THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF VERNON

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL

Monday, January 27, 2025 at 8:40 A.m. - 9:40 A.m.

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER

3400 30 Street, Vernon BC

Mayor and Council Members Present:

• Mayor V. Cumming
• T. Durning
• K. Fehr
• K. Gares
• B. Guy
• A. Mund
• B. Quiring

Administration Present:

• P. Weeber, Chief Administrative Officer
• D. Lind, Chief, Fire Rescue Services
• E. Hamming, Director, Financial Services
• J. Rice, Director, Operation Services
• K. Poole, Director, Corporate Administration
• T. Barton, Director, Planning and Community Services
• S. Wood, Corporate Officer
• C. Isles, Deputy Corporate Officer
• C. Broderick, Approving Officer
• J. Winquist, Communications Officer
• K. McCarty, Specialist, Climate Action
• M. Faucher, Acting Manager, Long Range Planning and Sustainability
• M. Austin, Current Planner
• R. Nuriel, General Manager, City Planning
• J. Hewitt, Manager, Communications and Grants
• L. Price, Manager, Parks Projects and Community Initiatives

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1.

CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER

Mayor Cumming called the meeting to order at 8:40 am.

As Mayor of the City of Vernon, and in the spirit of this gathering, I recognize the City of Vernon is located in the traditional territory of the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation.

1.a

Move to Committee of the Whole

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Mund

  THAT Council move to the Committee of the Whole meeting.

  CARRIED

2.

RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING AND RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING

Mayor Cumming reconvened the Regular Meeting at 10:28 am and requested a motion to move to In Camera.

• Moved by: Councillor Durning
  Seconded by: Councillor Fehr

  THAT the meeting be closed to the public in accordance with Section 90 (1) of the Community Charter as follows:

  (c) labour relations or other employee relations; 

  (d) the security of the property of the municipality; 

  (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;

  (g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality; and

  (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.

  CARRIED

3.

RECONVENE TO OPEN COUNCIL AT 1:30 PM

Mayor Cumming reconvened the Regular Open meeting at 12:07 pm. and recessed until 1:34 pm.

As Mayor of the City of Vernon, and in the spirit of this gathering, I recognize the City of Vernon is located in the traditional territory of the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation.

3.a

Agenda

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT the Regular Council Meeting Agenda of January 27, 2025 be adopted.

  CARRIED

3.b

Adoption of Minutes and Receipt of Committee of the Whole

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT the Regular Council Meeting Minutes of January 13, 2025 be adopted;

  AND FURTHER, that the Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of January 13, 2025 be received.

  CARRIED

4.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

5.

GENERAL MATTERS

6.

COUNCIL INQUIRIES

Council requested an administration update in regards to the congestion and speed at the intersection of 48 Avenue (Silverstar Road) and Pleasant Valley Road; the potential visibility issues with traffic exiting the Butcher Boys parking lot; and when the additional speed signs were installed in the area. 

7.

ADMINISTRATION UPDATES

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Mund

  THAT Council receive the Administration Updates dated January 27, 2025 for information.

  CARRIED

8.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

9.

MATTERS REFERRED

9.a

Ratified from the Committee of the Whole meeting held January 27, 2025

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Council ratifies and confirms the following resolutions adopted at the January 27, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting of Council:

  THAT Council receive for information the memorandum titled "Official Community Plan Technical Studies - Environmental Mapping and State of Natural Assets Reports" dated January 13, 2025, and respectfully submitted by the Specialist, Climate Action;
  AND FURTHER, that Council support, in principle, the management recommendations, as outlined in the Environmentally Sensitive Area Mapping Study dated January 13, 2025, and prepared by Ecoscape Environmental, for consideration within the draft Official Community Plan.

  CARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council ratifies and confirms the following resolutions adopted at the January 27, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting of Council:

  THAT Council direct Administration to prepare an implementation strategy with respect to the proposed Environmental Development Permit requirements that are being considered within the draft Official Community Plan.

  CARRIED

9.b

Declassified motion from the In Camera meeting held January 27, 2025

THAT Council receive for information the memorandum titled "Managed Cyber Security Solution" dated January 20, 2025 and respectfully submitted by Manager, Information Services;

AND FURTHER, that Council authorize the 2025 purchase of a Managed Detection and Response Solution at a cost of $85,000 funded from the Information Services Reserve;

AND FURTHER, that Council grant early budget approval for a Managed Detection and Response Solution in the 2026 Information Services budget at an annual cost of $85,000;

AND FURTHER, that Council declassify the resolution. 

10.

NEW BUSINESS

10.a

UBCM Community Resilience Investment Program - 2024 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports (1855-20)

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Fehr

  THAT Council receive the memorandum titled "UBCM Community Resiliency Investment Program - 2024 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports", dated January 15, 2025 and respectfully submitted by the FireSmart Coordinator;

  AND FURTHER, that Council authorize the expenditure of the 2025 allocated $200,000 grant, funded entirely from the UBCM Community Resiliency Investment Program - FireSmart Community Funding & Supports, for the 2024 FireSmart Community Resilience Project(s).

  CARRIED

10.b

Official Community Plan and Rezoning Amendments for a Portion of 8800 Rising View Way (3340-20)

Councillor Quiring declared a conflict of interest for both items 10.b and 10.c as the applicants are clients of his firm, MQN Architects, and left the meeting at 1:51 pm. 

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council support, in principle, Official Community Plan Application OCP00099 to redesignate a portion of Lot A, Plan EPP19505, Section 6, Township 8, ODYD and Section 32, Township 9 (portion of 8800 Rising View Way) from PARK and HRES (Hillside Residential) to TCOM (Tourist Commercial) as outlined in the report titled “Official Community Plan and Rezoning Amendments for a portion of 8800 Rising View Way” dated December 15, 2024 and respectfully submitted by the Approving Officer;

  AND FURTHER, that Council support, in principle, rezoning application ZON00399 to rezone a portion of Lot A, Plan EPP19505, Section 6, Township 8, ODYD and Section 32, Township 9 (portion of 8800 Rising View Way) from PANS (Parks and Natural Spaces) and RTH (Resort Tourist Housing) to RCC (Resort Commercial Centre) as outlined in the report titled “Official Community Plan and Rezoning Amendments for a portion of 8800 Rising View Way” dated December 15, 2024 and respectfully submitted by the Approving Officer;

  AND FURTHER, as per the Local Government Act, in addition to the referral to relevant agencies already completed as part of the application review process, that Council has considered appropriate consultation opportunities for OCP00099 and ZON00399 and supports the following consultation opportunities in addition to the statutory public hearing:

  1. Referral to the City of Vernon Advisory Planning Committee for review and a recommendation to Council;
  2. The applicant hosting of a Public Open House; and
  3. That feedback from the above noted input opportunities be summarized and brought forward for Council’s consideration upon presentation of amending Bylaws for First and Second Readings; 

  AND FURTHER, that adoption of the OCP and zoning amendment Bylaws is subject to:

  1. The required Environmental and Hillside Development Permit be ready for issuance; and 
  2. The required conceptual servicing agreement be in place. 
  CARRIED

10.c

Zoning Amendment Application for 3605 12 Street (3360-20)

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council support Zoning Application ZON00425 to rezone the portion of Lot 1, Sec. 2, TP 8, ODYD, Plan KAP76994, Except Plan KAP84405 (3605 12 Street) located east of 11 Street from CMTY - Community to MUS - Multi-Unit: Small Scale as outlined in the report titled "Zoning Amendment Application for 3605 12 Street" dated January 15, 2025 and respectfully submitted by the Senior Planner, Current Planning. 

  CARRIED
• Councillor Quiring returned at 2:09 pm. 

10.d

Kin Race Track Park - Planning Update (6140-20)

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council direct Administration to develop a site improvement plan for the Kin Race Track Lands and bring back for consideration as outlined in the report titled "Kin Race Track Park - Planning Update" dated January 2, 2025 and respectfully submitted by the Manager, Park Projects and Community Initiatives;

  AND FURTHER, that Council authorize funding to a maximum of $100,000 from the Kin Race Track Park Reserve for the development of a Site Improvement Plan as a passive park on the Kin Race Track property located at 3485 43rd Avenue. 

   

  Opposed (2)

  Councillor Gares, and Councillor Mund

  CARRIED (5 to 2)

10.e

2024 Sustainability Grant Program Update & Recommendations for the Fall 2024 Applications (5280-01)

Mayor Cumming declared conflict of interest as his spouse is a Okanagan Landing and District Association board member and left the meeting at 2:45 pm. Councillor Durning, Acting Mayor, assumed the Chair.

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Fehr

  THAT Council approve a 2024 fall-intake Sustainability Grant to the Okanagan Landing and District Community Association in the amount of $1,800 for the Paddlewheel Park Waterfront Sustainability Event, as outlined in the memorandum titled "2024 Sustainability Grant Program Update & Recommendations for the Fall 2024 Applications" dated January 14, 2025 and respectfully submitted by the Specialist, Climate Action. 

  CARRIED
• Mayor Cumming returned at 2:48 pm and resumed the Chair. 
• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council approve a 2024 fall-intake Sustainability Grant to the NexusBC Community Resource Centre in the amount of $1,800 for the Growing Green: Sustainable Gardens Revitalization project, as outlined in the memorandum titled "2024 Sustainability Grant Program Update & Recommendations for the Fall 2024 Applications" dated January 14, 2025 and respectfully submitted by the Specialist, Climate Action. 

  CARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Council approve a 2024 fall-intake Sustainability Grant to Bowen O'Brien in the amount of $1,739 for the Green Futures: Vernon's Path to Sustainability video project, as outlined in the memorandum titled "2024 Sustainability Grant Program Update & Recommendations for the Fall 2024 Applications" dated January 14, 2025 and respectfully submitted by the Specialist, Climate Action. 

  CARRIED

10.f

SILGA Convention 2025 - Call for Resolutions (0360-20)

• Moved by: Councillor Fehr
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Council receive for information the memorandum titled "SILGA Convention 2025 - Call for Resolutions" dated January 15, 2025 and respectfully submitted by the Senior Executive Assistant to Mayor & CAO.

  CARRIED

11.

LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

11.a

Zoning Bylaw 6000 Map Amendments - Phase 2 Review (6450)

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receive for information the report titled “Zoning Bylaw 6000 Map Amendments – Phase 2 Review” dated January 14, 2025 and respectfully submitted by the Acting Manager, Long Range Planning & Sustainability.

  CARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Durning
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Bylaw 6031, "Commercial Zone and Downzoning Map Amendment Bylaw 6031, 2025”, a bylaw to amend Zoning Bylaw 6000, be read a 1st and 2nd time;

  AND FURTHER, that a public hearing be scheduled for Bylaw 6031 on February 24, 2025, at 5:30pm in Council Chambers.

  CARRIED

11.b

Bylaw 6030 - 2025-2029 Financial Plan

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Bylaw 6030, "City of Vernon 2025 - 2029 Financial Plan Bylaw 6030, 2025", a bylaw to adopt a Financial Plan for a five-year period for the years 2025 to 2029, be adopted.

  CARRIED

12.

COUNCIL INFORMATION UPDATES

12.a

Mayor and Councillors Reports

All members in attendance provided an update on their activities and meetings attended. 

Kevin Poole, Director, Corporate Administration, introduced the new Manager, Communications and Grants, Jessica Hewitt.

13.

INFORMATION ITEMS

13.a

Minutes from Council Committees

13.a.1

Advisory Planning Committee - November 26, 2024

13.a.2

Tourism Commission - November 28, 2024

13.a.3

Tourism Commission - December 18, 2024

14.

RESOLUTION TO RECONVENE CLOSED MEETING

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT the meeting be closed to the public in accordance with Section 90 (1) of the Community Charter as follows:

  (c) labour relations or other employee relations; 

  (d) the security of the property of the municipality; 

  (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;

  (g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality; and

  (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.

  CARRIED
• The Regular meeting reconvened at 3:29 pm.

15.

CLOSE OF MEETING

The Regular Council meeting adjourned at 3:30 pm.