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District of Tumbler Ridge Policies and Priorities Meeting
By Stacie Gruntman
Wednesday July 07, 2010 June 28th , 2010 Official Minutes can be obtained from Town Hall In attendance: Mayor White, Councillors Wren, Schembri, McManus, Beale, and Mackay.
1. Call to order: 7:00pm 2. Adoption of Agenda-as amended 3. Adoption of minutes-May 25th, 2010
The recommendation that Council adopt the minutes for the Policies and Priorities Meeting June 14th, 2010 as presented-carried.
4. Business arising from the minutes:
Councillor Schembri inquired if there was any new news regarding the Revitalization Tax Exemption program. Ms. Isaak explained that it looks as though this program will be extended to new developments that were built before the program is formally adopted. The district lawyers are getting the paper work together.
Mayor White advised Kevin More with the Rymore subdivision was supposed to be in attendance this meeting, but sent an email to Mayor White advising he needs more time to prepare.
Councillor McManus inquired about the engineer report and the possibility of changing the floor plan of the community centre. Ms. Isaak advised Council the structural engineer has said the weight load is good. Council will need to look at putting money aside for budgeting the possible changes in layout in future years.
5. Delegations 5.1 Trent Ernst-Eye for Detail Photography
Trent Ernst confirmed he is no stranger to the district and for the last five years he has been helping with communication (website, writing etc.)
Mr. Ernst advised Council he is concerned that certain aspects of district communication are not being done (or not as often) now that there is no person in a position in the Economic Development Office.
He wanted to let Council know that he is “here to help.”
Comments/Questions: Councillor Beale commented he is appreciative of Mr. Ernst coming forward and Councillor Beale is interested in what he has to offer. Councillor McManus stated he can see the benefit of having someone working at updating modes of communication as electronic updates are very important. Councillor McManus advised Mr. Ernst it would be helpful to see his cost structure for the services he would provide.
Mr. Ernst mentioned the previous EDO, Ray Proulx, had mentioned 1 1/2 days per work week was spent on communication for the district. Potential costs for services will be submitted to district at a later date.
6. Reports
6.1 Gazebo for Community Garden
As per the lease agreement between the District of Tumbler Ridge and the Community Gardens, any structures built on the land occupied by the community gardens needs to have approval by Council.
The Community Gardens would like to erect a gazebo, for people to gather, to provide shelter and to accommodate classroom instruction.
There will be no cost to the district.
Councillor Mackay advised Council it will be octagonal in shape and there will eventually be a floor put in for classroom instruction or a meeting place.
The request will be sent to the next regular meeting for formal approval.
6.2 Signage Requests
Northern Lights College(NLC) has contacted the district and inquired if the district would be willing to purchase and install directional signage for non for profit organizations within the community. Ms. Isaak advised Council it has been done in the past for the Library and the Museum. Ms. Isaak asked Council to consider if they want to continue putting up signs for not- for-profit organizations, as it has been done in the past, or to consider developing a policy to have criteria in place as to who signs will be put up for.
Ms. Isaak explained before Mr. Proulx left, they had a conversation about signs and he cautioned against too much signage. It is important to direct people to the tourist information centre as this is where statistic are gathered.
Comments/Questions:
Mayor White: “Is NLC non for profit?”
Ms. Isaak explained that yes, they consider themselves non for profit and that came straight from the Dean’s Office.
Councillor Wren suggested staff contact other communities with colleges and see what they do for the colleges(in regards to signs).
Councillor Schembri thinks putting up the signs(to the college)is a good idea but believes there should be a policy with criteria in place.
Ms. Isaak commented that perhaps no firm answer can be given tonight.
Mayor White does not support putting up signs for NLC.
Councillor Beale stated he thinks the Minister of Education should have money in the budget for signs.
6.3 Home Based Businesses
Ms. Isaak advised during the downturn of the economy, some businesses were allowed as home based business that are not a usual occurrence in communities.
In the past couple months there have been a few complaints. These complaints were focused at a small engine repair shop and a motorcycle repair shop.
Ms. Isaak requested Council to consider if they wanted any changes to the home based business bylaw.
Comments/Questions:
Councillor McManus commented it is important to look at the impacts of a home based business on the neighbours.
Mayor White advised Council he has had some complaints that there is not enough business being done in the downtown core because so much business is being done at home.
Mayor White recommends a review of the home based business bylaw to make sure it is in accordance with the Official Community Plan(OCP).
Chief Treit explained the bylaw is generally in line with other communities but industry based businesses in residential areas is not allowed in most towns.
Mayor White commented there is no need to have industry based businesses included in the bylaw. Mayor White inquired if the bylaw was rescinded, could a timeline be given to the industry based business to move their business out of the residential areas?
Ms. Isaak advised that should not be a problem as long as proper notification is given.
Councillor Wren mentioned his concern is with the boarders and lodgers. Many of these people are working in Tumbler Ridge and making good wages, but they are paying municipal taxes elsewhere and not spending their money in Tumbler Ridge.
Ms. Isaak explained boarders and renters were supposed to register with the district, but that is not being done. She also suggested looking at two different user rates(resident and non resident) for the community centre, as is done in other towns(for example, Trail, BC).
Direction: Ms. Isaak will investigate legalities in giving time limits to businesses to move their businesses elsewhere.
6.4 Building Lots
After a conversation with Mr. Klikash, the building inspector for Tumbler Ridge, Mayor White advised Council there are some lots in town that could easily be turned into duplex lots. Currently, there is no duplex housing in Tumbler Ridge.
Mayor White stated he thinks it is worthwhile to look at that option.
Comments/Questions:
Councillor Mackay commented he thinks it is a good idea, it will change the housing a bit and will increase the tax base.
Councillor Wren asked if there is a possibility for 4-plex housing, as it would be more profitable for developers.
Direction: Item will be brought back to the next Policies and Priorities Meeting after the potential lots are identified.
7. Correspondence
7.1 RCMP Contract Renewal Update
This item received for information.
8. Discussion Items
8.1 Youth Summer Art Program
Ms. Isaak informed Council that Darcy Jackson, a local artist who will be working with the youth, could not guarantee the art that will be done by the youth would be appealing(on the planters).
There will be a mural done and a place for it will be found at a later date. The youth art program is still looking at painting the garbage cans.
9. Question and Answer period-none.
Kees Vandeburgt asked if there is a separate tax for home based businesses.
Ms. Isaak advised that no, there is no special tax. They pay the basic residential tax and qualify for the homeowners grant.
Councillor Schembri advised NATA Reforestation, from Prince George, donated 250 trees to Tumbler Ridge. All trees were Spruce and varied in size. The tree planters also donated their time and planted them along Mackenzie Way.
10. Adjourn: 8:10pm
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