Changes to Council meeting procedures and processes
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Council authorized several changes to council meeting procedures and processes. The easing of public health orders and restrictions this spring has resulted in a return to normal operations. On Monday evening, Administration recommended changes to the Council policy regarding Public Hearing Procedures and Guidelines, including the discontinuance of informal hearings. Council approved the amendments.
Additional changes to the policy include:
- Revising the time limit for speakers’ initial and subsequent submissions to Council.
- Clarifying the timeline for submission of materials requiring use of electronic media.
- Authorizing use of telephone by members of the public wishing to make representations during a public hearing.
Full opportunities for public participation will continue to include in person attendance and phone submissions at public hearings and written submissions to Council.
City to apply for federal anti-gang funding
On Monday evening, City Administration sought Council approval to apply for a significant federal grant from Public Safety Canada. The City of Prince George was selected as one of several cities across Canada to receive funding for a 4-year, approximately $1.8M grant from the “Building Safer Communities Fund,” which has the option of using the money to hire a Program Coordinator to design the remaining 2-4 years of the project. Council approved the request.
Public Safety Canada is working to build a safe and resilient Canada through the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence and the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF), a targeted, time-limited contribution program that will provide $250 million to municipalities and Indigenous communities to develop community-based prevention and intervention strategies to tackle gun and gang activities.
Changes to fees at Pine Valley
Administration recommended that Council approve amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Fees and Charges Bylaw to allow for an increase in the fees and charges rates for the Pine Valley Golf Centre following a comparison study of similar courses in peer municipalities. Council approved the amendment for first three readings. The new fees will be at council for final reading at an upcoming council meeting and will then be published on the Pine Valley website.
All of the reports and other materials from the May 30 meeting of Council are available on the Council agenda.