#1 –Council Willing to Explore “Fair Trade Town” Status
➢ A delegation from the College of the Rockies appeared before Council Monday night to make a presentation on the concept of fair trade. The College is proposing to engage East Kootenay Communities in educating, developing and implementing fair trade initiatives in the region as well as helping to understand the impact on developing countries. Fair trade helps producers in developing countries sell more directly to international buyers under sustainable trading conditions. City Council passed a resolution agreeing in principle to explore the potential for Fernie to achieve fair trade town status and to lend its support to be involved in the initiative.
#2 – Fernie Mountain Bike Club Seeks Support for Bike Park
➢ Two members from the Fernie Mountain Bike Club were in attendance at Monday’s Regular Council meeting to discuss with Council their proposal for a Dirt Jump and Skills Progression Park. The proposed park will be created for public use and will be designed for all levels of riders from those who want to try log riding in a safe environment to more experienced riders wanting to hone their skills. Council agreed to provide a letter of support in principle for the proposed Dirt Jump and Skills Progression Park and directed staff to work with the Mountain Bike Club to find an appropriate site and to investigate other materials that the City may be able to supply.
#3 – Development Variance Permit Supported
➢ The Director of Planning presented Council with a Development Variance Permit (DVP) application for 561 8th Avenue. The DVP proposes to vary the minimum front and side yard setback as well the maximum projection for an eave into the minimum front yard and side yard setback for the principal building. If approved, DVP #173 will enable the siting of an 8.63 metre x 12.28 metre single family dwelling that is proposed to be moved to the site from 69 Ridgemont Drive. Council will likely consider final approval for the DVP at its next regularly scheduled Council meeting on October 9th, after notice requirements have been fulfilled.
#4 – Council Supports Regional District Transit Bylaw
➢ The Regional District of East Kootenay proposes to adopt Bylaw No. 2012, the Elk Valley Transit Service Establishment Bylaw which will establish a service for the purpose of providing transit within Electoral Area A and B, the City of Fernie, District of Sparwood and District of Elkford. Council consented on behalf of the electors of the City of Fernie to the adoption of proposed Bylaw which will permit provision of transit service three times per day during the week between Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie and twice per week between Fernie, Jaffray and the South Country. Additional transit service between Fernie and Fernie Alpine Resort on weekends is also proposed. The service is scheduled to commence on February 4, 2008. The service will be in addition to the Health Connections Transit Service funded by the Interior Health Authority for twice per week service from the Elk Valley to Cranbrook for medical appointments.
#5 – Council to Sign Climate Action Charter
➢ The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) sent a letter to Council about the BC Climate Action Charter which was jointly drafted with the Province of British Columbia. Although not legally binding, the Charter represents an important opportunity for local governments to pledge support for the provincial government’s commitment to address climate change and the development of green communities. It acknowledges the important roles that the provincial and local governments have to play in helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Council agreed to sign onto the Charter.
#6 – Tractor Purchase Approved
➢ A report prepared by the Director of Operational Services recommending the purchase of an all-season, multi-purpose tractor unit was presented to Council. Three different manufacturer’s models were compared and based on input from other communities such as Golden, Williams Lake, Kelowna and Kimberley, it was felt that one model stood out above the others. The preferred machine is capable of sidewalk snow removal as well as sanding, sweeping and washing sidewalks and will allow for other attachments to eventually be added that can be used in parks and on trails for grass cutting and flail mowing.
In accordance with the staff recommendation, Council approved the purchase of a Holder Tractor and attachments from Vimar Equipment of Burnaby B.C. for the amount of $108,224 plus applicable taxes which comes in slightly under the amount included in the 2007-2011 Financial Plan for this purpose.
#7 – Zoning Bylaw Amendment Given Preliminary Support
➢ A proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment that would permit the rezoning of a vacant lot at 1192 11th Avenue from R1-Single Family Residential to R2 – Duplex Residential was granted preliminary approval. The Director of Planning provided Council with a copy of a Zoning Bylaw amendment application submitted by Greenman Homes which seeks to amend Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 for Lot 6, Block 93, District Lot 4588, Kootenay District, Plan 902. In his report to Council, the Director of Planning noted that the proposal is consistent with several of the Smart Growth Principles, Objectives and Policies contained in the City of Fernie Official Community Plan. Council gave Bylaw No. 2058, Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 78, 2007 first and second reading which sets the stage for referral of the draft Bylaw to a public hearing.
#8 – Waste Regulation Bylaw Receives Three Readings
Council was presented with a report from the Director of Corporate Administration Services recommending support for a Bylaw to amend Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 and a Bylaw to amend Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041. The main purpose of Waste Regulation Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 5 is to regulate the storage of wildlife attractants in hopes of reducing the number and frequency of wild animals attracted into the City, bears in particular.
The Bylaw prohibits a person from storing wildlife attractants in such a manner as to attract wildlife, prohibits the placement of wildlife attractants on the curbside in residential areas before 5:00 a.m. on garbage pick-up day and will require those responsible for commercial waste containers which contain wildlife attractants to keep them closed at all times and closed and secured at the end of the business day.
If adopted, holders of commercial waste containers will have until March 31, 2008 to replace or modify their waste containers so that they comply with the Bylaw, if they don’t already have a locking or secure latching mechanism. The amendment to Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw imposes fines for violators of the Waste Regulation Bylaw. Both Bylaws received first three readings and are expected to be before Council on October 9th for consideration of adoption.
#9 Council Opposes Proposed Electoral Boundary Changes
➢ Council received a letter from the City of Prince Rupert seeking support for a proposed Emergency Resolution to be placed on the floor at the upcoming Union of British Columbia Municipalities Convention. The proposed resolution supports the increase in the overall number of elected representatives in the province from 79 to 81 but also seeks reinstatement of two elected representatives – one in Northern BC and one in the Kootenays. Council supports the proposed Emergency Resolution and also passed a resolution directing staff to forward a letter to the BC Electoral Boundaries Commission indicating the Council’s support for maintaining current boundaries for the Kootenays.