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Fernie Council Connection
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Feb. 13 City of Fernie council meeting.
1. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.1 FOR BYLAW NO. 2336, ZONING BYLAW NO. 1750, AMENDMENT BYLAW NO. 195, 2017
Council held a Public Hearing for Bylaw No. 2336 and heard from the public regarding the proposed amendment of section 4.2.2.4.1.3b) of Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 to change the rear yard setback of secondary detached dwelling units from six metres (19.7 feet) to 1.5 metres (4.9 feet). The bylaw was defeated.
2. DELEGATIONS
2.1 RDEK – ELECTORAL AREA PLANNING & FERNIE MOUNTAIN PARK ROAD
Council heard a presentation by Electoral Area A Director Mike Sosnowski on behalf of the Regional District of East Kootenay regarding electoral area planning and financial assistance for the paving of Fernie Mountain Park Road.
2.2 FERNIE AND DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL – OPERATING GRANT
Council heard a presentation by Louise Ferguson on behalf of the Fernie and District Arts Council regarding the 2018 Operating Grant application. Ms. Ferguson reviewed the successes of 2017, plans for 2018, changes to organization staff and board activities. Priorities for the organization include youth, community engagement, volunteer development and cultural tourism.
2.3 FERNIE & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY – OPERATING GRANT
Council heard a presentation by Ron Ulrich on behalf of the Fernie and District Historical Society regarding the 2018 Operating Grant application. Mr. Ulrich reviewed the successes of 2017 and plans for 2018. Mr. Ulrich reviewed plans for facility upgrades, awards achieved and event participation in 2017. Top priorities for 2018 include artifact documentation and cataloging, new exhibits, educational programming and participation in community events.
2.4 WILDSAFEBC – OPERATING GRANT
Council heard a presentation by Kathy Murray on behalf of WildSafeBC regarding the 2018 Operating Grant application. Ms. Murray reviewed activities completed in 2017, events planned for 2018 and the operating budget.
3. STAFF REPORTS
3.1 FERNIE & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Council authorized a three‐year partner agreement between the City of Fernie and the Fernie & District Historical Society. The agreement provides for a new downtown guest service to welcome tourists to Fernie’s historic downtown and provide information on history, attractions, local services and businesses. In addition, the partner agreement includes museum (pictured above) and heritage services provided by FDHS previously funded through a core operating grant.
3.2 PROPERTY DISPOSITION – 1501A 8 Avenue
Council authorized disposition (sale) of land legally described as Lot A, District Lot 4588, Kootenay District Plan 14694, PID 010‐405‐704, civically known as 1501A 8th Avenue for the sum of $120,000 to 1149084 B.C. Ltd. subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions detailed in the Contract of Purchase and Sale dated November 22, 2017 and Addendum dated January 15, 2018.
Funds will be allocated to the Facility Reserve Account.
3.3 FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW
Council authorized the attendance of one member of council to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities from May 31 to June 3 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This conference is an annual event that provides a forum to share information that Canadian municipalities can use to overcome their challenges and address the needs of their citizens.
3.4 2018 PROVISIONAL BUDGET
Council adopted the 2018 Provisional Budget. The 2018 Financial Plan is built on utilizing the budget adopted in 2017 and focused on long‐term sustainable service delivery and targets from 2017 Service Level Review. Incremental tax increases have been implemented for all components of the budget. The budget proposed provides stability for residents while providing adequate funding for all service levels.
4. CORRESPONDANCE
4.1 SPARLING EAST PARK
In memory of their father, the East family has made an offer to donate $15,000 to the City of Fernie for the further development of the Dr. Sparling Park. Council thanked the East family for their generous donation and requested the Leisure Services Advisory Board assist staff with the development of plans for donation funds.
5. BYLAWS
BYLAW NO. 2326 OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN; BYLAW NO. 2231, AMENDMENT BYLAW NO.6, 2017; AND BYLAW NO. 2327 ZONING BYLAW NO. 1750, AMENDMENT BYLAW NO. 189, 2017
Council gave first and second reading for Bylaw No. 2326 and Bylaw No. 2327. The applicant proposes to open a distillery and tasting room in the Highway Corridor, specifically at 1441 – 7th Avenue. The purpose of the bylaw amendment to the City of Fernie OCP is to allow distilleries and breweries as industrial uses in the Highway Corridor. The purpose of the amendment to the Zoning Bylaw is to include distillery as a permitted use at the specific location of 1441 – 7th Avenue. Both bylaws will be brought forward to a future meeting for a Public Hearing.
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF COUNCIL
• Monday, February 26 – Committee of the Whole at 10 a.m. and the Regular meeting of Council at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers.
• Monday, March 12 – Committee of the Whole at 10 a.m. and the Regular meeting of Council at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers.
City of Fernie
