Monday's Council session covered a range of themes from Parks to Goats, Housing to Eyesore buildings one final Budget Review and much more.
And despite a fairly expansive agenda, all of Council's work for the night was wrapped up in just a shade over an hour, public commentary included.
The Agenda for Regular session can be reviewed here.
The Notice of the Closed Session can be reviewed 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.
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In attendance: Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Mayor Herb Pond -- Present
Councillor Nick Adey -- Present
Councillor Barry Cunningham -- Present
Councillor Teri Forster -- Present by Zoom
Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven -- Absent
Councillor Wade Niesh -- Present
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa -- Present
Video Archive for Tuesday, November 14, 2023
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REGULAR SESSION OF CITY COUNCIL
( 0:00 -- 25:00 ) Adoption of Agenda
Council adopted the Agenda as presented
( 0:00 -- 29:00) Presentation -- Urban System Re: Prince Rupert's Parks and Outdoor Recreation Plan. -- Director of Development Services, Myfannwy Pope introduced a presentation from Catherine Berris of Urban Systems who took council through the full document, which came following a year of review, engagement and study of recreation issues in the community.
She observed that with the anticipated growth for the community will come the need for additional parks and recreation spaces, noting how the current plan which was created in 1985 is almost an antique at this point and was no longer relative to the needs of the community.
The new Recreation view she outlined would fit into the City's Vision direction and the Official Community plan ambitions.
The community engagement process made for some expanded review, the feedback received instrumental towards the finished project.
Among the most interest was more access to waterfront areas, upgrading parks and equipment and improving trails and trail connections.
From the Key Strategies one area that likely resonated well with the council was the approach that could be available to take care of the parks and outdoors improvements through that infrastructure work.
The Urban Systems also noted of the city's success through partnerships and in other areas of grant seeking.
When it came to comments, of the themes raised by Ms. Berris only a few generated some feed back from the Council membership.
Councillor Niesh first noted of the city's financial limitations at the moment and then offered up some observations towards the theme of Rewilding, a concept that would allow for some areas to see reduced maintenance by way of mowing and return areas to a more natural state.
The Councillor noting of some of the challenges that it may present considering the Prince Rupert climate,
Ms. Berris provided some context towards their recommendations on rewinding, noting that it would not be a wide ranging approach but rather in areas where it may be opportune to use that process.
Councillor Adey noted of his previous desires for a study on parks by the city, hailing the information that had been delivered through the new report.
He like Councillor Niesh also noted of the budget reality that the city faces and the long term vision for the report, noting that in a few years when things are better balanced that the document will remain current and helpful towards future planning.
He also noted of the disparities in playgrounds in the community and how that is work that needs to be done.
Towards the city's anticipated project population growth, which some have suggested might be a lower number than the 25,000 level he asked how flexible the report is should the population fall short of that level.
Ms. Berris noted how the plan is very flexible and that as it is updated each year it should fit the city's year to year expectations.
Mr. Adey also spoke towards if the report represents an equitable distribution of playgrounds and amenities across the city. Ms. Berris did observe of the gap in amenities towards the city's park areas, observing on how the Amenities and Cost Development Charges element could help close those gaps.
The Councillor also asked for a wider explanations of the Cost Development Charges concepts, Ms, Berris outlined how staff and council would calculate the needs for future use, it was also, a topic that City Manager Rob Buchan engaged in, the City Manager noting that such elements were an area that province as becoming involved with.
As the presentation Q and A came to a close, the Mayor thanked Ms. Berris for her report (see pages 4 - 164 of Agenda)
( 29:00 -- 36:00) Chief Financial Officer Re: 2024 Draft Budget, Some final notes on the 2024 Draft Budget and process. Ms. Bomben provided a scaled back overview of her first presentation of November 9th which highlighted the main themes of the original notes for Council of one week ago.
Among some of those highlights, the approach the city its taking towards plans for infrastructure, the capital projects being taken on, Community Enhancement Grants and a potential additional tax increase towards the 4th Avenue West Stairs/Pathway,
She noted that the feedback process to the city will end on November 20th as well as through the Budget Simulator program.
To close off her report, Ms. Bomben reminded the public that the documentation is available on the city website. (Budget information available online)
Council members had no questions for the CFO.
The Mayor then opened the process up for public comment. No one however came forward with comment towards the Draft Budget.
( 36:00 -- 43:00 ) Public Comments regarding Agenda items --
From that call for public participation came one presentation, That from Ms. Teresa Lee who spoke in support of her request for a Temporary Use Permit towards the allowance of goats on her downtown property for landscaping purposes.
She noted how the proposed use would serve the property until she believes the time is right towards development of a downtown condo project she has plans towards.
She recounted the past experience of the goats of a previous year and then expressed frustration at after taking advice of some council members and having taken out a special permit at 645 dollars and has yet to hear back from the City.
Ms. Lee noted that she was really just trying to take care of her property, while other parts of the community have buildings that have burned down, or are in disrepair along with property that has not been attended to.
She expressed her frustration that her pets which have hooves, had been banned and offered up a hope for the special permit that would offer some educational and stress relief for the public.
She also observed over how some in the community have offered her support in her wishes to bring the goats to the community.
A member of her delegation to council on the night also spoke to the topic continued to highlight the state of disrepair that many buildings in the community are in, as well as the loss of access to waterfront activities that residents once had and now can't access owing to industrial ownership.
Noting how heartbreaking the current situation in the community is to her and how she would like to see more done.
With no other comments to follow the Mayor moved forward into the rest of the Agenda.
( 43:00 -- 47:00 ) Consent Agenda
Council review of Regular minutes from October 23, 2023 Session
Council review of minutes from Special Regular Meeting of October 23, 2023
Report from the Fire Chief Re: Monthly Fire/Rescue Report -- October 2023 (see pages 168 - 169 of Agenda)
Report from the Planning Re: Development Activity Report October 2023 (see pages 170 - 172 of Agenda)
Report from the Planning Re: Community Planning Activity Report October 2023 (see pages 173 - 174 of Agenda)
Report from the Director of Corporate and Legislative Services: Re: KeyCorp Letter of Support (see pages 175 of Agenda)
Report from the Director of Operations and Intergovernmental Relations: Re: Council Request - Reduction of Speed Limits (see pages 176 of Agenda)
Report from the Director of Corporate and Legislative Services: Re: Watson Island Water Supply Agreement and Fire Services Mutual Aid agreement (see pages of 177 - 197 Agenda)
Correspondences
North Coast Regional District Board Highlights - October 2023 (see pages 198 of Agenda)
Letter from the Mayor of Surrey Re: Police Transition (see pages 199 -200 of Agenda)
Major Events Municipal and Regional District (MRDT) Consultation (see pages 201 - 202 of Agenda)
Letter from Honourable Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development: For Adoption Awareness Month (see pages 203-204 of Agenda)
Memorandum from Fisheries and Oceans Canada/Canadian Coast Guard Re: Langara Point Ligthtstation (see pages 205-206 of Agenda)
Letter from Okangan Basin Water Board Re: Call for Immediate Action to prevent invasive Mussel Introduction to BC (see pages 207-225 of Agenda)
Letter of Request from Community Futures Pacific Northwest Re: Support for Paramedic PCP Training Funding and application to Columbia Paramedic Academy (see page 226 of Agenda)
Skeena Roundtable Newsletter 2023 (see page 227-228 of Agenda)
Mayor Pond spoke to the theme of the Water Supply and Fire Department Reports and the relationship with Port Edward that it will bring. The Mayor then chose to pull those elements out for a vote later in the session.
Councillor Cunningham for his part spoke to the topic of the Report on Reduction of Speed limits, noting of the wording to the Report and the nature of enforcement, that is required towards the city's desire to reduce speeds.
Councillor Nick Adey observed of the difference in the fining abilities and how the lower speed requirement may provide a deterrence to those who speed, who would feel that impact from their offences.
Councillor Niesh also spoke to the topic and how the reality is that the city could change the signs as they wish at a cost but at the end of the day the onus is on the RCMP for enforcement.
Council then accepted and filed the Report.
( 43:00 -- 47:00 ) Report from the Director of Corporate and Legislative Services: Re: Watson Island Water Supply Agreement and Fire Services Mutual Aid agreement (see pages of 177 - 197 Agenda) --Towards the two Service Agreements between the City of Prince Rupert and Port Edward, Council then voted to accept the recommendations from the Report o exercise the agreement, with no comments or observations.
Recommendation
The Mayor noted of some of the elements of the items on the list up for review.
Council Council then accepted and filed all items of the Consent Agenda, there was no discussion or comments related to any of the items noted.
Staff Reports
Staff Reports
( 48:00 -- 49:00) Report from Director Development Services -- Re Rupert Plays: Prince Rupert's Parks and Outdoor Amenities Plan. -- Council received and approved the report with No comment (see pages 229-230 of Agenda)
( 49:00 -- 49:30) Report from Planning: Development Variance Permit #23-23 -- The Report related to a variance request for a property on Overlook Street, was received without comment and moves to Statuary Notification. (see pages 231-239 of Agenda)
( 49:30 --50:00) Report from Planning: Development Variance Permit #23-19 -- The Report related to a variance request for a property on 11th Avenue East. From that Councillor Adey asked if any public feedback had been received. With none noted, The process was moved forward to Final Approval. (see pages 240 - 243 of Agenda)
( 50:00 -- 50:30) Report from Planning: Development Variance Permit #23-22 -- Council received a report with recommendation to proceed to Final Approval for a property on 9th Avenue East. Councillor Adey asked if any public feedback was received, and again none had been delivered to the city. The report was then moved forward to final approval. (see pages 244 - 247 of Agenda)
( 50:30 -- 56:00) Report from Planning: Temporary Use Permit -- Council discussed the report with recommendation to proceed to Statuary Notification for a property on 2nd Avenue West.
Councillor Niesh spoke to the topic, noting how it was a can of worms, observing to some of the details involved towards care and maintenance of the goats. He observed as to the improved nature of the request and then returned to the original reasoning behind keeping hoofed animals out of the community, noting how Prince Rupert is not a farming community and if Council was not careful how it could in a way turn the downtown area into a farm.
Councillor Cunningham, recounted a conversation he had towards hoof rot and the conditions that could create it, he noted he did not see the land in question as providing a problem towards that issue.
As well, he had some thoughts on some of the other elements that the property owner has taken on towards the request as well as to how they had in the past been a popular attraction. Toward the current request he advised sending the request to the public notification process observing how they may be useful in weed management.
The mayor noting of the previous report on the night on parks, offered up a lighthearted thought, that perhaps the city might consider goats for the rewilding of civic areas if they follow that guidance from the Parks proposals.
Councillor Adey agreed that the process in motion this time around was more helpful and comprehensive to the request, adding however that it does open that can of worms that could lead to other requests, observing how this could be considered an experimental process for the city to consider.
Councillor Forester, joining council from a flight awaiting takeoff, shared her thoughts on the goat issue highlighting some of the elements of the proponents plans that address many of the city's issues, opting of the difference between pets and livestock issues.
The motion then moved forward to the public notification process. (see pages 248 - 258 of Agenda)
Bylaws
( 56:30 -- 57:30) City of Prince Rupert Zoning Bylaw Amendment 3504, 2022 -- Council was asked to provide fourth and final readings to the Parking Specified Area Zoning Bylaw. Mayor Pond outlined how the bylaw is designed to spur on new development in the downtown core. Councillor Cunningham noted how his original concerns had been alleviated and he was now in support of it.
Council then moved it forward. (see pages 259 - 263 of Agenda)
( 57:30 -- 58:00) City of Prince Rupert Zoning Bylaw Amendment 3506, 2023 -- Council was asked to replace Third Reading, amending the City of Prince Rupert Zoning bylaw amendment, to remove the parking requirement stipulation. Council approved the motion without discussion (see pages 264 - 266 of Agenda)
Business Arising
(058:00 -- 1:02:00 ) Council Round Table and Public Question Period
Councillor Cunningham led off the discussion with an inquiry towards the Rose's structure on Third Avenue West seeking guidance on the status of demolition for it and the Angus Apartments,
City Manager Rob Buchan noted that the ability to disconnect the two buildings from the water system has been impeded by the current water situation, observing of the issues that the city is facing on water infrastructure.
He noted once the city crews have enough time to disconnect the buildings in question the work will commence. Adding that it's a priority, though not as as urgent a priority as some other things.
There was no timeline noted towards when the city may be able to address the demolition work.
Mayor Pond urged members of the community to share their thoughts on the budget through the City's budget simulation project.
He also observed of some of the commentary from the previous sessions and noted of a question asked at one last week was is there hope for the future and one without large tax increases ahead.
Noting that if the city puts the pedal to the metal right now and gets some bi things done how the city will be in position very quickly to capture the benefits and how the city will be able to maintain their infrastructure and won't have to do it through large tax increases.
Councillor Niesh offered up an additional observation to the time observing that Osoyoos is facing a 31 percet tax increase this year.
City Manager Buchan noted of the presentation at the start of the meeting and how city staff and council continue to have the ability to work on themes such as the Recreation and Parks Plan while addressing the ongoing water infrastructure crisis and planning for the future.
Adjournment -- With no other council members speaking to the round table the Mayor then brought the Council session to a close.
You can access our Council Archives for November 14th here, from that page a number of items regarding the Council Session 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, November 27th.
That session starts at 7PM.
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