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It was show them the money night at Prince Rupert City Council on Monday evening, with the Council membership putting close to thirty five minutes of discussion into the topic of Community Enhancement Grants. of 2023 before coming to a consensus on how to distribute this years range of grants.
The Regular Session on Monday also featured a pair of key reports on civic themes, the first related to asset management and the second a review of the recently completed Housing Needs Report, the latter sparking some more discussion on the topic of housing that has made for a frequent conversation theme in recent months for the Council members.
Variance Requests, reports on a range of themes from training towards cultural humility, the business facade program from NDIT and a local daycare campaign also made for some of the work on the night.
A list of six Bylaw themes were explored towards the end of the evening as the session reached its conclusion at just under one hour and ten minutes.
Some background on the work of Council for the night can be review from the Regular Council Agenda.
Council also hosted a Closed Meeting, making for the 20th of the in camera sessions for 2022.
The details related to the reasons for the behind closed door gathering can be reviewed here.
Further information from our overview and placement in the video archives can be found below, with the permanent record of the council minutes added as they are posted to the city website.
In attendance Monday, December 5, 2022
Mayor Herb Pond -- Present
Councillor Nick Adey -- Present
Councillor Barry Cunningham -- Present
Councillor Teri Forster -- Present
Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven -- Present
Councillor Wade Niesh -- Present
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa -- Present
Video Archive for Monday, December 5, 2022
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REGULAR SESSION OF CITY COUNCIL
( 0 :00 -- 1:30 ) Adoption of Agenda and Past minutes -- The Mayor reviewed the agenda for the evening and Council will adopt the minutes of past meetings.
Reports and Resolutions
( 1:30 -- 34:00 ) Report from The Chief Financial Officer -- 2023 Community Enhancement Grants -- Council received a report related the awarding of the 2023 Community Enhancement grant program.
Mayor Pond first noted of elements of the report from the CFO of the potential tax consequences that may been seen towards any increases that may be required
The Mayor then divided the allocation for funding into a grouping of three blocks, focusing first on the smaller grant requests and recurring grant requests.
Towards consideration he conducted what he described as straw polls towards the first batch of requests, which had little change.
Councillor Cunningham expressed some concern over the Evergreen program at CHSS, and how it may impact on those groups in town that do much the same clean up activity on a volunteer basis.
The review of the program which noted it was a fundraising program for students with some particular challenges, provided enough reassurance to the Councillor to go along with the funding request as outlined.
The Second block that was reviewed was directed towards programs below 5,000 dollars, at alternate Times Councillor Cunningham and Councillor Skelton Morven removed themselves from the discussion owing to a declared conflict, Mr. Cunningham for his work at the Seniors Centre, Mr. Skelton-Morven through his involvement with National Indigenous Day.
As a preamble to the discussion the Mayor observed that many of the requests were increased as the community has come out of the COVID period, with many activities starting up again.
Mr. Pond conducted his straw poll approach once again towards building a consensus on the group.
Councillor Cunningham raised some notes related to the request of the Figure Skating Club, Mr Niesh noted that Indigenous Day request is tied into potential use of the civic centre and that they would likely be happy with the original amount from previous years.
The Final segment of six for review generated the most discussion on the night, the Mayor noting that there was no immediate need on the night for a decision for some of them.
Councillor Niesh led off the discussion noting of the importance of many of the requests, but noting of the report from the CFO of the challenging year ahead for the City's financial situation and how he doesn't want to add to the civic burdens towards those financial challenges.
He counselled that the City Council really couldn't fund any of them at this time with the exception of the Special Event Society, which he recommended funding back to the pre COVID level of 30,000 dollars for that group.
Tourism Prince Rupert also had its funding request secured as part of the review, though at a reduced level from their request.
Councillor Adey also offered up some notes for consideration, noting of the financial uncertainties ahead for the municipality, he did however observe as to how broad the membership of some of the groups is and how they have a broader resource base towards fundraising, while acknowledging towards the competition for that fundraising dollar.
He also reinforced his dedication towards the Community Enhancement Grant program but also shared how this isn't the year where the city could grow that from where the city is at fiscally at the moment.
Councillor Forster concurred with both the themes from Councillor's Niesh and Adey, she did however advocate for a revisit towards the requests of the Gymnastics Association and Swim Club noting of the nature of their requests and how it was similar that approved for the Skating Club.
Councillor Randhawa also added his name to the list of those expressing concerns over the financial issues, noting of a need to hold off on any tax increases and to go with last years requests.
As part of the discussion, Councillor Cunningham observed of the City's use of the Canfisco warehouse lease property that is being used and expressing his concerns over giving up revenues from that facility for in kind donations.
Mr. Cunningham warned of a slippery slope should the city start to subsidize different groups for their use of facilities in the city.
He also advocated for the Special Events City, noting that it's the one group that every taxpayer in the city can pay into and take advantage of through events such as Seafest.
Councillor Niesh turned to the in kind discussion as well, noting how he would like to support all the groups but it's a case if you have to do it for one you have to do it for all and how he is focused on the budget for this year.
To bring the lengthy thirty minute discussion to an end, Mayor Pond then reviewed the decisions that Council had reached on funding levels for the requests.
(see our wider overview here for the full listings)
Mr. Adey observed towards both Ecotrust and Kaien Island Trail Enhancement Society, reminding Council that it should remember that that the objectives for both groups fall very much into what is the scope of some elements of the city's Official Community Plan. Offering the suggestion that City should be mindful as to how the two organizations fit into those OCP options and how there could be ways for the city to support them outside of the Community Grant program.
To the Special Events request, Mr. Adey noted of their need of a full time events coordinator and if the many that was approved could work towards a part time position, suggesting Council hear back from them.
Mr. Pond noted of their healthy cash balance at the moment and how they may be able to combine those resources with the giant towards that goal.
Councillor Cunningham noted that the city was not giving Special Events an increase but simply returning to previous funding.
Mayor Pond noted that the group could always come to Council to make a presentation to help Council better understand all their requirements.
Council them voted to carry the motion and move the funding program forward.
(see page 12 of the Agenda package for the Community Enhancement Grant documentation)
( 34:00--36:00 ) Report from Chief Financial Officer -- Report on the City of Prince Rupert Asset Management Strategy and Roadmap -- Council received a report from CFO Bomben outlining the path forward when it comes to Asset Management. Ms. Bomben's short overview of the Strategy included some notes on how it informs towards where the city should put its focus on asset reinvestment and service sustainability. Council received the report with no questions or comments for Ms. Bomben (see page 19 of the Agenda package for her full report )
( 36:00 -- 37:30 ) Report from Planning: Development Variance Permit for a property on 6th Avenue West -- Council received a report outlining a request for a variance for the property at 539 Sixth Avenue West. Towards discussion, Councillor Cunningham observed how it was another of the "they've done it and now they're asking for our permission' requests". That was confirmed by the Planning Department, noting of some of the new measures put in place by the City Manager towards oversight. (see page 56 of the Agenda package)
( 37:30 -- 41:30 ) Report from Planning: Development Variance Permit for a property on India Avenue -- Council received a report outlining request for a variance for the property at 1546 India Avenue. Councillor Cunningham offered up an observation towards the width of the garage. The Mayor noted of the request and how he encourages the public to request variances. Councillor Adey asked if there had been any comments received on the topic and it was confirmed none had been received. Councillor Niesh who noted he had worked on the property in question for a previous owner, provided some background on the nature of the property and its impact on property lines. Council Carried the motion (see page 63 of the Agenda package)
( 41:30 -- 58:30 ) Report from Planning Manager : Housing Needs Report -- Council received a presentation from the Planning Manager, who spoke to her report detailing the findings of the City's Housing Needs Report.
Ms. Pope took council members through some of the key elements of the document. She also observed as to how it would help inform Council's future goals towards the development of housing in the community.
From her slideshow presentation, among some of the key contributors to the housing crisis in Prince Rupert is the anticipation of growth for the community ahead due to port growth, the age of the current stock of housing, the difficult construction component such as access to supplies, labour shortages and geological challengers to name a few. She also noted of the lack of housing options in the community towards many housing requirements.
Towards discussion, Councillor Adey led off the conversation expressing his appreciation for the detailed content of the document and how it will serve to answer many questions that the public has raised on housing over the last few years.
Of note, he highlighted how the plan answers the often raised question in the community as to why it is taking time to develop housing.
Councillor Cunningham also praised the report, he put his focus on the Seniors housing and reinforced the demand that is there and observed that some of the data used may be out of date and how the need for it has only grown from the data referenced in the report.
Councillor Niesh offered up some personal experience in house building in the community, referencing a comment from councillor Cunningham previous, Mr. Niesh observed of the many challenges found towards construction, returning to a familiar theme of muskeg and how it impacts on development.
Noting of the many incentives the city has offered in the past, the Councillor observed how builders will go where it's easy to make money, noting how in Prince Rupert it is not easy to make money.
He also relayed some of the up front costs required by builders when it comes to getting started in the development of housing in the community. He further observed that to get housing built in Prince Rupert there is a need for bare land, land that is clear of muskeg and ready to build on.
Council then voted to receive the report (see page 72 of the Agenda package for the Full Report )
( 58:30 -- 59:00 ) Report from Communications Manager -- UBCM Application for Cultural Humility Training Funding -- Council received a report from the Communications Manager providing background to the funding from UBCM for Indigenous Cultural Humility Training for the city's Emergency Support personnel. Council accepted the report with no discussion or comment (see page 171 of the Agenda package)
( 59:00--59:30 ) Report from the Director of Economic Development and Transportation -- Business Facade Program -- Council received a report from the Director outlining the city's application to NDIT for a grant of up to 20,000 dollars for the Business Façade improvement program. Council accepted the report with no discussion or comment (see page 173 of the Agenda package)
( 59:30 -- 1:00:00 ) Report from the Corporate Administrator --$10 Dollar a Day Campaign -- Council received a report outlining the request for a letter of endorsement towards the $10aDay Daycare Campaign. Council accepted the request with no discussion or comment. Mr. Pond noted that he and Councillor Cunningham had attended a day of awareness at Discovery Daycare, which he noted was an interesting and informative event. (see page 175 of the Agenda package)
Bylaws
( 1:00:00 -- 1:01:00 ) City of Prince Rupert Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3493, 2022 --Council was asked to provide fourth and final readings to the bylaw. Council adopted the Amendment with no discussion. (see page 177 of the Agenda package
( 1:01:00 -- 1:02:00 ) City of Prince Rupert Official Community Amendment Plan Bylaw No. 3479, 2022 --Council was asked to provide first and second readings to the bylaw to allow a building height higher than contemplated by the OCP's building heigh framework for the City Core if council considers the building to be low impact in way of view obstruction. Council members had no comments or observations to share, providing first and second reading and moved it forward to Public Hearing. (see page 190 of the Agenda package)
(1:02:00 -- 1:03:00 ) City of Prince Rupert Official Community Amendment Plan Bylaw No. 3505, 2022 --Council was asked to provide first and second reading and amend Zoning Bylaw 3462, to permit one shipping container to temporary storage per property in all zones with conditions as outlined and to Proceed to Public Hearing. Councillor Adey observed how the document provides a comprehensive set of options towards how to handle containers and noted how he was interested in what the public may have to say about the topic. Council then voted to move the bylaw to a public hearing process. (see page 195 of the Agenda package)
( 1:03:00 -- 1:03:30 ) City of Prince Rupert Trade or Business License Amendment Bylaw No. 3509, 2022 -- Council was asked to give fourth and final to the Bylaw which pertains to the city's Business licensing amendments towards rental units. Council voted to approve the Bylaw with no comment or discussion. (see page 203 of the Agenda package)
( 1:03:30 -- 1:04:00 ) City of Prince Rupert Ticket Information Bylaw No. 3510, 2022 -- Council was asked to give fourth and final to the Bylaw. Council approved the bylaw with no discussion or comment. (see page 209 of the Agenda package)
( 1:04:00 -- 1:05:00 ) City of Prince Rupert Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3511, 2022 -- Council was asked to give first and second readings to the Zoning Amendment Bylaw related to zoning for the RCMP detachment land at McBride and Third Avenue East. Council voted to approve the first two readings, with mayor Pond noting how it was mostly a housekeeping move, Council then followed up on the first two readings by adding a third reading to the document with no discussion or comment. (see page 212 of the Agenda package)
( 1:05:00 -- 1:09:30 ) Reports, Questions, Comments, Reports and Inquiries from Members of Council.
Councillor Adey led off the comment period asking for an update at a future meeting towards the progress of the move of the Civic Works Yard to its new location.
Mayor Pond noted as to how the topic of discussion had become of interest to the public.
Mr. Adey also noted of the start of the RCMP Holiday Roadside Checkstop program and some of the commentary he's read on Social media, the Councillor observing of his support for the road-checks as they help to save lives in indirect ways. He reinforced how the RCMP officers are doing a valuable job to the community and that everyone in the community enjoy the Holidays, particularly with some of the recent events of the past in mind and to take care of each other through the holidays.
Councillor Cunningham called attention to the annual notice to businesses about snow and ice removal requirements, noting of the ongoing issues of absentee owners that don't take care of their properties, suggesting that fines be considered or for the city to did and then send the owners a bill.
His second items of note was to clarify a recent an observation related to a correspondence he received related to the Procedures Bylaw, noting that it has not as of yet been approved contrary to the impression that the letter writer had. He added that the public should contact City Hall to contact city staff if they have any questions related to any civic matters.
And with that, the Mayor called for adjournment of the meeting for the night.
You can access our Council Archive for December 5th here, where a number of items regarding the Council Session, including links to any local media coverage can be found.
As always, our Council Timeline is only a reflection of our observations from the Council Session of the night. Be sure to consult with the official minutes from the City, when posted to their website for further review.
Official minutes of the Regular Council Session from December 5, 2022 (not available yet)
Council will now shift into Holiday mode, with no further regular public City Council sessions scheduled for 2022.
The Next Regular Public Session for Prince Rupert City Council is set for Monday, January 9, 2023.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
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