With the first of their "post-budget" sessions, offering up a number of items for review.
Monday's session was a Committee of the Whole Night, allowing the opportunity for public comment on matters of interest about Civic governance.
However no one from the public took advantage of that opportunity, leaving Council to return to the main items of their Agenda.
Among some of the items of note from the Monday session, a review of developments from the Kaien Anti Poverty Society, a presentation from the Special Events Society on their parade float request and an update on some of the summer projects from the Engineering department.
Prior to the Monday night public session, Council continued on with the common theme of the last year that of the "closed session" of Council.
With Council once again sitting in a closed session earlier in the evening.
The background of the evening can found on the Regular Council Agenda of the night.
The timeline of the Regular public council the proceedings can be found in red below, tied in with the City Council video feed archived below.
Further information such as minutes and permanent placement in the video archive can be found below as they are posted to the city Website.
In Attendance April 28 , 2014
Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Present
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Present
Councillor Judy Carlick-Pearson-- Present
Councillor Barry Cunningham-- Present (participated by telephone)
Councillor Gina Garon-- Present
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Present
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Absent
Video Archive for April 28, 2014
( 0:00-4:30 ) The Mayor asked for the Regular Session to be suspended for the Committee of the Whole Session. With the usual adoption of past minutes and agenda items.
Petitions and Delegations from the Regular Council session
( 4:30--5:00 ) A scheduled Presentation from Mr. Richard Pucci to provide an overview of the status of Public Works developments in the city. However, Mr. Pucci was not available at the moment for that presentation.
( 5:00--47:00 ) A Presentation from the Kaien Island Anti Poverty Society, outlining a number of issues for Council's consideration. Included in their review, some background on the community garden project that KAPS has started. They also provided an update on a food distribution program, known as the Food Share Program, one that they run out of their offices.
The nature of poverty in Prince Rupert was also reviewed by members of the Society, who explained some of the many items of concern that they have as well as the growing demand for their services by many residents of Prince Rupert.
Council also received a bit of a history lesson on the work of KAPS in the community, as well as an overview of some of their plans for the future for those that are in need in the city. They also brought to Council's attention the nature of rent increases in the community and the impact that those increases are having on the most vulnerable in the community.
As part of their presentation, those that may be in need were urged to contact the KAPS offices on McKay Street to learn more about their services and how they can find help.
They wrapped up their presentation with a recap of some of the issues that face those in need in the community, as well as the need for better communication in the community to address those concerns in the region.
Councillor Ashley thanked the group for their presentation and suggested the City could assist in lobbying the province with them. She then asked what KAPS was looking for from City Council as far as assistance. She was told that the City could help in determining the level of need in the community and what services are required.
The prospect of bringing together the various service providers to explore some of those issues was discussed as part of the conversation. The Mayor offered up some suggestions as to potential funding opportunities through such groups as the Port of Prince Rupert.
Councillor Kinney asked about their Garden project and how more information on that could be obtained.
Councillor Carlick-Pearson asked for some clarification on how those in the community can make donations to KAPS, as well as to what social media options they have in place for residents to learn more information about their work.
She also offered up some of her own observations on the nature of poverty in the community and how residents should become more involved to lend assistance to their issues. She recounted a recent trip that she took and the impact of poverty in the third world and how some of those same issues can be found in Prince Rupert as well.
Councillor Cunningham calling in by telephone asked about potential property in the community for use by the Society for their garden project. He also joined in the chorus from Council to offer assistance to the group for their work in the community.
Councillor Carlick-Pearson then offered up some social media advice for the group to get their message out, as well she offered up some art work for their use in fund raising projects.
Councillor Garon also made some observations on Social issues in the region and the need for the City to help to impress on the province the need to provide more assistance in the community.
The Mayor passed on his observations of their communication with the Northwest Readiness Project and some of the social issues that they need to be aware of. That provided an opening from the group to put in their word for the need of a wellness centre for the community and for the city to lend assistance towards that goal.
Councillor Cunningham added his voice to that issue suggesting that Council needs to help find a solution to that issue and some of the other concerns in the region. The Mayor then outlined the need for partnerships with other communities in the region towards those goals.
On that note, the presentation came to an end and Council moved on to other business.
(47:00--58:30) Presentation from Mr. Richard Pucci from the City Engineering Department, Mr. Pucci now available, provided his update to Council on some of the Projects currently underway in the city.
He offered up a review of the Capital Works Projects, including the Second Avenue and Sixth Avenue Bridge projects. As well as planned work on the pumping station to completed over the summer.
As well as some background on the awarding of a contract for work on the raw water project and the timeline of plans for 24 Hour recycling at the Recycling Transfer Station, which the city is working with the Regional District on.
He also provided an update on the Woodworth Dam project ,which will be started over the summer.
The Strategic Plan for Water projects was also provided and the approach the City is taking towards those requirements.
Utility and road work projects were also outlined, with the Fraser Street requirements postponed until 2015.
The background of the Liquid Waste Management Plan was also provided to Council, as was some details on ongoing sewer replacement projects in the city.
A review of the Airport Ferry dock replacement program was also offered up, as was the City's plans for Landfill expansion.
He also delivered a review of the 2014 Paving, Sidewalk improvement and Road Utility programs, as well as what concerns there are for some of the water and sewer utility projects.
Councillor Kinney inquired as to the Fraser Street paving postponement, asking if some work on the parking area near the Senior's Centre could be addressed this year. Mr. Pucci said it could be looked at.
Councillor Cunningham asked as to a timeline for some of the remedial work being done in the city, such as the work on 17th Street. He was advised that it would be dependent on the tender process..
Councillor Cunningham then asked questions on the landfill work, who the contractor doing the work was and the nature of the work being provided. The Mayor took offence to the nature of his question on the landfill arrangement with the contractor.
Councillor Cunningham then echoed some of Councillor Kinney's concerns over the parking area near the Senior's Centre and the need to address those concerns.
Councillor Ashley made some observations on their efforts on the ongoing nature of the city's infrastructure requirements and complimented Mr. Pucci for providing his update.
(58:30--1:01:00 ) Committee of the Whole Public Question Period -- The Mayor called for questions from the public as part of the Committee of the Whole Public comment session. With no members of the public coming forward, Council moved on to its Agenda from the Regular Council session. With the first step to adopt the regular meeting agenda and past minutes.
With Councillor Ashley calling attention to an oversight in the minutes of the Special Session of Council, to include the opposition of those who voted against the motion
(1:00:00--1:11:00 ) Presentation from Barb Gruber from the Special Events Society-- Mrs. Gruber outlined the requirements of the Special Events Society, which is seeking to access travel funds for the Parade Float that the Society has had built.
The Society is looking to take the float to regional festivals and would like the support of the city towards that request. She clarified some of the issues surrounding the funding request from the City as well as some of the transportation requirements that the float requires.
Mrs. Gruber outlined how it would be good promotion for the City to take its float to other communities of the Northwest.
Councillor Carlick-Pearson suggested that with the current financial constraints that the city faces, she didn't think that at this time it was a path that the city could follow this year. The Mayor called attention to a five thousand dollar allotment available for Council participation in such public festivals, but that staff or council members would have to attend as well.
Councillor Garon suggested that it was not an issue to determine at this council session, but one that they should look at and hopefully, attend a few of the upcoming events.
Councillors Cunningham and Kinney volunteered to take the float to one or two community events in the upcoming summer.
Councillor Ashley, agreed that if there were a way for the city council or staff members could find time to volunteer to attend some of those events it would be a worthwhile effort.
Reports and Recommendations
(1:11:00-- 1:14:00 ) A Report from the City Engineering Department regarding a wreck and remove order for the old Commercial Hotel site on Ninth Street in the downtown area. Mr. Pucci, outlined the nature of the order and the background behind the situation and the steps that the City plans to take to have the structure demolished and removed.
The Mayor recommended that considering the nature of strong winds, that the order be reduced to fifteen days to move the process ahead.
(1:14:00-- 1:24:00 ) A Report from the City Engineering Department regarding a proposed Electrical upgrade for Mariner's Park. Mr. Pucci provided an overview of the current situation at the park and that staff was seeking the input of Council as to how they wish to proceed on the proposed upgrade.
Mrs. Gruber also provided some background on the use of the Park by the Special Events Society and how an upgrade to the electrical system would benefit the work of the Society during community events.
The nature of the timeline of the required upgrades would limit the use of the park this summer and the city would have to redirect staff towards the project, as well that project had not been highlighted as an item for this year's strategic plan.
Mrs. Gruber outlined that the current situation in place, doesn't provide for proper access to electricity and makes for safety issues in the park as they work around the situation.
Councillor Carlick-Pearson offered up some of her thoughts on the requirements and whether it was something that could not be delayed by a year. Mrs. Guber suggested that it could be delayed by the year, but that there are safety issues for the city to consider surrounding the issue.
Councillors Garon and Ashley also echoed much of what Councillor Carlick-Pearson had stated regarding the financial concerns of moving the project forward this year.
The Mayor offered up the suggestion of investigation the Build Canada Fund to see if there was a way to access those funds towards the electrical upgrade project, highlighting the importance of the Special Events Society activities in the park.
Councillor Kinney inquired as to some of the background on the proposed project and what the electrical upgrades would address.
Mrs. Gruber then inquired as to the nature of the Bandstand cover and the Mayor outlined the nature of the vandalism to the site in the past and how it has made the former covering unusable at the band stand site.
Councillor Ashley asked to the cost of replacement for the covering, Mr. Pucci advised that it had been 27,000 dollars. Councillor Ashley suggested she may have a solution to that issue, but that she would address it later.
With Mr. Pucci's review of the timeline, the financial cost to the city this year and the required staffing requirements to move ahead this year, Council decided to put the project off for the year.
By-Laws
Council then moved on to By-Laws for consideration on the evening.
(1:24:00--1:26:00 ) Zoning Amendment Bylaw 3346,2014 A conversion project on Sixth Avenue West-- Council to give second reading to the amendment, Mr. Krekic outlined the background of the amendment and the steps ahead for Council on it. He recommended that Council move the process forward including a Public Hearing.
Council approved the motion
(1:26:00--1:28:00 ) Application for a Development Variance Permit for the Sixth Avenue West proposal -- Mr. Krekic again reviewed the background on the Permit and the process ahead towards it.
Councillor Garon commended the developer for the work he has made on Sixth Avenue and the change it has provided for the street.
Council approved the motion for the Permit.
Reports, Questions and Inquiries from Members of Council
(1:28:00--1:28:30 ) No Members of Council had items of note for this session.
( 1:28:30-- 1:47:00 ) The Mayor's Report
Mayor Mussallem update Council on the nature of a Mobile MRI program being run by Northern Health.
He attended the BC Mayor caucus meeting, discussing a number of items, including community grants, gas tax funding. He also discussed some concerns that were addressed regarding Regional Governments in the province. They also discussed ambulance service concerns across the province, policing and other infrastructure requirements.
He also provided a short overview of the discussion regarding the role of the Auditor General in Municipal affairs.
They also discussed the need of a stand alone Ministry directed towards local government to better provide for the needs of local government.
On the theme of Regional District issues the Mayor offered up some of his observations on the relationship between Prince Rupert and its Regional District. Suggesting that the City should seek out more information on the tracking of Regional District staff time for a six month period to determine where Regional District time is being spent. With the City to make use of that information to perhaps save money on those allocations.
He recommended that Council review that proposal at its next meeting and to discuss other issues of concern regarding Regional District and the amount of money that the City contributes towards its work.
Councillor Ashley provided some background on past efforts of Regional District to track how the time of staff is used, she wondered if Council might seek out a presentation from Regional District to determine what level of tracking is currently taking place.
The Mayor returned to his theme of concern over Regional District issues and the nature of the redress that the City should be seeking from the Regional District office. Suggesting that Council needs to address those issues and seek out savings from their contribution to the Regional District structure.
You can access the City Council Review page for April 28th here, where a number of items regarding the council session, including links to media coverage of it can be found.
As always, consult with the official minutes from the City, when posted to the website for further review.
Minutes Regular Council Session from April 28, 2014
Mayor Mussallem update Council on the nature of a Mobile MRI program being run by Northern Health.
He attended the BC Mayor caucus meeting, discussing a number of items, including community grants, gas tax funding. He also discussed some concerns that were addressed regarding Regional Governments in the province. They also discussed ambulance service concerns across the province, policing and other infrastructure requirements.
He also provided a short overview of the discussion regarding the role of the Auditor General in Municipal affairs.
They also discussed the need of a stand alone Ministry directed towards local government to better provide for the needs of local government.
On the theme of Regional District issues the Mayor offered up some of his observations on the relationship between Prince Rupert and its Regional District. Suggesting that the City should seek out more information on the tracking of Regional District staff time for a six month period to determine where Regional District time is being spent. With the City to make use of that information to perhaps save money on those allocations.
He recommended that Council review that proposal at its next meeting and to discuss other issues of concern regarding Regional District and the amount of money that the City contributes towards its work.
Councillor Ashley provided some background on past efforts of Regional District to track how the time of staff is used, she wondered if Council might seek out a presentation from Regional District to determine what level of tracking is currently taking place.
The Mayor returned to his theme of concern over Regional District issues and the nature of the redress that the City should be seeking from the Regional District office. Suggesting that Council needs to address those issues and seek out savings from their contribution to the Regional District structure.
You can access the City Council Review page for April 28th here, where a number of items regarding the council session, including links to media coverage of it can be found.
As always, consult with the official minutes from the City, when posted to the website for further review.
Minutes Regular Council Session from April 28, 2014
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