MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
HELD MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2006 AT 1:00 PM
IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRESENT: Mayor McRae, Councillors Chopra, McLeman, Mealey, Patterson, Solda
and Whiteman.
Patterson/Mealey
That the agenda be adopted as circulated with the addition of a delegation regarding a residence at 4135 Hollywood Street.
Carried
2. Delegation
Wilma Landry of 4141 Hollywood Street and Eileen Burrard of 4149 Hollywood Street spoke to Council regarding an infestation of rats in the residence at 4135 Hollywood Street. They requested that the City take action to rid the home of rodents. The City Clerk advised Council that a report will be brought forward at the next regular meeting of Council regarding this matter.
3. Line by line review of Draft 2006-2010 Financial Plan Working Paper and action arising from review.
Council reviewed the 2006 - 2010 Five Year Financial Plan line by line.
The following outlines the public questions and the actions directed by Council.
The City is to write to Canada Post regarding the state of the two post office buildings and request that they undertake the necessary upgrades and improvements to properly maintain the buildings.
Staff are directed to seek possible grants to help fund the proposed Bob Daily Stadium track surface replacement planned for 2010.
In response to a question from Mr. David Whitworth, the Director of Parks and Recreation explained that revenues for recreational facilities have been adjusted from previous years to reflect a decrease in anticipated rentals.
In response to a question from the public regarding Federal Gas Tax Revenue Transfers, the City Manager explained that the City is required to show an incremental increase to capital works. The Mayor explained that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities will be discussing eliminating this condition for smaller communities.
Mrs. Alexandra Pazitch requested that the City reduce its cost of other common services by implementing modern technology to reduce the costs of paper and copying. She also proposed that the City reduce its training and development budget.
The Mayor requested a report from the Fire Chief in response to the proposal from the Tax Rates forum that the Fire Department become a volunteer service.
In response to a question from Mrs. Alexandra Pazitch, the City Manager explained that the increase in the animal pound operation expenditure was to account for rising costs and to address the stray cat problem which was not part of the previous contract for service.
The City Manager is to provide a report to Council outlining the use of supervisory vehicles within the City and explaining the need for City vehicles and the cost for alternatives.
The City Engineer was asked to explore the possibility of sharing equipment and infrastructure with Catalyst Paper Corporation.
Mrs. Alexandra Pazitch proposed that the City secure volunteers to erect Christmas lights and the cost saving be spent on increased street lighting to improve public safety.
The Director of Finance was requested to prepare a report describing the funding and cost sharing agreement for public transit.
Staff were requested to investigate initiatives of other communities to amalgamate school bus and local transit services.
The Director of Parks and Recreation was requested to prepare a report regarding the viability of the park fieldhouses, the future of Gyro Youth Centre, the identification of potential surplus parks for the City to sell and the possibility of increasing Glenwood Centre rental revenues.
The Museum Director was requested to prepare a report explaining the practicality of charging admission at the Alberni Valley Museum.
Mrs. Alexandra Pazitch proposed that the City's contribution to the McLean Mill be reduced to $200,000 and that each year it be further reduced by $50,000 until it is faded out.
4. Adjournment
Mealey/Patterson
That the meeting be adjourned until 1:00 pm Monday, March 27, 2006 at which time Council will continue with its line by line review of the draft Five Year Financial Plan.
Carried