In the midst of the budget deliberations, regular city council business continues. Here's what's on the agenda for tonight's council meeting:
Core review seeks consultant
The city committee responsible for spearheading the core services review submits the request for proposals for a consultant to complete the review. According to the scope of the project's requirements, the consultant with the successful bid will examine the services provided by the City of Prince George and offer recommendations concerning program/service mandates, opportunities for expense reduction and revenue diversification and operational efficiency. The closing date for bids is March 14, with a contract expected to be awarded by March 26.
Business committee recommendations
The select committee on business submits their first report to council since its formation Dec. 12, 2011. The committee is charged with identifying specific examples of perceptions by the business community of what the city is doing well to create a better business environment and to provide advice on what the municipality could do to help businesses grow and generate new jobs. Included in the report are suggestions such as ensuring there is an appropriate inventory of heavy industrial land in the local area, researching best practices and policies of cities across the country and soliciting business and public opinion more actively.
Dike loan approval process
With the Feb. 6 approval of the River Road Dike Project, council now has to think about the funding. With $5.4 million in hand from the federal and provincial governments, the city has to raise more than $3.5 million, which will require long-term borrowing. In these situations, council has to get approval from the electors - the taxpayers. Under the province's Community Charter, council must decide between holding an referendum for long-term loan authorization or holding an alternative approval process. In the alternative process, if 10 per cent or more of eligible voters submit responses following notice in a local newspaper, a referendum would have to be held.
High density denial
City staff are recommending that council deny an application to rezone two LaSalle Avenue properties to allow for higher density housing. The switch from single residential to multiple residential zoning would allow for 10 units with a maximum height of 12 metres. The planning and development department suggests the necessary amendments to the Official Community Plan are not consistent with the existing neighbourhood's form and character, nor is the subject property close to amenities such as transit.
Off leash recommendations
City administration are seeking council's direction for phasing in the city's proposed off leash strategies. The first phase includes developing options to present for public consultation for Ginter's and Moore's Meadow, to remove the Domano Boulevard location as a pilot off-leash/under control area and to monitor the recently developed Duchess fenced dog park to confirm best practices for the next two years.
