THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF VERNON

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL

Monday, February 24, 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
• E. Hamming, Director, Financial Services
• J. Blood, Director, Recreation Services
• K. Poole, Director, Corporate Administration
• T. Barton, Director, Planning and Community Services
• S. Wood, Corporate Officer
• C. Isles, Deputy Corporate Officer
• A. Hofsink, Deputy Chief, Operations
• A. Huisken, Active Transportation Planner
• B. Parsons, Deputy Chief, Fire Prevention and Life Safety
• C. Ovens, General Manager, Public Works
• D. Lees, Manager, Protective Services
• G. Nicol, Exec. Assistant, Real Estate and Corporate Administration
• J. Hewitt, Manager, Communications and Grants
• J. Perrott, Manager, Economic Development & Partnerships
• J. Winquist, Communications Officer
• M. Faucher, Acting Manager, Long Range Planning and Sustainability
• R. Nuriel, General Manager, City Planning
• S. Mitchell, Manager, Recreation Facilities

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1.

CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER

Mayor Cumming called the meeting to order at 8:43 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 Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  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 Open Meeting at 9:10 am and requested a motion to move to In Camera.

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Quiring

  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;

  (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 12:13 pm and recessed until 1:30 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 Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT the Regular Council Meeting Agenda of February 24, 2025 be amended as follows:

  • ADD Item 8.b - Unfinished Business - Southern Interior Local Government Management Association (SILGA) and Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Resolution Submission - UBCM Convention Agenda Change
  CARRIED

3.b

Adoption of Minutes and Receipt of Committee of the Whole

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT the Regular Council Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2025 be adopted;

  AND FURTHER, that the Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2025 be received.

  CARRIED

4.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

5.

GENERAL MATTERS

Councillor Quiring declared a conflict of interest as the applicant is a client of his firm MQN Architects and left the meeting at 1:32 pm. 

5.a

Public Submissions - 11 Street Road Closure Bylaw 6003, 2025

Pursuant to Section 40 of the Community Charter, this is an opportunity for the public to make submissions to Council regarding the proposed "11 Street Road Closure Bylaw 6003, 2025".

The Corporate Officer advised that no written submissions had been received.

Mayor Cumming called for a first time for representation from the public.

P. Francis asked why the development is proposed to be a 55 plus complex. Administration advised that the development is not related to the road closure bylaw, however, the tenure of a property is at the discretion of the developer. 

The Mayor called for a second time for representation from the public. 

The Mayor called for a third and final time for representation from the public regarding the proposed "11 Street Road Closure Bylaw 6003, 2025" there being none, the Public Input Session closed at 1:35 pm.

Councillor Quiring returned at 1:36 pm. 

5.b

Presentation - Save Sveva Petition, D. Tucker and J. Rose

Dawn Tucker provided Council with the Save Sveva Petition and Mural and Arts presentation. 

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council receive the presentation from Dawn Tucker and Judy Rose regarding the Save Sveva Petition for information.

  CARRIED

6.

COUNCIL INQUIRIES

7.

ADMINISTRATION UPDATES

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council receive the Administration Updates dated February 24, 2025 for information.

  CARRIED

8.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

8.a

Pickleball Delegation - Parking Lot Paving and Lighting Request (6140-20)

• Moved by: Councillor Fehr
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Council receive the memorandum titled "Pickleball Delegation - Parking and Lighting Request" dated February 12, 2025 respectfully submitted by the Public Works, General Manager;

  AND FURTHER, that Council direct Administration to install lighting on the south outside wall of the indoor soccer facility at a cost not to exceed $5,000, to be funded by the 2025 Parks and Public Spaces operating budget.

  CARRIED

8.b

Southern Interior Local Management Association (SILGA) and Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Resolution Submission - UBCM Convention Agenda Change

The Southern Interior Local Management Association (SILGA) has recommended revisions to the resolution for submission to Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).

• Moved by: Councillor Fehr
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Council rescind the November 12, 2024 resolution as follows:

  THAT City of Vernon Council support submission of the following resolution to the 2025 Southern Interior Local Government Association and Union of BC Municipalities conventions:
  WHEREAS: the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention is the main forum for BC local governments to take a united position on key issues through resolutions submitted at the annual convention; 
  AND WHEREAS: these resolutions, if supported, are carried to other orders of government and other organizations involved in local affairs; 
  AND WHEREAS: voting on submitted resolutions at the convention currently occurs during the last 3 days creating time constraints for all items to be addressed and for all members to be in attendance; 
  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Vernon Council requests, changing the UBCM convention agenda by scheduling resolutions at the start of convention, providing time to address all resolutions submitted and allowing members to schedule their attendance.

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

  WHEREAS the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention is the main forum for BC local governments to take a united position on key issues through resolutions submitted at the annual convention;
  AND WHEREAS these resolutions, if supported, are carried to other orders of government and other organizations involved in local affairs;
  AND WHEREAS voting on submitted resolutions at the convention currently occurs during the last 3 days, creating time constraints for all items to be addressed and for all members to be in attendance;
  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM change the convention agenda by scheduling resolutions at the start of convention, providing time to address all resolutions submitted and allowing members to schedule their attendance accordingly.

  CARRIED

9.

MATTERS REFERRED

10.

NEW BUSINESS

10.a

Protective Services Bylaw Compliance 2024 Year End Report (4000-10)

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council receive for information the memorandum titled “Protective Services Bylaw Compliance 2024 Year End Report”, dated February 24, 2025 and respectfully submitted by the Manager Protective Services.

  CARRIED

10.b

Commercial and Retail Land Analysis Briefing Report

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council receive the memorandum titled “Commercial and Retail Land Analysis Briefing Report”, dated February 24, 2025;

  AND FURTHER, that Administration provide a revised report for Council's review before the end of March, 2025. 

  CARRIED

10.c

Planning & Community Services Staffing Requests

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Mund

  THAT Council approve the addition of a 0.5 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Transportation Administrative    Assistant position under Transit Cost Center CC12600 funded from the Transit Expansion Reserve for 2025 ($32,225) and include the position in the 2026-2030 Financial Plan supported by on-going administration revenues ($48,337).

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

  THAT Council approve the addition of a 1.0 FTE Transportation Planner under Transportation Cost Centre CC14700 funded from the Transit Reserve in 2025 ($91,170) and include $136,755 in the 2026-2030 Financial Plan.

  CARRIED

10.d

Review of Business Licence Bylaw 6100

• Moved by: Councillor Durning
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT in accordance with the notice requirements in section 59(2) of the Community Charter, Council directs Administration to post the draft Business Licence Bylaw 6100 on the Engage Vernon website to solicit public comment, and forward to the Economic Development Advisory Committee, Downtown Vernon Association, and Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce for review;

  AND FURTHER, that Council authorize the establishment of a permanent full-time Coordinator, Short-Term Rental Licensing & Administration position at an annual cost of up to $108,000 to be funded from the Development Excess Revenue Reserve;

  AND FURTHER, that Council grant early budget approval for a Coordinator, Short-Term Rental Licensing & Administration position in the 2026 Building and Licensing budget at an annual cost of $108,000.

  CARRIED

10.e

Kal Tire Place Score Clock – 2025 Budget Consideration

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council authorize Administration to proceed with spending up to $825,000 from the Kin Race Track Park Reserve Fund, to purchase and install a new video scoreboard and broadcast system at Kal Tire Place;

  AND FURTHER, that Council authorize Administration to direct the installation to occur between August 30 and September 13, 2025 to ensure dry floor users are not impacted.

  Opposed (3)

  Mayor Cumming, Councillor Fehr, and Councillor Guy

  CARRIED (4 to 3)

11.

LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

11.a

Bylaw 6010 - Housing Zone Map Amendment Bylaw (Residential Properties)

Presented to Council on January 27, 2025, Bylaw 6010, Housing Zone Map Amendment Bylaw required public notification, now complete, prior to consideration of initial readings. 

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Mund

  THAT Bylaw 6010, "Housing Zone Map Amendment Bylaw 6010, 2025”, a bylaw to amend Zoning Bylaw 6000, be read a first, second and third time.

  CARRIED

11.b

Bylaw 6032 - Rezoning (ZON00425) Amendment Bylaw for 3605 12 Street

Councillor Quiring declared a conflict of interest as the applicant is a client of his firm MQN Architects and left the meeting at 4:40 pm.

Rezoning Application ZON00425, was presented to Council on January 27, 2025. Bylaw 6032, 3605 12 Street Rezoning Amendment Bylaw required public notification, now complete, prior to consideration of initial readings.

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Bylaw 6032, "3605 12 Street Rezoning Amendment Bylaw 6032, 2025", a bylaw to rezone lands from CMTY - Community to MUS - Multi-Unit: Small Scale, be read a first, second and third time.

  CARRIED
• Councillor Quiring returned to the meeting at 4:41 pm. 

11.c

Bylaw 6005 - Rezoning (ZON00423) Amendment Bylaw for 1501 Hwy 6 

Adoption of Bylaw 6005, Zoning Amendment Bylaw, to allow for Minor Fuel Station and Drive-Through Services, 1501 Highway 6, was subject to lot consolidation and Ministry of Transportation and Transit approval. These conditions have been satisfied.

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Mund

  THAT Bylaw 6005, "Zoning Text (Drive-through Services and Minor Fuel Stations) Amendment Bylaw 6005, 2024", a bylaw to authorize the use of Drive-through Services and Minor Fuel Stations on lots with existing businesses, 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. 

13.

INFORMATION ITEMS

13.a

Correspondence

13.a.1

Letter dated February 7, 2025 from the BC Association of Farmers Markets - Request for Letter of Support re: BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program

• Moved by: Mayor Cumming
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Council provide a letter of support to the Minister of Health to secure ongoing funding support for the BC Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program.

  CARRIED

13.a.2

Vernon Ribfest Society - Request for Financial Support due to O'Keefe Ranch Outstanding Payment

• Moved by: Mayor Cumming
  Seconded by: Councillor Mund

  THAT Council invite the Historic O'Keefe Ranch Society to present Council with an update on their current financial situation at a Regular Council meeting in March, 2025. 

  CARRIED

13.b

Minutes from Council Committees

13.b.1

Advisory Planning Committee - January 28, 2025

13.b.2

Tourism Commission - January 22, 2025

14.

RECESS MEETING TO 5:30 PM FOR PUBLIC HEARING

The meeting recessed at 4:48 pm. 

15.

RECONVENE MEETING

The meeting reconvened at 5:41 pm. 

15.a

Bylaw 6031 - Commercial Zone and Downzoning Map Amendments - Zoning Bylaw 6000 Phase 2 Review

• Moved by: Councillor Durning
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Bylaw 6031, "Commercial Zone and Downzoning Map Amendment Bylaw 6031, 2025”, a bylaw to amend Zoning Bylaw 6000, be read a 3rd time.

  CARRIED

16.

CLOSE OF MEETING

The Regular Council meeting adjourned at 5:42 pm.