THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF VERNON

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL

Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 1:30 P.m. - 4:30 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:

• P. Bridal, Chief Administrative Officer
• K. Poole, Director, Community Safety, Lands and Administration
• J. Nicol, Corporate Officer
• J. Rice, Director, Operation Services
• D. Lind, Chief, Fire Rescue Services
• B. Bandy, Manager, Real Estate
• B. Everdene, Long Range Planner
• C. Isles, Deputy Corporate Officer
• C. Poirier, Manager, Communication and Grants
• E. Croy, Manager, Transportation
• J. Perrott, Manager, Economic Development and Tourism
• J. Winquist, Communications Officer
• K. Kryszak, Manager, Parks and Public Spaces Maintenance
• M. Dowhaniuk, Manager, Infrastructure
• R. Crosson, Manager, Financial Operations
• R. Nuriel, Economic Development Planner
• S. Irwin, Manager, Utilities
• T. Martens, Manager, Financial Planning & Reporting
• M. Podger, Manager, Fleet Services
• R. Zubick, Community Safety Coordinato
• J. Henry, Info. Tech. II

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1.

CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER

Mayor Cumming called the meeting to order at 8:42 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 Durning
  Seconded by: Councillor Fehr

  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 10:16 am and requested a motion to move to In Camera.

2.a

Resolution to Close Meeting

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

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

  (a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality;

  (g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality;

  (k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the Council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public.

  CARRIED

3.

RECONVENE TO OPEN COUNCIL AT 1:30 PM

Mayor Cumming called the Regular Open meeting back to order at 1:30 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.

Mayor Cumming extended congratulations to the newly elected Council for the Okanagan Indian Band.

3.b

Agenda

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT the Agenda for the April 11, 2023 , Regular Open Meeting of Council be adopted as circulated.

  CARRIED

3.c

Adoption of Minutes and Receipt of Committee of the Whole

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT the minutes of the Regular meeting of Council held March 27, 2023 be adopted;

  AND FURTHER, that the minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting of Council held March 27, 2023 be received.

  CARRIED

4.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

5.

GENERAL MATTERS

5.a

Public Submissions: "9769 Eastside Road Closure Bylaw Number 5947, 2023"

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

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

Mayor Cummings called a second time and there being none, called a third and final time for representation from the public.  Mayor Cumming closed the Public Input regarding the proposed "9769 Eastside Road Closure Bylaw Number 5947, 2023".

6.

COUNCIL INQUIRIES

Okanagan Basin Water Board Letter of Support

Council inquired regarding a letter of support for the Okanagan Basin Water Board for a response to the Province on the watershed stewardship strategy.  Admin. advised that a request has not been received and Administration has not yet seen the watershed stewardship strategy.

Girouard Cabin

Council inquired regarding the marmots at Girouard Cabin and if a sign can be posted advising the public of the City of Vernon wildlife feeding bylaw. Admin. advised that a wildlife specialist is reviewing the situation and will provide recommendations.  

Road Naming Process

Council inquired regarding the history and naming of "Arena Access Road" and what the process is to have this name changed.  An Admin. update will be provided. 

Sewer Capacity

Council inquired regarding a previously requested update on the sewer capacity for future development.  An Admin. update will be provided.  

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council, further to the May 16 and November 16, 2022 request letters, authorize the Mayor to write a letter to the B.C. Electoral Boundaries Commission, requesting that the City of Vernon in its entirety, District of Coldstream and Areas 'B' and 'C' remain in the same electoral boundary;

  AND FURTHER, that Council expresses disappointment that the process followed by the Commission did not include consultation with the affected communities prior to adoption.

  CARRIED

7.

ADMINISTRATION UPDATES

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Council receive the Administration Updates dated April 11, 2023 for information.

  CARRIED

8.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

8.a

Emergency Program Level of Service for Non-Emergency Events Policy (7130-01)

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council consider and adopt the Corporate Policy Emergency Program - Level of Service for Non-Emergency Events as attached to the memorandum titled "Emergency Program Level of Service for Non-Emergency Event Policy" dated March 29, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Director, Fire Rescue Services.

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

  THAT Council authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness advising of the newly adopted 'Emergency Program Level of Service for Non-Emergency Events' corporate policy.

  CARRIED

8.b

Regional District North Okanagan (RDNO) Electoral Area "B" Fire Protection Request (7010-03)

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council receive for information the memorandum titled "Regional District North Okanagan (RDNO) Electoral Area "B" Fire Protection Request", dated March 29, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Director, Fire Rescue Services;

  AND FURTHER, that Council respectfully decline the request from the RDNO to provide fire service to Area "B" at this time.

  Opposed (1)

  Councillor Durning

  CARRIED (6 to 1)

8.c

HomeZero Collective Society Delegation (0230-01)

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council respectfully decline the $45,000 funding request from the HomeZero Collective Society for the Program Design Study as described in the memorandum titled “HomeZero Collective Society Delegation” dated April 4, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Director, Community Safety, Lands and Administration.

  AND FURTHER that Council authorize the Mayor to provide a letter of support to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for the HomeZero Collective Society’s Program Design Study funding application. 

  CARRIED

9.

MATTERS REFERRED

RATIFIED FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Quiring

  Draft Council Code of Responsible Conduct Policy (0530-13)

  THAT Council ratifies and confirms the following resolutions adopted at the April 11, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting of Council:
  ‘THAT Council receive for information the memorandum titled “Draft Council Code of Conduct Policy” dated March 20, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Manager, Legislative Services;
  AND FURTHER, that Council adopt the Council Code of Responsible Conduct Policy, as presented at the April 11, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting. ‘
  ’THAT Council direct Administration to bring forward potential amendments to the Council Code of Responsible Conduct Policy, as requested at the April 11, 2023 Council Workshop, for the May 8, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting’

  CARRIED
• DECLASSIFIED MOTION FROM THE IN CAMERA MEETING HELD MARCH 27, 2023:

  Funtastic Sub-Licence Renewal (0912-02)

  THAT Council direct Administration to enter into a Sub-Licence Agreement with Vernon and District Funtastic Sports Society, in the form as attached to the memo titled, “Sub-Licence Funtastic – DND Sport Fields” dated March 14, 2023 from the Real Estate Manager, for the approximately 1.34 acres of land located at the DND Sports Fields, for a term July 1, 2022 through July 31, 2027, with an annual fee based on the per acre rate charged to the City by the DND, plus an annual estimated electrical fee of $400 plus GST;
  AND FURTHER, that Council declassify the resolution once the agreement is executed.
  

10.

NEW BUSINESS

10.a

Fleet Vehicle Replacement - Update (1280-01)

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Council receive the memorandum titled "Fleet Vehicle Replacement - Update" dated March 28, 2023, respectfully submitted by the Manager, Fleet Services;

  AND FURTHER, that Council authorize the additional expenditure of up to $509,135 to fund the 2023 Fleet Vehicle Replacement expected shortfall, to be funded by the 2022 Unexpended Uncommitted balance;

  AND FURTHER, that Council direct Administration to provide an update to the Fleet Replacement Strategy prior to the 2024 budget deliberations for Councils consideration.

  CARRIED

10.b

Newton Road Sewer Service Cost Recovery (5340-06)

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Mund

  THAT Council receive the memorandum titled "Newton Road Sewer Service Cost Recovery" dated March 28, 2023, and respectfully submitted by the Senior Project Manager, Infrastructure;

  AND FURTHER, that Council authorize cost recovery of the Sewer Reserve funded portion of the approved Newton Road sewer collector Project #2023-18 by way of Municipal Fee.

  CARRIED

10.c

Public Health Agency of Canada Dementia Strategic Fund Grant (6460-10)

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Quiring

  THAT Council authorizes Administration to expend up to $184,710 for the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)’s grant from its Dementia Strategic Fund to enrich and extend the City’s collaborative work with the Vernon Seniors Action Network in creating and implementing an Age and Dementia Friendly Community Plan as outlined in the memorandum titled “Public Health Agency of Canada Dementia Strategic Fund Grant” dated March 31, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Long Range Planner.

  CARRIED

10.d

2023 Lake Access Capital Projects Update (8700-02)

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receives for information the memorandum titled "2023 Lake Access Capital Projects Update" dated March 28, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Manager, Transportation. 

  AND FURTHER, that Lake Access Site #30, 9499 Eastside Road, be excluded from the Capital Projects Update. 

  WITHDRAWN
• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receives for information the memorandum titled "2023 Lake Access Capital Projects Update" dated March 28, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Manager, Transportation. 

  CARRIED

10.e

2023 Tax Rate Options (1970-13-05)

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council select Option 4, Maximizing Utility Class Revenue and Placing Residential Increase at Budgeted 4.57%, as identified on Page 2 of Attachment 1 in the report titled “2023 Tax Rate Options”, dated March 31, 2023, respectfully submitted by the Manager, Financial Operations;

  AND FURTHER, that Council waive the 2023-2027 Financial Plan Revenue Policy objective of maintaining a business to residential tax rate ratio of no greater than 3.2 to 1.

  AND FURTHER, that Council direct Administration to prepare the Tax Rates Bylaw #5956 for initial readings at the next Council Meeting.

  Opposed (1)

  Councillor Quiring

  CARRIED (6 to 1)

10.f

Growing Communities Fund (GCF) Statutory Reserve (1855-20)

• Moved by: Mayor Cumming
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council receive for information the memorandum titled "Growing Communities Fund (GCF) Statutory Reserve" dated March 29, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Director, Financial Services.

  CARRIED

10.g

North Okanagan Canada Day Society - Council Representative (0230-20)

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Quiring

  THAT Council appoint Councillor Durning as the Council representative for the North Okanagan Canada Day Society until December 2023.

  CARRIED

11.

LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

11.a

Bylaws for First, Second and Third Readings

11.a.1

Bylaw 5957

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Fehr

  THAT Bylaw 5957, "Growing Communities Fund Reserve Bylaw Number 5957, 2023", a bylaw to establish a reserve fund for the specified purpose of depositing Growing Communities Funds and using money received for one-time costs needed to build required infrastructure and amenities, be read a first, second and third time.

  CARRIED

11.a.2

Bylaw 5958

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Fehr

  THAT Bylaw 5958, "Fees and Charges (Minor Development and Heritage Alteration Permits, Liquor Licence Application) Amendment Bylaw 5958, 2023", a bylaw to update fees in "City of Vernon Fees and Charges Bylaw Number 3909, 1993", be read a first, second and third time. 

  CARRIED

12.

COUNCIL INFORMATION UPDATES

12.a

Mayor and Councillors Reports

12.a.1

Councillor Durning

Attended:

• Downtown Safety Presentation
• Mentor for Enterprise Challenge

12.a.2

Councillor Fehr

Attended:

• Union of British Columbia Municipalities Housing Summit

12.a.3

Councillor Guy

Attended:

• Meeting with the new chair of the Climate Action Advisory Committee
• Meeting regarding the working group with the  Okanagan Indian Band 
• Reviewed the provincial water stewardship security protection strategy paper for Okanagan Basin Water Board

12.a.4

Councillor Gares

Attended:

• Greater Vernon Museum meeting and tour
• Regional Growth meeting through the Regional District of North Okanagan

12.a.5

Councillor Mund

No report

12.a.6

Councillor Quiring

No report

12.a.7

Mayor Cumming

Attended:

• Advisory Planning Committee
• Presented the medals for Sovereign to Silver Star cross country ski race
• Okanagan Basin Water Board Meeting
• Mission Hill Elementary School Cultural Fair
• Kalamalka Secondary School grade 8 career class
• Annual discussion with City auditors

12.b

Notices of Motion

12.b.1

Councillor Quiring - Solar Readiness

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council direct Administration to investigate requiring all new single family homes to be built with solar ready infrastructure to accommodate future installation of a solar system.

  Opposed (1)

  Councillor Gares

  CARRIED (6 to 1)

12.b.2

Mayor Cumming - Speed Bumps on Eastside Road

• Moved by: Mayor Cumming
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Council directs Administration to prepare a budget and plan to have the assessment of the Eastside Road speed bumps completed in 2023 using funds from the Development Reserve.

  Opposed (2)

  Councillor Gares, and Councillor Mund

  CARRIED (5 to 2)

13.

INFORMATION ITEMS

13.a

Correspondence

13.b

Minutes from Council Committees

• Transportation Advisory, October 21, 2021
• Economic Development Advisory, June 24, 2022
• Advisory Planning, February 14, 2023

14.

CLOSE OF MEETING

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Mund

  THAT the Regular Meeting of April 11, 2023 be adjourned. 

  CARRIED
• Mayor Cumming closed the meeting at 3:57 pm.