The Rocky Mountain Rangers 10th Anniversary
Mayor Lyn Hall presented a report to Council to introduce representatives from the Rocky Mountain Rangers, and to mark the 10years since the group returned to Prince George. The group gave Council an overview of their plans to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the return of the rifle company (Bravo Company) to the city.
Update on Prince George’s civic core plan
Administration presented Council with plans for developing and maintaining the civic core in the downtown area. The needs identified in the report include a downtown arena nearing the end of its service life, arts and cultural space needs, and an upcoming demolition of the old pool and fire hall. Council has indicated the need to support a vibrant civic precinct within their 2022-2024 Strategic Plan through the development of the proposed Civic Core Plan that would establish a clear strategy forward and alignment of community needs and infrastructure investment within the Downtown Civic Core District. Council directed Administration to proceed with the plan.
Permissive tax exemptions for places of worship
As directed by Council, City Administration returned on Monday to Council with a review of the administration of permissive tax exemptions for places of public worship. Permissive Tax Exemptions are a means for Council to support organizations within the community to further Council’s objectives of enhancing quality of life and delivering services economically. There is no obligation on Council’s part to grant exemptions. Staff provided Council with three options for placing limits on the exemptions. Council voted in favour of maintaining the status quo and not amending the current tax exemption program.
Fortis ‘lease-in-lease-out’ agreement
The City of Prince George has received a payment of $29,374,000 from Fortis BC following the company’s decision to terminate the lease-in-lease-out agreement for its natural gas distribution system. At Monday’s Council meeting, Administration provided Council with four options for the use of the net proceeds of that payment ($28,285,863) and recommended that Council keep the money in the Fortis Reserve Fund, where it currently sits. Council approved the recommendation. By selecting this option, Council may also use the money as a funding source for any general capital projects in the future they feel is appropriate.
Amendments to local election bylaws
Prince George City Council gave first three readings to proposed amendments to City bylaws relating to local elections. The amendments would include:
- Allowing electors to vote by mail ballot.
- Changing the permissible sign locations in certain areas to improve sight line issues for vehicle traffic.
- Setting fine amounts for offences relating to election and political signs.
Public notice requirements
On Monday, Council directed Administration to return to future meetings with a report with options for alternate means of publishing public notices. Recent legislative amendments by the Province of BC provide local governments with the option to adopt a bylaw to provide for alternative means of notice publication that are different than the default requirement of newspaper publishing. In order to adapt a new public notice bylaw, Council must ensure the options are reliable, suitable, and accessible.
The full Council meeting agenda, including all of the associated reports, can be viewed on the City website.