Council Timeline: Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Monday's City Council Session provided for the first opportunity for public comment on the City's 2023 budget, the audience one that was somewhat light in numbers, but larger than the non budget sessions of the past months, still only a few participants came forward with questions.

And while the Budget planning didn't seem too far from any of the council elements on the night, the remainder of the session featured a range of reports from staff, including topics in areas of infrastructure planning, as well as seeking funding for emergency planning and reconciliation themes.

As part of their work on the night, Council moved forward with plans to increase the rates for the Cow Bay Marina.

The recent provincial housing forum also made for a short overview from City Manager Robert Buchan at the end of the session. 

You can review the Agenda from Tuesday's session here.

The earlier session closed to the public is explained here.

Further information from our overview and placement in the video archives can be found below; with the permanent record of the Council minutes added as they are posted to the city website.

********************************************************************

In attendance: Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Mayor Herb Pond -- Present 
Councillor Nick Adey -- Present
Councillor Barry Cunningham -- Present
Councillor Teri Forster -- Present 
Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven -- Present
Councillor Wade Niesh -- Present
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa -- Present

Video Archive  for Tuesday, April 11, 2023 

REGULAR SESSION OF CITY COUNCIL

( 0:00 -- 1:00  ) Adoption of Agenda  -- The Mayor reviewed the Agenda for the evening,  adding one late item, a report from the Director of Operations,  the agenda was then adopted by Council members then approved.

( 1:00 -- 8:30  )  Presentation -- The City's Chief Financial Officer, Corinne Bomben, provided a shorter snapshot version of her March 22nd presentation related to the 2023 Draft Budget. Covering much of the same material, though adding notes related to a lowering of the proposed tax rate hike.

In those instances funding from CityWest announced last week and further review of civic capital requirements and operation hours at Recreation facilities, which brings the new proposed tax rate hike to 12.5%. 

That's estimated to be an increase of 217 dollars for the average homeowner in the city.

(  8:30 -- 36:30  ) Public Comments regarding Agenda items --  While there were a handful of residents in the chamber on the night, only three members of the public spoke on the evening, two of them focused on the Budget, the third on more general themes.

Terry Sawka led off the contribution from the public, he took note of some of the elements of Ms. Bomben's presentation and focused on approvals of purchases from last year, that were not paid in 2022 with the cost returning in 2023.

He also noted of the 1 million dollars towards road repairs and observed how that is not enough, putting forward the idea of  a gas tax or user pay concept in the community to be put towards road repairs, noting he had suggested that in previous years and was told it was not possible.

He also noted of funding for infrastructure work and questioned the nature of the city's costing on borrowing towards that work.

The City Manager explained how the city has been successful with the province for funding and continues to work to gain funding from the Federal government but that will still require civic borrowing and a contribution towards that work.

Mayor Pond followed up how the city requires operations money to address emergency line breaks, with the larger provincial funding to be used for the larger rebuild of 26 miles of pipes in dire shape.

Ms. Bomben noted that the money for the repair work is already assembled through utility fees and would not be through borrowing.

Mr. Sawka also had concerns over the pilot project off Omenica towards water waste and how the city may be using land that it wished to develop in the future, noting of the decision to build the Industrial site which he believes would have bee better used for housing.

The topic of the McCarthy GM property made for some of his final topics, though he was unable to gain an update on how much the lease would be, Something the Mayor noted he did not know. The cost of renovations also made for some of his concerns, work that the Mayor observed would be making use of funding from Watson Island.

Mr. Pond observed how the current location is a health and safety issue and the McCarthy option was the best alternative. that was. theme that Mr. Sawka challenged, observing that the city should be able use the existing land on Wantage Road to build their own facility over paying a whole lot of money for renovations, towards a building that they may not end up owning.

Mr. Sawka's final question was related to the City Contract just negotiated with the union. He was advised by the CFO that the term of the contract was for a four year term, with Dr. Buchan adding that the terms of the deal were 4%, 4%, 4% and 2%, he observed how the percentage of the budget cost towards that is 7.1% which includes other labour contracts and issues.

The Mayor pointed towards the ongoing frustrations over tax capped properties which requires a larger tax request from the remaining taxpayers to address costs that the city faces.

Mr. Patrick Witwicki was the second participant on the night, first obseving of his past work as a Daily News reporter and his current duties with AFFNO.  His focus was on the impact of the proposed tax hike and how it will affect family incomes. 

He cautioned Council that tax increases such as those under consideration could lead to an out migration from the community and work against the city's desire to grow the population base.

He suggested that the City stay the course until they hear back on the court challenge against the Port on financial issues, consider not hiring some of the staffing positions that had been mentioned, as well as to consider user fees towards raising funds, suggesting a raise to the Hotel tax.

Witwicki also returned to the challenges of the pulp mill closure and how Council addressed taxation under those challenging times and called for a similar response to the current situation.

Mr. Toby Lake made for the final contribution on the night, he spoke more towards infrastructure and some of the challenges that residents with mobility issues face in the community. He would like to see the city engage more with the public on proposed changes, calling back to the time of the planning for the McKay Street parks and the placemaking session that took place around that period.

With that, the public access portion of the evening came to a conclusion. 

( 36:30 -- 41:30  ) Consent Agenda

Council minutes -- Council will review and adopt the minutes of the March 20th session.

Correspondences

Email from LCRB Cannabis Regulation and Policy, Re: Bulletin 23-02- Change to possession limit for cannabis beverages.    (see page of the 7 Agenda)

Letter from the Province of British Columbia (Minister Kang) related to the Growing Communities Fund (see pages 8-11 of the Agenda)

Email from Judy Warren  RE: Cruise Ship Passengers  (see page of the 12 Agenda)

E mail from NCLGA Re, Member Notice: Reminder - Submission of Nomination Forms for 2023./2024 NCLGA. (see page 13 of the Agenda)

Later from the Province of BC -- (Minster Fleming) Re Meeting and Resolutions. (see pages 14-16 of the Agenda)

Report from Fire Chief Beckwith: Re: Monthly  Fire/Rescue report for March 2023. (see pages 15-16 of the Agenda)

Email from Yvonne Parkinson: Re: Old growth strategic review implementation workshops. (see pages 17-18 of the Agenda)

Report from Planning Manager:  Re: Development activity report for February-March 2023. (see pages 19-20  of the Agenda)

Report for the Planning Manager Re: Community planning activity Report April 2023. (see pages 21-42 of the Agenda)

Report from Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development: Re Update on Tourism Prince Rupert for Mariners Park. (see pages 43-64 of the Agenda)

Report from Director of Operations and Intergovernmental Relations: Re Water Infrastructure Project - Background/Update. (see pages 65-68 of the Agenda)

Request for Letter of Support From Gitmaxmak'ay Nisga'a PR/PE Society and Dancers : RE Northern Development Initiative Trust's Fabulous Festivals and Events: Re: 9th Annual Salmon Festival. (see page 69 of the Agenda)

Mayor Pond  called attention to two items from the Consent Agenda, he noted of the letter from the province towards the 4 million dollars from the Community Funding, he also observed of the detail to a report on the Plans for Mariner's Park, as well as a report from the Director of Operations and the plans towards work on the city's water infrastructure.

He also observed on a correspondence from the Salmon Festival.

Of the topics listed, only Councillor Cunningham had comments to make that, directed towards the letter from Mrs. Warren, noting of the nature of the current Atlin Terminal commercial space and registering his concerns over a potential change that may come as the PRPA puts the space out for leasing again.

Something that the Councillor fears may price the existing IceHouse Gallery out of the building.

Towards that he observed how the Port does many good things, but in this case the Port may be possibly shutting down the facility and impacting on a  grass roots organization. 

He suggested that as a good corporate citizen the Port should be encouraging groups like the Ice House rather than trying to discourage them.

He noted that if it is the case, that the Port reconsider the plans to put the space out for a leasing call for applications. 

Mr. Cunningham also noted that with Tourism Season approaching he is still looking for some kind of action on a downtown clean up for businesses in the area.

Recommendation

Mayor Pond Council then asked that all items of the Consent Agreementt be accepted and filed, which it was.

 Staff Reports

( 41:30 -- 42:30  ) Report from the Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development re: Support for Emergency Operations Centre UBCM capacity funding -- Council received a recommendation to support the City's application to UBCM for Emergency Operations Centre Funding for the Radio System Reliability Upgrade Project for $30,000, including staff time to implement the project and  to provide overall grant management. That was adopted without discussion. (see pages 70-72  of the Agenda)

( 42:30 -- 43:30  ) Report from the Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development re: Support for Funding Request to UBCM to support Reconciliation Committee Activities -- Council received a recommendation to support the City's application to UBCM's Urban  Communities Partnering for Reconciliation Funding Program for $1,000 to support coordination and event costs from the Reconciliation Committee. That was adopted without discussion (see pages 73-75 of the Agenda)

( 43:30 -- 1:02:00  ) Verbal Report from operations Director Richard Pucci-- Mayor Pond introduced the late addition to the Agenda   ( Included later as part of Agenda package)

The Mayor observed of some of the elements of the proposed projects listed from the report, included on that list were:

Public Works Building --- Mr. Pucci observed that the current facility has health and safety issues, was built partially on the garbage dump and is in a landslide area, with the new location considered closer to the community and more effective. Calling it the right fit for the Department. The existing site would be used for a lay down of materials area. He added the relocation plan was supported by Legacy, with no impact on taxation.

Mr. Pucci noted of the city's success at gaining grants over taxation and the use of Legacy funding for their requests and the must haves that are directed to the city by senior levels of government.

Omenica Waste  project -- The Operations Director noted how the site was basically a marsh and how the pilot project would make use of land not conducive to building, and how it reduces the visual impact of facilities on the city's waterfront.

Waterfront Development program -- He expressed pride in the moving of the airport ferry and how that is fully funded by the province.

Other areas for proposed spending addressed included, the plans for the McBride Street Court use, fleet and equipment purchases with the money rolled over into this year.

He also spoke to the various annual programs such as streetlights, sidewalks and such. 

As well he noted of replacement plans for the Third And Fulton traffic light, bridgework that is required in the community which if not done would see the bridges in the community downgraded. As well as work on the Woodworth Lake area with road remediation required. 

He also observed of work at the Landfill site, Water Treatment plans which will require borrowing, also noting of some extensive work ahead for the First Avenue waterlines and the Shawatlans Road area which once completed would see a better road in place to the Industrial park following the work on the new waterlines that are required. 

Both of those items would come out of the province's 65 million dollars in funding.

Also on his list, Hays Creek Sewer replacement,  Industrial park treatment plant and outfall repairs that are required owing to government requirements. Mr. Pucci also observed of ongoing community planning, transportation planning and the installation of EV Charging stations at the Civic Centre.

City Manager Buchan followed up with a few observations of his own, noting of the significance of the plans for this year and how they will make a huge difference to the future of the community.

He featured the waste water plans and how once it is proven as a workable solution, will save the community 100 million dollars from the more traditional approach of facilities on the waterfront, noting of it as a staff team achievement.

He also pointed to the success of the Legacy Corporation and its investments in Watson Island and how it has returned funding to the community, observing that this year Legacy has delivered 5.4 million dollars and if the city ha not pursued the development of Legacy and Watson Island that the city that it wouldn't have had.

Noting that without it, the tax increase avoidance is just over 14 percent which is what would have been required in addition to the budget request, adding that utilities would have been up 75%.  In his conclusion to the theme, Mr. Buchan  paid respect to the good work that has gone on with those investments.

He also reiterated the city's focus on issues such as the PILT and if they lose that court challenge then there will be a significant impact, with the City intent on not losing that but they will have to go through the process.

He also observed how the City needs to address successful outcomes for the PILT, Tax Cap and to gain a Resource Benefits agreement, with success in those areas the city won't have to find solutions through taxation on other users.

Mayor Pond then observed of the importance of the 65 million dollar grant from the province and how it has given the community a remarkable opportunity, should they  gain similar funding form the Federal government.

The Mayor noting how the waterline work would lead to better opportunities to rebuild the city's streets and renew everything underneath. The Mayor observing that residents in Prince Rupert may have to be papered to pay for some of that work through higher taxation.

Councillor Niesh used the opportunity to remind the public to access the budget program online to see how the money collected is spent and to see how they can understand the budget better by using it.

Bylaws

( 1:02:00 -- 1:03:00  ) Cow Bay Marina Fees and Regulations Amendment Bylaw  -- No. 3516, 2023 -- Council provided first, second and third readings of the Bylaw. Councillor Cuninhgam noted that this was just a one year request, and asked if the city should not be making it an annual increase. The City Manager noted that staff would be monitoring the issue and bringing the bylaw back if required  to address ongoing changes in the coastal travel industry.  (see pages 76-80 of the Agenda)

Business Arising

( 1:02:00 -- 1:03:00  )  Council Round Table and Question/Comment Period -- Councillor Adey led off the final part of the session, first noting that he hopes to see more engagement from the public to share their opinions on the budget with Council.

Of his list of items for discussion, he had a question from a citizen on the Reconciliation Framework and how to find it on the website, with a request to make it more prominent for better access.

He also had a question related to the stairs between Third and Fourth West Avenues, with the stair case still closed. He was advised by the Operations Director  that the situation has not changed as the city may not have the money available to make repairs with an assessment for geotechnical concerns.  

Mr. Adey noted that a sign advising that it is closed is required as the former signage had disappeared.

The third question was related towards the CityWest contribution of 1 million dollars towards the budget this year, the councillor welcoming the funding and relaying notes from the community related to whether this was the same funding that the city annually receives from the communication company or something separate.

Dr. Buchan noted that the money is from the same source of funding as in the past, adding that CityWest had a two year holiday because of heavy capital expenditures; but in the light of the city's current fiscal situation they revisited that and found a way to send over a sizeable sum outside of their financial plan.

Councillor Adey's final comment was related to the UBCM housing forum, offering Dr Buchan the chance to provide some of the highlights from it.

To that the City Manager observed of some of the elements of the discussion from the forum, themes explored included the province's recent housing plans, including the opportunity to develop secondary suites something he noted the city had put in place over a year or so ago.

He observed of the opportunity for larger housing options on single family housing lots, as well as the opportunity for Prince Rupert residents to access a provincial program to gain forgivable $40,000 loans for renovations to allow for a secondary suite.

Something that would help reduce the housing crunch in the province and an area the City Manager hoped residents would take advantage of.

He also observed on some of the history of the housing issues in the province, noting how the Federal government used to be involved in housing initiatives decades ago, and how the shortage now can be traced back to that period and offers a chance for the Federal Government to return to the housing development. 

The focus on immigration and the need for housing were other themes explored at the forum and how increased immigration would provide challenges for housing in communities across the province .

For Prince Rupert he observed of the local challenges in getting housing built win the community and,  how he had initiated contact with developers to come to the city to see the opportunities here. Adding that without an increase in housing, there is the possibility of a further momentum towards automation at the port facilities, which would limit job opportunities.

Councillor Cunningham noted of the upcoming Public consultation on plans for Mariner's Park at the Lax Kw'alaams Community Hall on Third Avenue West.

Adjournment -- The Mayor brought the session to a close.

You can access our Council Archive for April 11 here, from that page a number of items regarding the Council Session, including links to any local media coverage can be found.

As always, our Council Timeline is only a reflection of our observations from the Council session of the night. Be sure to consult with the official minutes from the City, when posted to their website for further review.

Council next meets on Monday, April 24, 2023

That session starts at 7PM.