The December 20 meeting of City Council was the final meeting of the year, but it was not short on important items.
Committee recommendations on 2022-2024 Operating Budget
Finance and Audit Committee Chair, Councillor Garth Frizzell, brought forward committee recommendations that Council direct Administration to prepare a report providing an option for a one million dollar reduction to the Police Services operating budget for Council’s consideration. Council also directed Administration to prepare a report providing options for reductions that allow for a 4.37% increase to the estimated general operating levy for Council’s consideration, which is 2% less than the initial projection of 6.37 percent provided to Council by Administration.
Council approved both recommendations. Further discussion will be had during Council’s budget deliberations for the 2022 City Budget scheduled to occur on January 24, 2022.
Significant capital projects update
Administration provided a report to Council with a list of active capital projects that have a budget or actual spending of $1 million or more. Of the 48 on-going significant capital projects in the City, all are currently on budget except two, which are listed as “under review” or as having “budget concerns.” In addition, all of the projects listed are on time, except for three. The total value of the capital projects is over $181 Million with $118 spent to date. Staff are doing everything possible to keep all capital projects on time and on budget.
Downtown pool project
Administration provided Council with a project update on the construction of the new aquatic centre in downtown Prince George. According to the report, the project is within scope and two-thirds complete with a targeted facility opening in fall 2022. With the unexpected cost increases reported to Council in July and additional possible heating costs this winter, the project may require additional funds or changes to scope. Cost savings to date of $267,015 will assist in offsetting those increased expenses. Staff are working to address any possible increases and to find cost reductions in other areas. A further update will be provided to Council in April 2022.
Downtown Arts Strategy
Staff provided Council with an update on the development of a Downtown Arts Strategy following two delegations to Council earlier in the year requesting funding for various amenities to enhance performing arts capacity in the downtown area.
The draft strategy contains recommendations specific to current administrative work, as well as specifics of how the City could align its funding and service agreements with arts organizations to emerging trends and best practices. In addition, although not yet vetted through a public engagement process, the strategy contains recommendations that will link directly to civic core planning focused on land-use and infrastructure development, should Council identify this work as a strategic priority.
Miracle Theatre’s usage of the Prince George Playhouse
At the December 6, 2021 Council meeting, representatives from Miracle Theatre, Hospice Palliative Care Society and the Prince George Community Foundation appeared as a delegation requesting financial support towards the overall cost of renting the Prince George Playhouse.
Council directed Administration to return to Council with a report on the remaining balance of its contingency fund and funding options available for the request. Last night, Administration provided the report to Council.
According to the report, the request to Council equates to City of Prince George support for $8,573.45 to a maximum of $12,514.10. The report also indicated that Council contingency has available funds remaining in 2021, and will start anew on January 1, 2022. Council approved financial support up to a maximum of $12,514.10 from its Council contingency budget in support of the Miracle Theatre production, On Golden Pond, to be held at the PG Playhouse.
Inspiring Women Among Us
In February, Administration was directed to review a request from the organizers of Inspiring Women Among Us for long-term financial support. The organization was developed to honour the participation of women in academia and other traditionally male-dominated fields.
The City’s past support of the event has been facilitated outside of established granting processes. This is because the IWAU is not a registered non-profit society and because its funding request does not align with myPG Community or MeetingsPG grant criteria. A review of all City granting processes will be undertaken in 2022, and the IWAU request will be considered during that process.
Delegations
Council received two delegations to start the meeting: one from representatives from the Prince George Air Improvement Roundtable (PGAIR) and another from the Pine Valley Golf Course.
Both organizations provided Council with an update on their activities and operations from the previous year and an outlook for the year ahead.
View the full agenda for the Council meeting with links to all of the reports on the City website.