1) Development Variance Permits Approved
After fulfilling the mandatory notice requirements and providing an opportunity for input from the public, Council approved the issuance of Development Variance Permits (DVP) #182, #183, #186 and #192.
DVP #182 varies the requirement for the addition of 5 new parking spaces to 0 parking spaces for an interior maximum capacity increase of 13 patrons for the Fernie Hotel located at 182 – 691 1st Avenue. The number of existing parking spaces will remain the same.
DVP #183 varies the requirement for the addition of 12 new parking spaces to 0 parking spaces for the addition of a 36-seat outdoor patio for the Fernie Hotel located at 691 1st Avenue. The number of existing parking spaces will remain the same.
DVP #186 for the Brickhouse located at 401-2nd Avenue, varies the requirement for the addition of 5 new parking spaces to 0 parking spaces for the addition of a 13-seat sidewalk patio. The number of existing parking spaces will remain the same.
DVP #192 varies the minimum rear yard setback requirement for a secondary detached dwelling unit including a detached garage for the property located at 962- 8th Avenue.
2) Fernie Hotel Liquor Licence Approved
After receiving written comments from residents and providing an opportunity for oral comments on the Fernie Hotel’s Liquor Licence amendment application, Council approved support for the application with one important modification. The applicant requested support for a 13 person capacity increase for the interior of the hotel as well as the addition of a 36-seat outdoor patio on the north end of the building. Council supports both requests but supports liquor service being available on the patio only until 10:00 p.m. rather than 2:00 a.m. as the applicant requested. The final decision on the Licence amendment rests with the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.
3) Arts Station Painting Contract Awarded
After advertising for “Request for Quotations” and receiving three submissions, Council awarded the Arts Station painting contract to Natural Surroundings Construction and Design for the tendered price of $62,365 exclusive of GST as well as refinishing the 2nd storey shingles and window sills for $15,997, inclusive of GST. Funds for the work are allocated in the 2008 budget. Work should commence soon, depending on weather, and should be completed over the summer.
4) Brickhouse Outdoor Patio Approved
After receiving written and oral submissions from the public at a meeting held June 2nd, Council has recommended issuance of a Liquor Primary Licence amendment for the Brickhouse located at 401 2nd Avenue which will allow for the addition of a 13-seat outdoor seasonal patio with opening hours of 11:30 am to 10:00 pm. The final decision on the Licence amendment rests with the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.
5) Local Election Officers Appointed
After advertising for “Request for Quotations” to manage the November 15, 2008 local election on behalf of the City of Fernie, one submission was received. The submission is within the $12,000 budget allotted for this purpose. Consequently, Council appointed Ms. Leanne Jensen as Chief Election Officer and Ms. Gail Vallance as Deputy Chief Election Officer for the 2008 local election.
6) Fire Protection Bylaw Adopted
Council adopted Fernie Rural Fire Protection Services Authorization Bylaw No. 2075, 2008 which authorizes the City to provide rural fire protection services to specified rural areas in the Fernie area as detailed in the Fernie Rural Fire Protection Agreement between the City of Fernie and the Regional District of East Kootenay. The services to be provided include fire suppression, rescue services and medical first responder services.
7) CBT Funding Recommendations
At the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Community Input meeting held May 28th, approximately 20 short verbal presentations from various community-based organizations were made to Council members present, in support of their respective requests for Columbia Basin Trust funds for 2008. A total of $58,768.49 – almost three times the amount awarded last year – was recommended to be awarded to the organizations. Council endorsed the recommendations which will be forwarded to the Regional District of East Kootenay for further endorsement. Groups that are awarded funds can expect to receive the money by August.
8) Public Invited to June 24th Open House
An open house to elicit public feedback on the Integrated Community Sustainability Scoping Planning Assessment report prepared by Urban Systems will be held on June 24, 2008 at the Senior’s Drop-In Centre across from City Hall beginning at 7:00 pm.
The intent of the community assessment is to identify areas of sustainability successes in Fernie, to determine areas where the City should enhance their policies and to identify possible integration opportunities. The main recommendation of the assessment is that the City should initiate an update to Fernie’s Official Community Plan from a sustainability perspective. The other primary recommendation is that the City should initiate a Community Energy Plan in order to address the commitment made by the City to be carbon neutral by 2012 (Climate Action Charter). Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.