The Corporation of the City of Grand Forks

Regular Meeting of Council

MINUTES

Meeting #:
R-2023-07
Date:
-
Location:
7217 - 4th Street, City Hall Council Chambers
Present:
  • Mayor Everett Baker
  • Councillor Zak Eburne-Stoodley
  • Councillor Neil Krog
  • Councillor Deborah Lafleur
  • Councillor David Mark
  • Councillor Christine Thompson
  • Councillor Rod Zielinski
Staff:
  • Duncan Redfearn - Chief Administrative Officer
  • Daniel Drexler - Corporate Officer
  • Kevin McKinnon - Deputy Corporate Officer
  • Kirsty Faramin - Corp./IT Services Assistant
  • Juliette Rhodes - Chief Financial Officer
  • Dolores Sheets - Manager of Development & Engineering Services
  • Adriana Cameron
  • Graham Watt - Manager of Strategic Initiatives
  • David Bruce - Manager of Inspection & Bylaw Services
  • Justin Dinsdale - Manager of Capital Projects
  • Ben Stevens - Project Manager, Flood Mitigation Program

GALLERY


Mayor Baker called the May 8, 2023, Regular Meeting to order at 12:48 pm.

May 8, 2023, Regular Meeting agenda

  • Resolution #:R112/23/05/08

    THAT Council adopts the May 8, 2023, Regular Meeting agenda as presented.

    Carried

March 27, 2023 Regular Meeting minutes


April 17, 2023, Regular Meeting minutes


April 25, 2023, Special Meeting minutes

  • Resolution #:R113/23/05/08

    THAT Council adopts the March 27, 2023 and April 17, 2023, Regular Meeting minutes as presented; and the April 25, 2023 Special Meeting minutes as presented.

    Carried

Councillors and Council's Representative to the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary

Councillor Thompson presented her written report as submitted.

Councillor Lafleur presented her written report as submitted.

Councillor Mark presented his report and commended the City, Staff and community for the flood response.

Councillor Eburne - Stoodley presented his report and mentioned:

  • he attended the AKBLG
  • the Coronation of King Charles III
  • commended the Staff and community for the flood response

Councillor Krog presented his report and discussed the following:

  • Staff scheduled to meet with Drag Race organizers and airport stakeholders
  • upcoming summer events for Gallery 2

Mayor Baker presented his report, and discussion ensued regarding:

  • the successful preventive measures in response to freshet 
  • overwhelming support from all levels of government and surrounding communities
  • the sandbagging efforts by volunteer and forestry firefighters, high school students and other community groups
  • had signed the emergency orders and evacuation letters for residents
  • praised open and transparent communication with the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB)
    • DMAF project was a success and in action; the downtown core was operational throughout the event
    • Bowenn Ma, Minister of Emergency and Preparedness, used Grand Forks as a successful example
    • attended the Area District Services Meeting discussion included:
      • Animal Control is a service, and a contract is through to the RDKB
      • Boundary Transit Service is seeking support from the Provincial levels

Council unanimously agreed to allow Area 'D' Director Wiese to participate in discussions at the Regular Meeting.

  • Resolution #:R114/23/05/08

    THAT all reports by members of Council and Council's Representative on the activities of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary be received.

    Carried
  • Resolution #:R115/23/05/08

    THAT Area 'D' Director Wiese of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary can participate in discussions at the May 8, 2023, Regular Meeting.

    Carried

The written reports that members of Council submitted.

Councillor Lafleur and Councillor Thompson presented their reports as submitted.

GF Citizens on Patrol

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) introduced the item, and a discussion ensued regarding:

  • the use of a City-owned vehicle with the Citizens On Patrol logo
  • potential reimbursements for fuel costs
  • storing the vehicle at the RCMP station rather than at Public Works
  • Council directed Staff to draft and execute an agreement with the Citizens On Patrol
  • Resolution #:R116/23/05/08

    THAT Council instructs Staff to draft and execute an agreement with the Citizens on Patrol group regarding the use of a City vehicle, to include the following:

    • gas card or another method for fueling as approved by Staff
    • maintenance and insurance responsibilities – by the City
    • 5-year maximum term
    • allow COP signage to be placed on the vehicle
    Carried

Boundary Barnstormers R/C Flying Club

The CAO introduced the item, and discussion ensued:

  • comfortable with the use of Dick Bartlett Park
  • encouraged the group to utilize the event request process to avoid conflict use of the airport and Dick Bartlett Park 
  • any additional costs would be the group's responsibility
  • Council directed Staff to draft an agreement with specific terms
  • Resolution #:R116/23/05/08

    THAT Council instructs Staff to work with the Boundary Barnstormers RC Flying Club to satisfy all Transport Canada requirements regarding the use of the Dick Bartlett Park and any additional costs to be borne by the group.

    Carried
  • Resolution #:R117/23/05/08

    THAT Council instructs Staff to draft and execute an agreement with the Boundary R/C Model Flying Club regarding the use of the airport with the following principles:

    • Flying times to be provided by Staff based on recommendations from qualified professional
    • Other events and airport uses must be considered
    • Insurance requirements, City listed as additional insured
    • Term: 3 years + optional 2 year renewal by Council
    • Satisfy all Transport Canada requirements

    and THAT Staff work with the group on Transport Canada requirements and risk assessments, with additional costs (if required) to be borne by the group

    Carried

Development & Planning

The Mayor introduced the item and discussion ensued:

  • to increase occupancy to 70 persons at the establishment
  • the owner made necessary changes suggested by engineer
  • Resolution #:R118/23/05/08

    THAT Council approve the comments made in this report to be sent to the LCRB regarding an application for an amendment to a liquor primary licence to increase the person capacity for The Bar + Kitchen, located at 7319 2nd Street.

    Opposed (1)Zielinski
    Carried

Development & Planning

The Mayor introduced this item, and discussion ensued:

  • zoned as R2 lot but was sold to a new developer
  • new owner is looking to incorporate strata to sell each unit individually, potentially
  • Resolution #:R119/23/05/08

    THAT Council approve Strata Plan EPS6565 for strata conversion of 2680 75th Avenue, for land legally described as Lot 2 District Lot 520 Similkameen Division Yale District Plan EPP99198;

    AND THAT as per Policy 1502 Strata Title Conversion Policy, Council delegate the authority to sign the “Endorsement by Approving Authority” and the final signing approval of the strata plans to the Approving Officer provided the applicant meets the required terms and conditions as detailed in this report, within one year of approval.

    Carried

Corporate Services

Mayor Baker introduced the item and discussion ensued:

  • Councillor Thompson was appointed as the Liaison to the committee
  • Councillor Lafleur would be an alternate if needed
  • Resolution #:R121/23/05/08

    THAT Council establish the Accessibility Advisory Committee as outlined in the attached Terms of Reference;
    AND THAT Council appoint Councillor Thompson to the Committee as a voting member and Council’s Liaison.

    Carried

9.

 

Development and Planning

The Mayor introduced the item, and discussion ensued:

  • concerned whether the access road is public or a forest road (gazetted)
  • Staff engaged with legal counsel to anticipate this potential need
  • Resolution #:R122/23/05/08

    THAT Council give third reading to Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2039-A28.

    Carried

Development and Planning

The Mayor introduced the item and no further clarification was needed by Council.

  • Resolution #:R123/23/05/08

    THAT Council give first and second reading to Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2039-A29.

    Carried

Financial Services

Mayor Baker introduced the item and no further clarification was needed by Council.

  • Resolution #:R124/23/05/08

    THAT Council gives first three readings to the Reserve Fund Establishment Bylaw No. 2099.

    Carried

Financial Services

Mayor Baker introduced the item and no further clarification was needed by Council.

  • Resolution #:R125/23/05/08

    THAT Council gives final reading to the 2023 Tax Rates Bylaw, No. 2100.

    Carried

None.

The CAO introduced the item and discussion ensued:

  • Council's intent was captured
  • Council approved the strategic priorities as the plan is written
    • Strategic Plan items will now be included on agendas on a regular basis
  • Resolution #:R126/23/05/08

    THAT Council approves the 2023-2024 Strategic Plan as presented.

    Carried
  • ​​

    Resolution #:R127/23/05/08

    THAT Council convene an In-Camera Meeting as outlined under Section 90 of the Community Charter to discuss matters in a closed meeting which are subject to Section 90 (1)

    (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality; and

    (g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality.

    Carried

The May 8, 2023, Regular Meeting was adjourned at 1:45

  • Resolution #:R128/23/05/08

    THAT the May 8, 2023, Regular Meeting be adjourned.

    Carried
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