Post Notes for the Council Meeting of February 3rd 2014

Council meeting presided over by acting Mayor, Sharon Cross.  Councillor Pallesen absent.

Delegation - RCMP 4th Quarter Mayor's Report
Cpl. Barry Graham gave a very positive report showing there have been decreases in crimes across the board in the last quarter. Focused investigations into drug related events have been part of the reason for the drops in crime. The full report can be read at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3639

A new order of business begins this evening after the adoption of the new Council procedure.  This will enable those coming to the meeting to see their business completed before Correspondence and the Administration report.

Bylaws

6.1 Board of Variance Bylaw 3787
To increase the number of regular scheduled meetings of the Board of Variance from four to six on the second Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December
Adopted

6.2 Zoning 3788
To consider third reading and adoption of an amendment to the City's Zoning Bylaw to change and  add new definitions, and to amend the C-6 Tourist Commercial Zone to better clarify regulations and permissible uses for an RV park development located on the Mission Hills Golf Course property.
Adopted

6.3 Zoning 3789
To consider third reading and adoption of a bylaw to amend the City of Cranbrook Zoning Bylaw 3737, 2012, to enable Medical Marijuana Grow Operations (MMGOs) with associated land use regulations, as a permitted use within an industrial zone, in anticipation of new Federal regulations concerning the licensing of MMGOs.
Carried.

6.4 Voting Machines 3790
To provide for the use of automated voting machines, voting recorders or other devices for voting in
the 2014 General Local Elections and subsequent elections.

Automated voting machines have been used in British Columbia for many years. According to data 

collected by Civic Info, among the same size municipalities (Courtenay, Dawson Creek, Fort St. 

John, Powell River, Salmon Arm, Williams lake) Cranbrook, Terrace and Prince Rupert are the 

only communities not using voting machines. In the province, over 70 municipalities, including 

Nelson (10,230 pop.), Trail (7,681 pop) and Castlegar (8,992 pop.) are using automated voting 

machines. 

Municipalities contacted had only positive comments about their experience of using automated 

voting machines and expressed that they would never go back to manual count.
Three readings carried.

New Business

8.1 Year of Reconciliation

Motion to be considered:

WHEREAS the City of Cranbrook is committed to furthering our positive relationship with our 

Ktunaxa neighbours; and 

WHEREAS on October 21, 2013 Cranbrook City Council unanimously passed a proclamation 

declaring October 21, 2013 to October 21, 2014 as a Year of Reconciliation with the Ktunaxa 

nation; 

THEREFORE be it resolved that Council direct City staff to organize a joint meeting between 

Cranbrook City Council and the Ktunaxa Nation Council to discuss ways to best implement the 

Year of Reconciliation.
Carried

8.2 Elk Valley Waste to Central Landfill
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3661

To consider directions to be given to City of Cranbrook's representatives on the Regional District of 

East Kootenay Board related to receiving Elk Valley Waste at the Central Landfill. 

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3645
There was some discussion around this issue which at first glance appeared might possibly be a worthwhile venture. However on further investigation into costs and with the proposal from the Elk Valley of a $50 payment per ton, the current proposal was rejected.  

8.3 RDEK Bylaw referrals

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3646

To consider a referral from the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) for proposed amendments 

to the Rockyview Official Community Plan (OCP) and Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaws to allow a 

campground. 

The RDEK has referred a proposed OCP and Zoning amendment to the City for comment. The proposed amendments will change the OCP and Zoning designations of a 4.2 acre (1.7 hectare) property located at 1873 Jim Smith Lake Rd. and Laidlaw Rd. area, legally described as Lot A, District Lot 3575, Kootenay District, Plan 4296. Bylaw No. 2506 would amend the Rockyview OCP designation of the property from MH, Medium Holdin9s to C, Commercial designation. Bylaw No. 2507 would amend the Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaw designation from RR-2, Rural Residential (Small Holding) Zone to C-4, Recreation Commercial Zone. The amendments would facilitate development of a campground use with up to 20 RV campsites and a small area for possible tenting. Campground servicing is indicated as being minimal with the 

use of outhouses and a well sourced, water tap proposed (see attached site plan).
Carried

8.4

To consider approval of an application for funding through the BC Healthy Communities Society, 

Health Communities Capacity Building Grants for Local Government Stream Two: Innovate Grant in 

partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Cranbrook. 

RECOMMENDATION BY: Staff 

That Council endorse the City being the applicant of a grant application on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters Cranbrook to BC Healthy Communities Society, Health Communities Capacity Building Grants for Local Government Stream Two: Innovate Grant for funding of $21,000 to assist Big Brothers Big  Sisters Cranbrook in their "Friendly Youth Initiative" focused on parents and expansion of youth projects.
Councillor Davis enquired as to whether this would be setting a precedent for other grant applicants.  It was explained that this is a grant to Municipalities and must be applied for through the municipality channel.
Carried

8.5 Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel
"THAT Council set a date for the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel to be held on April 28,2014, at 3:00 pm in the Council Chamber." 
"AND FURTHER THAT Council appoint Denise Pallesen, Councillor; Wayne Staudt, Chief Administrative 
Officer; and Charlotte Osborne, Director of Finance & Computer Services, as members of the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel." 
Carried

Administration Update

Can be read fully at: 

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3649

Correspondence 12.1 - 12.11

beginning:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3650

12.4  Worthy recipients for the hometown hero awards for those involved in care of the environment can be nominated at"

 http://www.earthday.ca/hometown-heroes/individuals

They overcome environmental obstacles. They engage others in support of a sustainable community. You may know them as a neighbour, volunteer group or local business, but to Earth Day Canada, they’re Hometown Heroes working to support a healthier environment.

12.5 Letter from Dave Butler Chamber of Commerce regarding Economic Development

12.8 Final payment from Federal Government of $25000 for Waste Water Capacity Improvements

12.9 Correspondence from Auditor General for Local Government - project is much bigger and taking longer than anticipated. Results now not expected until August. Councillor Whetham enquired as to staff time involved and so far it has been tagged at 108 hours.


12.11 This letter concerning potential additions to Reserve Lands within municipal boundaries resulted in some discussion.
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3660

It was felt the letter has not adequately addressed the concerns expressed by municipalities as to problems that would arise.  A meeting with MP Wilks will be requested.

Councillor Warner gave Notice of Motion for graduated Business License Fees dependent on number of employees.