With the business of the budget behind them, Prince George City Council will cover a variety of topics in the first of two back-to-back meetings.
Bears and garbage
The Northern Bear Awareness Society will make a presentation to council stressing the urgency for stricter residential waste storage rules to prevent human-bear conflict in Prince George. Council is expected to approve a bylaw amendment requiring residents to set out their solid waste containers no earlier than 4 a.m. on collection day.
Trades training
Canfor executive members are working towards turning the former Rustad sawmill site into a multi-institutional trades training centre and will present a draft project plan to council tonight. This "first-of-its-kind facility" would operate in close engagement with industrial employers and provide hands-on training. Participation would be required from establishd post-secondary schools and ideally begin taking in students in January 2013. The project requires government support to convert the mill site to a trade school and for the post-secondary institutions to establish new training capacity on the site.
Public hearing
The floor will be open for presentations from the public before going to a third and final reading regarding the city's request to rezone portions of land along Highway 16 used by the Prince George Tennis Club and the Prince George Golf and Curling Club to allow for commercial and residential development. The Golf Course - Pine Centre Neighbourhood Plan adopted by council in November, 2010 discusses the commercial use likely for this area to consist of big box stores and auto dealers.
Transfer stations
The city's standing finance and audit committee is recommending the city discuss the with the Regional District of Fraser Fort George the possibility of the regional district assuming operational control of the two City of Prince George-operated Transfer Stations. In 1995, the province ceded responsibility of solid waste management to regional districts, but the city kept control of those within city limits. Today, those are located at Quinn Street and Vanway. Based on the 2011 net costs for the two transfer stations, it is estimated that the city could realize an annual savings of about $250,000 if the regional district takes control.
Business committee
Following the select committee on business's report to council last month, city manager Derek Bates is recommending that council revisit its economic development and social development strategies and policies and establish an advisory committee on business and/or other advisory committees to provide direct advice to council following the completion of the core services review.
Investment agreement
Council will be asked to approve entering into the Strategic Community Investment Funds Agreement with the province. This allows the city to access funds under the provincial Revenue Sharing Grant programs. Between 2003 and 2011, the city has received approximately $10 million under the Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Grant Program, and is expected to receive another $1.6 million in 2012. That money will be used to offset the cost of police enforcement in the city.
Cultural funding
The city's recreation co-ordinator is asking for council's approval for the allocation of this year's Cultural Grants. The city has already budgeted $215,130 for cultural grants and received 13 applications. Money will be allocated to Community Arts Council, Le Cercle des Canadiens Francai, Multicultural Heritage Society, Prince George Conservatory of Music, Prince George Folkfest (Coldsnap), Prince George Rivers Day, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Theatre North West and Two Rivers Gallery (KidzArt Dayz).
