The City of Prince George council will tackle a variety of issues at tonight's council meeting:
Remedial action appealed
Council will hear from property owner Norma Joan Dow who is asking the city to reconsider last month's remedial action requirements placed on her Tofield Street property. At the Sept. 14 meeting, Dow was ordered to clean up an accumulation of debris and discarded materials including scrap metal, wood roof trusses and a partially dismantled vehicle. In a report to council, city staff acknowledged Dow had accepted responsibility and that it could take time for preparation of building permits, but they are hesitant to release the pressure that got the work started.
Financial transparency
Councillor Brian Skakun is recommending the City of Prince George council adopt a new, more transparent financial reporting strategy. Similar to that of the City of Quesnel, Skakun is suggesting a system noting items such as accounts payable clerk's cheque listings and electronic fund transfers that would be included in the city council agenda once per month. Some issues still to be worked out would be privacy concerns, solicitor-client issues and the ability of staff to create such a monthly report.
Kinsmen Club seek smaller loan
After being sent back to the drawing board following an August request for assistance, the Kinsmen Club of Prince George has a reduced request for $28,000 to repair the roof of their community centre. In their original presentation, the club requested a $60,000 repayable loan. According to a staff report, providing the club with a loan will allow the Kinsmen Club to continue to meet their lease obligations to the city.
Fee changes
Council will be asked to approve changes to the bylaw concerning fees and charges at CN Centre. Although the majority of those changes are technical wording and definitions, there are also three new fees enclosed for CN Centre advertising, atrium rentals and electrical hookups. There is also an increased fee for camping.
Lane closure
A non-constructed portion of highway will be stopped up and closed to traffic, with the intention of selling the land to the adjacent property owners Yomo Management Ltd. The approximately 250 square metre strip of lane adjacent to 1011 Victoria St. is under review to facilitate the construction of a new commercial building. The purchase price of the lane is $39,500.
Debt switch
The city's finance and audit committee is asking council to approve changing the funding source from external debt to internal debt for a number of projects. These are George Street lighting, Rotary Field upgrades, and city hall parking lot and council chambers audio-video upgrade capital projects. Although these are not major capital projects, they are still placed at a high priority. Funding their completion through the use of Endowment Reserve funds could be more cost effective, according to a staff report.
