City Council Timeline, Monday, September 14, 2015

When we last left Prince Rupert City Council, they had perhaps set a record for one of the fastest of Regular Council sessions in recent years, a compact edition that checked in at under 45 minutes.

Not so this week, with a Public Hearing, Committee of the Whole and Regular Council session taking the city's local politicians towards the three hour mark on Monday night.

The Public Hearing aspect of the night provided for the bulk of the evening's discussion, with a large number of local residents taking to the council microphone to outline their support, or opposition, to a proposed zoning change for the city's Masonic Hall on Sixth Avenue East.

Homeless issues dominated the public comment session of the Committee of the Whole portion of the night, with a pair of residents providing some of their thoughts to council on an issue that has been one of the mainstays of discussion for Council members this year.

When they finally made it to the Regular Council session, the Mayor and Council members addressed a number of bylaw and zoning topics, including a follow up on the Public Hearing on the Masonic Lodge rezoning as well as a further discussion on the status of the city's Housing committees, with a focus on the homeless situation in the city at the moment.

After close to three hours of at times energetic discussion on those two topics, Mayor Lee Brain brought the gavel down on the evening just before 10 PM

For some background on the evening's scheduled items of note, see the Regular Council Agenda for September 14  here.

Council also had a Special closed Session earlier in the day at 5:00 PM.

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

In attendance September 14, 2015

Mayor Lee Brain-- Present
Councillor Barry Cunningham-- Present
Councillor Blair Mirau -- Present
Councillor Wade Niesh -- Present
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Present
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa--  Present
Councillor Joy Thorkelson -- Present

Video Archive for September 14, 2015



( 0:00 - - 1:25:00 )  Public Hearing related to rezoning proposal for a portion of the Masonic Hall for use as a storage area for MacKenzie Furniture -- The evening for Council opened with the Public Hearing portion of the night, with City Planner Zeno Krekic providing some background on the issue, including his overview on the current level of light industrial land available for use in the community and the changing nature of such social group locations as the Masonic Hall which no longer are used as much as in the past.

Among some of the notes of interest from the City Planner, he noted that the applicant would be installing new fencing, speed and safety restrictions in place at the site of the Masonic Temple location, with hours of operation from 9 AM to 6 PM, with a restrictive covenant in place restricting the loading and unloading of trucks from 8 PM to 8 AM, the average number of trucks anticipated to access the site is somewhere between 5 to 10 per month.

As well there is a restriction in place on the site that will see it only used for storage of furniture for MacKenzie furniture.

Mr. Krekic also outlined the number of correspondences that were received by the City regarding the proposed zoning change, with the City noting that nine correspondences had been provided to the city.

Following the overview, the proceedings were turned over to the public for their thoughts and comments related to the proposed zoning change for the property in question.

Jim West, the treasurer for the Masonic Hall outlined the financial requirements of the organization which requires money for upkeep and upgrading of the Hall, noting that at the moment the Masonic organization believes that renting a portion of the space out to MacKenzie Furniture will provide the necessary financial cushion that they need at this time.

Rob Eby of MacKenzie Furniture provided Council with the background to their decision to seek out the storage space at the Masonic Hall, which he outlined would offer more retail space for his 1st Avenue West location.  He observed for Council that at the moment finding storage space is a challenge with few warehouse type locations available in the community.

He then provided his company's response to a number of Council's previous concerns related to speed, safety, noise and other items listed during previous Council sessions. Followed by answers to a number of questions posed by members of Council.

As well, for their part both Rob and Brian Eby from MacKenzie's highlighted the impact that their store has on the community, both in service and financial contribution through commercial taxes, as well as the expansion plans that they are currently working on.

A number of residents then followed with their observations on the zoning issue, those in favour noted the community nature of the Masonic Lodge and need to provide that group with this kind of assistance, while those opposed highlighted concerns of safety on surrounding streets, the location of the Tot Park adjacent to the Masonic Lodge as well as thoughts related to changing zoning in residential areas.

By the time the public comment period had ended thirteen people had offer up their thoughts on the rezoning issue, four  against the rezoning, 9 in favour, of those speaking in support of the rezoning a majority of those participating on the night had affiliations with either the Furniture store or the Masonic Lodge.

Council then brought the Public Hearing to an end, with the topic of rezoning to be addressed again during the course of the Regular Council session.

( 1:25:00 -- 1:32:00  )  Committee of the Whole Session for September 14, 2015 -- Two items dominated the Committee of the Whole session, an Update on the city owned Legacy Corporation, which first featured a short presentation from the City's Financial Officer, Corinne Bomben who outlined the financial aspects of the corporation as of December 31, 2014.

A follow up opportunity for questions from the public on the Legacy Corporation received no contribution from the public in the gallery on the evening.

The Committee of the Whole session was then opened up to general comments from the public, with Larry Golden approaching council with some concerns about the city's current homeless situation, suggesting that the City should conduct a homeless count on a monthly basis.

His commentary was followed by more observations from another resident, Mike Calli, who offered up more suggestions for Council as to how to address the issue.

That would be the last public contribution to the Committee of the Whole Session on the night.

( Council took a break from 1:32:00 - 1:40:00 )

( 1:40:00 - - 1:41:00 )  Regular Council Session  -- Adoption of Past Minutes and Agenda for the evening. -- Council reviewed a number of past minutes and accepted the Agenda for the evening's Regular Council session.

Petitions and Delegations

( 1:41:00 -- 1:45:30  ) Report from the City Planner related to property on Prince Rupert Boulevard  -- Prior to a report from the City Planner, Councillor Randhawa excused himself from the chamber stating a conflict. Following the Councillor's departure, Mr. Krekic outlined the nature of the issue under discussion which was a request for a property variance and to take the issue to the public notification process.

Councillor Thorkelson had one question on the topic, asking what kind of distribution of notification  is required in each neighbourhood and how that is determined. She noted that she had received complaints from some residents in the city that they had not received proper notification of upcoming consultation or requests for comments.

Council voted to carry the motion.

( 1:45:30 -- 1:58:30 ) Report from the City Planner related to a property on Atlin Avenue --  With Councillor Randhawa back in the Council chamber, Mr. Krekic provided a review of the proposed plan to add to the height of a property on Atlin Avenue. Highlighting some of the factors that are to be considered with the development variance application under consideration.

Councillors Thorkelson and Niesh asked a number of questions and offered comments related to the proposed variance. With Councillor Thorkelson noting a number of concerns she had received from some of those living in the area.

Council then voted to carry the motion and moved the process forward.

Bylaws

( 1:58:30 -- 2:32:00 ) Rezoning of the Masonic Hall  -- Council picked up the themes of the Public Hearing related to the Masonic Hall rezoning proposal, starting with questions for the City Planner.

Councillor Thorkelson inquired as to the dangers in place of the type of rezoning being considered on the night. Mr. Krekic highlighted some of his previous notes on the theme, focusing on the lack of light industrial zoned land in the city at the moment and how it's a wake up call for the City to look at that issue.

He also noted how the proponents of the warehouse space have addressed many of the community concerns that have been raised.

Councillor Niesh, while noting the work and importance of Mackenzie Furniture to the community spoke to his concerns related to the location of the proposed Warehouse location in the residential area and close to a park that is heavily used by children in the community. He further offered up some of his thoughts when it came to safety concerns and large trucks in the community.

Councillor Cunningham spoke to some of the concerns raised by Councillor Niesh and then outlined his support for the proposed re-zoning. Noting that he had also sought out the opinion of those living in the area and found that many were not concerned about the rezoning issue.

Councillor Kinney also offered his support for the rezoning, calling on Council to look to the past and the number of businesses that have left town and how he wouldn't want to see MacKenzie's going onto that list, observing that Council needs to start working to assist business operators in the community.

Council Mirau also spoke to some of the concerns of Councillor Niesh, offering up his support and a number of points  related to the proposal. He pointed out that the proponents of the warehouse space have answered many of the concerns, allowed for a pair of covenants on the property and adopted a number of design adjustments to the Masonic Hall space.

He also noted that the topic of the need for more industrial space is a discussion that Council needs to have in order to avoid having the need to encroach on residential areas to serve the needs of the commercial and business community.

Councillor Thorkelson followed up with a number of questions for the City Planner, ranging from what kind of inquiries the city has received for other similar types of uses. As well she asked what kind of covenants the city can and can't put in place on property around the city.

The City Manager, Robert Long picked up on some of the explanation on those issues for the Councillor.

Following those explanations, Councillor Thorkelson noted that she did agree with everything that Councillor Niesh had stated, but also had sympathy for the points raised by both MacKenzie's and the Masonic Hall.

However, she did note that she had concerns about the location of the proposed warehouse in a residential area and with a park nearby, recounting for Council her observations of trucking issues near the Fishermen's Hall at Overwaitea.

She suggested the concept of a contractual basis to address safety issues related to the operation of the warehouse, calling for a swamper to be on hand when the trailers arrive and a flag person be in place when the trailer is leaving to watch for children near the park.

The City Manager noted that the didn't think that City could sunset any clauses into zoning and that the only option that could be put in place was a voluntary opportunity for the proponents to highlight the safety requirements they would agree to.

Councillor Niesh reminded Council of the contributions of Mr. Thompson a former employee with the City, who outlined a number of points during the course of the Public Hearing and how Council should take note of those suggestions.

Councillor Cunningham noted that the proponents of the warehouse proposal were following the rules and taking the right approach, while across the city there are illegal business operations taking place in residential areas, with little consequence.

Council then gave third reading and adopted the motion with Councillors Thorkelson and Niesh voting against the motion.

 (  2:32:00 -- 2:42:00   ) Report from the City Financial Officer on Permissive Property exemptions -- Ms. Bomben provided a short overview on the topic highlighting some of the changes requested by Council at the September 1st session.

After  her overview Council had a short discussion on the process to be adopted, with Councillor Thorkelson agreeing to the 100 per cent exemption proposal but raising a concern about what proposal staff will bring to Council regarding a four year guarantee on Community enhancement grants to those groups and whether that list has been increased in the last year.

Ms. Bomben provided an overview as to where that process stands at this time, noting that staff will wait for direction from Council on those issues.

Councillor Randhawa made an inquiry as to where the extra thirty percent that would be provided to the exemptions would come from, Ms. Bomben noted that Council would have to examine where they would allocate that money from, deciding whether to cut costs raise taxes or find new avenues for revenue streams.

The motion was carried

( 2:42:00 --2:48:00 ) An update on the Housing Committee -- The Mayor provided a short update on the latest developments with the Housing Committees, noting that the topic of homelessness, which was raised earlier during the Committee of the Whole public comment period is one topic that the Committees are looking to address.

Mayor Brain noted that the progress of the work of those committees is  perhaps not quite where Council would like it to be, but hat they are making progress.

From that point, he turned the review over to Councillor Thorkelson who spoke to the topic of homelessness in the community. She provided a short review of the affordable housing survey of June and what the City learned from that project.  On the theme raised earlier of a count once a month, she suggested making use of the soup kitchen numbers to determine the status of those that may be homeless or on the cusp of homelessness.

On the larger issue of the homeless situation, she stressed the need to push BC Housing to take action on the problems facing residents in the city. Noting that she knows of three homeless camps in the community, which she believes hold a total number of twenty five people, but reminded Council that the wet and cold months are almost here.

She made note of comments made previous of the idea of putting trailers on BC Housing land to try and solve the immediate need and also noted that BC Housing has stated in the past that they are willing to convert current apartment buildings or hotels into social housing if they can find a willing seller.

She also commented that the housing issue is one that they should take to the UBCM gathering in Vancouver later this month, as well as pushing the issue further with BC Housing both in Victoria and Prince George.

The Mayor offered his own observations related to the housing situation in the community.

Council then voted to give the bylaw first, second and third reading.

( 2:48:00 -- 2:51:00 ) Reports, Questions and Inquires from Council

The Mayor outlined the schedule ahead for City Council members at the UBCM convention in Vancouver next week, noting some of the topics that Council members hope to take with them to the Convention.

He also called attention to the Southeast Conference which the City is hosting over the next three days, as they discuss common issues with communities of Southeast Alaska.

And with that, the council session came to an end for the evening.

You can access the City Council Review for September 14 here, where a number of items regarding the council session, including links to media coverage of it 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.

Minutes of the Regular Council Session from September 14, 2017

Council next meets in Regular session on October 5th in Council Chambers at City Hall.

City Council Timeline, Monday, March 9, 2015

Council members and city staff almost matched the number of people in the audience on Monday night, as the City took their March 9th Council session to the Lester Centre, part of their Budget Consultation program for 2015.

A crowd that perhaps numbered around 20 or so, took in Chief Financial Officer Corinne Bomben's Budget update and following her presentation, a few of those in the audience asked a number of questions related to some of the items from her review.

When they weren't offering up answers to questions, the Mayor and Councillors Cunningham and Thorkelson carried all of the commentary from the Council members.  Making use of the evening to outline some of their thoughts on budget related issues, particularly on the impact of provincial and federal decisions that have made for a tough situation for the community.

Of particular focus was the theme of provincial taxation caps on industrial land and federal policies that Council members say reduces the opportunity for the City to benefit from industry in the region.

Monday also offered up the opportunity for the City to test out an new community engagement mechanism, making use of computer and smart phone voting for a list of four test questions to showcase the plan, something which the City hopes to use in the future.

For some background on the evening's scheduled items of note see the Regular Council Agenda for March 9 here.

Further information from our overview and permanent placement in the video archive can be found below, with the permanent record of the minutes added as they are posted to the city Website.

In Attendance March 9, 2015

Mayor Lee Brain -- Present  
Councillor Barry Cunningham-- Present
Councillor Councillor Blair Mirau -- Present
Councillor Wade Niesh-- Present 
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Present
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa-- Present
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Present 

Video Archive for March 9, 2015




( 0:00- 1:15 ) The Mayor started off the evening, by reviewing and having Council adopt past minutes and agendas, following which he turned the proceedings over to Ms. Bomben.

( 1:15--14:00 )  Report from the City's Chief Financial Officer, providing an overview of the 2015 Budget Preparations -- Ms. Corinne Bomben outlined a shorter version of her presentation from the 23rd of February, a Cole's Notes version if you will, of her financial blue print for the year ahead.

She offered up some explanations of the Budget requirements for the year ahead and the recommended increase on the mill rate of 1.9 per cent. Providing further background for the audience as to how the City works out its mill rate comparisons.

There was also a breakdown on the impact to Taxpayers and an explanation of the formula in place to determine the municipal levy. Providing a review as to how the money collected by way of taxation was allocated towards City Services and operations.

A fair portion of the presentation focused on the effect of Provincial Tax Caps and how they reduce the city's abilities to collect taxes on industrial properties that fall under those Cap areas.

Her video presentation highlighted the shift of the tax burden to the residential and commercial taxpayers as a result of those capped values.

She also introduced the prospect of engaging the community in a discussion on the creation of a fund for Asset replacement and reserves, observing that some communities have chosen to implement a two percent mill rate increase annually on a perpetual basis to address for asset replacement.

With that in mind she outlined the current infrastructure deficit for the City was in the range of  288 million dollars.

Included in her review was the recommendation from staff that the City give consideration to the two percent mill rate increase as a way of approaching the issue, though she stressed it was only a point for discussion at the moment and for engagement with the community for the year ahead.

As part of that engagement, she added that the Financial office welcomes alternate considerations on the issue as well.

For the most part her presentation at the Lester Centre offered less background on the nature of the Legacy Corporation, compared to her presentation to Council of February.

The Legacy Corporation was mentioned mostly by the CFO in passing, as part of her wrap up to the presentation, related to the need to address infrastructure concerns facing the community.

Ms. Bomben's Lester Centre presentation wrapped up after approximately twelve minutes.

For more background on the larger Budget overview, see her original Report to Council from February 23rd here.

Community Engagement on Budget Issues


( 14:00 -- 1:08:00 )  An Opportunity for residents in attendance to make comment and ask Questions related to Budget items

Our normal timeline approach was not used for this review, as the topics appeared at various times throughout the one hour opportunity for discussion. 

Instead, we've attempted to keep the string of comments related to specific areas of interest together, providing for a better consolidation of the nature of the discussion of each particular item of interest.

With few residents in the audience and of those numbers, even fewer it seemed inclined to discuss the issues it looked at times that the engagement period would be a pretty short event.

But as things moved forward, a few of those in the audience took to the microphone to offer comment and ask questions.

The first observation came from a gentleman who had thoughts on the declining population of the city and how it is resulting in a large tax burden for those that have remained in the community. With the speaker seeking to have Council hold the line on further increases to taxpayers.

Items of interest related to the Legacy Corporation and how it could be used

Former City Councillor Gina Garon provided for the majority of questions related to the Budget Consultation on the night, with concerns related to energy costs and the need to find ways to reduce them as well as questions on the city's staffing succession plans and some of the other items that have been identified under civic costs.

She also offered up some questions on whether the funding for the city's GIS mapping program could not come from the Legacy Corporation.

That question provided Mayor Brain with the opportunity to provide a thumb nail sketch of some of the particulars when it comes to the city owned corporation. Highlighting how the Legacy Corporation was developed to create a fund for the future of Prince Rupert and for the city's infrastructure requirements.

The Mayor suggested that  with all of the demands required for the planned growth related to LNG industry development, some of the money from the Legacy corporation could be used for staffing requirements related to those needs.

Ms. Bomben did offer up caution on that theme, reminding Council  that items such as the GIS mapping system are not related to just major projects.

And with that, some could be considered more towards the normal operating environment, observing that the City should not be using other funds that might be needed for infrastructure to augment operating costs for the future.

The Mayor then reviewed how the City is approaching its budget deliberations both for its usual requirements and with an eye on the prospect of increased economic activity in the community.

One other participant on the evening made a number of inquiries, the first related to the proposed mill rate increase related to the infrastructure issues and the need for a reserve fund and the impact that it will have on rate payers in the city. The Mayor observed that at the moment the concept is only something to be explored with the community and is not to be implemented this year.

She also had a number questions related to seeking more background on the Legacy Corporation and how it is designed to work within the civic structure.

Observing that there is some confusion in the community as to how the money should be directed or invested. She also suggested that there is a need for more information to be provided to the public regarding the plans of the Legacy Corporation and how the city plans to make use of it in the future.

The mayor provided a bit more information on the agreement with Exxon for Lot 444 and noted that Legacy will be collecting income for the city, he also directed residents to examine the incorporation documents on the City's website to review the checks and balances in place regarding its formation.

He offered up some examples of the infrastructure issues in the community such as bridges, dams and roads and how Legacy Corporation could assist with income for those concerns.

However for this budget period, the Legacy Corporation funding would be directed for staffing requirements for LNG development, with some of the income received to help fund extra staff for a period of time with a sunset clause.

The goal for the City when it comes to the Legacy Corporation, is to build up a bank account from Legacy, so the community has a fund to put towards large scale core infrastructure issues.

RCMP replacement building and recycling concerns

Later in the evening, Ms. Garon would return to the microphone to ask about the status of the situation related to the RCMP detachment, which now has returned to the forefront of civic concerns.

She was advised by the Chief Financial Officer that the city is picking up the project where they left it off at, with a plan to revisit the proposal that was in place in 2012.  The previous contractor will be consulted and a report will be provided to bring things up to speed. There however at this time is no money in the budget to move the project forward.

A bit later in the evening, Councillor Thorkelson offered her own observations to the RCMP building issue and highlighted many of the challenges that the design of the proposed detachment offered, with a number of conditions in place by the RCMP as to the location of the building and the special requirements related to it.

Ms Garon also reminded Council of her past commitment towards recycling and associated issues and asked that Council address the issue with Regional District as the current process ins't working very well.

The Mayor provided a short update on the status of the recycling station situation at the Kaien Road facility to try and address some of the issues that have been made public in recent months.  He also provided some thoughts on the impact that LNG development could have on the city's waste storage issues.

A need to look outside the box on infrastructure issues

One other item raised by a resident at the microphone was a concern that the city wasn't looking outside of the box, particularly when it came to infrastructure issues such as bridges. With a suggestion that council look at developing surface roads to work around those areas where bridges currently are located, providing for less cost in providing access to those areas in question.

Councillor Cunningham handled that question on behalf of Council, suggesting that the city would be examining such concepts as a bypass around the bridge if it was found that the financial burden would be insurmountable when it comes to any required bridge replacements.

Provincial and Federal issues related to Prince Rupert taxation ability

One recurring theme on the night involved the City delivering its position related to Federal and Provincial regulations, issues that some on Council suggest is leaving the City of Prince Rupert at a disadvantage.

The topic was introduced as part of Ms. Bomben's overview of the budget plan for 2015 and carried on further by the Mayor, Councillor Cunningham and Councillor Thorkelson.

All of whom offered up their thoughts on how there is a need to reinforce with both Federal and Provincial officials as to the burden that they are creating for municipalities.

The Mayor reviewed those conditions that the province has put in place related to industrial caps and how the City can't access a full share of taxation revenue. He stressed how this was not a port issue, but rather one of provincial legislation.

Councillor Cunningham also spoke to the issue, observing how he had it wrong last year when he was constantly addressing his concerns towards the Port Corporation, when it is apparent now to him,  that the real issue is related to the provincial government's moves on the issue of industrial caps.

He made a point of reviewing the rates that industrial groups such as Maher Terminals are capped at, while the commercial and residential rate payers have to carry the larger burden.  He stressed his desire to get the message across to the provincial and Federal governments to address the issues.

Councillor Thorkelson was by far the most adamant on the issue of provincial and federal impact, leading off her thoughts by observing that if residents want their taxes to go down, that the City would not be doing it by reducing city services any further.

Highlighting how the increases of 1 or 2 per cent or so of recent years, just cover off the costs of living that the city has to meet.

To work on the issue she suggested that Council and the city's residents need to contact the area's  MLA to address the issues of the port cap in the Legislature.  As well, Councillor Thorkelson also recommended that residents write letters of their own to both Provincial and Federal officials, to tell them that it's unfair how municipal governments are being put in the position that they currently are in.

She also outlined how the City, through its work with the newly formed Northwest alliance should work together with other communities in the region. Looking to get the attention of the Provincial government and to gain better access to revenue streams, through revenue sharing agreements from such regional projects as mining and other industrial developments outside of municipal boundaries.

She reviewed her time on Council over the years and  how this issue continues to dominate their considerations and how she doesn't know where else the city can cut.

Her final point making for a strong declaration to the audience, that there is a need for the provincial and federal governments to understand the issues that municipalities face.

Potential Salary increases for Council members

One of the final comments on the evening related to the status of a previous salary increase proposal for Council and the Mayor and if it was included in this years budget considerations.

Councillor Cunningham observed that Council had looked at the issue, with a potential wage increase for Council members now off the table. Though he would still like to see the Mayor's salary increased to full time status and wage, but at the moment it is not part of the budget discussion.

After a comment from a resident of thanks for the work of council on the issues, the Mayor brought the public session to a close.

Offering up his closing thoughts, hoping that the Council had provided some clarity on the issues and how they are being pro-active to tackle them. He made mention on how well Council is working together, of the work of staff and how morale is up, as well he made mention of some of the positive developments in the community and the city's plans for the future.

( 1:08:00 -- 1:28:00  ) Introduction of resident participation platforms for Council events

As part of the evening's Budget Presentation, the City also debuted a new community engagement mechanism by way of seeking comment and registering votes on selected items as introduced by City Staff.

The Mayor outlined how the audience participation process would work and then listed four questions for those at the Lester Centre or at home to review and provide answers on.

1) Do You consider a 1.9 per cent increase to the mill rate to be reasonable?
Yes ( 25  )    No ( 9 )

2)  Do you agree that the City needs an asset management plan?
Yes ( 29  )    No ( 1 )

3) Do you support using Legacy Inc. funds to provide the capacity the City needs to plan for major projects?
Yes ( 29  )    No ( 3 )

4) Do you support a full time Mayor
Yes ( 27  )    No ( 5  )

And while the audience sample was obviously not large enough to offer up a true reading of how the community may feel about the issues presented, the concept of seeking consultation from the public through the electronic options is something that could prove to be instructive once it gets wider acceptance.

With the first experiment in audience participation complete, the Mayor brought the Council session for Monday evening to an end. Reminding the audience that there is one more public consultation period taking place on March 23rd at the Regular Council session at City Hall.

He also provided a quick review of his plans to host more public community engagement sessions in the future, hopefully to start in April.

You can access the City Council Review page for March 9th here, where a number of items regarding the council session, including links to media coverage of it 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 the website for further review.

Minutes of the Regular Council Session from March 9, 2015

Council next meets in Regular session on March 23, 2015, that session takes place back at the Council Chambers at City Hall

Special Session of City Council, Monday, December 15, 2014

Our archive of items from the session can be found below.

Regular Session of Council for December 15, 2014

Home page and archive of sessions can be found here.

Live Broadcast of session can be found here

North Coast Review - Preview of Special Session for December 15, 2014 

Notice of Special Council Session for 5 PM, Monday December 15 2014

Agenda for the Special Session of City Council for 5 PM  on December 15, 2014

Agenda for the Special Session of City Council for 5:30 PM on December 15, 2014

Notice of Closed Session of Special Council Session for 5:30 PM on December 15, 2014

Info to Council ( December 9 )
Info to Council  ( December 3 )


Mayor Lee Brain-- Present
Councillor Barry Cunningham-- Present
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Present
Councillor Blair Mirau-- Present
Councillor Wade Niesh-- Present
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa-- Present
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Present (participated by phone)

Minutes of Special Session of Council December 15  

Video Recording of December 15, 2014 

North Coast Review City Council Timeline December 15, 2014  

North Coast Review Items on the December 15, 2014 Special Session of Council

Council to consider possibility of creating Communications Director position for 2015
Council examines Strategic Planning and Budget process for 2015
Residency has its privileges when it comes to Landfill usage
Council set to approve increases of ten percent on Recreation Fees for 2015
Council puts aside proposed Airport Ferry increase for now

Media items from other sources for the December 15, 2014 Council session can be found in our Discussion Points from City Council feature

City Council Preview, Monday, September 15, 2014

Tonight marks the final Council meeting before some members of council and staff head off to the UBCM gathering at Whistler later this month, their list of topics to share with other municipalities growing by the day.

For this evening, the local work load would appear to be fairly light, with a sparse agenda offering up little it seems that will require lengthy discussion.

The highlight of the evening it would appear will feature a presentation from the Mayor on the Nomination of Ms. Gianna Evans for the City's 2014 Sgt. William Booth Award.

As for other Council business, a request for a Correspondence for action, an application for Development Variance and a resolution from Closed Meetings pretty well covers much of the official work on the evening.

And with that notice of the resolution from Closed meeting, it is worth noting that Council will once again take to behind closed doors, with  a Closed Session of Council to take place in the early evening.

The notice for the September15th version of the Closed Session provides for a topic which offers up little as to the nature up for discussion, but provides for a pair of items which Council feels cannot be discussed in open session.

That  the meeting be closed to the public under section 90 of the Community Charter to consider items relating to one or more of the following: 

(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality. 


When Council is finished with its Closed Session business, they will then tackle the items of interest on the night for their Regular Council Agenda, the listing of which can be found here.

A guide to the night's content can be found below, the corresponding page number from the Agenda listed in red.

The session starts off with the regular adoption of agendas and minutes.

Petitions and Delegations is next on the listing, with the Presentation from Mayor Mussallem on the nomination of Ms. Evans.

Unfinished Business is next, followed by Reports and Recommendations and then Requests.

A Correspondence for Action finds Council Members considering a request from Prince Rupert Self Advocacy Group, seeking a proclamation of October as Community Living Month (Page 7 of the Agenda)

Resolutions from Closed Meetings is next, where council will release any details of their close sessions that they believe can be provided at this time.

Bylaws and Development Permits are next, with a Report from the City Planner providing background on an Application for a Development Variance Permit for a property on 6th Avenue East (Page 8 of the Agenda)

Any Additional Items from Council Members are next on the night

The evening then wraps up with Reports, Questions and inquiries from Members of Council, as well as the Mayor's Report, which is then followed by adjournment.

Following tonight's session Council takes another three weeks away from the grind of municipal governance, next meeting in Regular public session on October 6th.

The Live broadcast of the City Council session can be found here, a video archive of past sessions is available here.

Our Archive of the September 15th session can be found here.

While our archive of all sessions of council this year is available here.

City Council Timeline, Monday, November 25, 2013

Had he been in attendance, it would have been fairly easy introduction to civic politics for the city's newest Councillor Barry Cunningham, as City Council's Monday session provided for a little less than an hour and a half of work, a good portion of it taken up by presentations to council.

However, the sixth seat of Council remained empty (as well as Councillor Thorkelson's) on Monday evening, as Council embarked on their final session for November.

The November 25th gathering offered up a short listing of items as found on the weekly agenda.

In addition to the public forum on the night, November 25th featured another "closed session" of Council, just another in what is becoming a lengthy listing of closed door sessions for this Council.

The timeline of all of the council the proceedings can be found in red below, tied in with the City Council video and audio feeds archived below.

Further information such as minutes and permanent placement in the  audio and video archives can be found below as they are posted to the city Website.

In Attendance November 25, 2013

Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Present  
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Present 
Councillor Judy Carlick-Pearson-- Present
Councillor Barry Cunningham-- Absent (not officially sworn in to office as of yet)
Councillor Gina Garon-- Present
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Present
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Absent 

Councillor Jennifer Rice-- Resigned her position on June 10th. (She was replaced by Councillor Barry Cunningham after a by-election on November 16th)

Video Archive for November 25, 2013
Audio Archive for November 25, 2013 (not available yet)

(0:00--10:00) Council's video feed appears to join in progress on a conversation between Council and advocates for animal welfare in the city. We arrive at the conversation as they wrap up some of their past history with animals. The conversation appears to be engaging the theme of the animal by-law regarding the number of dogs that a household can have in the community. Councillor Carlick-Pearson joined in on the conversation offering up her support to their cause and situation.

Councillor Ashley then entered the conversation outlining her thoughts on the topic and what approaches could be taken on the theme. She then asked for some thoughts of the couple addressing council, seeking some further background on their committee work in other communities in the past.

Councillor Kinney then stepped into the debate suggesting he would like to work with the couple, he was followed by Councillor Garon how reviewed some of the history of the bylaw. The couple wrapped up their presentation, by asking for a exemption to the current bylaw in place regarding the number of dogs one household can keep on their property.

The Mayor then counselled the City Manager to investigate the issue further and explore options that the City could proceed with to accommodate the issue raised and the request of exemption from the couple.

(10:00--17:30) The next item of business at the Committee of the Whole portion of the night was an opportunity for public comment from the gallery. One citizen offered up some comments on a book that they are introducing to the community (and providing copies to council of).

The book is called Book of Rainbows, a project run through the Hecate-Strait Development Centre, that highlights some of the anecdotes and stories of those that have chosen Prince Rupert to be their home. Council then took time out for a photo opportunity with the coordinators of the book.

Council then adjourned their Committee of the Whole session and returned to the Regular Council session of the night.

(17:30--19:00) Council adopted its variety of minutes and agendas of note for this session.

Petitions and Delegations

(19:00--40:00) A delegation of the City's Recreation advisory Committee provided an update on their latest developments. Their first item of note being the advisory that they were still short one person on the volunteer committee, which they would like to see filled before the year is out.  They outlined the mandate of the committee and the five key purposes that they have been tasked to review. They also outlined some of the community engagement actions that they have taken on in recent months.

They currently are compiling information on users of the Community's recreation facility (and those that at the moment don't use the centre for whatever reason) looking to find ways to better engage the community with the recreation options that the city offers, they hope to have their report ready for review in the New Year.

They had a request of the city to provide a city based email address, for a centre point of contact for those looking to provide information to their work. As well as to possibly consider a by-law change to allow for sales of passes on an incentive basis. At the moment, the by-law restricts that option.

They also requested some technical assistance from the City's IT department to better promote their survey. Which comes with a cost to the city, the survey process which could then be used by other city departments for their use. They also wish to explore an online option for residents to access and pay for  recreation sign up programs through an online portal. The Mayor advised that procedure could be in place by January.

They also sought out a follow up meeting with the City Manager to go over some of their key requests.

There was a suggestion for  a day to be set aside for free access to the Civic Centre facilities, to help push the response to their survey process, using that as a way of bringing people into the facility to take part. The plan would be to use a free pass to the Recreation Centre as a grand prize, to be used as an incentive for participation.

Reports and Recommendations

(40:00--44:30 ) Report from the Chief Financial Officer --  Ms. Bomben then relayed the details of her report highlighting the financial picture from the monthly financial review (you can review the majority of her report from the Agenda package page number 8)

Councillor Garon had a few questions of the CFO regarding the report, included among her thoughts was an inquiry as to why there was a decline in revenues for the City transit system, for the most part the shortfall comes from not selling as many passes to the Ministry of Social Services.

The Councillor's second question was one of which projects had been deferred until a future date, one was the Sixth Avenue Bridge project which has been postponed until next year, the Mayor also advised that the 24/7 recycling depot project was also postponed.

The Mayor then recounted some of the history of the bridges and their maintenance for the City Manager, he then suggested that some kind of report might be draw up to develop a road running down Hays Creek to provide an alternative for the bridge should more issues arise from it.

Council then received the Chief Financial Officer's report for informational purposes

(44:30--48:00) Report from the Building Inspector and the Corporate Manager over a nuisance property-- Council heard a report from the City Manager over the nature of dis-repair of a property on The Plaza, with a recommendation that it be declared a nuisance under the Community Charter and that the building be demolished within thirty days.

Councillor Ashley asked where the house was located in the city. Advised that it was located between 6th East and 7th Avenue East. The recommendation was moved and adopted.

Bylaws

(48:00--49:00 ) The Airport Loan Authorization Bylaw 3333, 2013 -- A recommendation to adopt the Bylaw. The amendment was adopted. Councillor Ashley outlined that while she was voting in favour of the bylaw, she was opposed to the process in which the decision was made.

(49:00--52:30) Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw 3337, 2013 --  The City's Corporate Administrator outlined the nature of the Bylaw and what it means, through discussions he determined that council meetings would meet on the second and fourth week of each month, unless Council chooses to change a meeting date. Councillor Ashley inquired as to the nature of a calendar that was provided as part of the Council review of the topic. That calendar in question won't be examined until the next Council session.

Council then adopted the motion.

Following the report, the Mayor asked if there were any questions for the City Manager from his report.

(52:30--54:30) City Managers Report-- Mr. Long then provided his review of his City Manager's report, he outlined the success that City workers had with the recent snowfall in the city, with some positive feedback received from their efforts, he advised that any other items will be introduced to Council at the next meeting.

Reports, Questions and Inquiries

(54:30--1:07:00)  Councillor Ashley provided an overview on a program for Crime Prevention funding-- Seeking for their comment on how they may wish to secure the funding of 1 million dollars, to augment a community approach some of the negative issues that could surround the All Native Basketball Tournament.

While she stressed that overall that is a positive event in the community, there have been issues that have developed around it each year. And that she believes that this funding could assist the city in addressing some of those issues.

Councillor Carlick-Pearson lent her support to seeking out the funding and suggested it could be expanded to other events that draw people to the community. She suggested that the city may wish to spark a committee to examine the issues around community events.

She outlined that over the recent weekend of the All-Native Qualifying tournament, a number of crimes took place and she believes that funding such as this as well as a committee structure in place could help provide support to the community.

Councillor Carlick-Pearson also addressed the changing nature of the city and how there are a number of issues that have developed in the community in recent years.

The Mayor offered up some guidelines to the two councillors as to how they may wish to approach the funding request, Councillor Carlick-Pearson then suggested that Councillor Ashley was prepared to offer up a pair of motions for consideration.

The first motion asking staff to access the application form for comment from Council for the next council session. Councillor Garon then suggested that the City seek out the assistance of the RCMP  as well as officials from Child and Family Service on the nature of the funding request.

Her second motion, then asked that Council seek to put together a committee of the various groups in the community that would have a stake in the issue, asking that Staff compile a list of those groups that should be included for consideration of the Committee on special events.

Councillor Garon then suggested that they could piggy back on the social services meeting held last year, as those participants may already be tapped into the issues of concern.

Councillor Carlick-Pearson then volunteered to help staff in compiling their list.

Councillor Ashley then followed up on the social services meeting theme, looking to use it as a base for reference. She then stressed that she didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea about her suggestions, that she was not targeting any one event, more that she was merely looking to protect those that may be the most vulnerable in the community.

The Mayor advised that he didn't think anyone would take the recommendation the wrong way and that is in the spirit of concern over those that are vulnerable in the community.

With that the second motion was adopted.

(1:07:00--1:07:30) Councillor Garon then followed up that issue with a question if the City was looking to regenerate that Social Services meeting group in the new year, she asked if another meeting could be organized.

(1:07:30--1:08:30) Councillor Carlick-Pearson then turned to theme of new people arriving in town and that there was a need to be more aware of personal situations, expressing concern over some recent events over the last week that she had been made aware of, particularly over the weekend just passed. Incidents that are worrisome, but she wasn't wanting to alarm the community, just that people should be aware where their kids are and to be safe.

(1:08:30--1:12:30) Councillor Garon then asked for an explanation of the recent payment from the Port Authority to the City--  Mr. Long then reviewed the financial aspects of last week's announcement, advising that the City and the Port have had discussions on the proper levels of taxation and recently came to a point where the Port has seen fit to make a partial payment of the property taxes in lieu.

He expressed his belief that city could anticipate a final payment sometime in the near future, with a payment reflective of the assessed values as part of the ongoing review process that will be in place.

Councillor Ashley then thanked staff for their efforts on the file as well as offer thanks to the Port for their partial payment. The Mayor echoed that theme and offered up the observation that the values were not as appropriate as they could be and to the credit to the port, they authorized the partial payment as opposed to waiting for the final process.

(1:12:30--1:20:00) The Mayor's Report

The Mayor first thanked the City staff and former employees that helped out at the recent by-election process of last week. He saluted their work and assistance.

He also congratulated Barry Cunningham on his success, advising Council that he would be sworn in at the December session, in addition he acknowledged all of those that stood in candidacy for the council seat.

He outlined his participation in a conference call with officials from across the region regarding subsidized bus transportation service from community to community, to discuss information  and a framework regarding a process to meet with Provincial Ministry officials, perhaps with a meeting in January of 2014.

He attended the Prince Rupert Art Council gathering at the local theatre, which included a European film.

He attended a gathering held in Cow Bay regarding the marine environment and proposed development of Lelu Island, also in attendance was Councillor Thorkelson.

The Mayor updated Council on an introductory session held with companies associated with Nexen and their proposed Natural Gas Export project in the region. More information will be forthcoming also in attendance were Councillors Ashley, Carlick-Pearson and Kinney.

He attended a National Children's Day ceremony. He read the City's proclamation on families and children at that event.

He attended the annual employees appreciation luncheon that honours city workers and on behalf of the City provided his thanks for the work that city workers and senior staff that they provide to the community.

The Mayor was in attendance at an Open House held by Pacific Northwest LNG, and the BC Environmental office, to seek out more information on the proposed development on Lelu Island.

The Mayor attended the October meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, where he heard an update on Port related activities in the community, he also said he believed that the Port was planning on attending to City Council chambers perhaps in December.

He attended an appreciation event for the Prince Rupert Ambassadors of the 2013 cruise ship season.

He took part as a co-presenter in a British Columbia Healthy Communities webinar.

He took a tour of the Canadian Coast Guard Incident Command centre in Prince Rupert, regarding the removal of bunker fuel from the vessel in Grenville Channel.

The Mayor took part in the Northwest Regional Hospital District meeting.

The Mayor then relayed news that the Airport will be serviced with new aircraft for the Air Canada route  into the region.

The Mayor attended a Multi-cultural gathering, where copies of a new book, called Book of Rainbows, comprising stories of those that have moved was introduced.

The Mayor also advised of an event at Pilsbury House that he attended, providing some background on the celebrations held that day on the grounds.

And with that review, the Monday session of council came to an end.

You can access the City Council Review page for November 25th here, where a number of items regarding the council session, including 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 November 25, 2013