Courtenay Council meeting highlights for April 12, 2023

This update covers highlights from the April 12, 2023 Council meeting. If there’s something from the meeting that you’d like more detail on, the full agenda, video, and minutes (when available) of each meeting are posted on the City of Courtenay website at www.courtenay.ca/councilmeetings 

Council respectfully acknowledged that the lands on which this meeting was conducted are the Unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.

Councillor McCollum spoke about the upcoming National Volunteer Week from April 16 – 22 and acknowledged volunteers for playing a critical role in the development and maintenance of a healthy community.

Delegations

• Comox Valley Cycling Coalition
  Mike Keohane, President of the Cycling Coalition, provided an update on 2023 projects and provided input on Courtenay’s cycling infrastructure and the City’s Cycling Network Plan. The cycling coalition focuses on safe cycling, education, advocacy and special events.
• North Island Students' Union - Menstrual Equity 
  Carissa Wilson and Rebecca Lennox, NIC Student Union representatives, presented to Council on menstrual equity and the impact the lack of menstrual products has on community members. They are requesting that free menstrual products be available in public spaces including City operated facilities.

Staff reports

• Development Variance Permit No. 2208 –1130 5th Street (Accessory Building Use)
  This application is to permit a home occupation to be carried out wholly within an accessory building. Council directed staff to provide public notice to adjacent property owners and occupants and request feedback on the application.

Internal reports

• Alternative Approval Process Results (Parkland Disposition Bylaw No. 3050)
  Council received the Alternative Approval Process Results and the approval of the electors was obtained with only one elector response form submitted by the deadline.

Council Reports

Members of Council are given the opportunity to describe various meetings and events they have attended.

Council resolutions

• Downtown Community Safety Office – Mayor Wells
  Council directed staff to work with the RCMP and the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association to explore the option of a Downtown Community Safety Office, for the use of community partners including the RCMP and City of Courtenay Bylaw division, and report back to Council.

Unfinished business

• Comox Valley Ground Search & Rescue
  Council directed staff to prepare a report on options to address the Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue's requests to be recognized as first responders, and for land to build a permanent search and rescue facility.

Notice of motion

• Election to Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Board of Directors - Councillor Cole-Hamilton
  A motion will be put forward at a future Council Meeting for Council to endorse Councillor Will Cole-Hamilton standing for election on FCM’s Board of Directors for the period starting in May 2023 and ending June 2024 and that the City assume all costs that are not covered by the UBCM-FCM Small Communities travel fund.
• Municipal Input in RCMP Contract Decisions - Councillor Cole-Hamilton
  A motion will be put forward at a future Council Meeting for Council to join the FCM in calling on the federal government to commit to ensuring that local governments are meaningfully consulted and at the table on issues related to policing costs.

Bylaws

For first, second and third readings

• 2023 – 2027 Consolidated Financial Plan Bylaw 3096, 2023
  Council considered the 2022 – 2026 General Operating and Capital Fund Financial Plan. Adam Langenmaier, director of financial services, presented the overall financial plan information and each director presented information for their department.
  
  The plan includes a 9.7 per cent property tax increase for 2023. An average home will pay $3,196 in taxes and utility fees to the City of Courtenay which is equivalent to $252 (8.6 per cent) over the prior year.
  
  View financial plan reports, presentation and information on our Financial Plan webpage.
   
• Solid Waste Collection Service – Excess Yard Waste
  Council directed staff to update the current collection agreement to include terms for the purchase of additional yard waste tags in excess of 360 litres per residential dwelling unit.
  • Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3098, 2023 (Solid Waste Collection)
    Council gave first, second and third reading to allow excess yard waste tags to be purchased at a cost of $5.00 per tag.
  • Refuse Materials Collection, Removal and Regulation Bylaw No. 3099 Council gave first, second and third reading to limit extra paper yard waste bags to two per collection.
• Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3100 (EV Charging Stations)
  Council gave first, second and third readings toset the flat rate fee for all City owned electric vehicle charging stations at $3.00 per hour.

For adoption

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3054 (1077 Piercy Ave)
  This application is to accommodate a multi residential development. Council approved.
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3072 (1540 Willemar Ave)
  This application is change this property from Residential Two Zone (R-2) to Residential One E Zone (R-1E). Council approved.

The meeting adjourned at 10:03 p.m., the next meeting is Wednesday, April 26, 2023 and will be available on the City of Courtenay’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/CityofCourtenayBC/streams