The path has been set for the city's property taxation demand of July as well as to move forward the process of a Loan Authorization for infrastructure work, those making for two of the key elements from Monday's Prince Rupert City Council Session.
With one third of the council either away for the night or participating remotely, the agenda was a full one with much to work through.
Of some note on the night, Council reviewed some Liquor Licence referral requests, with one from Port City Spirits making for some extensive discussion by the public in the public comment period that started the night off, Council taking the scope of those discussions to defer a decision until the end of month session.
A number of other reports and some variance work and a few other themes rounded out the first meeting of Council for May.
The Agenda for the Monday session 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.
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In attendance: Monday, May 8, 2023
Mayor Herb Pond -- Present
Councillor Nick Adey -- Absent
Councillor Barry Cunningham -- Present (participated remotely)
Councillor Teri Forster -- Present
Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven -- Present
Councillor Wade Niesh -- Absent
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa -- Present
Video Archive for Monday, May 8, 2023
REGULAR SESSION OF CITY COUNCIL
( 00:00 -- 2:00 ) Approval of Agenda -- The Mayor first outlined the nature of the absences on the night by Councillor Barry Cunningham, Nick Adey and Wade Niesh. He then reviewed the Agenda of the May 8th session and sought approval of Council towards it. Which the Council members provided.
There was one change to the Agenda, the removal of a liquor licence referral for an establishment on Third Avenue West.
( 2:00 -- 38:00 ) Public Comments regarding Agenda items -- There was a larger than usual volume of participants as part of the comment period, most of them there to comment on one of the Liquor referrals on the night.
The opening remarks on the evening came from one of the proponents of the Port City Spirts Liquor Referral setting the tone for much of the discussion.
Kent Orton a representative of the Delegation who is also a co-owner of the Wheelhouse Pub in the city, spoke to their referral request and provided some background towards what they would offering the public from their Tasting lounge.
Among the other participants two spoke out with concerns and objections related to the location of the establishment near a Pre School centre, the plans for a 10 AM opening time and the impact of their proposed hours of operation of the youth that attend the daycare, as well as some of the at risk people in the immediate area.
A concern was also raised about the short notice of the advisory of the call for comment by the City.
Other items of note of concern were related to safety issues for the facility in question as well as plans towards off sales from the location.
One person spoke in support of the proposed Tasting room, noting that he lived in the immediate area and that he had been to a few other Tasting rooms across Canada and found them to be very classy places. He observed of the number of closed businesses, and rubble in the area and how it would be a welcome investment into the area.
Ray Pederson, who is a co-owner of the proposed Tasting Lounge also spoke their plans providing some additional details towards what they have in mind, as well as to address the 10 AM opening request, noting that would be mostly to access the Cruise visitors to the community.
Among his themes was the lack of social activities available in the community and how the proponents believe that it will add to the social options for residents in the Prince Rupert area. He also explained why they are seeking to expand their licence to that of a lounge to add beer and other options for guests.
On a different matter, another participant raised the topic of an upcoming Variance Permit on the night and his desire to build a shed in his back yard, as part of his presentation the speaker outlined how he believes his shed location does not have any impact in way of encroachment on civic property.
One final participant on the evening spoke to the issue of property taxes and her concerns over the city's decision of the 12.5% and the impact that it will have on the Senior Citizens in the community.
She observed as to how it has increased rapidly and gone quite high that was unexpected, noting that the amount requested is a hard amount to swallow. She raised the topic of some of the City's current initiatives such as the CN station project and the Public Works building and how the public hasn't really been given enough information towards why they have been taken on.
Some of the hardships being faced by residents also made for the narrative including reduced hours for many workers in the community and how the taxation call will have an impact on their person financial issues.
Towards the concerns of Senior Citizens she observed how many have to remain in their homes as there are no facilities for them in the community and now they face some significant tax increases on their homes.
As a conclusion she also observed on the need for the Federal Government to provide for more resources to the community, noting that they have created a Trade Corridor and they need to hear the concerns of the residents that live in it.
The Mayor did make sure to note of the tax deferral option for Taxpayers hosted by the Provincial Government that they nay wish to explore as a viable option.
With the Budget of note for the public comment period, one participant returned to speak to the city's plans on borrowing for infrastructure projects, with particular concern over the prospect of increased utility fees towards that borrowing.
He also called attention to the impact of any rise in the Utility costs that will be faced by Seniors.
As a close to the public comment session, the Mayor observed how he enjoys the feature and. how it represents Democracy in Action.
( 38:00 -- 45:30 ) Consent Agenda
Council minutes -- Council reviewed and adopted the minutes of the Regular Session for April 24.
Correspondences
2023 NCLGA Annual Report and Resolutions (see pages 12 - 52 of Agenda)
Be Amazing Information and Brochure (see page 53 - 56 of Agenda)
Reports
Report from the Planning Manger -- Re: Rupert Plays: Parks and Outdoor Recreation Plan Round Engagement -- Council received the report related to the Parks and Recreation plan (see pages 57 - 67 of Agenda)
Report from the Planning Manger -- Re: Development Activity Report for April 2023 -- Council received the report on Development activity (see pages 68 -- 70 of Agenda)
Report from Fire Chief Beckwith -- Re: Monthly Fire/Rescue Report May 1,2023 -- Council received the report related to the City's Fire/Rescue Department activities (see page 71 - 72 of Agenda)
Of the items, only one generated any discussion, with Councillor Teri Forster asking for an explanation as to how the Prince Rupert Fire Department conducts its hiring process.
Towards that Chief Beckwith took the Council membership through the five steps of assessment of candidates, a process currently underway to replace a member who has retired.
The Councillor noting that there was not a lot of diversification on the department followed up asking how the Department approaches that topic.
The Chief noted that the process included himself and the Deputy Chief that conduct the assessment process based on qualifications, life experiences and why they wish to be a member of the Fire/Rescue Department.
Recommendation
Council then accepted the Consent Agreement and filed it without comment.
Staff Reports
( 45:30 -- 46:00 ) Report from the Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development -- Re: Council Support for NDIT Northern Health Communities Fund application, Report was accepted without comment. (see pages 73 - 74 of Agenda)
( 46:00 -- 46:30 ) Report from the Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development -- Re: Council Support for NDIT Marketing Initiatives application for Website Renewal. Report was accepted without comment. (see pages 75 - 77 of Agenda)
( 46:30 -- 47:30 ) Report from the Chief Financial Officer -- Re: 2022 Audited Financial Statement, Report was accepted without comment. The Mayor observed how the report was an informative document and encouraged the public to review it.( see pages 78 - 121 of Agenda)
( 47:30 -- 48:00 ) Report from the Planning Manager -- Re: Development Variance Permit #23-03 for a property on Omenica. Report was accepted without comment (see pages 122 - 126 of Agenda)
( 48:00 -- 51:30 ) Report from the Planning Manager -- Re: Development Variance Permit #23-04 for a property on Sherbrooke Avenue. The recommendation from staff that of a denial for the application.
With the applicant for the Permit having spoken in the public comment period, the variance generated a bit of discussion, much of it led by Councillor Barry Cunningham who spoke in favour of the applicant's quest, the Councillor suggesting that the applicant is right in his assessment and that the city work with him on his application.
Following up on some questions from Councillor Forster, the City Manager recommended that Council ask for a report back that can provide more detail on the roadway elements and the options related towards it. That was the path that Council approved.( see pages 127 - 131 of Agenda)
( 51:30 -- 52:00 ) Report from the Planning Manager -- Re: Development Variance Permit #23-05 for a property on Piggot Avenue. Report was accepted without comment. (see pages 132 - 136 of Agenda )
( 52:00 -- 52:15 ) Report from the Planning Manager -- Re: Development Variance Permit #23-07 for a property on Hays Cove Avenue. Report was accepted without comment. With the variance to move forward to the notification process. (see pages 137 - 148 of Agenda)
Report from The Corporate Administrator -- Re: Liquor Licence Amendment for an establishment on Third Avenue West (see page 149 of Agenda) Item was withdrawn from the Agenda
( 52:15 -- 1:01:32 ) Report from The Corporate Administrator -- Re: Liquor Licence Amendment for an establishment at 2209 Seal Cove Road. The City Manager spoke to the General nature of the Liquor Licence Amendment process and what the nature of the city's role in it is, noting that it's not a decision of council but of the province, with a number of options available to council towards how they may wish to proceed in the future. He observed how some communities are quite involved, while others choose not to speak to the referrals at all, noting that approvals are the place of the provincial government.
Councillor Forster asked as to how the public could comment on the process should the City step outside of it, the City Manager could not offer guidance towards how the public could address the issue with the province.
After some extensive discussion to the topic, Council supported the motion for the Seal Cove establishment, then asking for a report back from Staff to explain more fully the nature of the provincial process and the options moving forward for Council (see page 150 of Agenda)
( 1:01:32 -1:16:00 ) Report from The Corporate Administrator -- Re: Liquor Licence Amendment for an establishment on Fraser Street. The Port City Spirits file generated much more discussion to the city's decision making process.
Councillor Skelton-Morven observed on some of the commentary that was heard previous in the evening and some of the issues that were raised that he believes were addressed while also noting of some of the socio economic issues.
Councillor Forster also noted of the commentary heard earlier in the evening as well as comments she has received from residents previous.
Councillor Cunningham observed that he was still on the fence on the issue and suggested that the proponents should have a public meeting with the public towards their initiative. He also raised concerns about the proximity of the DayCare facility and the impact of parking on the area, suggesting the need for a closer look at the request for the amendment.
Councillor Randhawa also shared his concerns over the 10 AM opening plans and the issue of parking in the immediate area.
City Manager Rob Buchan was asked to clarify the nature of the request and how the issues of parking are related to it, which he observed was completely different that the liquor licence referral process.
Councillor Forster also asked how much in the way of correspondence that the city received towards the application, the Corporate Administrator observed how there was only one other correspondence related to it.
Councillor Skelton-Morven spoke to some of the challenges that a delay may provide for their initiative holding to the belief that the Council decide on the evening.
After more discussion on the parking issue, Councillor Cunningham noted that with the parking bylaw issues still to be resolved it didn't really make a difference if the Liquor Referral amendment was deferred for two weeks.
Council considering that observation, then chose to postpone the Amendment for Port City Spirits until the next regular meeting, accepting a call from Councillor Forster for staff to extend the comment period, which now will come to a close on May 23rd. Councillor Skelton-Morven was the lone vote against the postponement. (see page 151 of Agenda)
Bylaws
( 1:16:00 -- 1:16:45 ) 2023 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 3517, 2023 -- Council provided fourth and final reading to the City of Prince Rupert Financial Bylaw. Council approved the Plan with no further discussion. (see page 152 - 165 of Agenda)
( 1:16:45 -- 1:19:00 ) 2023 Property Tax Bylaw No. 3518, 2023 -- Council provided for fourth and final reading to the City of Prince Rupert 2023 Property Tax Bylaw. Councillor Forster continued to express her concerns over some hiring plans by staff. Towards the discussion the Mayor observed of the time pressures that the city is under towards ensuring for approval.
Councillor Skelton-Morven observed how he believed the hiring requests were essential. Council then provided for the final reading and approval of the Tax Bylaw. ( see page 166 - 169 of Agenda )
( 1:16:45 -- 1:38:00 ) Report from the Chief Financial Officer Re: Loan Authorization Bylaws No. 3519, 2023 and 3520, 2023 -- Council received the report and introduced First, Second and Third readings to the following Bylaws: Infrastructure Replacement Design Loan Authorization Bylaw and Linear Liquid Waste Infrastructure Replacement Loan Authorization Bylaw.
Towards discussion, Councillor Cuningham asked to the impact of the cost to the residents in dollars.
In reply, Ms. Bomben advised that for the first loan, the expected increases to the Utility Water fund would be 27 dollars, and 23 dollars for the Sewer fund.
For the 40 million dollar loan, she reinforced that staff would be exploring all avenues towards revenue streams to reduce the impact on taxpayers, but if required in a worst case scenario the second impact would be 109 dollar increase in the first year, 163 dollars in the second year and 158 dollars in year three.
The mayor used the analogy of a pre-authorized mortgage and how it provides a demonstration that you can borrow the money, noting that the city believes there are a number of ways that they could reduce the impact and that the CFO's numbers are a worst case scenario.
Councillor Cunningham observed how that would mean over 400 dollar increases to utilities by the third year in the worst case scenario, asking how the City could use any Federal funding received towards that.
The Mayor noted how the city has to show that it can participate in such infrastructure projects to the Federal government.
The City manager further observed that city was pursuing a number of avenues to seek ways to reduce the impact and secure additional revenues.
Council then discussed the options of an Alternative Approval Process or Referendum and how it works for the public to express their concerns. The CFO noting that the city has provide for the first three readings and then for the province to advise before the consultation with the public can begin.
Councillor Randhawa spoke to the need for the loan to access the matching grants to get the infrastructure work underway.
Councillor Cunningham asked for confirmation that the fees increases would be in addition to the regular fees currently in place, something with the CFO confirmed for him.
The Councillor the further observed as to the burden that the city is going to put on the taxpayers.
To provide some context to the discussion, Mayor Pond provided a synopsis of the current funding in place and what the city is looking to access in addition to it towards their water, sewer and road work ahead.
Councillor Skelton-Morven noted of the impacts on the public, while also noting of the assistance of Legacy Inc and CityWest to the community's financial picture,. Stating that the city can't kick the can down the road as hd been done by previous councils, observing of the dangers to the community by not addressing the situation now.
From those final comments, Council then moved the First three readings and set the course ahead towards using the Alternate Approval Process for the community to have their say if they wish on the borrowing plans. (see page 170 - 179 of Agenda )
Business Arising
( 1:38:00 -- 1:42:00 ) Council Round Table and Public Question Period --
Councillor Forster opened the discussion by observing that this is Nurses week and an opportunity to celebrate nurses and thank them for their work in the community. The Mayor shared his own thoughts on the importance of nurses and how the community should celebrate them.
Councillor Skelton-Morven called attention to an upcoming community event to be held at the Legion to celebrate the work of Honour House which offers recovery supports for First Responders.
Mayor Pond recapped some of his work in Victoria on the Resource Benefits Alliance program, along with the recent visits of the first two cruise ships to the community and the presentation of plaques that the city provided to the captains of the vessels.
He also noted of a recent tour of medical students that were in town, there tour took them to area schools and offered the medical students a look at small and rural communities.
He also shared some observations of his attendance at the recent Lions Club celebrations in town.
Adjournment -- The Mayor brought the session to a close with a call to adjourn
You can access our Council Archive for May 8th here, from that page 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.
Council next meets in a Regularly scheduled session on Monday, May 22, 2023
That session starts at 7PM.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
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