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

Advance Council Notes - December 10th

 Delegations

5.1 Chamber of Commerce - Results of Doing Business in Cranbrook Survey
5.2 Renovation of Heidi's Restaurant to a Brewhouse

7.1 Administration Updates

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

RCMP - 2012 Mayor's Report

Correspondence

9.1 Pitch in Week
9.2 Trans Canada Trail Update
9.3 Fire Protection of Fort Steele
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
9.6 Funding Support Candlelight Vigil - request for waiver of fee for use of Rotary Park Bandstand.

11.1 Committee Recommendations - Family and Community Services
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.

New Business

12.1 2013 Regular Council Meeting Dates
12.2 2013 Acting Mayor Appointments
12.3 Appointments to Committees Council Members
12.4 Appointments to Committees
12.5 Mayor's Brown Bag Lunch Nov. 20 - One person of the public attended.
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.
12.7 Urban Deer Population Count Results

Bylaws

13.1 Zoning Amendment Airport - to allow for expanded commercial and industrial development on airport lands.
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.
13.3 Fees & Charges Amendment
13.4 Animal Control Amendment - Increase in Dog License Fees

Out and About in Cranbrook with Stewart this Week

Stand still long enough and you will see............

photos at Elizabeth Lake and along Joseph Creek by Stewart Wilson

A Busy December Week in Cranbrook

 Our Thanks to John Armstrong for contributing to the week's photos

Parkland held its Recognition Assembly at the beginning of the week.  The recognition of those who worked hard to achieve good academic standards was interspersed with light entertainment including a preview of Parkland's upcoming spring musical 'Annie.'

The chorus sang 'Tomorrow'

The Annual Senior's dinner for which George Georgopoulos is well known in the community, as he began the tradition, was held once again at the Colombo Lodge.  This event is now sponsored by the Cranbrook Noon Rotary Club in conjunction with the Colombo Lodge.  Over 430 people attended this year's dinner and preparation began much earlier in the day with Jim Cupidio heading the team.

Fred Graham and others prepping the onions

The turkey crew Jim Cupidio, George Georgopoulos, Fred Graham, Dave Morley, Gordon Walmsley !

Norma Blissett and Lana Kirk, in the assembly line

Lorraine Butler and Carol Burwash

Colombo Hall filled to capacity.

                                   
On the same night as the Senior's Dinner another huge crowd filled the Alliance Church to hear the Elementary Schools' Mass Choir.  This is the first time the long time tradition was held at the Church for prior to this year, the event has been held at the College of the Rockies.  Due to capacity and seating issues it was decided to change venue.  Nick Rubridge, President of COR was recognised for his part in the long history at the College.

                                             

New Sign Bylaw Meeting

Sign Bylaw Open House with Rob Veg, City Planner moderating

The Manual Training Centre was packed on Wednesday, night with people wanting to take a look at the first draft of the new Sign Bylaw and to provide initial comment.
The draft bylaw was prepared by City staff. As explained by Rob Veg, the Senior Community Planner, the City was not reinventing the wheel but rather updating the present bylaw, taking into account new sign types and by looking at other communities bylaws such as Kimberley, Penticton, Fernie, and Invermere. Some of the major changes to the bylaw include a reduction in sign height, a reduction in the number of signs per property, and reduced sizes. Signs that are presently prohibited will still be prohibited. As well, there are guidelines, which are not binding, but provide some guidance as to style, aesthetics, and landscaping.
There was a general feeling of opposition towards the bylaw from a sector of business owners in the room as well as a lack of understanding of the bylaw development process. The draft is a starting point from which the City can fine tune depending on the public input and this meeting was the initial opportunity for the public to comment.
Some of the arguments against a change in the bylaw include concerns about cost (presently all non- conforming signs will be grandfathered) and a general feeling that the present bylaw from 1977 is adequate.
Several members of the audience indicated that the clutter on "the strip" suggests  a vibrant business climate. Others indicated that since Cranbrook was a "service community" rather than a tourist destination people did not expect Cranbrook to be "attractive" in the same way as, for example Fernie.
The discussion was lively and wide ranging and the City is determined to provide further opportunities for the public and special interest groups to provide comment.
It you would like to comment on this draft bylaw please contact the City of Cranbrook at 250-426-4211 to request a comment form be forwarded to you by email. Comments need to be returned to the City by December 31, 2012.

Don’t mess with the Mayans because they know what’s in store for us

Perceptions by Gerry Warner

Dear readers: As many of you know, I’ve been writing a column in this town for a long time, about 15 years in fact, beginning with “Politically Incorrect” in the Cranbrook Daily Townsman in 1997 and the last year and-a-half as “Perceptions” in the Cranbrook Guardian and eKNOW, the fastest growing on-line media outlet in the Kootenays.

Over that period of time, I’ve met many of you, got to know some of you and enjoyed receiving your praise and your criticism equally as much. However, nothing is forever. All good things must come to an end and that includes my modest writing efforts to highlight issues, get people thinking and spread a bit of enlightenment.

As many of you must know the world we all love is currently living under a dark prophecy. Some call it a hoax. But when you look at the facts, it raises grave doubts.  I’m referring, of course to “Nayam Ycehporp,” or the end of the world as predicted by the Ancient Mayans more than 3,000 years ago. Sure, there are many that don’t believe, and for a long time I numbered myself among their ranks. But then, I decided to do a little research and here’s what I found out. You be the judge.

The Mayan Civilization of Central America goes back thousands of years to what historical scholars call “Pre-History,” eons before the modern era as we know it. Historians in recent years have authenticated the Mayan “Long Count,” or calendar as we call it, to the year 3114 BC and that’s even further back than the Egyptians.

The ancient Mayans were perhaps the greatest mathematicians and astronomers the world has ever known and their entire civilization was based on the intricate relationships between their seven-base numbering system and the trillions of celestial bodies they identified orbiting in the universe. Using calculations that even the most powerful of modern computers can’t perform, they divided time into a series of epochs stretching from far back in pre-history to the future. Each epoch was 777 years long, and it’s generally agreed by modern day historians that the Mayan civilization hit its zenith in the year 777 AD, at which time it came to a sudden and blinding end. Consequently when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Central America in the early 15^th century, they only found ruins of what was once the greatest civilization of the New World.

Now keep in mind there were still lots of Mayans around when the Spanish arrived, but those Mayans knew virtually nothing about the great palaces, temples and pyramids that lay abandoned all around them. It was as if a space ship had suddenly arrived and spirited the great Mayan civilization away to a higher order and left a progeny of  lost souls to start over again. In other words nobody died, but the essence of the Mayan culture evaporated like so much star dust and time itself was reset to begin another epoch anew.

So if you do the math under a seven-base system you are led to the inevitable and irrevocable conclusion that civilization as we now know it will come to an end precisely at noon Dec. 21, 2012 and all of us will be rapturously transported to a new 777 year epoch that our puny minds of today can’t even contemplate.

So don’t believe the usual naysayers and doom-and-gloomers that say we’re all going to die on that glorious date.  We’re not going to die. Not at all. Instead, we’re going to be transported to a higher level that will elevate us far above this vale of tears and it will be a catharsis in which we will all be renewed. What form that renewal will take, we don’t know. Nor should we. The way I imagine it, and some Mayan seers say the same thing, it will be like climbing a great white mountain blindfolded, and when you get to the crest of the peak, the blinds fall from your eyes and you see Nirvana .

Sure, it could be different, but whatever it is, I’m looking forward to it and I think you should too. And in case you doubt, check what Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said on TV Thursday about the Mayan  Prophecy.

I think you will find it very enlightening.

Gerry Warner is a retired journalist and a Cranbrook City Councillor. His opinions are his own.os opinions are his own.

Thanks from the Farmer's Market

The Cranbrook Farmer’s Market Society would like to thank everyone who came out to support the Winter Market this past weekend.  The event was very successful, and provided shoppers with a great way to get into the holiday spirit while shopping from market vendors offering locally made, baked and grown items.  For those who missed the market, or need to pick up a few items, we will be hosting ‘Mini Markets’ featuring 12 vendors per day at Tamarack Centre, every Saturday and Sunday before Christmas.  For more details www.cranbrookfarmersmarket.com

Christian Kimber photo

What's Happening...

Thursday, December 6

Candlelight Vigil for the Day of Remembrance & Action to End Violence Against Women
6:30 pm at the Cranbrook Women's Centre Gardens
32-13th Ave. South

3D 'The Perfect Gift' Show at the Artrageous Gallery
An exhibition of pottery, ceramics, jewelry, paintings
and wearable art opens today and runs to Jan. 5
10th Avenue South

Friday, December 7

It's a Wonderful Life
Cranbrook Community Theatre's
production of the live radio shoe
"It's a Wonderful Life" tonight and tomorrow
at the Studio Stage Door. And again next week from
Wednesday through Saturday starting at 8pm
Tickets are $13 for CCT members and $15 for non-members.
Available at Lotus Books or at the door.

Fort Steele Theatre Camp
Pro D day Theatre Camp offered at the Wildhorse Theatre
at Fort Steele for children from 6 - 12 years.
Runs from 9:30 to 3:30
Call Lisa at 250-420-7154 to register

Cranbrook Book Drive
Please donate new or good quality used books for kids, teens, and adults for its
Book Under Every Tree book drive for the Salvation Army hampers and
the Rotary's Angel Tree Program.
Drop off books at the Cranbrook Public Library.
For more information or to volunteer please email
Katherine at khough@cbal.org

Saturday, December 8th

Fort Steele Heritage Town Christmas Events
-Today and tomorrow at 2pm Fort Steele presents the kid's movie
"The Polar Express" in the Wildhorse Theatre. Tickets are $5 at the door
-Xmas Activities start today with sleigh wagon rides, ice skating, lunch at the
International Hotel, bon fire. Continues tomorrow and the next 2 Saturdays,
December 15 & 22.

Sun Valley Song Concert
Will perform its annual Christmas Concert tonight at
7:30pm at Knox Presbyterian Church.
Tickets are $10 adults and $5 children 12 and under.
Tickets available at Lotus Books or at the door

Wednesday, December 12

The MBSS Christmas Concert.
7:30pm at the Key City Theatre.
Performances by the Mount Baker Concert Choir, the Vocal Jazz Ensemble,
and a special guest "The Good Ol' Goats"
Admission by donation.

Considering a New Sign Bylaw

The City has released its new draft sign bylaw.  The City is asking for feedback.  Here are a few more interesting perspectives.

Phoenix cuts down on sign clutter:
http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/27/20120927phoenix-ahwatukee-amps-up-crackdown-sign-clutter.html?nclick_check=1

Sign Regulation can enhance Community Appearance:
http://www.useful-community-development.org/sign-regulation.html

The Naked City
http://www.newdream.org/resources/sao-paolo-ad-ban

The Happy Secret to Better Work