Back from the Easter holiday break, Prince George city council has a full agenda for tonight's meeting.
Road rehab
Council will receive an update from the transportation division on alternatives to the 2012 Road Rehabilitation program which was originally presented in the fall of 2011. The options, which have to meet the city's $3.5 million capital road rehabilitation project, include delaying the repair of some collector roads to finish more arterial roads first. This would mean instead of Johnson Street from 10th Avenue to 15th Avenue, a section of Foothills Boulevard and the final phase of Cranbrook Hill Old Summit Lake Roads would not be completed this year, making way for portions of Ospika and Tabor Boulevards and Massey Drive to be fixed in 2012.
Victorian design
After public consultation, the proposal to rezone La Salle Avenue to allow for a seven-unit, multi-family development returns to council. The South Fort George area residents who commented on the proposal either expressed their approval that the development would improve neighbourhood aesthetics and trigger revitalization in the area or opposed the potential for traffic and parking concerns to further deteriorate and that it would lead to higher-density, apartment-style developments taking over the neighbourhood. If council supports the third reading of the bylaw amendment, the planning department is recommending a covenant be placed on the title which would restrict the form and character of the development to the proposed Victorian style.
Tourism upgrades
In their 2012 Visitor Servicing Report, Tourism Prince George outlines the need to make upgrades to the Visitor Centre at the intersection of Highways 16 and 97. "Visitors to the site along with local residents have frequently remarked on the condition of the building and hours of operation during the summer months," the report says and also advocates for its closure. The organization's First Avenue location meets the requirements but would need some investment for improvements.
Road closure
Council will give the first two reading to a bylaw that would close a portion of the lane adjacent to 1360-10th Ave to facilitate the construction of the new hotel and condo project. The change would remove the road's highway dedication and consolidate it with adjacent city lands for future sale of the property.
Proposal denial
The city's planning department is recommending city council deny an application to rezone property at the corner of Highway 16 and Marleau Road for light industrial use. According to a staff report, the proposed amendment to the Official Community Plan would "be inconsistent with OCP policy to infill existing developable land that is designated for light industrial before considering the designation of new industrial uses." The developer is proposing warehouse and storage use with a residential security/operator unit.
Fleet acquisition
Prince George city council are being asked to approve a $142,000 purchase of city fleet equipment from Community Works funding. The equipment - an 100 per cent electric vehicle, conversion gas vehicles and hydraulic launch assist for city garbage truck - is part of city's Green Fleet Strategic Plan which was approved by council last December.
Project funding
Council will authorize the mayor and corporate officer to execute two agreements between the city, Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Municipal Finance Authority of B.C. for a $100,000 and $500,000 grant to finance the new municipal police facility and a $4 million loan and $800,000 grant for the completion of the city's District Energy System. This authorization will secure this portion of funding for project financing and allow the money to be accessed when required.
Value of music
The Northern Orchestra of British Columbia will make a presentation to council to encourage the city to get behind them with financial support and to recognize the group's value to entice smart, interesting and innovative people to come to Prince George. The orchestra, which was founded in 2002 by Gordon Lucas, showcases local and regional talent but, according to their presentation, the "lack of sponsorship or acknowledgment from the city of its birth sends a negative message to potential sponsors."
Audience participation
The Rockford Wok Bar Grill is applying to amend its current liquor license to allow patron participation entertainment on site. In a food-primary establishment, karaoke, comedy club, music club or dinner theatre are all allowed under the city's Liquor License Policy. The restaurant's primary focus will continue to be to provide food service, but also provide patron participation entertainment and sell alcohol. The application is not proposing any changes to the liquor service, which is currently 9 a.m. to midnight.
