The Area of note for residents of Overlook street where the work is set to take place by City of Prince Rupert crews (image from Google maps)
Some remedial work on the city's watermains will leave resident without the use of the stairs between Overlook to Rushbrook above for at least two weeks or more.
The long running debate on how to fix and how to pay for the reopening of the 4th Avenue Walkway and staircase made for a good portion of Monday night's budget conversation by Prince Rupert City Councillors, though the concept of an additional tax of 1.07 per cent tagged onto to the 7.7 percent rate set in the Budget clearly wasn't going to make much traction on the night.
The topic came up at the outset of the near sixty minutes of Budget conversation, flagged as an item of interest by Councillor Nick Adey who had noted of the correspondences and interest that the topic had generated in the civic consultation period.
Monday night we gained some insight into where each of the councillors that participated in the topic during the discussion, viewed the near one year closure of the walkway and how to address the remediation required to reopen it.
Councillor Nick Adey led off on that theme, observing of the public commentary received towards the Budget and walkway issue related to discretionary spending.
"I don't really see anybody rooting for an increase beyond the 7.7 percent and I say that knowing that advocates for the stairway on 4th Avenue, advocates for a renewal of the Lester Centre contract, must be aware that getting what they would want is asking for it to be beyond the 7.7 percent.
And I should say that I think that those initiatives are worth supporting, I would very much like in fact fund a quarter of a million dollars to build a stairway, because I think we are going to one way or another some point in the next year or two, quite likely commit ourselves to doing.
I guess the question is when and how that gets funded."
Towards that funding issue, the Councillor expanded on his theme of moving the initiatives forward, offering some hope of additional provincial funding for the city in 2024.
"With that in mind, I wonder if there could be some thought put into a couple of possibilities, we're into the month of November and if I understand the process correctly, the actual final budget is not approved until May.
So what I would like to suggest is that, in the event that the city's revenue streams are positively impacted by potential future decisions by the provincial government, perhaps as early as their 2024 budget.
That we should consider a commitment towards those particular initiatives as a kind of first call for is this somewhere we can support improvements, particularly the stairway I think. Because I think the community interest is quite high for people in that neighbourhood and I think that it's as I say, I think it's something that we're going end up doing at some point anyway.
So I would like us to feel, that if there is a change in the revenue situation that we would bring these things back as a point of consideration"
Councillor Teri Forster had a question for the CFO related to the city's use of dividends and how those could factor into council's view of the issue.
"I did have a question about ... potential funding for the stairway.
I understand that dividends come as one time payments, so they're not supposed to be things that would be ongoing, they would be a one time thing.
I'm not certain I understand why if we were to go with the stairway it would be taxation versus a dividend unless it's simply just because there's not enough money to pay for it from a dividend.
So I'm just wondering if I can understand that a bit better and I also assume, and this is an assumption, that we've already looked a grants, active living grants, different grants that could pay for some of this stairway and maybe they're pending, maybe they're not?"
Ms. Bomben first reviewed the grant process the city follows to the topic.
"We have been looking for grants, but active transportation is a very hot topic right and there will continue to be active transportation grants availability, so we will be looking again in 2024 for grant opportunity that could help fund the stairs.
As Councillor Adey mentioned, the process is right now we're asking for direction to do the five year plan but we fully expect that we will be back in front of you in the spring, to possibly bring forward an amendment.
And if there's any other revenues and grants for instance that could help go towards the stairs at the point we would certainly be willing to bring that forward"
On the query from the councillor on dividends, Ms. Bomben noted how the 250,000 cost was a big ask of the dividend option.
"As far as the dividend goes, the answer is yes, it wasn't considered ... 250,000 dollars is a big amount, there's already quite a bit that's going to be dividended for 2023, that's a really long and awkward word.
And then of course there's about 4 million dollars worth of dividends that is proposed, the annual revenues on Watson Island through Legacy is 4 million dollars. So it was just one of those items, that it didn't benefit the entire community, instead of one segment to seemed like that we could possibly get some grants for."
Councillor Barry Cunningham observed of the decisions that the city has to make with many groups that have many wants, while the city has limited resources to meet those.
"Well, you know, it's stairs versus the Lester Centre, versus parks, versus Enhancement Grants. You know like I remember Councillor Adey a few of months ago on about parks on the west side of town and things like that.
So you know, we've gotta make tough choices here whether we like it or not. And you know there's groups in each segment that want more money, we don't have the money to give. So you know like it's unfortunate it is what it is.
I know that Staff will be looking actively to find ... the stairs seem to be a priority, but ah the Lester Centre is definitely looking for money and needs it. Parks, we need parks and there's people lobbying for that. So we've got to take it all into stride and try to make the best decision for the town. It's unfortunate, the buck stops here"
Councillor Wade Niesh spoke to the theme of what he called civic 'extras', flagging the Fourth Avenue walkway issue, noting that it was just one of many pathways that the city has closed over the years.
"You know, I understand that people want to see a pathway on Fourth Avenue, but there's paths that have been closed all over this town over the last fifteen years and this is not just one path, it's not the only path. There's paths all over the place that are closed.
I mean when I used to have dogs, I used to walk many of the paths, there's many paths that have signs that say closed and you know people just go through them still.
(something the Mayor noted was not recommended)
I'm not saying do it, I'm just saying these trails, Fourth Avenue is not the only one now is there options, yes there is. People can walk to the end of Fourth and walk down Service Park, people
can walk down the other street and go down McBride.
Is it ideal maybe not, but there is options"
The Councillor raised one option that could make for some controversy related to the topic, noting of a proposal from 2021 and the days of City Manager Robert Long and current City Manager Rob Buchan's time as the city's contract planner.
"There was some conversations we had in the past, about I'm trying to remember what it was called ... Local Service Agreement I believe it was called ... Local Area Service so you know, that people that are impacted the most by something that can affect them. Then they can actually agree to a tax increase for their area, if they can you know justify to the people in their area that they use that particular item.
And those people in that area can actually pay an additional amount of taxes on their's over a period of twenty years to pay for something. So you know there is that option too, if they feel strongly about that trail getting done right away.
I can't justify having the whole community pay another what was it, one percent to pay for that trial so I had to oppose that at the time. I would love to be able to you know do it, but it's just not there"
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa did not speak directly to the pathway issue, though his comments towards how the Legacy Fund is used highlighted such areas as capital spending projects.
The Mayor observed, that if they were to use that money for one capital project, they would have to decide which of the existing project proposals would have to be eliminated to re-allocate the money.
The placement of the walkway on City Council's list of priorities for 2024 likely will continue to be the focus of those advocating for the reopening of the transportation links.
An additional resolution was added to the Budget considerations on the night, that from Councillor Adey
That towards how to fund the Fourth Avenue Stairs and for Council to work with staff to explore opportunities for funding, or realize changes in revenue streams.
"A request that staff explore ways in which to either exploit opportunities that arise between now and May in the form of grants or changes in our funding, to move towards hopefully finding a way to get those stairs built" -- Councillor Nick Adey
Councillor Cunningham noted that Staff were already looking for alternative funding options for the walkway project.
The Walkway discussion ebbs and flows through the Budget discussion which you can review through the city's video archive below, the topic is introduced at the 14 minute mark:
Monday's Council one hour and seven minute session was for the most part focused entirely on the 2024 Budget, with a final snapshot on the public engagement from the Chief Financial Officer serving as the introduction for some extensive commentary from the Council membership towards the decisions that they had to make towards the document for this year.
The 57 minute preamble from the Committee of the Whole session provided for the call for direction to staff to move forward with the Five Year Plan and complete Council's Budget work, which they adopted in the Regular Council Session.
As for the Regular session, there were few items of note for discussion from the Agenda for Council who made quick work of the items listed, leaving for five minutes of discussion on a range of themes at the end of the session.
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.
Approval of Agenda -- Mayor Point reviewed the Agenda of the November 27 session and gained approval of Council towards it.
The first element of the Committee session was a call for Public Comment towards the 2024 Draft Budget, with Mayor Pond expressing some surprise that there were no members of the public in the gallery to take advantage of the comment opportunity.
The mayor provided for a few minutes of grace for any late arriving members to attend the session, however none arrived by the three minute mark he allowed for.
Mr. Pond provided a timeline of the Budget process which started on November 6th and observed on the public session at Coast Mountain College which he highlighted as well attended and providing for some good feedback.
The Mayor then called on Chief Financial Officer Corinne Bomben for a synopsis of some of the feedback the city received during the month long budget process, all of the documentation is included in the Agenda package for the Committee meeting.
From that short overview, Ms. Bomben then asked Council to direct staff to prepare the Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw using amendments presented in Attachment 3 of information attached to the Agenda.
The Mayor then introduced the recommendation to direct staff moving forward.
He then asked the CFO to provide a bit of an overview as to where Prince Rupert is compared to other communities, she outlined how Prince Rupert was about middle of the pack, noting of the higher rates found in some Okanagan as well as the proposed tax hike in Terrace of 9%
She also observed how Prince Rupert offers some services that other communities don't have to fund.
The Mayor then opened the Committee of the Whole session as the forum for Council conversation on the Budget, offering a chance for Council members to share their thoughts on the process that had moved forward over the month.
To open the conversation, Councillor Forster asked for some background on the level of service for Fire Rescue services between Terrace and Prince Rupert, with the Mayor and Councillor Cunningham providing some details on the differing nature of the two services. With the main focus that of how Terrace a hybrid of professional and volunteer members, while Prince Rupert's is a completely professional service.
Councillor Cunningham returned to a theme from a previous meeting related to the level of service the Prince Rupert Fire Department may provide to industrial users, the CFO outlined how the City's Fire Chief would not allow the city's fire service to attend any situation that they are not trained for.
The Mayor noted of some unusual circumstances for the meeting on the night, with Ms. Bomben serving as the Acting City Manager, noting that Mr. Buchan was on a well deserved vacation. He also noted that Councillor Skelton-Morven was participating from Vancouver as he was taking care of a family member in hospital there.
He also noted that Councillor Niesh had just arrived back in the city just in time to attend the council session.
Mr. Pond also observed that when it comes to city's plans for fire service to Industrial areas, the City Manager upon his return would be coming back with a bylaw to the topic.
Returning to the budget discussion, Councillor Nick Adey spoke to differences between Prince Rupert taxation and other communities and the challenges it provides province wide.
To the budget in front of the city and its call for 7.7 tax increase, Adey flagged a few items of note from public commentary those of Community Grants and the Lester Centre contract in particular and the ongoing public discussion on the closed 4th Avenue Walkway. The latter a topic that also generated some questions from Councillor Terri Forster.
He also asked for some clarification on the nature of the Prince Rupert Library, their contract with workers and the city's financial contribution to the service.
At the end of the discussion Mr. Adey asked for a reconsideration of two initiatives, the walkway and Lester Centre, should additional funding and a change in the revenue situation be realized in 2024. That request would be approved by the Council membership.
Among the other Council members, many of their themes were familiar ones culled from the last few years of Budget Discussions.
Councillor Cunningham observed of the nature of the tough choices that Council has to make and how the city doesn't have the money at the moment to address all of those groups that have requests, observing how staff is always seeking other sources of funding for those.
Councillor Niesh recounted his early days on council and how he was often against any tax increases, noting how the city was well above the average and how the previous councils had for the most part held off on any sizeable tax increases over the previous eight years. Noting of the current focus for Council on infrastructure issues he observed of the need for the tax increases of the last two budget periods of earlier this year and now for 2024.
Councillor Randhawa as he has often stated in past budget cycles since taking office, expressed his opposition to a tax increase and repeated his request of previous years to draw more from the Legacy Fund to help reduce the tax hit on the public.
His quest, as it has in the past, did not find much traction from his fellow Council members, with the CFO explaining the impact that would have on future taxation for residents, Ms Bomben also noted how the Legacy Fund had helped to cushion the jagged spikes on capital operations and how that has helped to reduce the need for even higher taxation.
Mayor Pond observed that for the most part the City has been drawing the max from Legacy Fund for both the 2023 and 2024 budget planning and towards any changes in the tax rate would require some changes to that capital spending program.
Councillor Cunningham observed that to reduce the tax increase council might have to consider such things as closing the Pool or library for a day a week. He then called on an analogy he has used in previous years towards Mr Randhawa's request, observing how if you put up taxi fares you have to pass it on to the customer, the same goes for the city of Prince Rupert, noting of the recent contract with city workers which he noted had modest increases.
Councillor Skelton-Morven noted of the current civic challenges the City faces and the balance of growth and need for repairs at the same time.
He subsequently asked the CFO for a glimpse of what the tax increase would look like without the Legacy assistance. Ms. Bomben observed the tax request would be over 10 percent, she also noted that's excluding the utility fees.
Councillor Niesh brought the discussion to a close, noting how if residents have concerns about high levels of taxation they should address those to the higher levels of government.
Towards the local situation the councillor observed how it costs monty to run things, observing how if at an additional ten dollars a day, if residents don't believe that they are getting their money's worth, then that would be an argument he would take on.
Council then moved the requisition for Direction towards preparation of the Five Year Plan to the Regular Council Session to follow. All members voted in favour with the exception of Councillor Randhawa.
Following that, Council moved forward on two additional resolutions, the first related towards how to fund the Fourth Avenue Stairs work with staff to explore opportunities for funding, or realize changes in revenue streams; with the second resolution related to the Lester Centre request and the need to set up some discussions towards their objectives.
Mayor Pond also noted that there was also some work to be done towards Community Enhancement Grant elements.
As a closing thought the Mayor noted that the process so far is to approve spending by 7.7 percent, with the city still to hear more on the revenue side.
Ms. Bomben, followed up on that theme, noting that staff wasn't asking for the taxation of 7.7 percent at this time, as that taxation request won't be known until next year.
Mr. Pond observed that should the city's revenue situation change favourably in the year ahead, that it could be possible to fund the initiatives noted slightly differently.
With a full budget conversation complete, the Questions and Inquiries portion of the session came to a close.
The members then Adjourned to the Regular Council Session
Approval of Agenda -- The Mayor reviewed the Agenda of the November 27 session and received approval of Council towards it.
Public Comments regarding Agenda items -- No members of the public were in the gallery to come forward to speak to any items to be addressed on the Agenda for the evening.
Council then moved on to the Consent Agenda, with Mayor Pond noting of the Memorandum related to the Accessibility Committee as something for the community to give a read towards, noting of the good work being done by that group.
( 57:30 --58:00 ) Consent Agenda
Council review of Regular minutes from November 14, 2023 Session Council review of minutes from Special Regular Meeting of November 14, 2023
Report from the Chief Financial Officer Re: September 2023 Financial Variance Report (see pages 8-13 of Agenda)
Correspondences
Memorandum from Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development and Chair of Prince Rupert and Area Accessibility Committee. Re: Update on Accessibility Committee (see pages 14 - 15 of Agenda)
Council had no questions to ask towards the Consent Agreement and accepted and filed it.
Reports
Staff Reports
( 58:00 -- 59:00 ) Report from Chief Financial Officer -- Council received a report related to the Authorization to Borrow for Heavy Equipment Purchases, with Council asked to approve the authorization to borrow $1,617,235.27 from the Municipal Finance Authority, the money to be used for the purchase of a Gravel Truck, a Garbage Truck, a Dozer and a an Excavator.
Towards discussion Councillor Wade Niesh noted that the items were all previously approved by Council members through previous budgets which were now to be purchased. The Mayor noting that they were commitments that now were being paid. (see page 16 of Agenda)
( 59:00 -- 1:00:00 ) Report from Planning: Development Variance Permit #23-23 -- Council moved forward on a report with recommendation to to provide Final Approval for the Permit for a property on Overlook Street. The only question to the topic from Councillor Adey asking if any comment had been received by the City, he was advised that none had been received. (see pages 17 - 23 of Agenda)
( 1:00:00 --1:00:30 ) Report from Planning: Development Variance Permit #23-25 -- Council moved forward on a report with recommendation to proceed to Statutory Notification for a property on Alfred Street. (see pages 24 - 29 of Agenda)
( 1:00:30 --1:01:00 ) Report from Director of Corporate and Legislative Services -- Re: Resolution from the Committee of the Whole -- Having discussed the Budget and Five year plan previously in the Committee of the Whole, Council directed Staff to prepare the Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw using the recommendations presented in Attachment 3 of the 2024 Budget Direction Report to Council. Only Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa voted against the motion. (see pages 30 - 43 of Agenda)
Bylaws
( 1:01:00 -- 1:01:30 ) City of Prince Rupert Five year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 3525, 2023 -- Council provided First, Second and Third readings to the the five Year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw. All but Councillor Randhawa voted in favour of the motion
( 1:01:30 -- 1:02:00 ) City of Prince Rupert Five year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 3525, 2023 -- Mayor Pond then brought forward the two recommendations from the Budget Discussion, one towards the Lester Centre and the 4th Avenue walkway, both of which were adopted by unanimous vote
Business Arising
( 1:02:00 --1:07:09 ) Council Round Table and Public Question Period --
Councillor Forster led off the discussion period first noting of some recent activity at the Rose's location on Third Avenue West, she asked for an update on the plans towards the demolition of that structure.
In reply, Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller advised that the City's Public Work's Department had attended to the remains of the building to turn off the utility services to the structure. Adding that the work order was sitting on her desk and calls to contractors have gone out, with a potential timeline of the next couple of weeks. She offered up some hopes that the demolition could be Christmas present. She also noted that the city is trying to line it up so the equipment that the City is bringing to town could also be used on the Angus Apartments facility.
The second item for discussion from the Councillor was related to the start of the 16 days of acton against domestic violence, with Ms. Forster noting of some recent incidents of domestic violence including the one year anniversary of the murder of Patti Forman.
She outlined some of the resources that are available to residents of the region towards seeking help can reach out to access those services.
Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven provided an update on the medical situation facing his cousin in hospital in Vancouver and offered his thanks to his council colleagues for stepping up and pulling up the slack as the Councillor was away tending to family.
Mayor Pond noted the positive nature to this point of the situation that Mr. Morven's relative has seen as he continues with his treatment in Vancouver.
Mr. Pond then provided a short review of his recent travel, noting of his attendance at the Order of BC induction ceremony for Metlakatla Chief Harold Leighton and reflected on some of the other recipients of the provincial honour from that gathering.
He also noted of the opportunity the visit provided to keep in touch with provincial officials related to some of the issues facing Prince Rupert.
Adjournment -- The Mayor the brought the session to a close.
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 in a Regular Council Session on Monday, December 11th.
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.
( 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 - 263of 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 - 266of 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.
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.
If residents of the Fourth Avenue West area or others heading to and from Third Ave West are going to see a return to service for the walkway and staircase that connects them with the downtown core, the city seemingly would like to tackle the cost of repair by way of an additional 1.07 percent tax increase above last night's recommendation from staff of a 7.7 percent tax hike for 2024.
The proposed funding for the work was noted in the Budget documentation as part of discretionary project taxation up for review of the Council membership.
The taxation option was introduced by CFO Bomben on Monday night
"Although not included in the Budget presently, should Council direct it, funds in the amount of 250,000 dollars would be necessary to make the required improvements to reopen the staircase between Fourth Avenue West and Third Avenue West. The cost is proposed to be funded through taxes and would result in an additional increase"
The singling out of the long closed, but much discussed active transportation conduit in the community made for just one item of many on Budget night Monday.
The topic generating a bit of discussion first from Councillor Nick Adey who did have a few thoughts towards it, tying the walkway project to a previous initiative on the west side of town, that of the Odd Eidsvik Park plans..
"I appreciate that this project is of great interest to the community members that brought the concern forward. I also appreciate that it may be something that we choose to pursue this year, or choose not to.
The point I would like to make about it, is that in 2023 in the 2023 Budget, we allocated 50,000 dollars from reserve or surplus, to the Odd Eidsvik Park improvement being pursued by a neighbourhood advocacy group.
And I think it was to be an in-kind contribution, that project was delayed due to other funding challenges and we decided earlier this year; because it was sitting idle at that point, to shift that amount in order to investigate the cost of the Fourth Avenue pathway.
I think it's fair to say that both these initiatives are the product of pretty broad neighbourhood consensus, in both those neighbourhoods.
So I note that in the 2024 Budget, the Odd Eidsvik Park funding has not been rolled over and the City Manager referred to some of the difficult decisions that have to be made in terms of trimming this as much as we can and I appreciate that.
So I think it's understandable, however, I think and this is by way of comment, I think we need to maintain an awareness that there is a link historically now between these two projects.
I don't feel that we should rob Peter to pay Paul without paying Peter back, although I'm not sure it's going to survive the test of this particular round of budgets.
I do think that we need to make the decisions we make about the Fourth Avenue pathway with the Odd Eidsvik Park commitment that was made earlier in mind, so I would like them not to get lost
Ms. Bomben noted that the city was still working towards grant funding for the park.
"Staff is live to the park, up at Eidsvik Park, we are still pursing grants, it's just presently we don't have any information on any grants that are available.
This is the budget that is being proposed right now, but we do anticipate that we will be coming forward, probably in the spring with any types of amendments which we hope will include the Eidsvik Park"
Councillor Barry Cunningham picked up on the theme of grant access and where the city could potentially pursue funding for the pathway project.
"I know staff is quite diligent when it comes to applying for grants and that, but with the Third/Fourth Avenue Stairs - Pathway, because it involves an aspect of transportation and people aren't having a direct access from that area of town to downtown they are probably driving.
I don't know if there is you know, like I say I know you're quite diligent applying for grants and everything ... I brought it up earlier a possible grant or something to alleviate any traffic ... car traffic that people are using.
I don't if it's a different angle that you can look at or not, but it's just something that possibly we can get some funding through a transportation grant"
Mayor Pond observed towards that suggestion, that he was sure that the "Team was on it"
For her reply, Ms. Bomben noted "that we like other people's money, not the city's money or the taxpayers money, but we're always looking for other grants"
Considering some of the public feedback of the Spring on the status of the walkway, it's likely to be a topic of some note for those that may wish to comment on the Budget presentation of Monday.
Those consultations come at Coast Mountain College tomorrow night at 7PM, Back at City Hall on November 15th prior to the City Council session that night.
Residents can also comment to the topic or other Budget issues by email at finance@princerupert.ca or by phone at 250-627-0914.
Whether Council sharpens the pencils towards other areas of the Budget to accumulate the 250,000 dollars seemingly required for the work; adds on the 250,000 dollars to the 7.7 percent total, or chooses to defer the project for another year ... it could all make for an interesting part of the consultation process ahead, as well as the council decision making to come before December.
The discussion on the walkway proposal can be reviewed from the video presentation starting at the 37 minute mark.
Some of the history of the Walkway discussion this year between Council and residents can be reviewed below:
City of Prince Rupert CFO Corinne Bomben outlined the extensive array of information related to the 2024 Municipal Budget on Monday evening
Prince Rupert City Council provided for the first glimpse of how the 2024 fiscal forecast might look and with it how 7.7 % in tax increases could be asked of taxpayers as the city looks to providing the funding required for contract increase staffing increases, the cost of energy and work required on the Library the key drivers of the proposed tax hike, along with contract requirements for external services as Policing and Transit.
As well, with Council hearing often of the need to reopen the Fourth Avenue West stairs and walkway, should the public really, wish for that to come to pass, there will be an additional call on the taxpayer to make it so adding another 1.07 percent to the tax bill, more if the recommended Community Enhancement Grant requests are approved.
Corinne Bomben, the City's Chief Financial Officer provided for the financial blue print, walking Council and those viewing at home on the council livestream of the path forward for the year ahead.
The evening opening with a short Executive Summary from City Manager Rob Buchan
Doctor Robert Buchan paid tribute to the work of staff in putting toothier the financial overview and observed of the work done to make cuts towards the final number delivered on the night.
"I would like to start by acknowledging the tremendous work, the hard wor Director Bomben and Deputy Chief Financial Officer Higginson have put into this. And it's not just them but they shouldered the weight of the work. The Directors of the Departments worked very cooperatively to cut a great deal out of the initial draft of the budget, in order to bring it down to the proposal that we have today.
And that's not easy, there's many important thing and good things that we'd like to do for the community for service but we you know are in still a difficult financial position, though I'm happy to say better than last year in terms of the budget proposal"
As for his Overview, the City Manager observed of a few key areas of note to share with the public.
"3.97 % is the labour contracts that we have signed, so that's not discretionary that's something that we have to abide by
We've assigned about .86%towards energy supplies due to inflation.
There's a minor amount for an increase to Library funding of .12%
Policing contract increase is 1.42%
There's a.56%increase for Transit Contract
A .77% increase for staff replacement and 1.5 positions that we feel are important for service delivery"
The City Manager noted of one of those staff replacement issues, observing of the need to fill the vacant Recreation Department Director's post which has been unfilled for a few years now.
"That's been picked up by our Corporate Officer/Director of Administrative and Legislative Services, and it's not fair for one person to take on another Director's Position when there's so much to be done. So it's not viable going forward.
Recognizing the impact in that however, what we're doing in that Department is we're not replacing a recent move in order mitigate the full cost of that. So we've taken a position out of the Rec department in order to minimize the financial impact."
Mr. Buchan also spoke of the need to fill position in Engineering that would work towards asset management and serve to move development processing forward. Another half post in Development Services would also assist in the area of development processing.
He then spoke of the ambitious Capital Spending plans, as well as how the city uses its financial instruments such as CityWest, Legacy and Watson Island.
"The Capital plan in this budget is very ambitious, 140 million only one percent of that is being funded by taxes and that's not new, that's the existing tax contribution that we put in for roads principally. 99% is grant funded and other funded with is a very impressive number, so I think that Council should be very pleased with that.
Inflation 4% that's driving a lot of the upper pressure on the specific cost drivers that I mentioned, we have a 500,000 contribution from CityWest this year. That's been loosely described as a dividend in past years, it's not a dividend it's a repayment of equity that the City put in initially when CityWest was transferred out as a separate company. So that's basically repayment of equity over time and there's some flexibility in how that is paid, we try not to put that into Operations but that's been a challenge.
Legacy, our municipally controlled corporation is contributing 2.122 million dollars in dividends this year and that's helped significantly in keeping taxes and utility fees down"
From that introduction Ms. Bomben observed of the switch from a Spring to a Fall budget and what elements go into the creation of the Financial plan and Budget process. and some of the highlights and changes for the year.
The CFO also outlined the challenges of the water situation in the community and introduced the city's asset replacement project, known as the Boulevard to Boulevard Essential Asset Replacement Project (BEAR project).
"This frequency of breaks is well outside the range of normal and is a direct result of not undertaking systematic planned replacement even during tough economic times in our past.
The increased frequency of breaks, prompted staff to commission an information replacement study to identify high priority areas for replacement which would support our grant requests as well as target funds to the highest risk of failure areas.
The sections in red are those proposed to be replaced over the next three years under the Bear Replacement project, this project will address water, sewer and road infrastructure"
As she notes, Ms. Bomben's financial plan puts much of the weight on Grant opportunities and funding received from the province.
Which is likely why, even if the proposed Roundabout is not the most popular idea floated in the city in many years, we are likely to see it built, if for no other reason that the province is picking up the tab on all the work required underneath it.
She also outlined how the quest for Federal funding would impact on the city's plans for infrastructure renewal.
"We are still awaiting an answer on our Federal application for funding in the amount of 82 million, should we obtain these funds the red sections on the previous map will be fully funded. This project is giant in scale at 205 million and amounts to 26 kilometres, nearly one third of our underground infrastructure"
As for how much the proposed 7.7% tax increase would mean for homeowners, she observed that using the 2023 Assessed values, that would work out to about 99 dollars for the average homeowner in the city, with 2024 assessed values to be announced in January.
Ms. Bomben also noted of the proposed work on the Fourth Avenue Walkway and proposed increases to Community Enhancement Grants.
"The Budget deficit does not include certain items as identified here, Council can consider to include them in the budget understanding that they would present and additional increase"
The impact of both the Prince Rupert Legacy Inc Fund and revenues that the city gains from Watson Island were part of the documentation.
Ms. Bomben also cautioned against using the dividends to offset taxes and doing so results in a haven penalty in the subsequent year., which could bring a spike in taxes.
"Should a situation arise where funds can't be provided through dividends on a continuous basis. The taxpayers in a subsequent year will have a spike in taxes, they essentially have to fund two years of inflation in one year.
This is why it is best to fund one time capital or special project in items through dividends and why staff do not recommend offsetting inflationary operating increases through dividends"
As to how the City would spend in the year ahead, to their credit there has been some good success found in accessing grants to reduce and in some cases totally pay for the cost of the wants lists from the various departments.
The items of note for residents and taxpayers to consider, likely consist of the ones that make note of Reserve/Surplus use, Dividend use or taxation as an option.
Those items may be the ones flagged for comment by the public as they review the financial plan and consider whether some of the wants on the list are necessary ones.
Some of the Budget requests that generated some discussion from Council members on the night included
Notes related to the Prince Rupert Fire Department and the services it provides
The work required at the Lester Centre
The plans for additional taxation on the Fourth Avenue Walkway and how it also impacts on the Odd Eidsvik Park improvement project of 2023
Spending on the Street light replacement program
Sidewalk and Paving program work
Landfill site spending
Water infrastructure spending
Spending on the Pool facility
Accessibility spending project
There was also a review of the Community Enhancement Grant options for Council, with a recommendation to retain 2023 levels and not take on additional commitments for 2024.
As for some closing thoughts, Council while for the most part mindful of the tax increase; was accepting of the document up for review on the night.
Among some of their thoughts.
"I look through this budget and listen to everything that's on there, and you know 7.7% increase is obviously something that nobody wants to hear. And I'm sure that everyone could look through that budget and find one thing in their mind that they would rather not spend the money on , everyone has got their priorities.
But just looking look shgourgh this budget it just goes to show you the past and how little was done in this community. And you know here we are now we have a great Civic Centre, a great pool and a great Performing Arts Centre. All requiring work and when those things were rebuilt there was no pipes being replaced and no water lines and no sewer lines and they were building new subdivisions but not replacing the old services
And it's just sad to look at this budget and say there's nothing fun in it, there's nothing fun it and in the nine years that I'be been here, there's nothing fun in the budge and you go back forty years and it was fun, they spent money on fun stuff they spent money on things because they didn't spend money pipes that look like that" -- Councillor Wade Niesh
"I share Councillor Niesh's regret that it's not necessarily a positive number that we're dealing with. I do want to comment on a couple of things I think are worth noting. It identifies 13 million dollars towards underground utilities related to the roundabout. So regardless of one's opinion about what happens above the ground I would like to point out that means were up to 78 million from the provincial government in support of the infrastructure effort and I at least from my perspective I'm appreciative of that.
The other thing I wanted to point out is with regard to those long term debt projections the information on pages 36 to 37. I really appreciate the inclusion of this information its something I asked about maybe around last years budget ... although as we've noted there are payments that are going to be active in the next year or two there are also some payments coming off the books as well" -- Councillor Nick Adey
"What I see in this, you know one of the things that really impresses me is, you know we've got a 7.7% tax increase. But when you break it down just .77 of it, all the rest we can't trim anything of it's contractual, contractual, contractual.
And you know people get raises, they go to work everyday and they want more money and we've got no choice. The RCMP, the Transit, you know PNG, Hydro and everything those are all things that we have no control over I would say. So when you look at the overall 7.7 next to a couple of replacement positions it's down to seven I think you've done an awesome job" -- Councillor Barry Cunningham
Mayor Pond then called on the City Manager to take Council and the public through the amount of cutting that took place.
"We go through a process of looking at services and good things for the community and sometimes fun things, sometimes important things, but can we possibly defer them. When we had the initial number it was 41 percent and then we cut it down and we cut it down and we got it down to just under 20.
And then we sat around the table and we cut hard, it's an unpleasant thing to be doing, especially when there's very good arguments for doing things. But we understand we had a very big increase last year, we've had a lot of unavoidable costs this year.
We're looking at a small number frankly in terms of percentage and actual dollars for some improvements to service levels so that we're not having to wait a couple of months to get a building permit out. So that we can get our documentation together properly for bylaw so we can have our bylaw officers out there doing more bylaw work.
And so that we can actually have a Director of Recreation in place those are important things and we feel strongly about those. But this is your budget, your's and councils' your worship we are here to take your direction" -- City Manager Rob Buchan
For the Mayor his focus was on some of the potential revenue streams that could come along wit a question for the City manager.
"In the meantime we're working on things that may come to fruition. Again, I don't want to hold out false hope, but we continue to work on the Payment in lieu of tax that's outstanding that could make a difference in the revenues next year.
Continue to work on with the province and with the PRPA at our side on the cap is there a way to addressing that cap that makes us whole and still achieves other people's objectives.
If we were to land one or two of those things, I won't even add the RBA that could affect the tax number is that correct?" -- Mayor Herb Pond
Mr Buchan did note how the city was addressing many things at once and observed as to how the infrastructure deficit was significant and went well beyond the current 26 kilometres of pipes of the moment.
He also noted how there was a need to address debt servicing and improve on capital spending in the future to address those issues.
"We're expected to come to the table, this community came to the table in a profound way with a 45 million dollar borrowing bylaw for our immediate project.
We don't have another 45 million dollars of borrowing room. We need those other revenues, so as they come in, the strong recommendation is that they need to go where they need to go which is infrastructure.
Sorry I'm not giving you much hope on the Operational side but as we have success into the future we will get there" -- City Manager Rob Buchan
Mr, Pond then outlined some of the unique instance that Prince Rupert faces that others don't, areas such as the operation of the Airport Ferry, the costs of management of the landfill site how the city requires a sub sea water line to access its drinking water.
"As much as we love our beautiful island ... there are just costs to being where we live right, that drive prices higher. And as much as we work on all of those other components, that's a reality I think that we just all have to accept as residents" -- Mayor Herb Pond
The full Budget Presentation can be viewed from the City's Video Archive.
The twin pieces of documentation from Budget night can be reviewed below:
More information on the Budget process and access to the Budget Simulator project can be reviewed from the Rupert Talks Portal.
There will be two opportunities for public comment to the Budget planning, the first is Thursday night, November 9th at Coast Mountain College in their Multipurpose room that session starts at 7PM.
There's no indication from the city as to whether that session will be live streamed, or recorded for review for those that can't attend in person.
So it likely won't be until the second public input night before we gain a sense of how the public has received the blueprint.
That session comes along on November 14th, that to be held in Council Chamber.
Residents can also submit questions by email to finance@princeRupert.ca or by phone at 250-627-0914
Once the consultation period is closed, Council will then be asked to provide guidance to City Staff as to how the Budget will proceed, the expectation is that the document is ready for final approval by early to mid December, likely at a Special City Council session.
