THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF ENDERBY
Minutes of a Regular Meeting of Council held on Monday, January 20, 2003 at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Present: Mayor Sue Phillips
Councillor Sue Brookes
Councillor Beryl Ludwig
Councillor Earl Shipmaker
Councillor Hubert van Berkel
Councillor Tony Vetter
Councillor Dee Wejr
Administrator Maggie Knox
Recording Secretary Bettyann Kennedy
The Press & Public
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 6, 2003
Moved by Councillor Ludwig, seconded by Councillor van Berkel, that the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting, held on January 6, 2003, be adopted as circulated.
CARRIED Unanimously
DELEGATION
Leslie Kiehlbauch O. U. C.
Re: Literacy Project
Ms. Kiehlbauch presented information to Council regarding literacy issues in our community. There are three programs which she highlighted:
Sara Shaak, Film Commissioner
Re: Okanagan Film Commission
Ms Shaak informed Council of the efforts of the Okanagan Film Commission to attract film makers to the Okanagan. They actively scout filming locations and market the area to potential film crews with the objective of sustaining a viable industry in the Okanagan. Ms. Shaak emphasized the economic benefits of hosting a film crew. Fund raising is also being targeted at business that benefit from the industry so that the Commission is less dependant on Government funding.
BYLAWS 3 Readings
Council Procedures & Notice of Meeting Bylaw No. 1269, 2000 Amendment Bylaw No. 1318, 2003
Moved by Councillor Brookes, seconded by Councillor van Berkel that Council Procedures & Notice of Meeting Bylaw No. 1269, 2000 Amendment Bylaw No. 1318, 2003 be introduced and read a first time by title only and carried through to three readings.
CARRIED Unanimously
BYLAWS Adoption
Security Issuing Bylaw No. 1316
Street Improvements
Moved by Councillor Wejr, seconded by Councillor Ludwig that Security Issuing Bylaw No. 1316 be reconsidered and adopted.
CARRIED Unanimously
Security Issuing Bylaw No. 1317
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
Moved by Councillor Wejr, seconded by Councillor van Berkel that Security Issuing Bylaw No. 1317 be reconsidered and adopted.
CARRIED Unanimously
CORRESPONDENCE
Premier of B. C. January 6, 2003
Re: Olympic Live Sites
Discussion: Suggestions for possible funding opportunities under this program included televisions for the curling rink to watch Olympics, and the Kayak Rodeo.
Moved by Councillor Wejr, seconded by Councillor Brookes that the correspondence be received and filed.
CARRIED Unanimously
Lifestyle Counselling Service January 7, 2003
Re: Employee Assistance Program
Discussion: This program was introduced several years ago via the collective agreement. It was the consensus of Council that Councillors, being elected officials, should not be included in the program.
Moved by Councillor Shipmaker, seconded by Councillor Wejr that participation in Lifestyle Counselling Service be reduced to 10 employees from 17 and the invoice be adjusted accordingly.
CARRIED Unanimously
Community Futures Development Corporation January 7, 2003
Re: Support of Self-Employment Benefit Program
Discussion: It was noted that Etherea Books and Gifts utilized this program and was named Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.
Moved by Councillor Brookes, seconded by Councillor Wejr that a letter of support be issued to Community Futures Development Corporation.
CARRIED Unanimously
U.B.C.M. January 8, 2003
Re: Rural/Small Communities Police Costs
Discussion: There has been no definite date set for the implementation of this new police cost formula but speculation has indicated that it may be as early as 2003. This creates an urgency to get details from the Provincial Government as the cost could result in drastic tax increases.
Moved by Councillor Wejr, seconded by Councillor van Berkel that letters be sent to the Premier, MLA, Minister of Finance, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Womens Services to delay the implementation of this new police cost formula.
CARRIED Unanimously
U.B.C.M. January 9, 2003
Re: Police Costs
Moved by Councillor Ludwig, seconded by Councillor Brookes that the correspondence be received and filed.
CARRIED Unanimously
U.B.C.M January 9, 2003
Re: Provincial Announcements of Interest
Moved by Councillor Brookes, seconded by Councillor van Berkel that the correspondence be received and filed.
CARRIED Unanimously
U.B.C.M. January 9, 2003
Re: 2003 UBCM Membership
Moved by Councillor Vetter, seconded by Councillor Wejr that the City renew membership to UBCM for 2003.
CARRIED Unanimously
Enderby and District Community Resource Centre Society January 14, 2003
Re: Community Meeting on Child, Youth and Family Services
Several Councillors expressed their intent to attend the meeting.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General January 10, 2003
Re: Provincial Emergency Program Workshops
The workshop is to be held in Kelowna on March 6, 2003. There are numerous responsibilities of Council for Emergency Preparedness which are mandated by legislation. Those Councillors attending are to submit registration form to Clerk-typist.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NORD December 9, 2003
Re: Funding Request for Okanagan Film Commission
Discussion: The request is for an additional $57 bringing Enderbys contribution to $898. Councillor Vetter expressed concern that precedence would be set to seeking an increase annually. Councillor Ludwig reminded Council of the economic benefits should filming take place in the area.
Moved by Councillor Brookes, seconded by Councillor Ludwig that the City grant the increase requested by NORD for the Okanagan Film Commission.
DEFEATED
Opposed: Councillor Shipmaker
Councillor van Berkel
Councillor Vetter
Councillor Wejr
NEW BUSINESS
Administrator January 14, 2003
Re: Policy Utility Billings
Discussion: Water service is accessible by contractors and is often turned on by them at the site early in the building process making existing policy to await billing until issuance of occupancy permit unpractical. Councillor Wejr suggested that the City advise contractors to discontinue this practice as it interferes with City function. Current practise of commencing billing three months after issuance of building permit has not resulted in any negative feedback from property owners.
Moved by Councillor Vetter, seconded by Councillor van Berkel that utility billings for new construction commence three months following the issuance of a building permit.
CARRIED
Opposed: Councillor Brookes
Administrator January 13, 2003
Re: Out of Town Water Service Non-payment of Utility Billings
Discussion: The City is not able to transfer outstanding utility billings to the tax account for out of town property making collection difficult. Reminders were sent to those with outstanding accounts, but payment has not been made. In addition to notification by registered mail, it was suggested that a phone call also be made.
Moved by Councillor van Berkel, seconded by Councillor Shipmaker that Council establish policy whereby water services outside of municipal boundaries for which billings remain unpaid as at July 1 be disconnected upon 60 days written notice and that billings for water services outside of municipal boundaries remaining unpaid at December 31, 2002 be disconnected upon 60 days written notice.
CARRIED Unanimously
REPORTS
Mayor Phillips
Re: Council Appointments and Goals, Objectives & Budget Session
Mayor Phillips advised that a facilitator is available free of charge if session is held on a weekday. The fee is approximately $300 for a weekend session. As many Councillors have made arrangements to be available for February 22, it was the consensus of Council to hold the session on Saturday, February 22 as originally planned. The Facilitator and venue is to be determined.
Council appointments were distributed. Mayor Phillips announced one addition to the list: Councillor Vetter is to be added to the RCMP Community Consultative Committee.
Mayors General Report:
Mayor Phillips also commented on the NORD meeting concerning Mosquito Control Program. The program is very expensive (in excess of $170,000). It is the recommendation of NORD that the City undertake a "source reduction" approach by educating citizens to the prevention of creating breeding grounds for the mosquito.
This Saturday, Feb. 25, Mayor Phillips will be attending a "Community in Bloom" workshop in Kamloops. She will bring back information to share with the Chamber of Commerce.
A reminder was issued to Council members who are attending the Extraordinary Meeting of OMMA on January 24 regarding privatization of the Coquihalla Highway.
Councillor Shipmaker
Councillor Shipmaker enquired as to the status of Parks and Recreation now that Fortune Park has been disbanded following a public counter petition. Mayor Phillips explained that the Enderby and Area F Governance has also been disbanded. The new Committee is the Enderby and Area F Services Committee which governs animal control, cemeteries, and parks & recreation. NORD has appointed the Mayor and the Director of Area F who report to NORD. Minutes of the meetings are circulated to Council. Mayor Phillips attended an introduction meeting this week. The Committee will be making decisions on how Parks and Recreation is to be managed. Rec Ex has been contracted to report on our facilities and their report is pending.
Councillor Shipmaker queried as to how Council and the community is being involved. The NORD Board provides minutes and recommendations. It is the Committee that has the authority to make decisions. There is however, nothing on the table at this time. Mayor Phillips also noted that the meetings are held the first Thursday of each month and they are open to the public. Agendas are posted on the City Hall bulletin board.
Councillor van Berkel
Councillor van Berkel advised Council that minor soccer has encountered increased user fees for school grounds and will be seeking assistance from the City. Last year, their request was received after budget was finalized, and was denied. Grants have been provided in the past from NORD. It was suggested that a request for assistance be made early.
Councillor Vetter
Councillor Vetter requested that the City notify Maple Disposal, asking that they advertise their service and schedule for recycling. He also reported that garbage is sometimes being collected before 7:00 am, which may result in some households missing their collection. He suggests that Aldon be reminded of the importance of consistency in their collection schedule and suggests that they be encouraged to advertise their collection schedule and contact information.
Councillor Brookes
Councillor Brookes felt that the meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Highways was excellent.
She noted that construction at the Red Basket is very impressive and commented on the wide variety of new businesses recently opened in Enderby.
Councillor Ludwig
Councillor Ludwig attended the grand opening of the new Residential Drop-Off Facility at the Armstrong/Spallumcheen Recycling and Disposal Facility.
She also attended the Friends of the Library meeting.
Linda Price provided an update at the Community Health Co-Op meeting. The grant has been turned down and they will reapply. The group will refocus and concentrate on what the Health Centre is not doing. They will work to avoid duplication of services.
NORD December, 2002
Re: Building Permit Detail Report
Moved by Councillor van Berkel, seconded by Councillor Wejr that the report be received and filed.
CARRIED Unanimously
Public Works Superintendent
Written Report Submitted
Discussion: Systems Operator position has not been filled to date. A second advertisement was placed to find an appropriate candidate.
Snow removal issues were raised. It was noted that Armstrong crews clear snow to one side and clear the windrows with a front end loader. It was recommended that our crew be instructed to slow down and turn the blade to assist home owners. The Public Works Superintendent will obtain information from the City of Armstrong and report findings to Council.
PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD
Mr. and Mrs. Coder
Mr. and Mrs. Coder attended meeting to determine Councils position on cancelling the easement on their property. The item was not on the agenda. The issue has been referred to Public Works and the Planning Dept. for comment. Mr. and Mrs. Coder will be advised when item is scheduled for the agenda.
CLOSED MEETING RESOLUTION
Moved by Councillor van Berkel, seconded by Councillor Councillor Wejr, that Council hold a meeting closed to the public in order to discuss one or more topics under Section 242.2 of the Local Government Act.
CARRIED Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councillor Wejr the regular meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.
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MAYOR ADMINISTRATOR