1. RCMP First Quarter Mayor’s Report was reviewed by Cpl. Andy Veltmeyer of the Elk Valley RCMP detachment. The report summarized City of Fernie crime statistics and provided comparisons between the first quarters of 2010 with statistics from the first quarter of 2009. Cpl. Veltmeyer informed Council that the 2010 Annual Performance Plan for the local detachment has been finalized and among initiatives being implemented is a coordinated effort to curb late night rowdiness, mischief and noise in the downtown area. Cpl. Veltmeyer also expressed a desire to work collaboratively with the City and join the recently proposed Downtown Task Force.
2. The Royal Canadian Legion will be hosting a Leadership and Development Seminar in conjunction with the East Kootenay Zone Meeting. Council authorized the Legion to hold a parade to the Cenotaph and use the Courthouse grounds on Saturday, May 15th, 2010.
3. Blackstone Fernie TransRockies Race Start is returning to Fernie. For the last three years, Fernie has hosted the Finish and five previous years we have hosted the Start.
Fernie is the only community to have hosted all nine events and this year Fernie will host two stages:
a. Stage 1 on Sunday, August 8th at 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. will be a Time Trail on local trails starting and finishing in downtown Fernie.
b. Stage 1 on Monday, August 9th will be the traditional mass start in downtown Fernie on Victoria Avenue.
4. A letter from Interior Health and Elk Valley Hospital Medical Staff which requested support for the establishment of a Physician Recruitment Committee was reviewed by Council. The Medical Staff indicated the current manpower situation and upcoming anticipated retirements have lead to a need to recruit more physicians.
The recruitment process is essential to maintaining the viability of the maternity program, considered a cornerstone of acute care services. Council authorized its support and nominated Mayor Corrigan to serve as Council’s representative on the Committee.
5. Downtown Task Force
Staff was directed by Council to prepare a Terms of Reference for a Downtown Task Force to consist of representatives from the RCMP, City Council, City Staff, downtown residents, downtown business owners and a representative from the Chamber of Commerce to deal with a growing concern of disturbances, mischief and liquor act offences in the downtown area of Fernie.
6. North/Central/South Regional Mine Rescue Competition will be held in Fernie on June 3rd, 2010 in conjunction with the Provincial Mine Rescue Competition on June 5th, 2010. Council agreed, as co-hosts for these events to make available certain city facilities and provide assistance in the form of staff time towards the events.
7. 2010 – 2014 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2129, the Financial Plan for the City of Fernie for the Five Year Period from January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2014, and the
2010 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 2130, a bylaw for the levying of rates for Municipal, Hospital and Regional District purposes for the year 2010 both received three readings from Council.
The public is encouraged to attend a Special Meeting of Council planned for 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19th, 2010 to learn more about and provide comment on the 2010 – 2014 Financial Plan.