5.1 Regional District of the East Kootenay, David Struthers and Karen Macleod , East Kootenay Agricultural Plan
David Struthers explained the purpose of the East Kootenay Agricultural Plan is to look for practical solutions to strengthen the farming industry. The process has been guided by a steering committee and has been underway for several years. An inventory of farmland in current use was completed in 2011. The next step is to develop a background report of issues. Significant input has been gained from producers, interested public, consumers and the retail services. Eight public meetings have been held with a total of approximately 170 people in attendance. The agricultural plan steering committee has developed three separate surveys (consumer, producer, food retailer/supplier) as a means of gathering additional information. On-line and printable versions of the surveys are available on the East Kootenay Ag Plan website,
www.ekag.ca . They will be available until the end of March.
The Power point presentation can be viewed at: https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2869
5.2 BC Hydro, Energy Efficiency
Lisa Coltart from BC Hydro congratulated the City for hiring an Energy Manager as she went on to explain the considerable savings potential with this resource. She gave examples of considerable savings achieved by large companies through energy efficiency measures. 60 Cranbrook businesses have taken advantage of the Power Smart programs with Bridge Interiors being a prime example. Within BC, Canfor was the 2012 winner having saved $500000.00 through efficiency measures. The ability of Smart Metres to allow homeowners to monitor their own energy use is imminent with the soft ware roll-out ready to go.
The Power point presentation can be viewed at
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2870
Council Enquiries
There had been enquiries about Mayoral expenses which CAO Staudt stated would be released in May or June. Councillor Cross passed on an enquiry about the state of the roads in Mt Royal Estates. Engineer Hodge stated securities for Phase one have been released to take care of some of the issues but given the extent of repairs required complete resurfacing will be required after infrastructure problems are solved. No time line was given.
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2870
Council Enquiries
There had been enquiries about Mayoral expenses which CAO Staudt stated would be released in May or June. Councillor Cross passed on an enquiry about the state of the roads in Mt Royal Estates. Engineer Hodge stated securities for Phase one have been released to take care of some of the issues but given the extent of repairs required complete resurfacing will be required after infrastructure problems are solved. No time line was given.
7.1 Administration Updates
A lengthy report this week containing:
Flag protocol
Coffee with the Mayor follow -up
Engineer Hodge stated that shaping of the lane way is not enough to take care of storm run-off issues behind Birch Drive. Other mitigating methods will have to be used.
The Spray irrigation catch basin and effluent drainage issue comes under Ministry of the Environment jurisdiction.
Economic Development
Kevin Weaver, Economic Development Officer gave an update on progress with the Barriers to Business discussions which are going well. A delegation to Wonju, sister city Korea is being set up.
After the joint Kimberley/Cranbrook Council meeting talks have begun on a joint marketing profile for the area. A Doing Business Guide for Cranbrook is being put together.
Finance and Computer Services, 2012 Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) reporting
Leisure Services
The full report can be read at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2871
Correspondence
All correspondence can be read beginning at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2872
9.1 Cat Licensing
This was not discussed although some Councillors could not resist commenting on the issues this might bring forth.
9.2 Primary and Community Care Investments
The potential for coordinating air quality and breathing diseases was discussed. It was moved and carried to refer his to Family and Community Services.
9.3 Volunteer Appreciation Gala
It was agreed to purchase tickets for one table, $250.00
9.4 Social Health Issues
A new Nurse Practitioner has now been hired. This will help considerably with those under privileged and without a family doctor.
9.5 Traffic Fine Revenue
Funds have been reimbursed to the City for a total of about $75000
9.6 Shelter and Transitional Housing Update
A letter will be sent to BC Housing to determine the status of funding for this project.
9.7 Building Officials of BC Request for monetary support for AGM
$500 approved.
9.8 Children's Festival
Saturday May 11th. All requests for assistance with such things as picnic tables granted.
9.9 Community Social Services Awareness
Social Services Month proclaimed for March.
9.10 Proclamation - Day of the Honey Bee
Proclaimed for May 29th.
Several Councillors discussed the importance of the bee population. A short discussion followed around the keeping of bees within a municipality. Councillor Cross a bee keeper herself, pointed out that in Victoria hives are located within the Empress of Victoria Grounds.
Comment
It is heartening to hear this issue being taken seriously and it is being documented that some of the healthiest bee populations are now in cities. This is likely due to the greater length of foraging season with mixed plantings and potentially less intensive use of pesticides and herbicides. Cranbrook currently does not allow bee keeping within its limits.
11.4 Committee Recommendations from Wellness and Heritage regarding:
Brick Electrical Building Demolition
This building will be demolished due to its deteriorated state. The Cranbrook made bricks will be kept for a future project.
National Health Day
June 1st. A motion to waive fees for the pool that day carried.
Dog use of Moir Park
Bag dispensers will be installed by a private business. The issue of dog use of the park will be referred back to Wellness and Heritage for discussion.
Healthy Communities Initiative
Moved to work with Interior health on this initiative. Carried.
New Business
12.1 Mayor's Brown Bag Lunch
12.2 Highway Corridor Commercial Development Permit , Smart Centres
Smart Centres has offered $5000.00 towards a traffic study for the area and will undertake to examine the traffic issues.
Permit approved enabling the construction of Sport Check and the Dollar Tree to go ahead.
12.3 Downtown Commercial Development Permit - Exterior Renovations 101 - 9th Avenue South
Taylor Adams refit of the building above. Approved.
12.4 To consider approval of an application for a Baker Hill Development Permit to enable construction of
an addition for an existing single-family dwelling located at 216 - 10th Avenue South, zoned R-1 -
Single Family Extended Residential Zone, and located within the Baker Hill Development Permit
area.
Approved.
12.5 To provide information and guidelines for residents of the City of Cranbrook to participate in the 2013 low flow toilet rebate initiative.
Approved. This program has been very successful and will be continued. Rain barrels are also being looked at.
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