With a piece of rusting water pipe as a table setting, noted by the Mayor as a reminder of Council's singular focus on infrastructure, Mr. Pond and the Six members of Council dug into the work of their final quarter for 2023 on Tuesday night, two of the councillors, Forster and Skelton-Morven participating by remote video on the night.
Towards that work from the near hour and a half session, the first since a majority of the group attended the UBCM convention in September, the items on the to do list included some of the following.
The Consent Agenda which featured a few of items of note, from the monthly Fire/Rescue report and civic financial variance report to progress for the Situation Table and a letter from Housing Minister Ravi Khalon on the recent provincial homeless report.
Council also received reports on approval for the Airport Ferry refit program, plans for ship breaking operations in the Industrial park, the latest momentum for a housing project on Hays Cove at Frederick and a larger Report on the City's Housing Action Pan.
Some bylaw work and a lengthy period for councillor topics brought the night to a close.
The Agenda for Regular session can be reviewed here.
The Notice of the Closed 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: Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Mayor Herb Pond -- Present
Councillor Nick Adey -- Present
Councillor Barry Cunningham -- Present
Councillor Teri Forster -- Present by Zoom
Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven -- Present by Zoom
Councillor Wade Niesh -- Present
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa -- Present
Video Archive for Tuesday October 10, 2023
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REGULAR SESSION OF CITY COUNCIL
( 0:00 -- unknown ) Adoption of Agenda
Much of the opening of the Council session was broadcast without audio until the 3:45 minute of the proceedings.
( unknown ) Public Comments regarding Agenda items -- No members of the public came forward on the night to make comment. Audio problems
( 3:45 -- 6:30 ) Consent Agenda
Council review of minutes from October 10th Session
Report from the Fire Chief: Monthly Fire/Rescue Report September 2023 (see pages 8-9 of Agenda)
Report from Chief Financial Office: August 2023 Financial Variance Report (see pages 10-15 of Agenda)
Report from Planning: Community Planning Activity Report for September (see pages 16 - 17 of Agenda)
Report from Planning Re Development Activity Report for September (see pages 17 - 19 of Agenda)
Report from Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development and Victims Services Manger: Update on Situation Table Programme roll out (see pages 19 - 21 of Agenda)
Report from Minister of Housing: Ravi Kahlon Re: Prince Rupert -2023 Homeless Count (see page 22 -25 of Agenda)
Recommendation
Council Council then accepted and filed all items of the Consent Agenda. Councillor
Staff Reports
( 6:30 -- 11:00 ) Report from Director of Economic Development and Transportation Re: Digby Island Ferry 2024 Refit - Award -- Council received a report with recommendation to award the Ferry refit work to Point Hope Maritime. Responding to questions from Councillor Cunningham on the budge towards the work ahead and cost of travel for the ferry. Mr. Venditelli outlined that the budget cost is only for the dry-docking and does not include the costs incurred from travel. CFO Corinne Bomben advised that the later cost of the travel and replacement of the ferry during its refit would be outlined later this fall.
Councillor Adey asked towards the length of time for the out of service vessel, Mr. Venditelli estimated that it would be at least fifty days from departure to return, noting that the city had yet to finalize its plans for the replacement option for that period of time. (see pages 26-27 of Agenda)
( 11:00 -- 13:00 ) Report from Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development: Re; Update Design Recommendations for Replacement of City Flag -- Council received a report with recommendation towards the in house created designs of a new civic flag.
The communications director advised the Mayor as to the audio trouble to that point, noting his microphone may have been muted.
Made aware of that Mr. Pond, paused on the agenda for a moment and then relayed some of his opening remarks related to the passing of Barb Gruber, providing a testimonial to her community spirit and the sense of loss for the community.
Retiring to the theme of the report, the Mayor then conducted a poll of council members towards the three flag designs. Following the poll Council chose version C as the new civic flag (see pages 28 - 31 of Agenda)
( 13:00 -- 18:00 )Report from Planning: Development Variance Permit #23-21 -- Council received a report with recommendation to proceed to Statutory Notification for the property at Hays Cove and Frederick proposed for an apartment development.
In follow up discussion, Council Adey recounted some of the previous concerns from the public related to the site in question. He reviewed some of the previous applications for variance for the lot previously and the controversy generated, noting that the concerns from residents of the area should be respected.
From that he offered up that he assumed that the previous work council did on the question would be the new starting point, an observation that the Mayor noted wasn't reasonable to assume, though acknowledging that many of those previous elements could come forward again with the new notification.
Councillor Cunningham also spoke to the previous challenges in providing notification to areas residents on the process, stating that he would like to make sure that all of those notifications are received by those who need to get them.
City Manager Rob Buchan observed that notices would be distributed as per the act, though he noted there was no way to guaranteed that those notices would be read. Council then voted to carry the motion forward. (see pages 32 - 52 of Agenda)
( 18:00 -- 31:00 ) Report from Planning: Temporary Use Permit #22-03 - 191 Metlakatla Road -- Council received a report with recommendation to proceed to Statutory Notification towards the renewal of the permit to allow for ship breaking on the property in question.
Corporate Administrate Rosa Miller who was participating in the session by remote means advised that the Agenda description was wrong, and that notification had taken place and that the vote on the evening was to approve or not approve the permit.
From that Councillor Adey asked if there had been any comments received related to the permit extension request.
Ms. Miller outlined that one response had been received after the deadline, that in opposition to the TUP, with concerns related to dismantling of vessels in the harbour. Director of planning Pope provided additional context to the nature of the opposition.
Mr. Adey then followed up that the lack of information on the full commentary in opposition made for a decision hard to come to. Suggesting that the motion be tabled until further information was provided, asking if such a delay would deliver a problem for the enterprise being considered.
He was advised that if there was a delay it would result in a delay to the work, The City Manager then suggest that Ms. Miller provide a synopsis of the nature of the comments of opposition.
Councillor Adey reiterated that on principle, Council should wait until they have a chance to review the full information.
The Mayor noted that he respected the principle and observed that Council could call a Special Session to address the topic further once all had received the necessary information.
Councillor Niesh noted that as it was a Temporary use permit approved previously, it should be considered a continuation to finish the job.
Councillor Cunningham reminded Council of his past concerns related to the process of ship breaking asking if it was privately owned land, leased land or public land and if there is any plan to monitor the work for any pollution.
Ms. Pope noted that she believed the applicant was leasing the land and that her understanding of the regulations is that there should be some environmental monitoring taking place. She noted that she would have to return to Council with more information to answer the question fully.
Councillor Forster asked about the comment received and how late it was in the process that it was delivered, she was advised that it had come five days after the deadline.
The Councillor also asked about the nature of the information attached to the concerns, Ms,. Pope advised that the item in question had been an article from the publication the Tyee which outlined background to the ship breaking issue.
Councillor Adey's motion to postpone the approval process to the next meeting was defeated, as for the main motion to move forward with the renewal of the permit that vote was passed with the Mayor casting the deciding vote from a split council.
That also gave the Mayor opportunity to provide a tutorial on how the Mayor votes on Council issues, Mr. Pond then advising that contrary to some public perception, the Mayor always votes on the items in front of Council, not just in the case of tie breaking scenarios. (see pages 32 - 52 of Agenda)
( 31:00 -- 44:00 ) Report from Director of Development Services and Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development: Re: Housing Accelerator Fund - Housing Action Plan -- Council received a report with recommendation to adopt the Housing Acceleration Action Plan.
Prior to council discussion, City manager Buchan noted of the considerable effort from both Director Pope and Manager Stewart.
Observing of the Housing Minister's letter earlier in the evening, he outlined how in order to apply for the available 10 million dollars in funding for housing, the city will need to have such a plan in place. He highlighted that if adopted and if the city were successful in accessing that 10 million dollars they would be able to move housing forward in a significant way, once again commending staff for the work.
In discussion Councillor Adey provided for his full support for the plan noting how it ties together many of the city's housing initiatives, he also echoed the commendation for staff's work.
He then observed of a conversation he recently had with a neighbour on a home expansion in his neighbourhood; he recounted that she was most concerned about the lack of information provided to area neighbours related to the work that was done.
From that anecdote, he highlighted how the document may better serve transparency and communication with the public. Mr. Adey also noted that the document would still require engagement with the public through Council on issues of bylaws amendments, observing how the plan is a package of directions.
Councillor Skelton Morven also spoke in favour of the document, giving credit to the rock star members of staff in developing it. He outlined some of the elements of the plan and how it would better inform those who may not be able to attend Council sessions.
He also highlighted how the plan will assist the city towards advocacy for all segments of society, recounting the past council terms and how public discussion had become combative over decisions that council had made related to housing.
Councillor Niesh, asked for some clarification on the nature of current incentives set to expire and if there is a plan to extend them.
Director Pope advised that they would be returning to council to consider any budget impacts and other elements. That process has still to be determined as to when the resolution would come forward.
Councillor Cunningham noted of the importance of the incentive program, as well as to follow up on Councillor Skelton-Morven's observations noting of the lack of seniors housing and affordable housing, areas that he observed the city has ignored.
That gave opportunity for Councillor Skelton-Morven to speak to the issue of Nimbyism in Prince Rupert and how to address the issues in the community the Council will have to face the topic and to represent the community as a whole.
Councillor Forster outlined the volume of youth homelessness in the community and hailed the report for how it addresses such issues in the community. She also noted the homeless study and the letter from the Minster suggesting that the public review those items as well.
Following her comments, Council then voted to accept the Report. (see pages 61 - 78 of Agenda)
( 44:00 -- 46:30 ) Late Agenda Item, raising of Totem and request for use of Civic Centre -- The City Manager Rob Buchan provided the background to the request from the Indian Residential School Survivors Society for a grant and use of the Civic Centre.
The civic grant for rental of the Gymnasium would be for 5,800 dollars to offset the cost, a process that the City Manager outlined how it would be considered a flow through for the City, as the gym had not been rented for the period requested.
Mayor Pond outlined that the pole raising was to take place on Saturday October 21st, with the pole which is similar to one now in place in Terrace to be raised at Galloway Rapids pullout. Shuttles will be used to take people from Civic Centre to the site and then to return to the Civic Centre for the feast.
The Mayor noted that more information on the event is available on social media.
The motion was approved by Council
Bylaws
( 46:30 -- 47:00 ) City of Prince Rupert Reserve Fund Amendment Bylaw -- Council was asked to provide first, second and third readings to the Reserve Fund Amendment Bylaw, the request is related to the provincial funding received from the province in March of 2023. The motion was passed wit no discussion from Council. (see pages 79 - 86 of Agenda)
( 47:00 -- 51:00 ) City of Prince Rupert Infrastructure Replacement Design Temporary borrowing bylaw and Linear Liquid Waste infrastructure replacement temporary borrowing bylaw -- Council was asked to provide first, second and third readings to the two Temporary borrowing Bylaws. The CFO observed that the two bylaws were separate items.
The Mayor provided some background towards the borrowing plans, with Councillor Cunningham reminding him to remind the public, that these are not new loans but approval of the borrowing process that took place over the summer.
Mr Pond then observed how the process was all part of the larger infrastructure funding which the city is awaiting federal funding towards,; the Mayor direction attention to a piece of pipe on the table in the Chamber. An item which he described as the symbol of infrastructure as their main focus.
Councillor Niesh offered up an anecdote about the Alternate Approval borrowing debate of the summer and how he had provided additional information to one opponent, the main organizer of the opposition to the measure, observing that he believes he may have helped to inform that opponent better on the issue.
Council approved both Bylaws up for discussion (see pages 87 - 92 of Agenda)
( 51:00 -- 52:00 ) Late Agenda Item, Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw fourth and final reading -- Council repealed the previous bylaw and had no discussion towards the new bylaws approving it.
( 28:00 -- 29:30 ) Business Arising
Council Round Table and Public Question Period
Councillor Adey led off the final portion of the night, first outlining his thoughts on the recent UBCM conference, observing of the enormous number of opportunities it offered for discussion on many issues with other municipal and provincial leaders.
From his time in Vancouver he noted that Prince Rupert is facing many problems that other communities are facing, though in some cases the city is facing them in different ways and in different circumstances,
Of note towards those he observed on housing issues and the scope of difference between communities.
He recounted the discussion on the Forest Fire Season, provision of community services such as health and policing and housing. The councillor noting how those issues had dominated many of the resolutions.
He also spoke to the many opportunities to speak to provincial ministers.
On other themes, he paid tribute to the work of Christine White who previously was involved with the North Coast Transition Society, she has since moved on to a new opportunity, Mr. Adey highlighted her work in the community and the impact that she made in Prince Rupert, noting of a tribute for her on the NCTS social media stream.
The third item for the Councillor was to ask about the Fourth Avenue stairway plans and what the city had in mind towards that issue. Towards that topic Director Richard Pucci noted that the city has cleared some of the debris and now have to go back in determine any geotechnical issues with a report to be finalized in the next few days, a final report he anticipates to come soon.
Councillor Cunningham's commentary echoed the tribute from Councillor Adey to the work of Christine White and the impact of her work for the community.
He also noted of a meeting that Council and staff had on the state of Rose's and the Angus Apartments, also noting that there are issues to be found in many other areas of town.
In response, Director Miller outlined that the city is working on the demolition permit for Rose's which should see some activity within the next few weeks. To the topic of the Angus Apartments it was the subject of Tax Sale with the city now in the process of completing that transfer to the name of the city at which time the clean up will take place as well.
As for a wider clean up around town, she observed that some of the residential properties on the list that are in estate processes which requires additional work for the city, Ms. Miller advised that the community should she progress by the end of the year.
Mayor Pond spoke to the topic, noting how it's issue for the community and how some suggest you would never see such situations in communities like Vancouver, the Mayor observed in the discrepancy in tax base, property values and incentives to redevelop properties such as those that are in poor shape or not being used.
He observed that when dealing with property rights the City has to be observant of all the legalities required otherwise the taxpayers of Prince Rupert would be on the hook for it.
Councillor Randhawa returned to the UBCM convention and how he found it valuable to learn how other communities are dealing with issues, the also paid tribute to civic staff for their work at UBCM.
Councillor Skelton-Morven spoke to the upcoming Totem Pole raising, providing some additional background towards the project, and offering his thanks to Council for their support for the grant towards the October 21st event.
The councillor also advised to his Current health situation noting he will be away until later this month.
Councillor Forster echoed the comments on the totem pole and how it serves Truth and Reconciliation in the community and how is can be uncomfortable as a settler to seek and understand the hard work required.
On UBCM she outlined how she had been inspired by the weeklong event and how the Prince Rupert delegation could learn from other communities towards the issues we face. She also observed how the city's delegation had sparked significant discussion on the city's water infrastructure situation.
She also noted that now as a member of Council she has a better understanding of the issues that once had frustrated her as a citizen.
Councillor Skelton Morven returned to the discussion to speak to the work of Council at UBCM and recounted the words of former Mayor Lee Brain when it comes to the size in numbers of those delegations that the city sends, observing of the former mayor's analogy of how "you can't catch any fish if your boat never leaves the harbour'
From that he outlined how the city delegation being front and centre and being seen was important to get the city's message out to those who need to hear it.
On UBCM Councillor Cunningham observed of the work of Staff and MLA Jennifer Rice which assisted the elected officials during their time in Vancouver.
All of those commentaries gave Mayor Pond opportunity to offer his own review of the UBCM convention, first with some background on what the convention is about each year and how it offers smaller communities equal voice of that of a larger community.
Mr. Pond also provided a tutorial of sorts on the work of UBCM and what communities can gain from the annual convention and access that it offers to provincial cabinet ministers, providing for another opportunity to pay tribute to the work of staff to help the civic officials get across their message on infrastructure.
The Mayor also spoke on themes such as the Resource Benefits Alliance, as well how he had given all council members a cheat sheet to make use of at the convention to speak to the Prince Rupert issues; recounting the success of the councillors and staff and how they rose to the occasion of gaining access to officials.
Mr Pond declaring how he will never apologize for the fact that the city spends a lot of taxpayer money to get the team into expensive hotels, to be in the right place so that the city can be on the floor doing that work.
The Mayor noting that if it brings home tens of millions of dollars that simply would not come otherwise it's worth it and worth it in spades.
From that he addressed themes from Social media coverage of his trip to UBCM, to Ketchikan and with the Camber of Commerce and how the issue of potential evacuation of the city owing to water issues was not a new discussions point, but something he's delivered before.
He then observed as to how today the water system still loses 40 percent of its flow which disappears overnight through cracks and seams, tying that towards the push for additional funding and how if the water issue is not resolved there would be significant impact on residents and the industrial footprint.
The mayor noting for Council that he's not saying that the city came within 45 minutes of evacuating the city, but 45 minutes of an event, that might well have led to a full scale evacuation of the city and that people need to understand that.
To that he outlined that there is nothing more important that the city council is working on at the moment, than the water infrastructure, which he noted was why he had the piece of pipe on display at Council on the night.
To wrap up the night, the Mayor made note and praised the recent campaign of Councillor Skelton Marvin in the recent Metlakatla First Nation elections. Mr, Pond also paid tribute to the success of Robert Nelson who was elected as Chief Councillor for the First Nation community in that election.
Wishing him and his council success and noting how the city looks forward to working with them and all of the First Nation councils in the region.
Councillor Skelton-Morven thanked the Mayor for his comments, as well as to note of the work of former Chief Councillor Harold Leighton and highlighting the strong success of women in the Metlakatla election.
Adjournment -- With no other council members speaking to the round table the Mayor then brought the Council session to a close.
You can access our Council Archive for October 10 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 for their Regularly scheduled session, set to take place on Monday, October 23. 2023
That session starts at 7PM.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
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