THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF VERNON

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL

Monday, April 08, 2024 at 1:30 P.m. - 2:30 P.m.

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER

3400 30 Street

Vernon B.C.

Mayor and Council Members Present:

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

Administration Present:

• K. Poole, Director, Corporate Administration
• D. Law, Director, Financial Services
• D. Lind, Chief, Fire Rescue Services
• B. Bandy, Manager, Real Estate
• B. Everdene, Long Range Planner
• C. Isles, Deputy Corporate Officer
• C. Ovens, General Manager, Public Works
• C. Sheel, Project Manager, Active Living Centre
• D. Pridham, Manager, Recreation Operations
• J. Perrott, Manager, Economic Development & Partnerships
• J. Winquist, Communications Officer
• L. Walker, Manager, Customer Service - Recreation
• M. Dowhaniuk, Manager, Infrastructure
• M. Austin, Current Planner
• R. Crosson, Manager, Financial Operations
• R. Nuriel, General Manager, City Planning
• S. Melenko, Info. Tech I
• T. Martens, Manager, Financial Planning & Reporting
• D. Devries, Manager, Transportation
• J. Blood, Director, Recreation Services
• S. Smith, Sr. Executive Assistant
• K. Harper, Exec. Asst, Corp Services & Real Estate
• T. Barton, Director, Planning and Community Services
• K. McCarty, Specialist, Climate Action
• C. Baldridge, Manager, Communications and Grants
• E. Hamming, Director, Financial Services
• S. Wood, Corporate Officer

Also Present:

• Insp. Blake Macleod, Vernon RCMP

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1.

CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER

Mayor Cumming called the meeting to order at 8:41 am.

1.a

Land Acknowledgement

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.b

Move to Committee of the Whole

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  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 9:44 am.

2.a

Resolution to Close Meeting

• Moved by: Councillor Durning
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  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.

   

  CARRIED

3.

RECONVENE TO OPEN COUNCIL AT 1:30 PM

Mayor Cumming called the meeting to order at 1:35 pm.

3.a

Land Acknowledgement

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.b

Agenda

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT the Agenda for the April 8, 2024 Regular Open Meeting of Council be amended as follows:

  1. ADD ITEM - 5.d.1 General Matters - Public Input - Development Variance Permit 00623 for 3106 16 Avenue, Email dated April 4, 2024 from Y. Beringer.
  2. ADD ITEM under Unfinished Business - 8.c SILGA Resolution - Eliminate Fossil Fuel Funding - Updated Rationale for discussion.
  CARRIED

3.c

Adoption of Minutes and Receipt of Committee of the Whole

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT the minutes of the Regular meeting of Council held March 25, 2024 be adopted;

  AND FURTHER, that the minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting of Council held March 25, 2024 be received.

  CARRIED

4.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

5.

GENERAL MATTERS

5.a

Introduction of New Manager, Legislative Services

The Director, Corporate Administration introduced Sue Wood as the new Manager, Legislative Services. 

5.b

Presentation - RCMP Quarterly Report

Insp. Blake Macleod, Operations Manager, Vernon RCMP provided Council with the Fourth Quarter Report for 2023 (October to December).

Overviews were provided on the following topics:

• Community Events 
• Section Reports 
• Operations Statistics 
• Integrated Crisis Response Team (ICRT)
• Toxic Drug Crisis Response
• Traffic Enforcement (Engagement) 
• Reserve Constable Traffic Enforcement
• Forensic Identification Section
• Police Dog Service
• Statistics Broken Down by Crime Type (Vernon & Vernon Rural)

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Mund

  THAT Council receives the RCMP Fourth Quarter Report for 2023 (October to December), as provided by Insp. Blake Macleod, Operations Manager, RCMP at the April 8, 2024 Regular Council Meeting.

  CARRIED

5.c

Delegation - Okanagan Regional Library (0380-20)

Danielle Hubbard, CEO Okanagan Regional Library and Kristy Hennings, Librarian presented Council with the Okanagan Regional Library's new strategic plan initiatives and current activities in our local library branch. 

The following points were noted:

• Okanagan Regional Library vision outlined
• Okanagan Regional Library goals of the strategic plan identified
• Collection of materials overview
• Financial Allocation Model explained
• What's New at the local Vernon branch

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Council receive the April 8, 2024 presentation from Danielle Hubbard and Kristy Hennings of the Okanagan Regional Library for information.

  CARRIED
• Councillor Quiring declared a conflict of interest as he owns property within 300 feet of the applicant's property and left the meeting at 2:25 pm.

5.d

Development Variance Permit (DVP00623) - 3106 16 Avenue

Following a motion from the floor, the public input session began. 

The Corporate Officer advised that one written submission had been received.

• Email dated April 4, 2024 from Y. Beringer

Mayor Cumming called a first time for submissions from the public who believed their interest in property was affected by Development Variance Permit 00623.

Andrew Stanton

• Inquired if any roads would be closed to complete the build;
• Had concerns with the lot lines on the property; and 
• Was concerned with reduced parking requirements.

Sheyne Almond, property owner

• Highlighted that there is a housing crisis and believes this neighbourhood will benefit from more units being developed.

Mayor Cumming called for a second, third and final time for representation from the public, and there being none, closed the Public Input for DVP00623.

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council support Development Variance Permit Application 00623 (DVP00623) to vary Zoning Bylaw 5000 for Lot 3, Sec. 34, Twp. 9, ODYD, Plan 7135 (3106 16th Avenue) for construction of a four-plex development as outlined in the report titled “Development Variance Permit Application for 3106 16th Avenue” dated March 27, 2024 and respectfully submitted by the Planner, as follows:

  1. Section 9.12.5(b), minimum side yard (east) from 4.5m to 1.7m;
  2. Table 6.1, Minimum Landscape Buffer Schedule, RH1 Zone Level 2 Landscape Buffer for the west side yard and rear yard from “a minimum 1.5m vegetative landscape buffer combined with a fence” to “a minimum 1.5m vegetative landscape buffer”; and
  3. Table 7.1 - Parking Schedule from eight (8) to six (6) parking spaces for a four-plex with three or more bedrooms in each unit;

  AND FURTHER, that Council’s support of DVP00623 is subject to the following:

  1. That the development generally complies with the Site Plan & Zoning, prepared by CM Designs, dated August 14, 2023 (Attachment 3) to be attached to and form part of DVP00623;
  2. That the maximum building height does not exceed 11.4m.
  CARRIED

5.d.1

Permit Issuance - DVP00623

• Moved by: Councillor Durning
  Seconded by: Councillor Fehr

  THAT the Corporate Officer be authorized to issue Development Variance Permit DVP00623 for LOT 3, SEC 34, TWP 9, ODYD, PLAN 7135 (3106 16 Ave), to vary Zoning Bylaw 5000 to allow for construction of a four-plex development, once all conditions of Council are satisfied.

  CARRIED
• Councillor Quiring returned at 2:40 pm.

6.

COUNCIL INQUIRIES

Bus Shelters

Council inquired regarding fires occurring in bus shelters and the cost of potential repairs due to damage.  An Admin update will be provided. 

Downtown Washroom Safety

Council inquired regarding concern for overdoses occurring in the downtown public washrooms.  An Admin update will be provided. 

Eastside Road Conditions

Council inquired regarding Eastside Road conditions and plans for road improvements.  Administration advised paving was done at the end of last year, and administration will continue to work on ways to mitigate deterioration to the road. 

Highway 97 & 30 Avenue Crosswalk

Council inquired regarding pedestrian safety at Highway 97 & 30 Ave crossing.  An Admin update will be provided. 

Lake Access Water Licenses

Council inquired regarding timeline and process for securing water licenses at City owned lake access sites.  An Admin update will be provided. 

7.

ADMINISTRATION UPDATES

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Quiring

  THAT Council receive the Administration Updates dated April 8, 2024, for information.

  CARRIED

8.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

8.a

Official Community Plan and Transportation Plan Engagement Strategy & Budget - Supplemental Information (6480-06)

Councillor Durning left the meeting at 3:08 pm and returned at 3:10 pm.

Councillor Fehr left the meeting at 3:17 pm and returned at 3:19 pm. 

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receive for information the memorandum titled "Official Community Plan and Transportation Plan Engagement Strategy and Budget - Supplemental Information", dated March 26, 2024, and respectfully submitted by the Manager, Transportation and the Long Range Planner. 

  CARRIED

8.b

2024 Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) Conference - Updated Attendance (0530-10)

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receive the memorandum titled "2024 Southern Interior Local Government Association Conference (SILGA) - Updated Attendance" dated March 26, 2024 and respectfully submitted by the Senior Executive Assistant;

  AND FURTHER, that Council ratifies the attendance of Councillor Brian Guy to the 2024 SILGA Conference, to be held in Kamloops, B.C. from April 30 - May 3, 2024.

  CARRIED

8.c

SILGA Resolution - Eliminate Fossil Fuel Funding

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Fehr

  THAT Council receive for information the updated rationale regarding the SILGA Resolution - Eliminate Fossil Fuel Funding as presented at the April 8, 2024 Open meeting of Council. 

  CARRIED

9.

MATTERS REFERRED

9.a

RATIFIED FROM THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING HELD APRIL 8, 2024

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Mund

  THAT Council ratifies and confirms the following resolution adopted at the April 8, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting of Council:

  'THAT Council receive for information the memorandum titled “Active Living Centre Validation Report” dated April 5, 2024 and respectfully submitted by the Senior Manager, ALC Project and the Manager, Project Program;

  AND FURTHER, that Council receive and endorse the Active Living Centre Validation Report, including the IPD Design & Construction team’s commitment to “designing, constructing, and delivering this project to (the City): in accordance to the Base Program outlined (in the report), for a final Actual Cost not exceeding the Base Target Cost of $121,030,909 described (in the report) and to strive for the goal of reaching substantial completion and opening in the fall of 2026”;

  AND FURTHER, that Council authorize Administration to enter into an Integrated Project Delivery Hansen Bridgett Contract with the ALC IPD signatories as listed on the Validation Commitment page of the Active Living Centre Validation Report;

  AND FURTHER, that Council authorize the City of Vernon ALC Project Team to approve the inclusion of Added Value Incentive Items up to the threshold of $99,000 and direct the Project Team to bring forward any Added Value Incentive Items for consideration in excess of the threshold.'

  CARRIED

9.b

DECLASSIFIED MOTION FROM THE IN CAMERA MEETING HELD MARCH 25, 2025

• Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Membership (0540-20)

  THAT Council appoint Anne Murphy to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee as a Builder representative for a term to expire January 2026. 

10.

NEW BUSINESS

10.a

Recreation Services Concession Services Update (7700-16)

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council receive the memorandum titled "Recreation Services Concession Services Update" dated March 26, 2024 and respectfully submitted by the Manager, Customer Service - Recreation; 

  AND FURTHER, that Council endorse the provision of providing additional funding of up to $278,000 to the Recreation Facility Major Maintenance Reserve, which has a current balance of $845,241, towards the upgrades to Concessions at Kal Tire Place. 

  CARRIED

10.b

Kal Tire Place Air-Cooled Liquid Chiller Repair (8215-24)

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council authorize Administration to fund the Kal Tire Place air-cooled liquid chiller repair, of up to $60,000, from the Recreation Services Major Maintenance Reserve. 

  CARRIED

10.c

Digital Scoreboard Purchase for Kal Tire Place (7800-11)

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receive the memorandum titled "Digital Scoreboard Purchase for Kal Tire Place dated February 23, 2024 and respectfully submitted by the Director, Recreation Services;

  AND FURTHER, that Council direct Administration to bring forward a 2025 budget request of up to $300,000 for the purchase and installation of a digital scoreboard at Kal Tire Place. 

  CARRIED

10.d

2024 Sustainability Grants Program (5280-01)

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council amends the Sustainability Grants Program and endorses increasing the maximum grant amount to $2,000 per grant, as outlined in the memorandum titled "2024 Sustainability Grants Program", dated March 27, 2024 and respectfully submitted by the Specialist, Climate Action. 

  CARRIED

10.e

2024 Tax Rate Options (1970-13)

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Mund

  THAT Council select Option 1, Using Prior Year Tax Base Proportions but Maximizing Utility Class Revenue, as identified on Page 2 of Attachment 1 in the report titled "2024 Tax Rate Options", dated March 28, 2024, respectfully submitted by the Manager, Financial Operations;

  AND FURTHER, that Council direct Administration to prepare the Tax Rates Bylaw #5990 for initial readings at the April 22, 2024, Regular meeting of Council. 

  Opposed (2)

  Councillor Fehr, and Councillor Durning

  CARRIED (5 to 2)

10.f

2024 Projected Reserve Balances (1830-02)

Councillor Mund left the meeting at 4:12 pm and returned at 4:14 pm. 

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receive for information the memorandum titled "2024 Projected Reserve Balances" dated March 27, 2024 and respectfully submitted by the Manager, Financial Planning & Reporting.

  CARRIED

10.g

2025 - 2029 Financial Plan Schedule (1700-02)

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council approve the 2025-2029 Financial Plan timeline as set forth in the memorandum respectfully submitted by the Manager, Financial Planning & Reporting dated March 27, 2024 titled "2025-2029 Financial Plan Timeline". 

  CARRIED

10.h

2023 Year-End Results - Sewer Only (1830-02)

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Council receive for information the memorandum titled "2023 Year-End Results - Sewer Only", dated March 28, 2024 and respectfully submitted by the Director, Financial Services. 

  CARRIED

10.i

Appointment of Corporate Officer (0570-03)

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Fehr

  THAT Sue Wood be appointed Corporate Officer and assigned the powers, duties and functions under section 148 of the Community Charter;

  AND FURTHER, that Sue Wood be appointed a Freedom of Information (FOI) Head for the City of Vernon as required under section 77 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

  CARRIED

11.

LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

11.a

Bylaws for Adoption

11.a.1

Bylaw 5989

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Bylaw 5989, "Subdivision and Development Servicing (Water Servicing Requirements) Amendment Bylaw 5989, 2024", a bylaw to amend "City of Vernon Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw #3843, 1992", to correct inconsistencies and conflicts with Regional District of North Okanagan Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw 2650, be adopted. 

  CARRIED

11.b

Bylaws for First, Second and Third Readings

11.b.1

Bylaw 5993

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Bylaw 5993, "Building Bylaw (Zero Carbon Step Code Requirements) Amendment Bylaw 5993, 2024", a bylaw to amend Building Bylaw 5900 to include provisions for Zero Carbon Step Code Requirements, be read a first, second and third time. 

  CARRIED

12.

COUNCIL INFORMATION UPDATES

12.a

Mayor and Councillors Reports

12.a.1

Councillor Durning

• Completed BC Winter Games legacy allocation and will be distributing legacy money on April 18th

12.a.2

Councillor Fehr

Attended:

• Provinces seasonal hazard call with Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
• Fundraiser by Packman Opens Hearts
• Opening of new Dynacare Vernon medical health services location

12.a.3

Councillor Guy

Attended:

• Climate Action Advisory Committee meeting
• Greater Vernon Advisory Committee meeting
• Webinar on Edmonton's new City plan
• Opening of new Dynacare Vernon location
• Volunteered at 3rd Annual Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon

12.a.4

Councillor Gares

Attended:

• Chamber Expo
• Shoparama 
• North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap Regional Hospital board meeting
• Regional District of North Okanagan meeting
• Regional Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting

12.a.5

Councillor Mund

Attended:

• Chamber Expo
• Shoparama 

Advised that the U18 Women's National Hockey Esso Cup is coming up April 21-27, 2024.  

12.a.6

Councillor Quiring

Attended:

• Regional Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting
• Indigenous Awareness Course through BCIT

12.a.7

Mayor Cumming

Attended:

• Ribbons of Green Trail Society meeting
• Advisory Planning Committee meeting
• Beach Radio interview
• Call with Minister Ravi Kahlon
• Seasonal hazard update call
• North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap Regional Hospital meeting
• Okanagan Basin Water Board meeting
• Climate Action Advisory Committee meeting
• Greater Vernon Advisory Committee meeting
• Climate Caucus focusing on new zoning bylaw for Edmonton

13.

INFORMATION ITEMS

13.a

Correspondence

1. Letter dated February 29, 2024 from the Town of Osoyoos re: Support for Resolution
2. Letter dated April 1, 2024 from SilverStar Mountain Resort re: Federal legislation regarding the prohibition of residential property by non-Canadians

13.b

Minutes from Council Committees

• Climate Action Advisory Committee, November 8, 2023
• Climate Action Advisory Committee, January 31, 2024
• Tourism Commission, February 21, 2024
• Advisory Planning Committee, March 12, 2024

14.

RECESS

The Mayor called a recess at 4:30 pm. 

15.

RESOLUTION TO RECONVENE CLOSED MEETING

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Quiring

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

  (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.

  CARRIED

16.

RECONVENE OPEN COUNCIL MEETING

The Regular meeting reconvened at 5:35 pm. 

17.

CLOSE OF MEETING

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT the Regular Council meeting for April 8, 2024 be adjourned.

  CARRIED
• The Mayor closed the meeting at 5:35 pm.