To view the names of candidates who have filed papers go to the City website at:
http://www.cranbrook.ca/news/article/local-election-candidates-declared
We invite all candidates who wish to share their bios to submit them to us for posting.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Advance Notes for the Council Meeting of October 6th 2014, 6:00pm
The entire package for the Council meeting can be read at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3743
Bylaws
6.1 3811 Permissive Tax Exemption
Three readings
The value of municipal property taxes exempted in 2014 was $219,419. If Council's decision is to continue with the exemptions in place, including the additions, eliminations and amendments referenced in the background information below, the value of the municipal property taxes exempted in 2015 is estimated to be $205,297.
6.2 3812 Loan Authorisation
Motor Control Center (MCC) Replacement -
Spray Irrigation Facility
For Council to authorize staff to proceed with an alternative approval process as set out in section 86
of the Community Charter to obtain elector approval on a borrowing not to exceed $700,000.
6.3 3813 Rate Increase Amendment
To increase monthly Sewer User Rates for 2014 from $18.00 to $21.00 per month.
Three readings
7.1 Business Arising
To consider appointments to fill two vacancies on the Urban Deer Management Advisory Committee.
New Business
8.1
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4232Consideration of Electronic Devices/iPads and Council Agendas Policy No. 40-901.
RECOMMENDATION BY: Staff
THAT Council approve Policy No. 40-901 Electronic Devices/iPads and Council Agendas Policy as presented
8.2 Development Variance The Whins, Wildstone
8.3 To consider approval of an application for a Multi-Family Residential Development Permit to enable
construction of an addition for an existing commercial building located at 1901 Willowbrook Drive and zoned R-5 - Medium Density Multiple Family Residential Zone.
8.4 PURPOSE:
To consider approval of an application for a Downtown Commercial Development Permit to enable exterior (facade) renovations for an existing commercial building located at 121 Kootenay Street N., zoned C-1 - Community Commercial Zone, and located within the Downtown Commercial Development Permit area.
8.5 To appoint BOO Canada LLP as the City's independent external auditor for the fiscal years 2014 -
2016.
10.1 Administration Update
This longer than usual report can be read in full at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4266
Contains project updates and reports from Energy Management , Economic Development, Finance and Computer Services, Fire and Emergency Services
Attachments to this report include a cost and energy use chart, a report on Scotty's House, an operating contingency fund report and a report from Fire and Emergency Services.
excerpts from report:
The Acting Director of Engineering advises that the sidewalk and streetlight program for 14th Avenue South was put on hold due to higher than expected tender results for the core program work in the 2014 Capital Roads Program. If there are funds remaining, the City could purchase a number of bolt-on delineators, as was previously discussed between E. Sharpe and W. Staudt.
Line painting and picnic tables at Elizabeth Lake Tourist Centre
The line painting work was scheduled for the last week of September, first week of October. By the time Council receives this update, it is anticipated hat the work will be complete.
At this time, there are no plans for additional picnic tables.
Joseph Creek stabilization projects behind the liquor store and beside First
Baptist Church
Trail connecting Rotary Way to the North Star Rails to Trails, past the Chamber office, transfer station and Home Depot This project is underway. The contractor is expected to be on-site the last week of September. This work will complete the trail from the railway track to connect at the Chamber of Commerce. The contractor expects this work to be complete by the end of October.
The Energy Manager is gradually becoming acquainted with Western Financial Place (WFP), the corporation's single largest energy cost and source of emissions. This has been lengthened considerably due to operational, resource and technical system challenges. Initiative: WFP Detailed Study/Design
Over $50,000 funding is available through Fortis and BC Hydro to carry out specific, detailed en,ergy conservation investigations and designs. We are looking to commence 'this study in fall 2014, with completion towards summer 2015.
4th Avenue South Vehicle Fire
In the evening of Friday, September 12, Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services
responded to a semi-truck fire located on 4th Avenue South. Upon arrival crews found a
semi-truck truck fully engulfed. They extinguished the fire using a combination of water
and biodegradable foam, and the scene was turned over to the RCMP for further
investigation.
Approximately 6:00pm on Wednesday September 17, Cranbrook Fire & Emergency
Services were notified of a fuel odour coming from the storm sewer culvert at the bottom
of 11 th Street South. Crews responded and containment equipment was put around the
culvert opening, which drains into Elizabeth Lake. Both the Ministry of Environment and
Environment Canada were contacted.
On the morning of Thursday September 18, investigators with both the Ministry of
Environment (MOE) and Environment Canada arrived at the site, along with City of
Cranbrook staff from Engineering and Fire & Emergency Services. Investigators found
hydrocarbons in the culvert, and a request was made of the City of Cranbrook to conduct
the cleanup.
Hydrocarbons are predominately found in crude oil and other petroleum-based products
like motor oil, rubber hoses, tires and most plastics. In any vehicle fire or house fire
there will always be a release of hydrocarbons.
Staff have been advised by representatives from Shaw that, with the municipal election approaching, Shaw will not be broadcasting Council Meetings during the campaign period from October 10 - November 16, 2014. For consistency, the October 20, 2014 and November 3, 2014 Regular Council meetings will not be posted on the City's website.
Barriers to Business Update
Correspondence
Begins at:
12.1 https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4242
12.2 Proclamation Canada will celebrate its annual National Waste Reduction Week from October 20th through October 26th,2014.
12.3 Proclamation November Pulmonary Hypertension Month.
12.4 to 12.10 Correspondence including donation requests
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3743
Bylaws
6.1 3811 Permissive Tax Exemption
Three readings
The value of municipal property taxes exempted in 2014 was $219,419. If Council's decision is to continue with the exemptions in place, including the additions, eliminations and amendments referenced in the background information below, the value of the municipal property taxes exempted in 2015 is estimated to be $205,297.
6.2 3812 Loan Authorisation
Motor Control Center (MCC) Replacement -
Spray Irrigation Facility
For Council to authorize staff to proceed with an alternative approval process as set out in section 86
of the Community Charter to obtain elector approval on a borrowing not to exceed $700,000.
6.3 3813 Rate Increase Amendment
To increase monthly Sewer User Rates for 2014 from $18.00 to $21.00 per month.
Three readings
7.1 Business Arising
To consider appointments to fill two vacancies on the Urban Deer Management Advisory Committee.
New Business
8.1
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4232Consideration of Electronic Devices/iPads and Council Agendas Policy No. 40-901.
RECOMMENDATION BY: Staff
THAT Council approve Policy No. 40-901 Electronic Devices/iPads and Council Agendas Policy as presented
8.2 Development Variance The Whins, Wildstone
8.3 To consider approval of an application for a Multi-Family Residential Development Permit to enable
construction of an addition for an existing commercial building located at 1901 Willowbrook Drive and zoned R-5 - Medium Density Multiple Family Residential Zone.
8.4 PURPOSE:
To consider approval of an application for a Downtown Commercial Development Permit to enable exterior (facade) renovations for an existing commercial building located at 121 Kootenay Street N., zoned C-1 - Community Commercial Zone, and located within the Downtown Commercial Development Permit area.
8.5 To appoint BOO Canada LLP as the City's independent external auditor for the fiscal years 2014 -
2016.
10.1 Administration Update
This longer than usual report can be read in full at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4266
Contains project updates and reports from Energy Management , Economic Development, Finance and Computer Services, Fire and Emergency Services
Attachments to this report include a cost and energy use chart, a report on Scotty's House, an operating contingency fund report and a report from Fire and Emergency Services.
excerpts from report:
The Acting Director of Engineering advises that the sidewalk and streetlight program for 14th Avenue South was put on hold due to higher than expected tender results for the core program work in the 2014 Capital Roads Program. If there are funds remaining, the City could purchase a number of bolt-on delineators, as was previously discussed between E. Sharpe and W. Staudt.
Line painting and picnic tables at Elizabeth Lake Tourist Centre
The line painting work was scheduled for the last week of September, first week of October. By the time Council receives this update, it is anticipated hat the work will be complete.
At this time, there are no plans for additional picnic tables.
Joseph Creek stabilization projects behind the liquor store and beside First
Baptist Church
Trail connecting Rotary Way to the North Star Rails to Trails, past the Chamber office, transfer station and Home Depot This project is underway. The contractor is expected to be on-site the last week of September. This work will complete the trail from the railway track to connect at the Chamber of Commerce. The contractor expects this work to be complete by the end of October.
The Energy Manager is gradually becoming acquainted with Western Financial Place (WFP), the corporation's single largest energy cost and source of emissions. This has been lengthened considerably due to operational, resource and technical system challenges. Initiative: WFP Detailed Study/Design
Over $50,000 funding is available through Fortis and BC Hydro to carry out specific, detailed en,ergy conservation investigations and designs. We are looking to commence 'this study in fall 2014, with completion towards summer 2015.
4th Avenue South Vehicle Fire
In the evening of Friday, September 12, Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services
responded to a semi-truck fire located on 4th Avenue South. Upon arrival crews found a
semi-truck truck fully engulfed. They extinguished the fire using a combination of water
and biodegradable foam, and the scene was turned over to the RCMP for further
investigation.
Approximately 6:00pm on Wednesday September 17, Cranbrook Fire & Emergency
Services were notified of a fuel odour coming from the storm sewer culvert at the bottom
of 11 th Street South. Crews responded and containment equipment was put around the
culvert opening, which drains into Elizabeth Lake. Both the Ministry of Environment and
Environment Canada were contacted.
On the morning of Thursday September 18, investigators with both the Ministry of
Environment (MOE) and Environment Canada arrived at the site, along with City of
Cranbrook staff from Engineering and Fire & Emergency Services. Investigators found
hydrocarbons in the culvert, and a request was made of the City of Cranbrook to conduct
the cleanup.
Hydrocarbons are predominately found in crude oil and other petroleum-based products
like motor oil, rubber hoses, tires and most plastics. In any vehicle fire or house fire
there will always be a release of hydrocarbons.
Staff have been advised by representatives from Shaw that, with the municipal election approaching, Shaw will not be broadcasting Council Meetings during the campaign period from October 10 - November 16, 2014. For consistency, the October 20, 2014 and November 3, 2014 Regular Council meetings will not be posted on the City's website.
Barriers to Business Update
Correspondence
Begins at:
12.1 https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4242
12.2 Proclamation Canada will celebrate its annual National Waste Reduction Week from October 20th through October 26th,2014.
12.4 to 12.10 Correspondence including donation requests
Sunday, October 5, 2014
The New Wattsville Chunnel
It is expected some sort of regulating gate will also be installed. It is hoped the residents of the area and the park do not suffer through another summer such as the last.
 |
| photos courtesy Stewart Wilson |
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Letter in Response to People's Climate March
RE: March for Action on Climate Change, September 22, 2014
What Next After the People’s Climate March?
Last Sunday, I was among the 400,000 in the streets of New York participating in the People’s Climate March, the largest climate protest in history. I applaud everyone in Cranbrook who joined in solidarity with thousands in communities across Canada and around the world.
Being part of such a mass of humanity was exhilarating, striving with people from all walks of life and ethnicity for a common goal – a livable world for future generations.
I come home energized with the realization it is now time to roll up our sleeves and do what we can to quickly change our path to a low carbon future.
There is a way forward that is elegant in its simplicity – a steadily-rising fee on carbon-based fuels that returns revenue to households. Such a fee can quickly reduce our carbon emissions, grow the economy, and protect low and middle income people. The price signal will rapidly spur innovation, opening up new business opportunities, as we move toward low carbon energy.
I urge everyone to educate your elected officials, business leaders, and community members about this simple solution for creating a safe future for our children. We have a moral obligation to demand serious action now.
Laura Sacks, 2305 Hwy 3A, Castlegar, BC V1N 4P3
(250) 399-4313 sacks.laura@gmail.com
Laura is founding member of Nelson’s chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Please contact her for more information, especially on forming a coalition with the East Kootenays.
Friday, October 3, 2014
What's Happening....
Wednesday October 1st to Sunday October 5th
Cranbrook Library Annual Book Sale
Ktunaxa Gym
Saturday 9:30am to 6:00pm
Sunday 9:30am - 1:00pm
Saturday October 4th
Cranbrook Farmer's Market
10:00am - 1:00pm
Tenth Avenue S.
Summer Sounds
11:00am - 2:00pm
Bandshell, Rotary Park
Cranbrook Library Annual Book Sale
Ktunaxa Gym
Saturday 9:30am to 6:00pm
Sunday 9:30am - 1:00pm
Saturday October 4th
Cranbrook Farmer's Market
10:00am - 1:00pm
Tenth Avenue S.
Summer Sounds
11:00am - 2:00pm
Bandshell, Rotary Park
Michael's Musings
By Michael J Morris
Maybe, just maybe, I thought today as I mused about the distinct possibility that Stephen Harper will place members of Canada's armed forces in harm's way in foreign lands, I should share a few words about war, spoken in 1948 at a Remembrance Day service. I decided to do so.
And I say Harper will because it seems he is desperate to have Canada involved in a war -- any war, and more scary, it seems he wants us there for potential political gain as the Conservatives plunge in all opinion polls recently. Never before in my life have I thought for a moment that a prime minister would so blatantly pursue such an action. I really hope that is not the case.
The following are not my words as I was only seven years old at the time, but I was at St. John's Anglican Church in Chapleau when they were spoken by the Rev. Canon H.A Sims, the Rector, a veteran of World War I.
It is a message that rings as true today as it did three years after the end of World War II, not just for the prime minister and politicians, but for all who would contemplate war or participate in wars today.
Canon Sims said:
"There is not the slightest necessity for civilized men to destroy their civilization in warfare. Nothing is settled by warfare which could not be better settled in some more reasonable, humane and decent way.
"Warfare is caused by men who have allowed the spirit of the devil rather than the spirit of God to determine their thinking.
"Peace does not come through wishing for it or through praying for it: peace comes only from those who make it; who work harder at making peace than men working at making war.
"We must make peace by working hard at overcoming ugliness with beauty; overcoming meanness with generosity; overcoming lies with truth and by overcoming evil with good."
I was at the church that night with my family because a memorial prayer desk was being dedicated in memory of my father, Flying Officer James E Morris, who was killed on active service in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 during World War II.
In his incredible book, 'The Ordeal of Total War', Gordon Wright tells us that Sir Winston Churchill once commented that the effects of World War II, will be felt by those affected by it for at least 100 years. Trust me, Churchill was right. I am just shy of 73, and have lived with that war every day of my life.
Every time I hear of the death of one of the member of our armed forces, or for that matter police officers, firefighters, and other first responders, my heart goes out to their family and friends. I know and I understand.
Be careful what you decide prime minister and members of parliament. The consequences of your actions will be felt for a very long time. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Stop ‘volunteering’ for your own business
September 29, 2014
Stop ‘volunteering’ for your own business
Take a half-day Financial Bootcamp with ‘biz whiz’ Krista Mallory
That’s a key message small business owners will hear during the Business Financials Bootcamp, offered by the
Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council (KRIC) next week.
Business advisor Krista Mallory will visit three East Kootenay communities to run small business owners through the
basics of reading business financial statements, managing cash flow, doing break-even analyses and lots more.
“We are going to demystify financial statements,” Mallory said. “You will learn how to make your business more
profitable, because, at the end of the day, you shouldn’t be volunteering in your business!”
The Bootcamps are half-day workshops and take place in Elkford (Oct. 7), Cranbrook (Oct. 8), and Invermere (Oct. 9).
Each starts at 8:30 AM and runs until 12:30.
“This is not an accounting course,” Mallory said. “The goal is to get comfortable with your financial statements and
learn how to use the information on those statements to improve your business.
“We will add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers then talk about what the equations mean so you’re better
prepared next time you sit down with your accountant or when you want to know what is going on in the finances of
your company.”
Mallory is a Kelowna-based Business Advisor with Women’s Enterprise Centre. She holds a BA in Economics from
UBC Okanagan. She comes from an entrepreneurial background and brings an engaging energy along with practical
business knowledge.
“The material is definitely simpler than most people assume,” Mallory said. “Most business owners already have a lot
of the knowledge, even if they don’t realize it. The key is to learn the language of financial statements.”
The workshops cost $40 and the cost includes a continental breakfast and all the course materials. Register online at
kric.ca/financial-bootcamp.
“Attendees will receive a Financial Management Workbook,” Mallory said. “We’ll work through some of the material
together and leave some for attendees to do at home.
“We’ll be using lots of real-life examples and hear real stories about how actual businesses learned to manage their
finances.”
Mallory had some words of advice for those seeking master their businesses.
“The best way to get a grip on financials is to take an ‘eyes wide open’ approach and get curious about what they are
telling you.
“The worst thing a business owner can do is bury their head in the sand.”
All small business owners are welcome to attend from single entrepreneurs to employers, services businesses and
those who want to sell their businesses.
“The workshop is very exercise based,” Mallory said. “Attendees will have the opportunity to apply lessons to their
businesses right away.”
Register online at kric.ca/financial-bootcamp.
-30-
Contact info:
Tara Penner, Project Manager
Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council
1.877.505.KRIC (5742) Ext 2
tara.penner@kric.ca | www.kric.ca
Stop ‘volunteering’ for your own business
That’s a key message small business owners will hear during the Business Financials Bootcamp, offered by the
Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council (KRIC) next week.
Business advisor Krista Mallory will visit three East Kootenay communities to run small business owners through the
basics of reading business financial statements, managing cash flow, doing break-even analyses and lots more.
“We are going to demystify financial statements,” Mallory said. “You will learn how to make your business more
profitable, because, at the end of the day, you shouldn’t be volunteering in your business!”
The Bootcamps are half-day workshops and take place in Elkford (Oct. 7), Cranbrook (Oct. 8), and Invermere (Oct. 9).
Each starts at 8:30 AM and runs until 12:30.
“This is not an accounting course,” Mallory said. “The goal is to get comfortable with your financial statements and
learn how to use the information on those statements to improve your business.
“We will add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers then talk about what the equations mean so you’re better
prepared next time you sit down with your accountant or when you want to know what is going on in the finances of
your company.”
Mallory is a Kelowna-based Business Advisor with Women’s Enterprise Centre. She holds a BA in Economics from
UBC Okanagan. She comes from an entrepreneurial background and brings an engaging energy along with practical
business knowledge.
“The material is definitely simpler than most people assume,” Mallory said. “Most business owners already have a lot
of the knowledge, even if they don’t realize it. The key is to learn the language of financial statements.”
The workshops cost $40 and the cost includes a continental breakfast and all the course materials. Register online at
kric.ca/financial-bootcamp.
“Attendees will receive a Financial Management Workbook,” Mallory said. “We’ll work through some of the material
together and leave some for attendees to do at home.
“We’ll be using lots of real-life examples and hear real stories about how actual businesses learned to manage their
finances.”
Mallory had some words of advice for those seeking master their businesses.
“The best way to get a grip on financials is to take an ‘eyes wide open’ approach and get curious about what they are
telling you.
“The worst thing a business owner can do is bury their head in the sand.”
All small business owners are welcome to attend from single entrepreneurs to employers, services businesses and
those who want to sell their businesses.
“The workshop is very exercise based,” Mallory said. “Attendees will have the opportunity to apply lessons to their
businesses right away.”
Register online at kric.ca/financial-bootcamp.
-30-
Contact info:
Tara Penner, Project Manager
Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council
1.877.505.KRIC (5742) Ext 2
tara.penner@kric.ca | www.kric.ca
Norma Blissett to run for Cranbrook City Council
Norma Blissett, long time Cranbrook
resident, high school teacher and former provincial NDP candidate will run for
Cranbrook City Council in the upcoming municipal election.
“Cranbrook has been a wonderful place to live and to raise my
three children. Now that they have grown up and left the nest, I have time to
devote to my community as a member of city council,” she said.
“My
priorities will be infrastructure-- improving Cranbrook roads, water and sewer
systems -- and growing our local economy. We also need to implement the results
of the deer survey and do whatever we can to ensure that every Cranbrook
resident has a family physician.”
Blissett holds bachelors degrees in both
forestry and education, as well as a masters degree in leadership and
administration. She teaches forestry, math and science at Mt. Baker Senior
Secondary School. Previously she worked
as a forest educator for a group of East Kootenay forest companies.
Blissett has volunteered for a number of
community organizations including Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook, the
Cranbrook Community Forest Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the
Salvation Army, Cranbrook Minor Lacrosse and Kimberley North Star Ski
Racers.
“We
need to have a variety of people with different work and life experiences to represent
the citizens of Cranbrook,” said Blissett. “I’ve worked in the forest industry,
taught a few thousand Cranbrook students, and have spoken with hundreds of
residents. I think that I can bring a focused energy to get things done on
Cranbrook City Council.”
For more information, contact Norma
Blissett: 250-489-3408.
 |
| Norma enjoying the Cranbrook Farmer's Market |
Note: At this time we invite other candidates for the upcoming Municipal Election to submit their bios for the public's consideration.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Potholes, policing and plowing
 |
| Ekaine Eccleston, PID,CAFM,CPA,FCMA and College of the Rockies lecturer |
After a brief explanation of the division of service delivery responsibilities by different levels of government, Ms Eccleston used The Corporation City of Cranbrook 2013 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position to discuss meaning and interpretation possible with financial documents such as these. Ms Eccleston's animated and lively presentation almost made fiscal responsibility fun.
The conclusion of many, after the lecture, was that municipalities have very little wriggle room with their finances and for those candidates in the upcoming election who feel savings can be made, it will be interesting to hear their suggestions.
Welcome to October
This well camouflaged fellow did not like being disturbed from his thorny rosebush camouflage when the pruning saw came along. With some help he woke up and found an equally safe and cosy spot for cooler weather.
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