THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF VERNON

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL

-
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
  • B. Quiring
Mayor and Council Members Absent:
  • A. Mund
Administration Present:
  • P. Bridal, Chief Administrative Officer
  • K. Poole, Director, Corporate Administration
  • J. Nicol, Corporate Officer
  • D. Law, Director, Financial Services
  • 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
  • J. Perrott, Manager, Economic Development and Tourism
  • J. Winquist, Communications Officer
  • L. Walker, Manager, Customer Service - Recreation
  • M. Dowhaniuk, Manager, Infrastructure
  • M. Faucher, Current Planner
  • M. Austin, Current Planner
  • R. Nuriel, Acting General Manager, Planning
  • S. Melenko, Info. Tech I
  • D. Devries, Transportation Planner
  • M. Podger, Manager, Fleet Services
  • P. Savill, Plans Examiner
  • J. Blood, Director, Recreation Services
  • T. Barton, Director, Planning and Community Services
  • G. Gaucher, General Manager, Municipal Support Services
  • B. Story, Manager, Building Services
  • W. Brassard, FireSmart Coordinator

1.
CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER

 

Mayor Cumming called the Regular Open meeting to order at 8:43 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 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 9:41 am and requested a motion to move to In Camera.

2.a
Resolution to Close Meeting

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Guy
    Seconded by:Councillor Mund

    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;

    (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;

    (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.

3.b
Agenda

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Guy
    Seconded by:Councillor Durning

    THAT the Agenda for the December 11, 2023 Regular Open Meeting of Council be amended as follows:

    1. ADD Item 13.a Correspondence - Letter dated December 8, 2023 from the Honorable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing re: New legislation to support local government housing initiative. 
    CARRIED

3.c
Adoption of Minutes and Receipt of Committee of the Whole

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Mund
    Seconded by:Councillor Quiring

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

    AND FURTHER, that the minutes of the Special meeting of Council held December 4, 2023 be adopted;

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

    CARRIED

4.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

 

5.
GENERAL MATTERS

 

5.a
Presentation - Restorative Justice

 

Margaret Clark provided the Restorative Justice Annual Update for 2022 and the 2023 Semi-Annual Review to Council.  

The following points were noted:

  • October 2023 marked 17 years with Restorative Justice program
  • Restorative Justice program overview
  • Clients are referred from the RCMP
  • Types of Agreement Activities outlined
  • Average referral takes 15 - 20 hours
  • 14 referrals generated 27 agreements in 2022
  • 30 referrals received to dated in 2023
  • Moved by:Councillor Gares
    Seconded by:Councillor Quiring

    THAT Council receives the Restorative Justice Annual Update for 2022 and the 2023 Semi-Annual Review, as provided by Margaret Clark at the December 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting.

    CARRIED

6.
COUNCIL INQUIRIES

 

Anti-icing spray and snow plowing

Council inquired regarding anti-icing spray and snow plowing at Kokanee Road.  An Admin. update will be provided. 

7.
ADMINISTRATION UPDATES

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Fehr
    Seconded by:Councillor Durning

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

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

    THAT Council direct Administration to report back on the strategic benefits of advancing both the BC Building Step Code and the BC Zero Carbon Step Code.

    CARRIED

8.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

8.a
British Columbia Speculation and Vacancy Tax Overview (6750-01)

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Mund
    Seconded by:Councillor Quiring

    THAT Council receive for information the memorandum titled "British Columbia Speculation and Vacancy Tax Overview" dated December 1, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Manager, Economic Development and Tourism. 

    CARRIED

8.b
RCMP Space Planning & Feasibility Study (7400-30)

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Gares
    Seconded by:Councillor Guy

    THAT Council receive the memorandum titled "RCMP Space Planning & Feasibility Study" dated December 6, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the General Manager, Municipal Support Services;

    AND FURTHER, that Council authorize Administration to spend up to $98,848.85 (excluding GST) to undertake a RCMP Space Planning and Feasibility Study to be funded by the RCMP Building Reserve.

    CARRIED

9.
MATTERS REFERRED

 

9.a
Declassified Motion from the In Camera Meeting held November 27, 2023

 

Board of Variance Membership (0540-20)

THAT Council appoint Cam Karpiak, Hans Reiner Stass, Jerry Oglow, Joseph Pearson, and Teagan Seutter to the Board of Variance for a term expiring January 2027.

10.
NEW BUSINESS

 

10.a
Used Electric Boom Lift - Purchase (1280-01)

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Guy
    Seconded by:Councillor Fehr

    THAT Council receive the memorandum titled "Used Electric Boom Lift - Purchase" dated November 30, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Manager, Fleet Services:

    AND FURTHER, that Council authorize Administration to purchase a used electric boom at a cost not to exceed $45,000 to be funded $15,000 from the Provincial Climate Action Fund and $30,000 from the 2022 Prior Year Unexpended Uncommitted Balance. 

    CARRIED

10.b
Extreme Wildfire Reserve Transfer (7380-01)

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Fehr
    Seconded by:Councillor Guy

    THAT Council receive the memorandum titled "Extreme Wildfire Reserve Transfer" dated December 1, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Director, Fire Rescue Services;

    AND FURTHER, that Council authorize Administration to transfer $154,675 of expenditures in 2023, which provided temporary staffing at Station 3 (Predator Ridge), from the Extreme Wildfire Reserve to the Fire Services operating budget. 

    CARRIED

10.c
UBCM Community Resiliency Investment Program - 2024 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports (1855-20)

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Mund
    Seconded by:Councillor Fehr

    THAT Council authorize Administration to apply for up to $400,000 from the "UBCM Community Resiliency Investment Program - 2024 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports", as attached to the Report of the same title, dated November 24, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the FireSmart Coordinator;

    AND FURTHER, that if the grant application is successful, Council authorize Administration to assume overall grant management. 

    CARRIED

10.d
Zoning Application for 1607 43rd Avenue (3360-20 ZON00365)

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Mund
    Seconded by:Councillor Guy

    THAT Council support Zoning Application 00365 (ZON00365) to rezone Lot B, Sec 2, Twp 8, ODYD, Plan KAP59453, Except Strata Plan KAS1926 (Phase 5) (1607 43rd Avenue) from R5 – Four-plex Housing Residential to RH1 – Low-rise Apartment Residential as outlined in the report titled “Zoning Application for 1607 43rd Avenue” dated November 29, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Planner;

    AND FURTHER, that Council’s support of ZON00365 is subject to the following:

    1. That, prior to final adoption of the bylaw, a restrictive covenant be registered on title of the subject property:
      1. limiting the maximum number of dwelling units to 140;
      2. limiting the maximum site coverage with impermeable surfaces to 60%;
      3. requiring, at the development permit stage, a Traffic Safety Analysis and compliance with its recommendations to ensure safety for all road users at the driveway access at 43rd Avenue; and
    2. That, prior to final adoption of the bylaw, an easement be registered on title of the subject property allowing Phases 1 – 5, Strata Plan KAS1926 access over the subject property;
    3. That, prior to final adoption of the bylaw, a statutory right of way, paralleling the north property line and a portion of the west property line of the subject property, be registered on title of the subject property allowing public active transportation access, and surplus statutory rights of way be released, to the satisfaction of administration; and
    4. That, prior to submission of a Building Permit application, a development permit be required to ensure compliance with the mitigation measures outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment, prepared by Phoenix Environmental Services Ltd., dated July 23, 2023.

    Before the question was called, it was:

  • Moved by:Councillor Quiring
    Seconded by:Councillor Fehr

    THAT the following requirement be removed from the resolution:

    1. limiting the maximum number of dwelling units to 140. 
    Opposed (2)Mayor Cumming, and Councillor Guy
    CARRIED (5 to 2)

  • THE QUESTION WAS CALLED ON THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, AND DECLARED CARRIED. 

10.e
Age Friendly and Dementia Strategic Fund Updates (6460-10)

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Fehr
    Seconded by:Councillor Durning

    THAT Council receive for information the memorandum titled "Age Friendly and Dementia Strategic Fund Updates" dated November 30, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Long Range Planner. 

    CARRIED

10.f
Secondary Suite and Accessory Dwelling Bylaw Amendments (6450)

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Gares
    Seconded by:Councillor Mund

    THAT Council endorse in principle amendments to Zoning Bylaw 5000 to update regulations for secondary suites and accessory dwelling units as outlined in the report titled "Secondary Suite and Accessory Dwelling Bylaw Amendments" dated November 29, 2023 and respectfully submitted by the Long Range Planner and Planners. 

    CARRIED

11.
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

 

11.a
Bylaws for Adoption

 

11.a.1
Bylaw 5977

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Mund
    Seconded by:Councillor Quiring

    THAT Bylaw 5977, "Recreation and Parks Services (2024 Tiered Fees and Charges) Amendment Bylaw 5977, 2023", a bylaw to amend Schedule A of Recreation and Parks Services Fees and Charges Bylaw Number 5472, 2013, be adopted. 

    CARRIED

12.
COUNCIL INFORMATION UPDATES

 

12.a
Mayor and Councillors Reports

 

12.a.1
Councillor Durning

 

Attended:

  • Elks breakfast
  • Performance at the Powerhouse Theatre
  • Artsolutely
  • Greater Vernon Advisory Committee meeting
  • Vernon Winter Carnival meeting

12.a.2
Councillor Fehr

 

Attended:

  • Special meeting of Council held December 4, 2023
  • Grand opening of Planet Fitness 

12.a.3
Councillor Guy

 

Attended:

  • Advisory Planning Committee meeting 
  • Reception for Community Foundation
  • Fundraising event for Cultural Centre
  • Open house at Greater Vernon Museum
  • Greater Vernon Advisory Committee meeting

12.a.4
Councillor Gares

 

Attended:

  • Strategic planning session for Okanagan Regional Library
  • Special Regional District of North Okanagan meeting
  • Special meeting of Council held December 4, 2023
  • Regional growth management meeting
  • Regional District of North Okanagan meeting
  • Finance meeting for the Okanagan Regional Library
  • Agriculture Advisory meeting
  • Performance at the Powerhouse Theatre
  • Artsolutley
  • Shopporama
  • Chamber of Commerce Task Force for short term rental and speculation tax regulation

12.a.5
Councillor Mund

 

Attended:

  • Light up at Silver Star Mountain

12.a.6
Councillor Quiring

 

No report

12.a.7
Mayor Cumming

 

Attended:

  • Interview with CBC regarding Recreational Vehicles on ALR land
  • Fortis meeting regarding Carlson Park
  • Advisory Planning Committee meeting
  • Community Futures Annual Community meeting
  • Shuswap trail alliance roundtable
  • Special Regional District of North Okanagan meeting regarding the Silver Star Sewer
  • Greater Vernon Cultural Centre Announcement
  • Elders book launch at Okanagan College
  • Official opening of Everest Canadian Senior Curling event
  • Special meeting of Council held December 4, 2023
  • Okanagan Basin Water Board
  • Annual Volunteer Banquet 
  • Greater Vernon Advisory Committee meeting
  • Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting
  • ETSI BC - Economic Trust of the Southern Interior

12.b
Notice of Motion

 

Councillor Gares declared a perceived conflict of interest as she is friends with the resident of the recreational vehicle at 6530 Eagle Rd.

Councillor Gares left the meeting at 3:45 pm. 

12.b.1
Councillor Mund - Rescind Fines

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Mund
    Seconded by:Councillor Fehr

    WHEREAS Council's recent approval to allow secondary residents on Agricultural Land Reserve lands within the City of Vernon and not to enforce our Bylaws until future changes in said Bylaws;

    BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Vernon rescind fines levied against the property owner at 6530 Eagle Road, approximately $2,800, which were issued over the past year.

    Opposed (2)Mayor Cumming, and Councillor Guy
    CARRIED (4 to 2)

  • Councillor Gares returned at 3:50 pm. 

13.
INFORMATION ITEMS

 

13.a
Correspondence

 

13.b
Minutes from Council Committees

 
  • Board of Variance, September 27, 2023

14.
RECESS MEETING

 

Mayor Cumming recessed the Regular Open Meeting at 3:54 pm.

15.
RECONVENE MEETING

 

Mayor Cumming reconvened the Regular Open Meeting at 7:25 pm.

15.a
Bylaw(s) for Third Reading

 

15.a.1
Bylaw 5975 and DVP Issuance

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Guy
    Seconded by:Councillor Durning

    THAT Bylaw 5975, "Tronson Road Rezoning Amendment Bylaw 5975, 2023", a bylaw to rezone the subject property from "R2 - Large Lot Residential" to "R3 - Medium Lot Residential", be read a third time and adopted.

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

    THAT the Corporate Officer be authorized to issue Development Variance Permit DVP00563 for Lot A District Lot 298 ODYD District Plan KAP62807 except plans KAP84737, KAP86381, KAP91703 & EPP81537 (Tronson Road), to vary Zoning Bylaw 5000.

    CARRIED

15.a.2
Bylaw 5976 and DVP Issuance

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Mund
    Seconded by:Councillor Gares

    THAT Bylaw 5976, "3300 31 Avenue Rezoning Amendment Bylaw 5976, 2023", a bylaw to rezone the subject property from "C7 - Heritage Business District" to "C8 - Central Business District", be read a third time;

    AND FURTHER, that the Corporate Officer be authorized to issue Development Variance Permit DVP00617 for Lot A District Lot 72 ODYD Plan KAP89332 (3300 31 Ave), to vary Zoning Bylaw 5000, once all conditions of Council are satisfied and Bylaw 5976, "3300 31 Ave Rezoning Amendment Bylaw 5976, 2023" has been adopted.

    CARRIED

16.
CLOSE OF MEETING

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Gares
    Seconded by:Councillor Mund

    THAT the Regular Open meeting of December 11, 2023 be adjourned.

    CARRIED

  • Mayor Cumming closed the Regular Open meeting at 7:37 pm. 

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