Post Notes for the Council Meeting of December 10th 2012

Councillor Scott absent.

Delegations

5.1 Chamber of Commerce - Results of Doing Business in Cranbrook Survey

Dave Butler, as second Vice president of the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce gave an overview of the Chambers' response to the Survey that had been requested by Council.  Of the almost 1500 licensed businesses in Cranbrook, 295 responded, (20%).  The purpose of this survey was for Council to learn more about how to remove barriers to doing business in Cranbrook.  The full report can be seen on the Chamber website.

http://www.cranbrookchamber.com/4397/chamber-presents-business-satisfaction-survey/

In summary the results indicated three main points:

• An action plan inside the City of Cranbrook to improve the service culture for business;
• Work with the business community to develop a business liaison position to help new and existing businesses navigate the people and processes necessary to succeed; and
• Work with the business community to take a more aggressive approach on the City’s economic development strategy, including regular progress reporting.

5.2 Renovation of Heidi's Restaurant to a Brewhouse

Heidi Romich owner of Heidi's Restaurant and David Dearsell of Kamloops described an exciting new partnership to bring a brewhouse/restaurant to Cranbrook.  Mr Deardsell a well-travelled and experienced brewmaster owns and runs such a business in Kamloops and is in the process of relocating to Cranbrook to work with Heidi Romich to do the same here.
I

7.1 Administration Updates
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2692

Engineering - Administration is developing and alternative watering source for cattle for the G1 Spray Irrigation Fields. The alternative water source will be a large trough.

Library Service - Presentation of the Library's strategic plan
Ursula Brigl described the library's intentions over the next few years and one request has been to bring a quality coffee shop and eating facility to the library.  

RCMP - 2012 Mayor's Report
The RCMP were not able to be present to deliver this report but Mayor Stetski noted that Cranbrook is still 30% short in its allocation of officers.  This has been the situation for approximately 9 months and Mayor Stetski requested the reasons for this.

Correspondence
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2698

9.1 Pitch in Week
9.2 Trans Canada Trail Update
The Trans Canada Trail has achieved over 10 million dollars in pledges.
Councillor Whetham noted a troubling report that the Fernie Sparwood link in the Trans Canada Trail may have to be closed due to poor usage.  This area has been known for its difficulty in forming continuous links and this would be a setback.
9.3 Fire Protection of Fort Steele
The City is working on a suitable arrangement with Fort Steele for the City Fire Department to cover this historic site.
9.4 Ktunaxa Nation Community Action Convening Grant
9.5 Partnership with Key City Theatre - School District Proclamation regarding the replacement of Mt. Baker Secondary School
This proclamation has come as a relief to all involved now that a clear direction for the future of the Key City Theatre has been set.  It has been decided that when the School is replaced the theatre will be included in the plans and the School District partnership with the City's theatre will continue.

9.6 Funding Support Candlelight Vigil - request for waiver of fee for use of Rotary Park Bandstand.
$65 Approved

11.1 Committee Recommendations - Family and Community Services

 https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2699

That a letter of support be send to the Interior Health Authority outlining concerns and recommendation for action on the matter of on the matters of blood testing and nurse practitioners.
Approved

New Business

12.1 2013 Regular Council Meeting Dates
Approved
12.2 2013 Acting Mayor Appointments
Approved
12.3 Appointments to Committees Council Members
Approved
12.4 Appointments to Committees
Approved
12.5 Mayor's Brown Bag Lunch Nov. 20 - One person of the public attended.
The attendee presented her case for backyard chickens.  Councillor Warner gave notice that he will bring this matter back to the table in the New Year.

12.6 Asset Management Investment Plan - To seek council's approval regarding next steps for implementation of the Asset Management Investment Plan (AMIP) and refer to the Environment and Utilities Committee for their recommendations.
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2705
It was discussed as to whether the public would like to see an executive summary of the Growth Management Plan.  Councillor Pallesen noted she had not read the plan and Councillor Davis noted a $200-$300 million price tag was involved.  Consensus seemed to be that much of the information from that study has now been incorporated into ongoing work such as the infrastructure report cards.
Comment
CLCS reported extensively on this study after its release in 2011.  Many of our members read the four part study and found much of the report enlightening.    Although the dedicated page of excerpts has now been taken off this blog, the full report can be found on the City website.  

12.7 Urban Deer Population Count Results
On November 18th approximately 96 deer were counted and 75 were counted on December 2nd.

Bylaws

13.1 Zoning Amendment Airport - to allow for expanded commercial and industrial development on airport lands.
Adopted

13.2 OCP Amendment - to consider a comprehensive amendment to the Official Community Plan which will add new sections integrating the City's Integrated Sustainability Plan and Growth Management Study.
Carried
13.3 Fees and Charges Amendment
A repeal of the old Animal Control Bylaw to make way for the new.
Carried
13.4 Animal Control Amendment - Increase in Dog License Fees
An increase in dog licencing fees was approved.  Although fees are substantially reduced if paid early the spayed female dog fee will go up from $33 to $37 and the same for a neutered male.  The increase in fees will start a fund dedicated to a dog park.
The full fee schedule can be read at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2710