Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society provides grassroots leadership and an inclusive process, with a voice for all community members, to ensure that our community grows and develops in a way that incorporates an environmental ethic, offers a range of housing and transportation choices, encourages a vibrant and cultural life and supports sustainable, meaningful employment and business opportunities.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Post Notes for the Council Meeting of May 12th 2014

Delegations
5.1 1st Quarter RCMP Report
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3908
Most infraction statistics down.  The downward trend in Cranbrook was more noticeable than nationally where the trend is also down.  Councillor Warner asked whether this might be partly accounted for by the age statistics in Cranbrook.  Cranbrook generally has an older population than many other communities.  The answer is not known but could contribute.  To read the full report, go to the link above.

5.2 Sochi Olympics Presentation, Gordon McArthur
Gordon MacArthur gave a slide and short video presentation of his time demonstrating climbing at the Sochi Olympics.  Council presented him with a thank you gift for representing Cranbrook so well.

Bylaws

6.1 3795
To consider first, second and third readings for a proposed bylaw to regulate the use of Multi-Use Recreation Trails within the City.
Carried.  Mayor Stetski also outlined the fine structure used by Kimberley for infractions such as speeding.   Councillor Whetham pointed out Kimberley is also drafting a Trail Etiquette policy to accommodate all users.

6.2 3796
To present the Cranbrook Tax Rates Bylaw to Council for three readings.
According to the City's Five Year Financial Plan, the City needs to raise $23,022,380 in General Municipal Property Taxes to balance its General Fund. The tax rates proposed by this Bylaw will raise $23,022,380 in general municipal property taxes and increase City property taxes by $867,000 (3.95% after adjusting for 'non-market change" of $222,000).
Carried


6.4 3798
To consider first and second reading and referrals for a proposed amendment of the Zoning Bylaw to rezone property located on 30th Avenue North from a C2 - Highway Commercial Zone- to a RT -Residential Transition Zone.
Carried. 

6.5 3799
Council consider City of Cranbrook Cease Fluoridation Bylaw No. 3799, 2014" and approve the question seeking assent voting (referendum).
Carried.  The cost will be approximately $2600.00

6.6 3800
To consider first and second reading of a bylaw amendment to change the zoning map by amending the designation of District Lot 10360 from RR-16, Rural Residential (Extensive) Zone to RR-60, Rural Resource Zone.
Carried.

New Business

8.1 Deer Resident Survey
To read the results go to:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3916



8.2 RDEK referral Development Variance
To consider a referral from the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) concerning an application for a Development Variance Permit to vary the Wycliffe Zoning and Floodplain Management Bylaw. The applicant is requesting a variance of the front yard setback requirements for a principle building to
accommodate an attached double garage.
Approved

8.3  Baker Hill Development Permit
To consider approval of a Baker Hill Development Permit to enable construction of a single-family dwelling on property located at 233 - 10th Avenue South.
Approved.

8.4  Revitalization Tax Exemption, Heid Out
To consider entering into a Revitalization Taxation Exemption Agreement with 649912 BC Ltd (The Heid Out and Fisher Peak Brewing Company) with respect to the recently completed development located at 821 Baker Street in downtown Cranbrook.
Approved.

8.5  Development Permit Tim Hortons
To consider approval of an application for a Highway Commercial Development Permit to enable exterior (facade) renovations for an existing commercial building located at 1875 Cranbrook Street N., zoned C-2 - Highway Commercial Zone, and located within the Highway Corridor Commercial Development Permit area.
Approved.

8.6  Development Permit, Canadian Tire
To consider approval of a Highway Corridor Commercial Development Permit to enable the construction of a commercial retail building on property located on McPhee Road, and zoned C2 -Highway Commercial Zone.
Approved.  It was noted that an offer was made with this application to share the cost of traffic lights as this development will generate more and potentially hazardous traffic flow.  This was much appreciated.

8.7  Street Closure, Farmer's Market
To request Council's approval of street closures on 10th Ave S. for the purpose of accommodating Farmer's Market events on Saturday mornings during the summer months of 2014.
Approved.

8.8  15th St South Road failure
That Council approve funding of an amount not to exceed $100,000 for the emergency repair of 15th
Street S. from the General Operating Fund Accumulative Surplus.
Approved.

8.9  Draft 2013, Audited Consolidated Final Statement

8.10  Coffee with the Mayor, notes
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3925

8.11 Resolution: Canada Post
A resolution was read by Councillor Warner proposing another letter be sent to Canada Post voicing the concern of Council and on behalf of residents to register opposition to the changes announced with regard to door-to-door delivery.
Carried.  Councillor Scott opposed.

Committee Reports

9.1 Family and Community Services
.Recommendation that That the Family and Community Services Committee invite Darcy Victor, Family Consultant, Poverty Reduction Initiative, Ministry of Children & Family Development, to appear again as a delegation to the Family and Community Services Committee as a follow-up to and for further discussion on the poverty issue.
Carried.

10.1 Administration Update
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3928

Petition
11.1 Petition, 2nd St S. Redevelopment

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3929
Mayor and Council
I initiated the enclosed Petition. Council is spending money that should not be spent. The proposed 2nd Street Project West entrance signage/rock project; the eleven benches on 14th Avenue from 1lth street south to 15th Street south which cost approximately $74000;and Group Donations, like the $22,000 to the Arts Council; all brought this petition forth.
Money that should be used to improve City infrastructure.
Everyone I spoke to hated the bulged out and narrower intersections like 106 Avenue south and 1n street south- They are not practical especially in winter and snow plowing.
Tax payers should have more open discussion opportunities before decisions are made concerning these expensive projects.
I was amazed at the support this Petition received in such a short period of time. lt tells city council that the citizens of Cranbrook are not happy with the focus leaning toward beautification, by planting
more trees, shrubs and grass.
Mario Scodellaro

Dear Mario Scodellaro:
Re: Petition Related to the 2nd Street South Redevelopment proposal
Hi Mario
Thank-you for the petitions which we received today-veryimpressive! l will ensure that this
information is shared with staff and council at an upcoming council meeting.
The petition message is very clear on the proposed upgrading to 2nd Street South and the associated
potential cost. The petition does not say that the citizens of Cranbrook are unhappy with beautifying
Cranbrook by planting trees, shrubs and grass.
It will be interesting to see if a counter petition comes forward from citizens who support the upgraded
approach to the project. Either way we do have to fix 2nd Street South, including the underlying
infrastructure, and all road work in Cranbrook is expensive. lt is unlikely that this project will proceed in
2O14 regardless, due to other priorities.
Thanks for taking the time to do this - it is appreciated!
Sincerely,
Mayor Stetski

There was lengthy discussion over this petition.  Mario Scodellaro was thanked for his work in registering the concern of these residents.  It was noted that the original Open House showcased a concept, not something that was ever written in stone.  The fact remains that this part of 2nd St must be dealt with as the underlying infrastructure is failing.  Mayor Stetski repeated that this work will not be carried out in 2014 and the essential part of the upgrades will begin in 2015.  Councillor Davis pointed out the talk around this project seemed to gain a life of its own.  Mayor Stetski questioned which parts of the project these residents are opposed to as Council will need to know that.  The cost of basic infrastructure will be very expensive. Councillor Cross read an article from 'Municipal World', which clearly listed the function of trees and permeable surfaces in mitigating flooding, and extreme temperature.  Municipalities are being asked to mitigate the effects the extreme weather events which are becoming more frequent.
Editorial Comment
The results of this petition point out the importance of attending Open Houses on major proposals, to ask questions and understand rationales.  One wonders whether the signees knew that the petition would be represented with the accompanying letter and the opinions represented within it.


12.1 - 12.9 Correspondence beginning:

 https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3928


includes:

12.6 Proclamation, World Oceans Week
Proclaimed

12.7 Western Financial Place Care and Maintenance

12.9
Correspondence: On behalf of Mayor Derek Corrigan and Burnaby City Council, please find attached a resolution in opposition to the proposed alteration to the Agricultural Land Reserve. This resolution has been forwarded to the LMLGA for consideration of an emergency resolution at the 2014 LMLGA Annual General Meeting.
Council felt this was dealt with through the resolution to oppose the at the Association of Kootenay Boundary Muncipal Government.

Note.
Lack of communication had come under scrutiny over the 2nd St Project at this Council meeting and it was clear from Councillors Warner and Cross that they would like to see better direct communication to the public over significant issues.  Elizabeth Lake flooding is another such issue.

Round Table Comments
Mayor Stetski and CAO Staudt addressed the Elizabeth Lake Flooding problem, which has now been going on for approximately six weeks.  For the first time, Mayor Stetski relayed new information from the Ministry of Transportation that has now stated the culvert running from the Heritage Motel across the highway is running at capacity.  He also stated it is important that residents downstream are not put at more risk for flooding issues.

Comment: It would appear from observation that water is being pumped into the storm drain or somewhere at this location.  The water also appears to be running very slowly in this location. The Cranbrook Guardian first observed that there was a problem in this location this six weeks ago and others have noted a plugged appearance of this major culvert.  It was noted a year ago that this location is very prone to plugging with debris.  It is not known what the condition of this culvert is currently, other than it is running at capacity  

CAO Staudt stated that the problem is complex with different jurisdictions, conduit sizes and methods of water transportation.  He also noted water tables are up in the whole area.
A meeting with all parties is to be held on Wednesday May 14th.
We look forward to direct communication from the City to the public in the near future as to potential plans for remediating this serious problem.

Comment: In the meantime pumps continue to pump water across Wattsville as there appears to be a problem with those two culverts.  The noise of the pumps permeates a large area during the day. Local business is affected.  Water continues to slowly rise in Elizabeth Lake.  Seven properties are experiencing flooding issues.  Much of the trail system is out of use.  Turtle egg laying habitat is being affected but the birds are loving it.

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