1) Fernie Derrick Society Speaks to Council
Mr. Fred Lightfoot of the Fernie Derrick Society provided Council with an update and proposal to save the Akamina Oil Derrick which is currently located at the Fernie Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Lightfoot submitted a petition with 517 signatures requesting that the oil derrick be preserved at its current location and provided Council with a list of actions that need to be done as soon as possible. Mr. Lightfoot requested Council’s support in preserving the oil derrick at the Fernie Chamber of Commerce site. Mayor Macnair asked Councillors McSkimming and Cox to bring forward a resolution on this matter to the May 26, 2008 Regular Council meeting.
2) 2007 Financial Statements Approved
Mr. Gerald Price from GPI Chartered Accountants and auditor for the City of Fernie was in attendance to present the 2007 Audited Financial Statements to Council. Mr. Price reviewed the highlights in the Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal year ending December 31, 2007. The Community Charter requires local governments to prepare and present an annual financial statement for the preceding year by May 15th of the following year. Council approved the 2007 Audited Financial Statements with Mayor Macnair noting the solid financial position the City of Fernie is in. The document is available for viewing by the public.
3) Financial Bylaws Adopted
The following three finance-related bylaws which were all given three readings on April 28th, were adopted by Council:
Land Development Reserve Fund Expenditure Bylaw No. 27 (Bylaw No. 2069)
This bylaw authorizes the expenditure of $460,000 (including $10,000 legal fees) from the Land Development Reserve Fund for the purchase in fee simple of the property located at 491 2nd Ave which is commonly known as the Heritage Hydro building.
2008-2012 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw
Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2070 covering the 2008–2012 period is the City’s guiding document for financial management for the next five years. The document represents the termination of the annual budgeting process which began last Fall.
2008 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 2071
The 2008 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 2071 increases the municipal residential tax rate by 4.4% over 2007. The increase results in the average single family residential dwelling paying approximately $44.00 more this year in municipal property tax.
4) Annual MD Canada Hamburger Days
The 21st annual Fernie Fire Fighters Muscular Dystrophy Canada Hamburger Days will be held at the Fire Hall on May 21st. Council approved the Fire Fighter’s written request to hold this fund raising event at the Fire Hall. The event will also take place at Overwaitea on May 23rd and 24th.
5) OCPIC Communications Plan Approved
Ms. Amanda Ridgway, Chair of The Official Community Plan Implementation Committee (OCPIC) presented a report to Council indicating the Committee’s desire to increase public awareness of the work it does and the support it provides to Council, through enhanced public messaging. The Committee’s recommendations to Council are:
• Update the community on OCPIC’s mission and progress through a press release;
• Approval of OCPIC’s plan for ongoing public communication by including the Committee’s agendas and minutes on the City of Fernie website; and
• Create an email address that will allow the Committee to receive communication from the general public.
Council approved all the recommendations as presented.