Highlights from the City of Fernie Council Meeting of November 25th.
1. DEVELOPMENT VARIANCE PERMITS, LICENCE & AGREEMENT
1.1 Development Variance Permit No. DVPA-333 for 1091-10th Avenue (Scott Stratton) legalized the siting and eave projection for the attached garage with a second storey sundeck. Permit was issued following the Hearing.
1.2 Development Variance Permit Application No. DVPA-342 for 2 Elkview Drive from Bruno Barbir and Lana Bickell purposes to vary the minimum front yard setback along a portion of the west property line, vary the maximum open porch and eave projections into the front yard setback to allow for the addition of a mud-room. Council will consider issuance of the permit at the regular meeting on December 16, 2013.
1.3 Royal Hotel – Temporary Change to Liquor Licence. Council supported the request from the Royal Hotel for a temporary change to extend the hours of sale for liquor from 2:00AM to 4:00AM on Saturday, December 14, 2013 to host a start of ski season party and celebrate their 2nd year of operation.
1.4 Partnering Agreement with Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR) for a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display. Council agreed to provide assistance to FAR under a partnering agreement for the provision of a New Year’s Eve fireworks display and provide payment of $1,000 to FAR.
2. BYLAWS
2.1 2013 – 2017 Five Year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2233 received first three readings by Council. The bylaw proposes to:
• Increase Funding Sources by $427,990.00 in 2013
• Grants & Transfers of $351,544
• Reserve Funds (Unallocated Surplus) for $76,446.00;
• Increase the Expenditures budget in 2013
• Capital Works by $382,230.00
• Other Expenditures by $45,760.00
as they relate to the Province of British Columbia declared Overland Flooding event of June 19-21, 2013.
3. OTHER INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
3.1 2014 Discretionary Grant Recommendations. Council approved the discretionary grant recommendations proposed by the Committee for the 2014 Budget Year and authorized staff to process payment of the grant amounts:
• Wings as Eagles Ministry Recovery Centre ($500)
• The Joan Kindergym Society ($1000)
• East Kootenay Brain Injuries Association ($500)
• Fernie Options for Sexual Health ($500)
• Fernie Skating Club ($1000)
• Fernie Pets Society Spay/Neuter Incentive Program SNIP ($800)
• Fernie Old School Boxing Club ($500)
• Fernie Childcare Society ($1000)
• Fernie Roller Derby Society ($1000)
• Wildsight Elk Valley Branch – AppleCapture Community Group ($1000)
• Ghostrider Adventure Camp ($1000)
• Out of the Box: Public Art Committee ($1000)
• Reel Canadian Film Festival ($1000)
3.2 Graffiti Enforcement. Council provided staff with direction on how to proceed with non-compliant and/or non-resident property owners regarding graffiti removal. The City of Fernie Unsightly Property Prevention Bylaw No. 1587 requires all property owners to remove graffiti that has been placed on their property, fence or other structure. Failure to comply could result in a fine $100 under Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2014 upon the owners who fail to maintain their property free from graffiti tagging. Section 17 of the Community Charter authorizes Council to direct staff t2013-11-25 Council Connectiono take the required action if the property owner fails to take the required action and recover the costs incurred from that person as a debt.

3.3 Video Surveillance. Council directed staff that the installation of video surveillance cameras in the downtown core to assist in crime control was to be made a top priority. City of Fernie is inviting citizens to share their comments with Council on the use of surveillance technology by completing an online survey. Please visit the City’s website at www.fernie.ca for more information on this initiative.
3.4 Fernie Chamber of Commerce – Snowmobiling issues in the Coal Creek Area. Council received a letter from the Fernie Chamber of Commerce outlining issues with the Coal Creek Area and staging areas. Council agreed to contact interested parties to work out the details for a successful and safe winter season.
4. UPCOMING EVENTS
• December 10, 2013 (5:30 PM – 6:15 PM)
The Holiday Train arrives in Fernie at 6:30pm with entertainers Melanie Doane and special guests Doc Walker, Brothers Dube, Crystal Shawanda, Jim Cuddy and Matt Dusk.
Be there early to show them a great Fernie welcome!
• George Majic Spiritus Award Reception
Monday, December 16, 2013, City Hall & 6:00 PM
Congratulations to Mr. Mario Rocca, this year’s recipient of the George Majic Spiritus Award.
Details can be downloaded here: 2013-11-25 Council Connection