THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF VERNON

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL

Monday, December 05, 2022 at 9:00 A.m. - 4:00 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
• A. Mund
• B. Quiring
• B. Guy

Staff Present:

• W. Pearce, Chief Administrative Officer
• P. Bridal, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
• K. Poole, Director, Community Safety, Lands and Administration
• J. Nicol, Deputy Corporate Officer
• K. Flick, Director, Community Infrastructure and Development Services
• D. Law, Director, Financial Services
• J. Rice, Director, Operation Services
• C. Poirier, Manager, Communication and Grants
• B. Bandy, Manager, Real Estate
• T. Martens, Manager, Financial Planning & Reporting
• J. Perrott, Manager, Economic Development and Tourism
• E. Croy, Manager, Transportation
• T. Silverthorn, Manager, Tourism
• R. Strobel, Manager, Fleet Services
• S. Wright, Manager, Community Recreation
• D. Lees, Manager, Protective Services
• M. Dowhaniuk, Manager, Infrastructure
• L. Walker, Manager, Customer Service - Recreation
• S. Patterson, Specialist, Talent Acquisition & Retention
• J. Bruns, Manager, Legislative Services

Also Present:

• D. Ross, Director, Recreation Services

  A. Hofsink, Deputy Fire Chief

  R. Friesen, Deputy Fire Chief

  J. Barrie, Admin. Assistant, Fire Rescue Services

  L. Wilfur, Emergency Management Secretary

  G. Gaucher, General Manager, Municipal Support Services

  K. Satchell, Manager, Information Services

  S. Irwin, Manager, Utilities

  S. Knuhtsen, Manager, Building and Licensing

  H. Hiebert, Financial Analyst 

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1.

CALL SPECIAL MEETING TO ORDER

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 9:00 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.

2.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT the Agenda for the December 5 and 6, 2022 Special Meeting of Council be adopted.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

3.

NEW BUSINESS

3.a

2023 - 2027 Financial Plan

The Chief Administrative Officer provided an overview of the proposed Budget for 2023.

The following points were reviewed:

• Budget process was started in June 2022 with the goal of not requiring a budget increase greater than 3%
• Base budget came in 1.47%
• Includes the last year of infrastructure levy at 1.9% which will generate just short of $7M in 2023 combined with other grant programs
• 11 service level increments brought forward for consideration - total of 2.67% is all approved
• Administration is recommending postponement of O'Keefe Ranch increase until Spring 2023 to be considered with the year-end balance
• Deferral is also recommended for the increased snow removal budget proposed for larger downtown area ($134,000 to be funded from the Snow Reserve if needed)
• Recommending deferral of bus stop snow removal program
• Overall tax increase proposed to be 5.17%.

The Director, Financial Services reviewed the process proposed for review of the 2023 – 2027 Financial Plan and the Memo previously distributed.  An overview of Taxation Base spreadsheet was also provided.

3.b

Divisional Budget Reviews, including Change Requests (P. 393)

3.b.1

RCMP (P. 332)

The Superintendent and Officer in Charge, RCMP reviewed the RCMP Divisional Budget and Change Request. 

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council receives and endorses the 2023 RCMP Divisional Budget, in the amount of $11,444,676, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council approves the following Change Request to the 2023 RCMP Divisional Budget:

  • 4001 *Additional 2 RCMP Members
    $414,000 (Taxation)
  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED (7 to 0)

3.b.2

Fire Rescue Services (P. 155)

The Deputy Fire Chief reviewed the Fire Rescue Services Budget and Change Requests.

• Moved by: Councillor Fehr
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receives and endorses the 2023 Fire Rescue Services Divisional Budget, in the amount of $7,487,423, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council approves the following Change Request to the 2023 Fire Rescue Services Divisional Budget: 

  • 3999 *Deputy Fire Chief Position
    $171,321 (Taxation)

  For (5)

  Councillor Fehr, Councillor Gares, Councillor Mund, Councillor Quiring, and Councillor Durning

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED (5 to 2)

3.b.3

Operation Services (P. 175)

The Director, Operation Services, reviewed the Operation Services Divisional Budget.  Each Manager with Change Requests was available to answer questions.

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Mund

  THAT Council receives and endorses the 2023 Operation Services Divisional Budget, in the amount of $11,442,637, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

3.b.3.1

Operations General (P. 179)

The Director, Operation Services reviewed the 2023 Operation General Departmental Budget.

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receives and endorses the 2023 Operations General Department Budget, in the amount of ($724,111), as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

3.b.3.2

Infrastructure (P. 182)

The Director, Operation Services reviewed the 2023 Infrastructure Departmental Budget.

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receives and endorses the following 2023 Infrastructure Department Budget, in the amount of $682,818, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

3.b.3.3

Public Works (P. 185)

The Director, Operation Services reviewed the 2023 Public Works Departmental Budget.

• Moved by: Councillor Fehr
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Council receives and endorses the following 2023 Public Works Department Budget, in the amount of $5,781,873, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council approve the following Change Requests for the 2023 Public Works Department Budget as follows:

  • 4002 *Additional Operating Costs Due to Development
    $118, 438.00 ($105,567 Taxation and $12,871 Sewer Rates)
  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council approve the following Change Request for the 2023 Public Works Department Budget:

  • 4004 *Snow Removal Frequency Increase (Downtown, 27 St, 32 St and Problem Areas)
    $134,000 (Snow Removal Reserve)
  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Durning
  Seconded by: Mayor Cumming

  THAT Council approve the following Change Request to the 2023 Public Works Department Budget:

  • 4006 (Snow Removal Enchancements to Bus Stops
    $160,000 (Taxation)

  For (7)

  Mayor Cumming, Councillor Fehr, Councillor Gares, Councillor Mund, Councillor Quiring, Councillor Durning, and Councillor Guy

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED (7 to 0)
• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Guy

  THAT Council approve the following Change Request to the 2023 Public Works Department Budget:

  • 4007 *Snow Plowing Enchancements to Priority Lanes
    $15,000 (Taxation)

   

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council approve the following Change Request to the 2023 Public Works Department Budget:

  • 4008 *Snow Plowing Enhancements to Cul-de-sacs
    $80,000 (Taxation)
  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNDEFEATED
• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council approve the following Change Request to the 2023 Public Works Department Budget:

  • 4009 *Snow Plowing Sidewalks – Weekend & Holiday Response
    $20,000 (Taxation)
  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

3.b.3.4

Parks Services (P. 210)

The Director, Operation Services, reviewed the 2023 Parks Services Departmental Budget.

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receives and endorses the following 2023 Parks Services Department Budget in the amount of $3,727,455, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Moved by: Mayor Cumming
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council approve the following Change Request to the 2023 Parks Services Department Budget:

  • 3985 *Marshall Field Washrooms Service
    $350,000 (Taxation)
  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council approve the following Change Request to the 2023 Parks Services Department Budget:

  • 4018 *City Hall Flag Pole
    $10,000 (Prior Year Unexpended Uncommitted Balance)
  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

3.b.3.5

Facility Services (P. 265)

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Quiring

  THAT Council receives and endorses the following 2023 Facility Services Department Budget, in the amount of $1,636,000, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

3.b.3.6

Fleet Services (P. 294)

The Director, Operation Services, reviewed the 2023 Fleet Services Departmental Budget.

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receives and endorses the following 2023 Fleet Services Department Budget, with no increase, as presented.

   

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

3.b.3.7

Utilities (Storm P. 307, Water P. 310, Sewer Utility 313)

The Director, Operation Services, reviewed the 2023 Utilities Departmental Budget.

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receives and endorses the following 2023 Utilities Department Budget (including Storm, Water Services and Sewer Utility Services), in the amount of $353,602, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

3.b.3.8

Vernon Water Reclamation Centre (P. 313)

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council  receives and endorses the following 2023 Vernon Water Reclamation Centre Department Budget, with no increase, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWN

3.b.4

RECESS FOR PUBLIC INPUT

Mayor Cumming called a recess at 10:58 am, Public Input will begin at 11 am.

3.b.5

RECONVENE

3.b.6

PUBLIC INPUT - 11:00 AM

Mayor Cumming opened the Public Input.

Grant Cummings

• question regarding the increases to sewer rates as a result of high-strength waste upgrades, seems that the  upgrades to the digester only benefit Okanagan Springs Brewery and costs shouldn't be passed on to all residents
• A. Admin. advised that upgrades to the high-strength treatment stream benefit all users by reducing the overall biological load to the plant and extending its life overall.  The Brewery does pay toward capital costs for the high-strength treatment stream.

Dawn Tucker

• would like public input held prior to decisions being made by Council on the Budget
• need to look at snow clearing for multi-use paths as well
• changes needed for snow removal for sidewalks and curb-letdowns, need to get snow cleared right to edge of sidewalk
• A. Admin. advised that multi-use paths are cleared on a priority basis, within 24 hours of snowfall excluding weekends and holidays.
• Boat launch at 8835 Okanagan Landing Road, water problem coming from above property - will this be addressed prior to repair of boat launch?  A. Admin. advised that this issue has been worked on with the residents for approximately five years and options are being considered.  The boat launch repair is subject to provincial permitting approvals that are ongoing.

3.b.7

Capital Budget (P. 414)

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Fehr

  THAT Council ratifies and confirms the following resolution adopted at the November 28, 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting of Council:

  'THAT Council endorse Year 1 (2023) of the Rolling 5 Year Infrastructure Program - 2023 - 2027 and endorse in principle (subject to Council's 2024 - 2027 Strategic Plan) contained in Attachment 1 of the report titled "Rolling 5 Year Infrastructure Program - 2023 - 2027", dated November 15, 2022 and respectfully submitted by the Manager, Infrastructure.'

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

3.b.8

Community Infrastructure and Development (P. 85)

The Director, Community Infrastructure and Development, reviewed the Community Infrastructure and Development Budget. 

• Moved by: Councillor Guy
  Seconded by: Councillor Fehr

  THAT Council receives and endorses the 2023 Community Infrastructure and Development Divisional Budget, in the amount of $4,778,923, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

3.b.9

Recreation Services (P. 336)

The Director, Recreation Services, reviewed the Recreation Services Budget. 

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receives and endorses the 2023 Recreation Services Divisional Budget (funded through Greater Vernon Recreation Services), in the amount of $2,827,642, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Councillor Quiring declared a conflict of interest as his firm (MQN) is involved in the design of the Active Living Centre.  Councillor Quiring left the meeting at 11:39 am.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWN
• Moved by: Councillor Fehr
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council receives and endorses the 2023 Recreation Services Divisional Budget (funded by the City of Vernon), in the amount of $31, 331 which includes:

  1. Lakers Clubhouse
  2. Active Living Centre 
  3. Two Child Care Facilities
  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Councillor Quiring returned to the meeting at 11:45 am.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWN

3.b.10

Human Resources (P. 165)

The Director, Human Resources, reviewed the Human Resources Budget and Change Request.

• Moved by: Councillor Fehr
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council receives and endorses the 2023 Human Resources Divisional Budget, in the amount of $1,800,184, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council approves the following Change Request for the 2023 Human Resources Divisional Budget:

  • 3998 *Talent Acquisition and Retention Position
    $87,500 (Taxation)

   

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

3.b.11

Administration / Council (P. 79)

The Chief Administrative Officer reviewed the Administration / Council Budget. 

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council receives and endorses the 2023 Administration / Council Divisional Budget, in the amount of $1,003,833, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Recess called at 11:54 am

  Reconvene at 1:00 pm

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWN

3.b.12

RECESS MEETING

Mayor Cumming recessed the Special Meeting at 11:54 am.

3.b.13

RECONVENE MEETING

Mayor Cumming reconvened the meeting at 1 pm.

3.b.14

Financial Services (P. 139)

The Director, Financial Services reviewed the Financial Services Budget.

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Council receives and endorses the 2023 Financial Services Divisional Budget, in the amount of ($3,264,967), as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Mund

  THAT Council approves the following 2023 Change Requests in the 2023 Financial Services Divisional Budget:

  • 4011 *Library Sunday Openings
    $18,728 (Taxation)
  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council defers, until March 31, 2023, the following Change Request:

  • 4010 *Additional Funding for O’Keefe Ranch
    $100,000 ($100,000 Casino Grant Reserve)
  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

3.b.15

Community Safety, Lands & Administration (P. 111)

The Director, Community Safety, Lands and Administration reviewed the Community Safety, Lands and Administration Divisional Budget.

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Quiring

  THAT Council receives and endorses the 2023 Community Safety, Lands and Administration Divisional Budget, in the amount of $5,836,040, as presented.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Fehr
  Seconded by: Councillor Quiring

  THAT Council approves the following 2023 Change Request for the 2023 Community Safety, Lands and Administration Divisional Budget:

  • 4000 *Bylaw Compliance Officer
    $92,741 (Taxation)
  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

4.

LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

4.a

Rescind Reading

4.a.1

Bylaw 5929

• Moved by: Councillor Fehr
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT third reading of Bylaw 5929, “Sewer User Rates (Rate Increases) Amendment Bylaw Number 5929, 2022”, a bylaw to amend the Sewer User Rates Bylaw Number 5400, 2013, be rescinded.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

4.b

Third Reading

4.b.1

Bylaw 5929

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  THAT Bylaw 5929, “Sewer User Rates (Rate Increases) Amendment Bylaw Number 5929, 2022”, a bylaw to amend the Sewer User Rates Bylaw Number 5400, 2013, be read third time, as amended.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWN

5.

RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING

• CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWN

5.a

Resolution to Close Meeting

• Moved by: Councillor Mund
  Seconded by: Councillor Gares

  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.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

6.

RECONVENE MEETING

Mayor Cumming reconvened the Special Meeting at 1:56 pm and requested a recess until 3:00 pm.

6.a

3:00 pm Public Input

Mayor Cumming reconvened the Special Budget Meeting on December 5, 2022 at 3:00 pm and opened the  Public Input.

Dawn Tucker

• Would like more opportunities for members of the public to address Council
• Would like to see more in-person Public Input sessions for a variety of development initiatives
• Please consider the smaller tax rate on residents and the larger tax rate on businesses
• Sunday openings at the library - operates not just as a place to get books but as a warming place in the winter and a cooling place in summer
• Would like Council to consider writing a letter to the Province regarding usage of reclaimed water
• Would like an additional flag pole to give opportunities to other groups
• Believe that reducing Development Cost Charges (DCC) is not a good idea, DCC's should cover the cost of development and the City of Vernon has lower DCC's than other neighbouring communities
• Re-examine reclaimed water rates, financial impact of freezing rates has not been considered
• Majority of people in our community are earning less than $37,000.

7.

HOUSEKEEPING / RECAP

The Director, Financial Services reviewed the budget spreadsheet.

• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Fehr

  THAT Council increase the investment income budget by $50,000.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED
• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council reconsider the following motion passed earlier at the Special Meeting of December 5, 2022:

  THAT Council approves the following 2023 Change Request for Fire Rescue Services: 

  3999 *Deputy Fire Chief Position
  $171,321 (Taxation)

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWN
• Moved by: Councillor Gares
  Seconded by: Councillor Durning

  THAT Council approves the following 2023 Change Request to the Fire Rescue Services Divisional Budget, to take effect on July 1, 2023: 

  • 3999 *Deputy Fire Chief Position
    $171,321 (Taxation)
  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

7.a

RESOLUTION 2023 - 2027 FINANCIAL PLAN

• Moved by: Councillor Quiring
  Seconded by: Councillor Fehr

  THAT Council endorses the 2023 budget, as presented within the 2023 - 2027 Financial Plan, including all amendments directed by Council resolution and the continuation of the 1.9% annual cumulative infrastructure levy.

  CARRIED, DEFEATED, WITHDRAWNCARRIED

7.b

SCHEDULE FOR 2023 - 2027 FINANCIAL PLAN

The Director, Financial Services advised that the Financial Plan Bylaw will be presented for first, second and third readings on January 9, 2023 with adoption scheduled for January 23, 2023.

8.

THANK YOU TO CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Council expressed thanks to retiring Chief Administrative Officer, Will Pearce, for his dedicated service and guidance over the past years and wished him the very best in retirement.

9.

CLOSE MEETING

Mayor Cumming closed the Special meeting at 3:49 pm.