Regular Council Meeting June 17, 2010
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , comments closed1 Downtown Task Force Committee Appointment
Council appointed Mr. Pierre Dupont, Ms. Carolyn Dillon, Mr. Clyde Platt, Mr. Paul Wortley, Mr. Darren Milne, Mr. Michael Delich and Constable Rodney Guthrie to sit on the Downtown Task Force Committee. This committee will focus on Downtown Late Night issues and disorder.
2 2010-11 Winter Evening Shuttle Service
Council approved modification to the Partnership Agreement between the City of Fernie and DSR Holdings Ltd. for the provision of a winter evening shuttle service between Fernie Alpine Resort, West Fernie and the City of Fernie for the 2010-2011 operating season and further, authorized the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
3 Elk River Watermain Crossing 2010 – Contract Award
Council awarded the Elk River Watermain Crossing Contract to Directional Mining & Drilling Ltd. for the tendered price of $289,000 exclusive of GST.
4 Bylaw No. 2134, cited as Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1923, Amendment Bylaw No. 19, 2010
Official Community Plans must include targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in an area covered by the plan and further, include policies and actions the local government proposes to achieve those targets.
Council wishes to therefore amend its Official Community Plan to implement aspects of the “City of Fernie GHG Emission Reduction Plan – Milestones 2 and 3” as recommended by the study’s author. To address the mandatory early and ongoing consultation requirements of the Local Government Act, Council authorized staff to initiate a referral process to be undertaken prior to the statutory public hearing for this bylaw.
5 Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy
Councillor Macnair was appointed as Council repre-sentative to sit on the Community Literacy Advisory Council chaired by the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy.
6 Wilderness Committee – BC Coal Mining Industry
Council will be sending a letter to the Wilderness Committee indicating their support of BC’s coal mining industry.
7 Council offers Congratulations to Honorable Bill Bennett on his appointment as Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.
8 Nuisance and Hazardous Property Declaration
Council declared 51 Ridgemont Avenue a “Nuisance” and “Hazardous” pursuant to Section 74, and 73 of the Community Charter and imposed remedial action requirements on the owner that must be completed by July 14, 2010. Council can fulfill the requirements at the expense of the person (owner) and recover the cost incurred from the person as debt should the person fails to undertake and complete the required actions by the due date.
9 Hunslet Diesel Locomotives
Council authorized one of the Hunslet Diesel locomotives (that are currently stored at the Public Works yard) to be donated to the Crowsnest Pass EcoMuseum Trust.
Regular Council Meeting April 16, 2010
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , comments closed1. RCMP First Quarter Mayor’s Report was reviewed by Cpl. Andy Veltmeyer of the Elk Valley RCMP detachment. The report summarized City of Fernie crime statistics and provided comparisons between the first quarters of 2010 with statistics from the first quarter of 2009. Cpl. Veltmeyer informed Council that the 2010 Annual Performance Plan for the local detachment has been finalized and among initiatives being implemented is a coordinated effort to curb late night rowdiness, mischief and noise in the downtown area. Cpl. Veltmeyer also expressed a desire to work collaboratively with the City and join the recently proposed Downtown Task Force.
2. The Royal Canadian Legion will be hosting a Leadership and Development Seminar in conjunction with the East Kootenay Zone Meeting. Council authorized the Legion to hold a parade to the Cenotaph and use the Courthouse grounds on Saturday, May 15th, 2010.
3. Blackstone Fernie TransRockies Race Start is returning to Fernie. For the last three years, Fernie has hosted the Finish and five previous years we have hosted the Start.
Fernie is the only community to have hosted all nine events and this year Fernie will host two stages:
a. Stage 1 on Sunday, August 8th at 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. will be a Time Trail on local trails starting and finishing in downtown Fernie.
b. Stage 1 on Monday, August 9th will be the traditional mass start in downtown Fernie on Victoria Avenue.
4. A letter from Interior Health and Elk Valley Hospital Medical Staff which requested support for the establishment of a Physician Recruitment Committee was reviewed by Council. The Medical Staff indicated the current manpower situation and upcoming anticipated retirements have lead to a need to recruit more physicians.
The recruitment process is essential to maintaining the viability of the maternity program, considered a cornerstone of acute care services. Council authorized its support and nominated Mayor Corrigan to serve as Council’s representative on the Committee.
5. Downtown Task Force
Staff was directed by Council to prepare a Terms of Reference for a Downtown Task Force to consist of representatives from the RCMP, City Council, City Staff, downtown residents, downtown business owners and a representative from the Chamber of Commerce to deal with a growing concern of disturbances, mischief and liquor act offences in the downtown area of Fernie.
6. North/Central/South Regional Mine Rescue Competition will be held in Fernie on June 3rd, 2010 in conjunction with the Provincial Mine Rescue Competition on June 5th, 2010. Council agreed, as co-hosts for these events to make available certain city facilities and provide assistance in the form of staff time towards the events.
7. 2010 – 2014 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2129, the Financial Plan for the City of Fernie for the Five Year Period from January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2014, and the
2010 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 2130, a bylaw for the levying of rates for Municipal, Hospital and Regional District purposes for the year 2010 both received three readings from Council.
The public is encouraged to attend a Special Meeting of Council planned for 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19th, 2010 to learn more about and provide comment on the 2010 – 2014 Financial Plan.
Special Council Meeting April 7, 2010
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , comments closed1) City Hall Roofing Project – Agreement Amendment
Council approved an amendment to the previous agreement between the City and M& P Roofing Ltd. that changed the price from $106,660.00 (inclusive of any Social Services Tax, but exclusive of GST) to $131,710.00 (inclusive of any Social Services Tax, but exclusive of GST).
In 2007 Council approved a budget of $175,000 to replace the roof at City Hall. In April of 2009, the City of Fernie awarded M&P Roofing Ltd. the contract for replacing the roof. Due to a delay on finalizing a contract for the window replacement project and shortcomings with the roofing RFP the City was unable to begin the roofing project in the timeline originally anticipated. This delay, combined with an increase in the work required to complete the project, resulted in increases to material and equipment costs for the project.
2) Fernie Aquatic Centre Energy Retrofit Project – Contract Award
Council awarded the above noted contract to Coral Engineering at a price not to exceed $600,000 exclusive of GST.
The project has a total cost of approximately $600,000.00 and will be 100% funded through grants provided by the Federal Government.
Cost savings resulting from the project will be used to fund a new energy reserve fund in which to fund projects similar in nature. The project predicts upwards of $76,000.00 in annual cost savings and a 293 Tonne (69%) reduction in Green House Gas emissions.
The project retrofits the current Aquatic Centre Heat, Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) system with a dehumidification reclamation system that extracts heat from the pool area air stream, dehumidifies the air and then uses the extracted heat to heat the pools. A new exhaust air reclamation system will use air to be exhausted from the facility to pre-heat the outdoor air that is introduced to the pool area as ventilation air. Lastly, the project includes installation of solar panels to heat domestic hot water in the change rooms, meeting area and lobby washrooms.
Work is scheduled to begin during the annual shutdown period for the Aquatic Centre May 25 – July 1, 2010.
3) Summer Parks Shifts (10 Hour)
Council agreed to change the shift schedule for the Summer Parks crew to a 10 hour shift on a trial basis. This new shift will begin around May 1 and run through until the 1st week of August with shift hours being from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. This new shift will provide more coverage for special events as well, provide enhanced weekend cleanup.
A Memorandum of Understanding with CUPE 2093 will have to be reached before implementation of the new shift schedule can begin.
4) Earth Hour – Saturday, March 27, 2010
(8:30 – 9:30 pm)
The City of Fernie’s plans to celebrate Earth Hour include:
• A free acoustic concert will be held on the lawn at City Hall (8:15 pm start time);
• Decorative lighting and streetlights will be turned off downtown; (RCMP patrols will be increased)
• City facilities will be closed and darkened;
• Monitoring of estimated energy savings will take place.
5) Northwest Water Reservoir – Crown Land Tenure Offer and License of Occupation
In October, 2009 the City made application to the Integrated Land Management Bureau for a Licence of Occupation over crown land where the City proposes to construct the NW Water Reservoir.
On March 9, 2010 the City received the Tenure Offer and an agreement for the Licence of Occupation for the proposed lands for execution.
Council authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the Tenure Offer and Licence of Occupation Agreement.
6) Pesticide Bylaw Education Budget
Education for citizens and vendors regarding safe alternatives to the use of pesticides is a key element in promoting compliance with the Pesticide Use Control Bylaw.
Council approved the following budget allocations to be included in the draft Financial Plan for a Pesticide Bylaw Education budget:
2010 – $5000 2011 – $5000
2012 – $4000 2013 – $2000
Regular Council Meeting March 17, 2010
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , comments closed1) Corus Custom Network
Corus Custom Networks, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. has applied to the Canadian Radio and Television Telecommunication Commission (CRTC) for a licence to operate a new TV channel in 64 markets in western Canada. This proposed new network, tentatively called Local 1, will bring a mix of hyper-local community information to its viewers around the clock.
Council agreed to send a letter of support for this new network and local TV Channel. If you wish to show your support visit their website at: www.mylocal1.ca
2) Cranbrook and Fernie Self Advocates
In a letter to City Council, Members of the Cranbrook / Fernie Self Advocates group requested Council’s support for public transportation for individual citizens in the Elk Valley and surrounding areas.
Council received the letter and will forward a copy to the Regional District of East Kootenay for their consideration as they are currently conducting a transportation survey regarding existing services.
3) Columbia Basin Trust
On March 24, 2010 Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is hosting a Water Smart Initiatives Workshop. The regional workshop will introduce the Water Smart Initiative and includes a signing ceremony in which Basin Communities, committed to water conservation, which includes the City of Fernie, commit to becoming Water Smart.
The CBT is committed to working with Basin communities to address water conservation at a local level. The City of Fernie will be sending up to three members of staff to attend the conference. For more information: www.cbt.org/wsworkshop
4) Bylaws
Bylaw No. 2093, cited as the Pesticide Use Control Bylaw No. 2093, 2010 was reconsidered at Third Reading and amended to include a Clause 17 to include an effective date of January 1, 2011.
Bylaw No. 2094, cited as the Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw, Amendment Bylaw No. 2 was also reconsidered at Third Reading and amended to reflect the effective date as of January 1, 2011.
Council will consider adoption of Bylaws No. 2093 and No. 2094 at it Regular Meeting to be held March 22, 2010.
5) 48th Canadian Coal Conference
The Coal Association of Canada will be hosting the 48th Canadian Coal Conference being held September 11-14, 2010 in Whistler, BC.
Theme for the Conference is ‘Coal: Delivering Choice, Diversity and Innovation.’
Council authorized one member of Council to attend the upcoming conference. For more information visit: www.coal.ca
Regular Council Meeting March 1, 2010
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , comments closed1) Bylaws:
Pesticide Use Control Bylaw No. 2093, 2010 and the Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw, Amendment Bylaw No. 2.
Council approved first three reading of Pesticide Use Control Bylaw No. 2093 and the corresponding Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw, Amendment Bylaw No. 2.
These bylaws represent the culmination of efforts by the Integrated Pest Management Task Force which, following research and receipt of information from both advocates and opponents of pesticide use, made recommendations to Council.
Pesticide Use Control Bylaw No. 2093 applies within the boundaries of the City of Fernie and prohibits the use of pesticides on residential and City owned lands except for permitted pesticides as listed in Schedule A to the Bylaw or as permitted by approval of an exemption to deal with pest infestations that are urgent and for which there are no effective non-pesticide alternatives available.
The Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw, Amendment Bylaw No. 2 dictates that a person who violates the Bylaw
2093 commits an offence which is liable to prosecution in accordance with the Offence Act. A $250.00 fine is the suggested penalty for violating Bylaw No 2093.
Council will consider adoption of Bylaws No. 2093 and 2094 on March 8, 2010 at its Regular Meeting.
2) Fernie Curling Club
Council approved the lease agreement between the City of Fernie and the Fernie Curling Club for operation of the Curling Rink from February 22 – March 15, 2010 and from October 15, 2010 and March 15, 2011.
3) Pilot Sites for Off Leash Dog Parks
Council, in response to recommendations from the Leisure Services Advisory Board, authorized the use of three “off leash areas” located at the Annex Park near 12th Avenue and 13th Street, the field located to south east area of the Aquatic Centre and a newly designated portion of James White Park as ‘pilot off leash areas.’
The pilot areas will operate from May 1, 2010 to January 30, 2011 at which time the effectiveness of piloted sites will be evaluated and recommendations for permanent establishment brought forward for Council’s consideration.
The establishment of pilot sites for off-leash areas responds to requests from dog owners for designated off leash space and from residents concerned that dogs off-leash in parks and on trails pose a safety risks to children, the elderly and those generally uncomfortable with dogs. It is hoped that clearly designated off-leash areas will provide dog owners with the space requested and consequently prevent dogs off leash in other areas.
Public education and signage will be implemented in advance of May 1, 2010 encouraging all residents to become familiar with the new locations and rules.
Opportunities for the public to share their views regarding the pilot sites will be ongoing throughout the pilot timeline.
Further, Council authorized the permanent conversion of the small ball diamond located in James White Park from a dog park back to its original use as a ball diamond effective May 1, 2010.
4) Fernie Aquatic Centre Energy Retrofit Project – Letter of intent
Council approved the letter of intent proposed by Coral Engineering and authorized staff to begin negotiating a draft contract between Coral Engineering and the City of Fernie for the purpose of the Fernie Aquatic Centre Energy Retrofit Project, to be brought back to Council for consideration.
The project is 100% funded through grants provided by the Federal Government through the Recreation Infrastructure Canada grant program and the Federal Gas Tax Transfer program. Once complete, it is expected the City could see upwards of a $76,000 savings on its yearly gas bill as well a 293 Tonne 74% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
5) Civic Committees Appointments
Council authorized the following appointments to serve on the committees noted below:
Leisure Advisory Board – Colleen Dunn, Leah Bradish, Karen Pepper, Chris Moulton, Rod Geddis and Jocelyn Sombrowski;
Liquid Waste Management Plan Committee – Scott Dressler, Leanne Walker, Megan Walsh and Casey Brennan;
Canada Day Board Committee – Oz Parson, and Pierre Pelletier; and,
Green House Gas Emission Reduction Committee – Karen Gorecki and Megan Walsh.
Regular Council Meeting February 11, 2010
Posted by admin in : Uncategorized , comments closed1) The Success by Six Program is aimed at early childhood development, and is dedicated to providing all children with a good start in life. It helps ensure that children up to the age of six years old develop the emotional, social, cognitive and physical skills needed prior to entering school.
Council expressed their support for the Success by Six Program and will be contacting the Honorable Colin Hansen and Premier Gordon Campbell to ask for their assistance in ensuring that this valuable community initiative continues to thrive in our region and across the province.
2) Columbia Basin Water Smart Initiative Regional Workshop
Columbia Basin Trust will be hosting a regional Water Smart Workshop in Cranbrook on March 23, 2010. From 1:00 – 5:00 and 6:30 – 9:00 pm at the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, Royal Alexandra Hall.
The workshop will bring together 19 communities to introduce the program, sign the Water Smart Charter and learn more about the Water Smart Initiative. For more information visit: www.cbt.org/wsworkshop
3) Bylaws
Bylaw No. 2119, cited as 2010 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw was given the first three readings.
A Bylaw adopted under section 177 of the Community Charter allows a municipality to borrow money to fund certain expenditures in advance of the receipt of tax collections if necessary.
Each year a Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw is adopted to ensure that borrowing is available but it is rarely required. This Bylaw will go before Council for adoption on February 22, 2010.
4) Notice of Proposed Property Disposition (Lease)
The City intends to enter into a new lease agreement for a portion of the City of Fernie Curling Club for a term of six (6) non-consecutive months (February 22, 2010 – March 15, 2010 and October 15, 2010 – March 15, 2011) without the option to renew commencing on February 23, 2010. The Fernie Curling Club will pay the City of Fernie $1200.00 dollars per month plus GST for the term of the agreement.
After the requisite advertising (two weeks) is completed, Council will consider approval of the new lease agreement on February 22, 2010.
Regular Council Meeting January 26, 2010
Posted by admin in : Uncategorized , comments closed
1) City of Fernie, R.C.M.P. Report – 4th Quarter 2009
Cpl. Andy Veltmeyer with the Elk Valley R.C.M.P. Detachment was in attendance and reviewed the above noted report. Cpl. Veltmeyer noted that there is currently a full complement of working members on staff for the valley and further, the draw down of local resources to support Olympic security requirements will be minimal for our area.
2) Shaw TV – Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
Council for the City of Fernie will be contacting the CRTC to express their concerns over the erosion of Community Television and the adverse effect this erosion has on community life.
3) 20th Anniversary of the Fernie and District Arts Station
By way of marking their 20th Anniversary, the Fernie and District Arts Council (FDAC) is planning to develop and implement a “Public Art Programme’. The program would enhance the city just as the Banner Project has over the past years and further, a two and three dimensional Public Art Progamme would help establish ‘branding’ the city as a place of art.
The FDAC requested Council’s endorsement of the project. Council for the City of Fernie resolved to provide a letter of support ‘In Principle’ for the program which will be included in grant applications to finance the project.
3) BC Provincial Mine Rescue Competition – June 5, 2010
On June 5th, 2010 the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and the City of Fernie will collaborate to host the 2010 Provincial Mine Rescue Competition at the Max Turyk School.
Competitions have long been a part of mine rescue. The chance to practice and showcase skills is a valuable part of the competition, more importantly; the teams get to learn from each other. This knowledge pays dividends when those skills are required in a real rescue situation.
Regular Council Meeting January 13, 2010
Posted by admin in : Uncategorized , comments closed
Matt Mosteller and Andy Cohen, Fernie Alpine Resort
were in attendance to provide Council with an update on activities at Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR) including community partnerships, the Community Summit Fund, marketing, advertising and PR events. They noted the downturn in the global economy is affecting the resort but expressed optimism that recent capital investments and new programming will have positive results for the resort.
Three new Committees approved by Council.
Council approved terms of reference for following three committees and authorized staff to solicit applications from members of the public for appointment to these committees. Basic terms for each committee are:
1) Decorations Committee
Councilors Giuliano and Macnair were appointed by Council to this Committee as Council representatives.
Staff will solicit applications from members of the public, a nominee from the Leisure Services Advisory Board or alternatively from the Chamber of Commerce, Arts Council, Historical Society or Tourism Fernie for appointment to this Committee.
The Committee will be responsible for:
Ø Researching and making recommendation and reports to Council for an overall vision for the distribution and placement of seasonal decorations, banners and flower baskets;
Ø Developing and recommending a budget and implementation plan for seasonal lighting and decorations, banners and flowers based on 3, 5, and 10 year timeframes; and
Ø Developing and recommending an annual operational timeline that lays out when seasonal activities shall commence and conclude.
2) Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction
Councilors Goos and Macnair were appointed by Council to this Committee as Council representatives.
Staff will solicit applications from members of the public and nominees from the Fernie Chamber of Commerce and the Elk Valley Branch of Wildsight for appointment to this Committee.
This Committee is responsible for reviewing the corporate and community reduction opportunities and strategies in the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Plan (the Plan) and making recommendations respecting:
Ø implementation of corporate and community greenhouse gas emission reduction initiatives: and,
Ø developing methods to identify, measure and report on progress towards achievement of the goals articulated in the Plan.
3) Communications Committee
Councilors McIsaac and Iddon (subject to his approval) were appointed by Council to this Committee as Council representatives.
This Committee shall be comprised of:
· Two (2) members of City Council;
· Three (3) members from the community-at-large (ideally representing a cross-section of community interests).
This Committee is a select committee of the City and functions primarily in an advisory capacity to City Council.
Ø The Committee is responsible for reviewing the Communications Audit (the Audit): and
Ø making recommendations respecting implementation of internal and external communication initiatives identified in the Audit and otherwise; and
Ø pursuing goals and objectives that support Council’s strategic priorities including enhanced civic literacy, greater public participation in decision-making, accountability, and organizational effectiveness
For a complete overview of the Terms of Reference for each committee please see our Website: www.fernie.ca
Expressions of interest will be accepted at City Hall at 501 3rd Avenue, Box 190, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 or by email to: cityhall@fernie.ca.
City Strengthens Local Tourism December 11, 2009
Posted by admin in : Uncategorized , comments closedProgram expenditures from the Fernie and Area Resort Development Strategy, funded by the Province’s Resort Municipality Tax Transfer Program, will strengthen the local tourism economy and enhance programs and services for visitors and residents.
In November 2009 City Council approved an interim expenditure plan for years 1 and 2 of the Strategy that takes into account Program revenue uncertainty given the ongoing global financial crisis. Importantly, that expenditure plan preserves 100% funding to all external agencies and organizations identified in the Strategy subject to confirmation of required partner contributions and ensures that key services such as a winter evening shuttle service will be provided.
Since November the following commitments have been made:
- $10,000 to the Fernie Nordic Society for enhanced winter trail grooming and trail signage;
- $10,000 to the Fernie Snowmobile Association for enhanced winter trail grooming;
- $10,000 to the Fernie and District Arts Council for enhanced or expanded arts and cultural events and opportunities;
- $10,000 to the Fernie Historical Society to assist with the operating and capital renovation costs of the new museum and information centre or for enhanced or expanded museum and curatorial activities and events;
- $18,750 towards the cost of a multi-purpose arena floor purchased in partnership with the District of Sparwood; and
- $40,000 for the provision of an evening shuttle service between the City and Fernie Alpine Resort.
These investments are expected to increase visitor and resident activities, programs and services, increase user satisfaction, create repeat visits and increased length of stay thereby supporting the local economy and jobs.
The evening shuttle service will commence on December 18 and operate throughout the winter season. The shuttle will have a one way fare of $2.50 to assist in paying for the cost of the service and the detailed schedule will be available soon.
Mayor Corrigan said: I am extremely pleased that the City, with funding support from the Province, can make these investments at this time to diversify and strengthen our local economy. The goods, services and programs identified in the Strategy benefit local businesses, residents and visitors alike and will over time do much to grow the tourism economy in our area.
The complete Fernie and Area Resort Development Strategy can be viewed on our website at: www.fernie.ca (under Quick Links – Resort Municipality Tax Transfer Program)
Regular Council Meeting December 10, 2009
Posted by admin in : Uncategorized , comments closed
1) Bear Hazard Assessment and Bear Human Conflict Management Plan
Ms. Kathy Murray, Bear Aware Coordinator was in attendance and reviewed a Bear Hazard Assessment and Bear Human Conflict Management Plan. The principle behind achieving “Bear Smart” status is to move from reactive management to ‘problem’ bear behaviour to applying a proactive, community planning approach.
2) 2010 Olympic Torch Relay
The City of Fernie received an $8,000 grant from the Provincial Government to offset the costs of hosting the Olympic Torch relay planned for Saturday, January 23, 2010. The torch will arrive in Fernie at approx. 8:00 a.m. There will be a multimedia presentation and presentation of the Torch at City Hall. Please see the City Website for additional information. www.fernie.ca
3) Canadian Avalanche Centre
That Council become a partner with the Canadian Avalanche Centre and provide up to $5,000.00 towards supporting Fernie Youth Avalanche Education for grades 1 – 12. The City Fernie will also be contacting the Canadian Avalanche Centre requesting a small area forecast product for the Elk Valley.
4) Fernie & Area Resort Development Strategy Funding for Winter Grooming
The Fernie and Area Resort Development Strategy allocates
$ 20,000 each year for winter grooming to local non-profit community groups for trail grooming. The Fernie Nordic Society and the Fernie Snowmobile Association were approved to each receive $10,000 for the 2009/10 season.
5) Design and Development of New City Website
Council awarded the contract for the design and development of a new City Website to Atomic Crayon Web Development Ltd. at a contract Price of $44,330 + GST and reasonable travel expense.
6) Columbia Basin Water Smart Initiative (Water Smart)
The Columbia Basin Water Smart Initiative is working to establish a comprehensive approach that aims to achieve a 20% Basin-wide reduction in domestic water consumption by 2015. Council endorsed their support of the Charter.
7) Bylaws
Bylaw 2113, cited as Sewer Connection and User Charge Amendment Bylaw No. 6, 2009 was granted first three readings. This bylaw is before Council on December 14, and once adopted, will set new user charges for 2010-2014 which will enable the Operations Department to ensure long term sustainability of the sanitary sewer system.
Bylaw No. 2114 cited as 2009 – 2013 Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2114
At the August 24, 2009 Regular Meeting Council gave direction to staff to prepare a Bylaw amendment to the 2009-2013 Financial Plan to include the expenditure of $ 15,093.00 to refund Teck Coal Ltd. the City of Fernie’s proportionate share of property tax that was paid to the province in 2008 that would not have otherwise been paid if boundary extensions in Sparwood and Elkford had been completed in the year intended.
Council gave three readings to this Bylaw amendment.
Council will also advise the Provincial Government (Minister Bennett) of the City of Fernie amending its Financial Plan to refund Teck Coal Ltd. taxes paid to the Province.
7) Fernie Tourism
Council will be contacting Fernie Tourism to put forth the recommendation that Councillor Palmer be considered for appointed to its Marketing Committee.
8. George Majic Spiritus Award – 2009
Congratulations to Mr. Vern McGarrigle this year’s recipient of the 2009 George Majic Spiritus Award.
9) Infrastructure Funding Awarded
Fernie has been awarded $10,000 from the Ministry of Community and Rural Development for their Liquid Waste Management Plan Stage 2 which aims to establish a long-term direction for the safe and environmentally sustainable collection, treatment, discharge of municipal sewage for the City of Fernie.