Mayor's Report on Formaldehyde Sample Results:
Information was provided as background to Council concerning recent public discussion on high formaldehyde levels found in air samples taken in two locations within the Miller Addition during the summer of 2008. The sampling was conducted by Ministry of Environment; however, was part of an odour study project of the Prince George Air Improvement Roundtable (PGAIR). Key concerns expressed by a number of concerned individuals were:
The need to fund additional testing to determine if the sample testing was in error, and; The need to ensure the public is better informed of such sampling results.
After discussions with Minister Penner on March 4, 2010, Mayor Dan Rogers received reassurance that funding would be provided to conduct further testing and upon completion, the results will be released publicly and directly to concerned residents in the Millar addition and citizens in Prince George.
2009 Institute for Social Research and Evaluation (ISRE) Public Opinion Survey:
In partnership with the City of Prince George, UNBC's Institute for Social Research and Evaluation has conducted an annual public opinion survey with a different focus each year since 1994. This year's survey was focused on items relevant to the City's myPG initiative.
Additionally, the public opinion survey also included questions about our social environment, our standard quality-of-life questions and demographic questions that allow the City to trace trends since 1994.
3000 households were randomly selected and received Quality of Life surveys. 272 surveys were completed and submitted. Responses from the public opinion survey will help City Council and UNBC research understand the variety of issues facing our residents and help make better use of City tax dollars.
A summary of research results will be published for general use by other researchers and any other individuals that may be interested. Furthermore, a summary of the aggregate data will be presented to city personnel for planning purposes.deleg_isre_summary.pdf
Boundary Road:
The City has been successful in obtaining Federal and Provincial funding for the Boundary Road project. Federal and Provincial funding is contingent on the project conforming to environmental mitigation requirements specified by Building Canada as part of the Contribution Agreement. Once details of the Contribution Agreement are confirmed, including terms respecting Mitigation Measures, the project can begin. A project schedule is presented that reflects the scope of work as impacted by mitigation measure requirements:
Project Milestone Date
Signed Contribution Agreement March 16, 2010
Public Tender May 1, 2010
Receipt of Tenders May 22, 2010
Award of Construction June 7, 2010
Construction Completion October 31, 2011
myPG Update:
On Saturday, March 27, 2010 there will be a myPG kiosk and display set up in the Pine Centre
Mall aisle as a "flow through open house" for anyone to meet City staff and UNBC students
working on myPG, and to review the draft myPG vision, goals and strategies. The kiosk (without
display) will continue to be at the mall until April 1st to provide information and draft plans will be
available.
Mayor's Task Force for a Better Downtown - Standards of Maintenance:
Council supported that the Mayor's Task Force for a Better Downtown Phase One Interim Report recommendation 3.2.1 be revised to read:
Assemble an integrated team consisting of fire, police, building inspection, bylaw, health and social services to attend downtown rental properties where the health and safety of tenants is reported to be at risk.
This will replace the short-term implementation of a Standards of Maintenance Bylaw. The City of Prince George will continue towards developing a community wide Standards of Maintenance Bylaw.
Earth Hour- March 27 8:30-9:30pm:
The City's March 27th Earth Hour campaign will include:
Turning off the City Hall tree lights for the full evening of Saturday March 27th Turning off City office lighting, and staff computers where appropriate and where safety is not compromised Encouraging City staff to participate in the event at home where appropriate and safety is not
compromised.
The City has participated in this event since 2008 which is consistent with the City's overall goal in providing leadership for energy and conservation awareness.
Next Council meeting:
Monday March 29, 2010
