Regular Meeting of May 28, 2012
1. Site Suitability and Servicing Analysis for Block A, Plan 1623, Parkland Terrace
Council authorized the above-noted report to be made available for public review. The report reviews the suitability for development of City owned lands east of Bossio Road in the Parkland Terrace neighbourhood and includes topographic, geo-technical hazard, environmental, archaeological information and presents development concepts that the land could support, including servicing analysis.
The report is available online at www.fernie.ca
A hard copy is available for viewing at City Hall.
2. Disposal of City Property
Council approved the Lease Agreement between the City of Fernie and the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy for a portion of the Max Turyk Community Centre comprising 528.83 sq. Ft. The term for the Agreement is from July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013 with a specified monthly lease payment of $440.69.
3. Appointments to Fill Vacancies on Civic Agencies
Council considered expressions of interest received and appointed the following individuals to City committees:
a) Green House Gas Emission Reduction Committee:
Mr. Brendan McLean
b) Board of Variance : Mr. Chuck Shoesmith and Mr. Marty Hafka
4. Partnering Agreements
Fernie TransRockies Challenge Society – 2012
Council authorized notice of its intention to provide assistance from the City to the Fernie TransRockies Challenge Society under the terms of a Partnering Agreement for the provision of municipal services, being the hosting of TransRockies Challenge 2012 from July 26 – 31, 3012 providing for payment in the amount of $2898.00 for the event.
Fernie Chamber of Commerce – Victoria Avenue Summer Socials (VASS)
The Chamber of Commerce is interested in hosting the (VASS) again this year which will include but will not be limited to Wednesday night concerts and market, refreshment gardens, entertainment, street shopping and trunk treasure sales to occur from July 4 – September 29 and have asked for funding assistance from Council in the amount of $15,000 for the services described above.
The Partnering Agreements will come back for Council’s consideration after requisite notice has been completed.
5. Fernie Rural Fire Protection Services – Expansion of Service Area
The request from the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) to extend the Fernie Rural Fire Protection Service Area by extending its boundary to include four additional properties at the south end of Cokato Road was supported in principle by Council.
In order to authorize the Service Area extension, the RDEK will have to adopt an amendment to the Service Area Establishment Bylaw as well an amendment to the Fernie Rural Fire Protection Agreement between the RDEK and City of Fernie. Once preparing, the amending agreement will be brought back to Council for consideration of approval.
6. West Fernie Waterworks District (WFWD) – request to lift the moratorium on new water connections in the Waterworks District area.
Council will be advising the (WFWD) that the moratorium on new water connections in the West Fernie Waterworks Area will not be removed at this time and that the City will continue to cooperate and support the RDEK’s West Fernie Restructure Project.
The request to remove the moratorium on new water connections is not supported by the RDEK’s Regional Growth Strategy or the Fernie Area Land Use Strategy or the City’s Official Community Plan.
7. Letters of Support
a) Wings as Eagles Ministry
Council will be providing a letter of support in principle for the proposed Christian Based Residential Recovery Center for Women. Four years ago the Ministry opened a Men’s Residential Recovery Center in Cranbrook.
The organization provides support and guidance to those who struggle with addictions.
b) Parastone Developments Ltd.
Council has provided a letter of support in principle for their Columbia Basin Trust Grant Application. The owner of Veneto Place discussed partnering with the Elk Valley Family Society a local not for profit organization with a mutual interest to expand and create additional affordable rental units to meet the current demand in Fernie.
The goal of their combined submission is to leverage the grant funds available under the ARHI to make 12 units which are currently designated as affordable home ownership units as permanent affordable rentals.
Mr. Howse pointed out the advantages to the community in regards to the creation of additional rental property.
8. Prisoner Cells in the Fernie Detachment
Correspondence regarding the decommissioned prisoner cells and upgrades/retrofits for the Fernie Detachment was received from the Ministry of Justice and reviewed by Council. They will contact the Ministry to further address this situation in hopes to find a positive resolve in order to ensure that our community receives the best police service possible for our citizens.
9. UBCM Railway Committee
Council reviewed correspondence from the Corporation of the City of New Westminster regarding common railway concerns shared by municipalities such as idling, concerns with crossings, use of herbicides and whistle cessation.
They will be contacting the UBCM in support of establishing a Railway Committee to deal with the railway companies to mitigate these concerns.
10. BC Hydro Smart Meter Program
Council was asked to call a moratorium on installing Smart Meters by a local resident who voiced her concerns regarding the installation of the meters and further, asked Council to investigate the adverse health effects regarding the meters.
Ms. Beran urged Council to request action by the Province to request a moratorium similar to Colwood, BC and the UBCM. She noted that 49 communities have passed motions, and stated the more municipalities that participate in the moratorium request the larger the impact.
Council will investigate this further and bring back for further consideration at a future meeting.