MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2006 AT 2:00 PM

IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS

PRESENT:      Mayor McRae, Councillors Chopra, McLeman, Patterson, Solda

                         and Whiteman.  

 EXCUSED:  Mealey

 1.           Call to Order and Adoption of Agenda. 

 Mayor McRae called the meeting to order at 2:00 pm.

 Patterson/Whiteman

That the agenda be adopted as circulated.

Carried

 2.           Departmental Budgets - Operating and Capital

  Ann Hopkins, Director of Finance, advised Council of the annual contribution to the Equipment Replacement Reserve Fund in response to a question arising from a previous meeting.

 The following Managers presented details of reviews of their Departments.

 2.1         Engineering and Public Works Department

               The City Engineer presented the Engineering and Public Works Financial Plan.

 Councillor Chopra requested that staff prepare a report on options for collecting fees from commercial vehicles for use of City streets.

 Councillor McLeman requested that staff prepare a report comparing the costs of leasing vehicles and equipment rather than purchasing.

Mr. Tom Richardson of 1st Avenue expressed concern for the state of roads in his neighbourhood.  He indicated that approximately 25m of sidewalk is a tripping and drainage problem.  He asks the City to resurface this sidewalk.

Mrs. Alexandra Pazitch of 1st Avenue asked if Blue Box Recycling could be established in the City.  The City Engineer indicated that improvements to recycling are being contemplated.  The City intends to work with the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District.  The City Engineer stated that Blue Box recycling is an expensive option.

Mrs. Alexandra Pazitch asked that the City establish bus shelters to encourage increased transit use.  The City Engineer stated that this would be reviewed with the service provider.

Ms. Gillian Shearwater of Angus Street asked if Federal / Provincial Green Funds could be used for alternative road services that reused materials like old tires.  The City Engineer said that this was unlikely.

 Mr. David Whitworth of Mar Street stated that  recycling will reduce garbage disposal costs.  It will not make money but must be considered for its benefit at reducing waste.

2.2         Parks and Recreations Department

 The Director of Parks and Recreation presented the Financial Plan for the Department.

In response to a question from the Mayor, whether the City was required to have a boat ramp, the Director of Parks and Recreation explained that the City has two, one at the Alberni Harbour Quay and the other at Clutesi Haven Marina.

 In response to a question from Council, the Director of Parks and Recreation indicated that the two recently created programmer positions have been successful in increasing revenues for the Department.

 2.3         Human Resources Department

 The Manager of Human Resources presented an overview of training and education.  She discussed the role of apprenticeships in response to a question of Council.

3.           Adjournment

Patterson/Solda

That the meeting terminate at 5:00 pm.

Carried