and its fish bearing qualities.  Councillor Pallesen's motion to table the motion until the following meeting was defeated, 4 to 3.   The resolution to send the letter to the Federal Government subsequently carried with Councillors Pallesen and Scott voting against.

12.1 New Business
Mayor's Brown Bag Lunch
Can be read at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2430

12.2 New Business
Memo of Agreement between the COTR and School District 5 Track.
Council agreed this is a valuable asset to the community which they will continue to support. The agreement with School District #5 and the College of the Rockies requires ongoing annual maintenance and Council passed the resolution to continue the agreement and contribute  $5000 towards upkeep.

12.3 New Business
Purpose: to receive Council's direction regarding the submission of a bid for the 2016 BC Summer Games.
Recommendation by Staff: That Council does not direct staff to submit a joint bit with the City of Kimberley, to host the 2016 BC Summer Gamers


13.1 Bylaw 3744,2012
City of Cranbrook's proposed Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw.
This resolution to reduce the number of allowable bags from five to three carried.  It was pointed out that extra tags can be obtained from City Hall for extenuating circumstances.
First, Second and Third readings carried.

13.2 Bylaw 3753,2012
Zoning Amendment that would establish a new custom residential cluster zone and rezone properties to the new zone. It is intended to address the existing non-conforming use on the properties.
See above - Public Hearing.