By Andrea Arnold
McBride Council members met for their regular meeting February 25, 2020. The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mayor Runtz. Also present for the meeting were councilors Green, Smith and Hruby, as well as CAO McCutcheon.
During public comment, Doug Monroe asked if there was going to be a motion regarding item 9B on the agenda pertaining to the Zoning Amendment for the proposed seniors complex. The response was that it would be up to the members of council to decide if a motion would be presented after discussion. Al Birnie spoke on the same topic on behalf of several Old Age Pensioners present. He said they were highly in favor of the proposed complex and hoped to see as few delays as possible.
A late addition to the agenda pertained to a motion passed at the February 11, 2020 meeting. As of February 23, 2020, the cost estimate for Lagoon System Cell #1 Revitalization Project was increased by Radloff Engineering to $1,000,700, from the previous estimate of $927,327. The village’s share increased to $271,000 from $250,000. Council repealed the previous motion and agreed to support the project through its duration and committed to its share of the eligible project costs and any ineligible or cost overruns. The project is being funded mostly through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program-Green Infrastructure Environmental Quality sub-stream.
Council passed a motion approving expenses for Mayor Runtz to attend the 2020 Spring Mayors’ Caucus, May 5-6, 2020 in Whistler BC.
Council passed a motion approving first, second and third reading of Bylaw No. 792, 2020 Fees and Charges Amended Bylaw to increase utility fees by 2%. Council will consider final reading at the March 10, 2020 Regular
Council meeting as well as approve an extension of the 5% discount period to April 30, 2020.
Updated Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 788, 2019 – 1479 & 1413 2nd Ave. re: Robson Valley Legacies seniors housing complex. Planning Consultant Lilianna Dragowska was called and gave a summary of her report regarding recommendations provided during the initial referral process. She said the recommendations given by CN were voluntary guidelines. CN requested a berm and setback from the tracks, as well as a noise and vibration study. The building inspector, McBride Fire Department, and Radloff & Associates Inc. Engineers, have been satisfied by information provided by the applicant, and have no questions at this time. The height of the proposed buildings was brought forward as a concern by Councillor Green. The Village has a limit of the number of structures over 10.5 metres tall. Once there are more than 5, a ladder truck is required. She asked the applicant if they would consider re-designing rooflines if their complex pushed the village to exceed that number. Munroe stated that he would have to consult with the design team, but yes that could be considered. He also requested to be notified of how many other structures in the village limits already exceed 10.5 metres. The second item brought forward by Councillor Green was the issue of sidewalks. She asked if there will be sidewalks within the complex that will provide access to existing walkways. Monroe has stated previously that he does not plan on building sidewalks outside the property line (on Village land). In response to the question, he stated that yes, there will be access, pedestrian and wheelchair, throughout the complex and providing access to the village sidewalk system. Council approved a motion to schedule the Public Hearing date for Village of McBride Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 788, 2019, on Tuesday March 24, 2020 at 6:00 pm, located at the Village of McBride Council Chambers.
Council passed the motion approving the Veneer Kings Hockey Club Application for Beer Garden Endorsement for March 7-8, 2020 from 11am-1am. The McBride Seventh Day Adventist Church Food Bank is the non-profit organization benefiting from the event.
Administration asked for Council members to confirm their attendance to “The great BC Business Sale, Business Service Provider Launch” on March 10, 2020 at the Robson Valley Community Hall in McBride. Mayor Runtz, along with councillors Hruby, and Smith confirmed.
Council moved into the In-Camera portion in accordance with Section 90(l) (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose, (j) information that is prohibited, or information that if it were presented in a document would be prohibited, from disclosure under section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and (k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are in the preliminary states and that, in the view of Council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public, Council moved into a closed In-Camera meeting.
Council recessed the Open Meeting at 7:41pm.
