The distribution of Community Enhancement Grants was one of the topics of the night for City Council's Monday session
The always challenging balancing act of deciding which community groups receive what amount of money through the Community Enhancement Grant process came to an end on Monday, as City Council members accepted a report from the City's Financial Officer, laying out the funding distribution plan for 2020.
As we outlined on Monday morning, this years funding will bring a five percent increase towards those groups, with some of the larger grant recipients receiving the bulk of the additional cash.
Prior to the vote to accept the recommendations from City staff, Council heard of some of the factors that have played a role in the delivery of this years funding, with the City's Financial Officer Corinne Bomben making note of the challenges of measuring the city's infrastructure needs and other operating requirements with Council's desire to provide for funding for community organizations.
"Our community is just emerging from a significant local recession which has put us in a position to fix much of the critical pieces of our house all at once. We are also in a time period where new industries are beginning to open. This is enabling us to address many of the capital needs but has also provided Finance the opportunity to recommend to Council an overall increase in total Grant funding of five percent compared to prior year funding.-- Chief Financial Officer Corinne Bomben
Ms. Bomben also noted that at this time, it's not expected that a tax increase will be required to provide for the increase of the tax funding.
As for the financial distribution, among those gaining a significant increase for 2020.
Museum of Northern British Columbia an increase of $20,000 from last year, to $163,000 for 2020. Prince Rupert Performing Arts Centre an increase of $15,000 from last year, to $140,000 for the year ahead.
The Prince Rupert Racquet's Association, SPCA and Prince Rupert Golf Society were all provided with slightly more, or the same level of funding as that which they received in 2019.
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Prince Rupert Special Events will receive an additional 13,000 dollars in operating funding from last year, sitting at 30,000 dollars, though it was still somewhat short of their original request of 35,000 dollars.
Both the Prince Rupert Library and the Prince Rupert Community Arts Council will see increases of 9,000 dollars from their 2019 levels.
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Only one of the seven new applicants for funding in 2019 found success on Monday night, with City Council members noting how the one time request for funding of 5,000 dollars from the Prince Rupert Hospice Society found favour as it provides for equipment for an organization which provides a service for the community as a whole.
Councillor Cunningham led off the discussion related to the Hospice Society request, noting how in a workshop on the grants, Council had indicated it's previous support for their initiative.
Council then moved forward to approve the request by amendment, voting to provide for one time funding of 5,000 dollars for equipment.
In his comments to the theme, Councillor Niesh observed as to how as part of their workshop discussions on Community grants, that they noted that they were not in a position to approve new grant applications this year.
But adding that the nature of the Hospice Society is supportive of the whole community and it was a good recommendation to offer support to them.
"The one thing that we had talked about, was that ... no new applications were really something that we just were not able to afford, but I think that we were all kind of the same in believing that Hospice, is a group, that even though a new group, is a group that is supportive of the whole community and not just one part of the community"-- Councillor Wade Niesh
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As for the Filipino Canadian Association, Prince Rupert Amateur Swim Club, Change Makers Society, North Coast Ecology Centre Society, Prince Rupert Curling Club and a capital request from the Prince Rupert Racquet Centre, the 2020 application process would be a disappointing one, as their requests were not approved for this years funding regimen.
While Council members did provide for the helpful guidance on how the Hospice Society request was granted, they did not offer up any further thoughts towards how they go about with their decision making.
Something that could leave residents to wonder how the Curling Club for instance does not qualify for any funding assistance, while the Golf Course does; or why AFFNO can find success, while the Filipino Association is denied its request.
Members did note that they are hopeful of changing the Grant Funding process in 2020, and as they prepare to move forward with that initiative they will hopefully provide for a more fulsome explanation as to how they make their decisions when it comes to allocating the 1,340,000 dollars that they have made available for 2020.
The full presentation from Ms. Bomben and the subsequent discussion on the Community Enhancement Grant process can be reviewed from the City's Video Archive, starting at the 41 minute mark.
City Planner Zeno Krekic outlined the scope of a request for a zoning change for a property on Pillsbury Avenue
A request to change the zoning of a property on Pillsbury Avenue from a duplex to a three unit building met with no resistance at City Council Monday evening, with the proposal moving through a Public Hearing without any comments of concern.
City Planner Zeno Krekic provided for an overview of the request, providing some additional notes for Council on the request that would add for the additional suite for existing structure.
Among some of the notes that the City planner offered towards the review, he observed how there had been no written submissions, or over the counter inquiries related to the request. Internal referrals addressed an issue related to parking on the property, with plans for the creation of an additional space for the new unit. Following Mr. Krekic's presentation the Mayor called for comments or questions from the public related to the zoning change request. With no members of the public coming forward with concerns or comments, the Public Hearing was then brought to a close. Council members then picked up the theme later in the evening, with little discussion left on the topic the moved to approve the zoning change, with Councillor Mirau noting how the decision fits in with the City's goals towards creating more housing in the community.
"I think it's worth saying, that adding residential density within an existing residential neighbourhood. Within our footprint, to a lot that is already serviced, to a building that already exists with minimal impact to the surrounding houses is the best way for us to increase the amount of housing that is available in the City of Prince Rupert.
You can review the two stages of the process from Monday through the City's Video Archive.
The Public Hearing makes for the first item of the night, while later in the evening at the 50 minute mark, City Council made quick work of the formalities, approving the zoning change.
With the prospect of winter holidays over the horizon, Prince Rupert City Council entered the homestretch for the 2019 Council year with the second last public meeting for the year on Monday night.
The evening featured a Public Hearing, some presentations from the Prince Rupert Golf Society and Special Events Society in the Committee of the Whole session and a fairly light agenda for the Regular Council session, all of it dispatched in less than one hour.
Among the topics explored in the Regular session was the decision on the distribution for the 2020 Community Enhancement Grants, approval of a variance request and a zoning change, as well as a correspondence request to declare January 2020 as Crimestoppers Month in Prince Rupert.
The evening wrapped up with some comments on a couple of themes from City Council members.
Some background on the work of Council on the evening and the various Regular Meeting and Committee of the Whole Agenda elements for the November 25th Council session can be explored here.
Council also met in a closed session earlier in the evening, hosting a 5 PM meeting
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 Monday, November 25, 2019
Mayor Lee Brain -- Present
Councillor Nick Adey -- Absent
Councillor Barry Cunningham -- Present
Councillor Blair Mirau -- Present
Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven -- Present
Councillor Wade Niesh -- Present
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa-- Present
Video Archive for Monday, November 25, 2019
*************************************************************************** Public Hearing -- Pillsbury Avenue Zoning change
( 0:00 -- 5:30 ) Mayor Brain opened the session with an explanation as to how the process works and then introduced City Planner Zeno Krekic, who provided for an overview of the request for a zoning change for a property on Pillsbury Avenue. The Amendment would see the zoning changed from duplex to triplex, to allow for an additional suite for the structure. Among some of the notes that the City planner offered towards the review, there had been no written submissions, or over the counter inquiries related to the request. The City planner noted that Internal referrals had addressed an issue related to parking on the property. Following Mr. Krekic's presentation the Mayor called for comments or questions from the public related to the zoning change request. With no members of the public coming forward with concerns or comments, the Public Hearing was then brought to a close. With the topic to be brought back up later in the Regular Council session. *************************************************************************** Committee of the Whole ( 5:30 -- 6:30 ) Adoption of Agenda -- Mayor Brain called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order, outlining the elements of the Committee session. ( 6:30 -- 22:00 ) Presentation from Iain Cullen and Ross McNish from the Prince Rupert Golf Society -- Mr. Cullen provided for the majority of the presentation opening up with a bit of a year of review from the golf course, noting of the hiring of Tyler Stene as golf pro and the successful opening to the season with a number of out of town golfers coming to town.
Among the highlights of the year as outlined by Mr. Cullen, was an overview of the youth and high school program that was initiated by Mr. Stene, including the formation of a high school golf team for the first time in over a decade.
The success of the summer camps hosted by the Golf Course were also made note of, with plans to continue with those in the spring and the summer. The Golf course also started a new program for youngsters called SNAG, Starting New at Golf.
As for the 2019 golf season at the course, there was an influx of new golfers and more golf dates were able to be realized this year as opposed to past years. The departure of the greens keeper was noted with some disappointment, but with an advisory that a new hire will be on the job soon, with a start date of December 16th.
The work the Golf Course has done towards some corporate funding was outlined, with the Course able to work with the Port to provide for some maintenance work on the eighteen holes to assist with drainage and root structure.
As for challenges, Cullen made note of how wages continue to be an issue, with the Golf Course paying sixteen dollars an hour for greens keeping crews, noting how that puts them in competition with the City and the Port who pay significantly more for labour, when it comes to seeking out new employees.
Equipment issues also provided some challenges for the Golf Course this year, with a need for some new machinery on the site which would cost $100,000 which is beyond their budget. Also noted was the fact that the golf course has not purchased any new equipment in the last twenty years because of expense.
They noted that as for operating costs they are doing well and are above water.
An explanation of the structure of the Golf Course and responsibility of staff members and Society members was reviewed for Council, highlighting the work of the Course Pro in that area.
They also pointed out how Prince Rupert differs from other golf courses in the region, with Mr. Cullen also making note that many of the elements of the Prince Rupert course rely on the work of volunteers.
He also reviewed some of the sponsorship arrangements that have been taken on at the golf course this past year.
The Golf Society had one recommendation for the City, observing how they consider the Society and City to be part of a joint venture, with the Golf Society as the stewards for the facility. Mr. Cullen made note of a safety issue that they wish to have addressed, but have had some difficulties in getting public works to take care of the problem.
From that experience the Golf Society is looking for a liaison person to be put in place to be able to sort out some of those issues as they come along.
As for questions, Councillors Niesh, Cunningham, Randhawa and Mirau offered their praise for the work of the Gold Society in keeping operations going at the Golf Course.
Both Mr. Niesh and Mr. Cunningham were open to the idea of a liaison position to address some of the issues, with Councillor Cunningham observing as to how it would help cut through the bureaucratic red tape and make for more timely repairs and such.
Councillor Mirau asked if the additional rounds of golf this year translated into new members, Mr. Cullen observed that did have an impact in bringing some younger golfers to the course.
Mayor Brain brought the presentation to an end by thanking them for their time.
( 22:00 -- 33:30 ) Presentation from Bev Kilberry and Joy Sundin from the Special Events Society- - Ms. Kilberry delivered the majority of the commentary on some issues from the Special Events society, the majority of which focused on what will be their upcoming departure from City Hall to new offices somewhere else in the city.
She observed as to how that has been a bit of a challenge to fit the needs of the Special Events Society and how the cost of rent that they will be looking to pay will take away from the work they do towards planning the four community festivals.
With a potential rental price of 16,000 to 24,000 per year and noted how that is not something that they have readily available. They also noted that it's preferable for the Society to remain in the downtown core as that is where the focus for their festivals in the community.
The Special events representatives inquired as to what City Council thinks towards providing some assistance in finding a new accommodation, as well as to note their need for some secure storage for the many items that they have on hand towards community festivals.
Mayor Brain observed as to how City Staff had been working fairly diligently trying to rind new locations, which Ms. Kilberry acknowledged though she observed that so far the locations haven't quite met what they are looking for.
Mr. Brain followed up by making note of some of the meetings ahead in the days to come to try and resolve the location issue and how city staff was still engaged in the process. He noted how Council does not get engaged in the administration of buildings and such but they are working to make sure that Special Events is in a proper long term location and support the Society in their work.
Ms. Sundin made note of the ongoing efforts to bring in new members to share some of the work, noting how Special Events is an extension of the Civic government and asked for their feedback on what they would like to see for festivals in the city.
Both members also noted that like the Golf Course, they believe a liaison position might be a workable way of developing the partnership.
Three was a bit of discussion on how to approach the day of the festivals and what elements can be put in place to continue with the familiar themes of the events. The Mayor also urged them to continue to work with City Staff to try to resolve the situation and find a solution to their concerns.
Public comment period of Committee of Whole
( 33:30 -- 37:30 ) Larry Golden came forward to make some inquiries related issues of law enforcement, as well as the work currently taking place in Moresby Park with the removal of the oil tanks on the property. He also made note of the city's Legacy Inc mechanism and how Council may want to provide an update on the city's financial instrument.
The City's Financial Officer Corinne Bomben, helped to clarify some of the elements of the Moresby Park tank removal, noting that there was a budget amendment in place for removal of one tank for this year, with the others to be addressed as money is made available towards them.
( 37:30 - 38:00 ) Adjournment to reconvene as Regular Council Session
*************************************************************************** Regular Council Session
( 38:00 -- 39:00 ) Regular City Council Session for Monday, July 22, 2019 -- Mayor Brain called the Regular Council meeting to order, outlining the elements of the session for the night. Reports and Recommendations
( 39:00 -- 41:18 ) Report from the City Planner in relation to an application for a Development Variance Permit for a property on Eighth Avenue East -- Mr Krekic outlined the nature of the variance request in question, that to vary the side yards of the property for the purpose of additions to the home. He noted how it was an older neighbourhood and how the changes would turn an uninhabitable property into a new home.
He observed as to how there had been no inquiries related to the proposed changes from the public in the area in question.
Council members had no questions or concerns related to the application and Council moved the process forward towards the final consideration stage.
( 41:18 -- 49:30 ) Report from the Chief Financial Officer related to the 2020 Community Enhancement Grants -- Corinne Bomben, the City's Financial Officer outlined the details for this years recommendations for Council, noting how the community has just emerged from a significant local recession which will give the City cause to address some of its outstanding critical infrastructure issues.
She also noted that new industries are beginning to open in the community which also provides for a chance to address capital needs and with it an opportunity to recommend an increase grant to the Community Grant funding by 5 percent from prior years.
She observed that at the moment that there won't be a need for a tax increase to provide for the increase, and recounted some of the feedback received on consultations over the summer towards funding of community grants in the community.
From that point, she asked that Council accept the recommendations or provide direction to staff towards the 2020 Community Enhancement Grant distribution.
As for questions Councillor Cunningham led off the discussion, inquiring about the status of a request from the Prince Rupert Hospice Society, after significant discussion Council decided to approve by an amendment to provide for one time funding for 2020 of 5,000 dollars for equipment.
Councillor Niesh observed as to how as part of their workshop discussions on Community grants, that they noted that they were not in a position to approve new grant applications this year, but that the nature of the Hospice Society is supportive of the whole community and how it was a good recommendation to offer support to them.
Council members then offered their praise of the work of the Financial office in putting together the Community Grant listings for this year making note of the limited resources that they have to work with, as well as how they hope to improve on the process in the years to come.
Mayor Brain observed that council still hopes to change the model for future applications, with plans to address that topic in 2020.
He also made note of some of the funding towards such groups as the Arts Society, Special Events, Museum of Northern BC and Lester Centre of the Arts and how this years grants address many of the supports that they need.
( 49:30 -- 50:00 ) Correspondences for Action.
Council had one request to consider on the night.
That request from Prince Rupert Crimestoppers asking for Council to Proclaim January 2020 as Crimestoppers Month in Prince Rupert.
Council then voted to approve the proclamation.
( 50:00 -- 51:00 ) Report from City Planner Zeno Krekic on the proposed rezoning request for Pillsbury Avenue -- With the Public Hearing providing for no opposition to the proposed rezoning, and no comments or questions towards the topic coming from the Council membership.
Council Mirau observed as to how the zoning change to be adopted fits in with council's views on creating housing in the community. Noting how adding residential density, within an existing residential neighbourhood with little impact to surrounding properties is the best way to increase the amount of housing available in the City of Prince Rupert.
Council members moved the motion forward giving it third reading and allowing for the zoning change.
( 51:00 -- 57:00 ) Reports and Comments from Council members
Mayor Brain opened the final segment of the evening, noting how Council was originally scheduled to hear a delegation from the city's RCMP detachment, but that it has been rescheduled to the December 9th session as the Inspector in Charge of the detachment was out of town.
Councillor Barry Cunningham raised the issue of Health Care in the community, putting forward a resolution to create terms of reference for a coastal communities Health Committee, observing how the city is being left behind on certain health issues with the provincial government and how with the villages they can raise their voices a bit to address the concerns.
The Mayor used the topic to make mention of the upcoming Redesign Rupert presentation of December at the Lester Centre and how there will be a need for all communities in the region to work together on health issues. He also made note of how the city has a good relationship with Northern Health and how they are one of the many organizations that are involved with the Redesign Rupert initiative.
He also recounted some of the meetings recently held with provincial ministers on issues of health and mental health in the community.
Councillor Mirau sought some clarification on Mr. Cunningham's request, noting how the City actually has terms of reference in place for a health committee and how a simple revision would bring in the neighbouring communities.
Council then decided that rather than creating new terms, that the existing ones be modified to feature Councillor Cunningham's desire to bring in more members to raise the health issues with the province.
The Mayor thanked Councillor Mirau for reminding him of the original terms, admitting that he had forgotten that they existed.
Councillor Randhawa inquired about any kind of an update on the Alaska Ferry situation, Mayor Brain advised that he had to wait until the Alaska Government was ready to make an announcement as to what they plan to do. Adding how he wasn't at liberty to discuss the situation yet and when that time arises the community will be notified at that time.
With no other concerns of note on other topics, the Mayor brought the evening to a close.
You can access the City Council Review for November 25th here, where a number of items regarding the council session, including links to local media coverage, can also 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. Official Minutes of the Regular Council Session from November 25, 2019 (not available yet)
In addition to the city's official minutes, the City's Video archive provides a helpful record of the events from each public council session.
Council members next meet on Monday, December 9, 2019.
To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.
Northern Health has raised a flag on what is apparently an ongoing solicitation project from a company seeking donations for a "Healing Hands" book, with cold calls being made across Northern British Columbia that are seek money towards donations for children in hospital.
In an advisory relayed today, Northern Health officials note that they are not affiliated with, nor are they endorsing the book.
They also advise businesses and residents who may be approached for donations of any kind to check carefully about the origin of such projects before turning over any money.
Northern Health also offers up a list of local hospital foundations and auxiliaries that offer work that supports health projects across the Northern Health Service areas.
Messages like this one from last year will be showing up on Prince Rupert wireless devices tomorrow afternoon as Alert Ready tests out their national warning system
Tomorrow afternoon will mark another test for the British Columbia wireless alert system, with the test in this province to be part of the National Alert Ready System to improve public safety in the event of any emergency.
Tomorrow's test which will also be broadcast on television and radio stations will see a mobile alert message delivered to those phones that are compatible for the service.
At 1:55 PM on Wednesday, an alarm and the following Text will be delivered to our phones and mobile devices.
“This is a TEST of the British Columbia Emergency Alerting System, issued by Emergency Management British Columbia. This is ONLY a TEST.
If this had been an actual emergency or threat, you would now hear instructions that would assist you to protect you and your family. For further information, go to: www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca
This is ONLY a TEST. No action is required.” .
To receive alerts, mobile phones must be connected to a cellular network, be alert compatible, be within the alert area and have up-to-date cellular software. Alerts will be broadcast automatically at no cost to the user.
As part of tomorrow's test, the Province is also looking for some feedback from residents in British
Columbia, with a survey to determine the reach of the Alert Ready Test.
To find out if your phone is compatible with the Alert Ready program see their notes here, more background on the program is also available from that link.
Through the Prepared BC program, the province also has extensive information available as to what to do in the event of an emergency, you can learn more here.
It's been over thirty one days and counting since the Prince Rupert Rampage have fired a shot towards an opposing goal in CIHL play, and as their one month plus hiatus from action comes to an end, the Rhinos have a bit of standings climbing to do, should they have designs on a First Place finish.
The Rampage last played a regular season game on October 26th with a win over Smithers, with a quirk in the CIHL scheduling giving them some significant down time, while their league partners travelled to and fro across the Northwest and into the Cariboo.
They will look to shake off the rust this Saturday Night at the Jim as the Kitimat Ice Demons come to town, with the Rampage looking to return to the hot start to the year that earned them a 5-1 record prior to their one month plus vacay.
Despite that lengthy time off the ice, the Rhinos are still well within striking distance of the league leading Terrace River Kings, who top the CIHL standings with a perfect 8-0 record boasting of sixteen points, six ahead of the Rampage who currently have two games in hand .
The Ice Demons come to town Saturday with a much improved record from years past, currently hosting a 2-5-1 record, this years version of the Kitimat squad is a much stronger one and makes for a tough night at the rink for those they take on.
They may be in a bit of snarling mood as well, having dropped a tough contest last weekend against the expansion Hazelton Wolverines, in what reads like a nasty night at the rink.
CN Rail will return to its regular schedule along the Northern mailand tomorrow morning, as CN and the Teamsters Rail Conference reach a tentative deal in their negotiations (Photo from CN Archive)
After a seven day disruption of rail service across Canada, the picket lines will be coming down and the trains will be rolling again across the CN Rail system.
The news of a tentative deal in the dispute was announced this morning, as both sides noted that Rail operations would resume across Canada at 6 AM Wednesday morning.
In a statement, the Teamsters Rail Conference noted that the deal still has to be ratified by its membership which will take place by electronic voting, with members to hear the details of the agreement from union officials in meetings to be held across Canada.
The details of the successful negotiations will not be revealed to the public until after the railroad workers have had a chance to review the document first.
The end of the strike came as calls were mounting for the Federal government to put in place back to work legislation to force the workers back to the rails, something which the Teamsters Rail Conference made note of and offered their thanks to the Prime Minister to allow for the collective bargaining process to work.
"Previous governments routinely violated workers' right to strike when it came to the rail industry. This government remained calm and focused on helping the parties reach an agreement and it worked" --Francois Laporte, President Teamsters Canada
CN officials have also made note of the successful end of negotiations and the schedule ahead for the resumption of rail service, noting that there will be no job action during the ratification process which is expected to take up to eight weeks towards completion.
CN President and CEO JJ Ruest also thanks customers and praised the work of those who kept operations moving at a reduced capacity during the dispute.
“We want to thank our customers for their patience and support and assure them that CN is preparing to resume full rail operations as soon as possible. I would also like to personally thank our employees who kept the railroad moving safely at a reduced capacity. CN and its people are committed to moving the North American economy by providing freight service that enables economic growth.”
The return to full rail service from coast to coast comes after warnings had been heard from industry that any lengthy shutdown of rail operations could have a damaging impact on the economy, with the last few days having delivered word of a number of layoffs in mining and other industrial sectors as a result of the strike.
Most relieved of all to hear of the tentative deal will be the nations farmers who have crops to get to market, they have already seen a number of challenges this year and the stop to rail service was serving to make for even more frustration for that hard pressed sector of the economy.
The resumption of rail will mean that operations at the various terminals for the Port of Prince Rupert will soon be returning to their regular volumes of transit, as goods are shipped to global markets from the North Coast gateway.
