Committee of the Whole
Zero per cent property tax rate increase
Plans for a zero per cent tax increase for 2016 were included in an update from staff on the 2016-2020 Financial Plan. Staff presented information on the City’s long-term financial planning, the City’s upcoming budget capacity was discussed and the next budget cycle and planning timeline was explained. Following detailed discussions with several department heads, Council directed staff to prepare the 2016-2020 Financial Plan bylaw amendment and the 2016 Property Tax Rate Bylaw for approval at the next Council meeting.
Motion carried: 7-1
Council supports Natural Capital
A delegation provided information on the importance of Natural Capital (geology, soil, air, water and all living things) and the need to integrate natural capital into financial and asset management strategies. Council endorsed a staff recommendation for the City to participate in a planned pilot study to be completed by the Municipal Natural Capital Initiative, and approved $15,000 in new funding support for 2016/2017.
Motion carried: unanimous
Invitation to join railway committee declined
Council received correspondence from the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) inviting them to appoint a member to the newly created ICF Local Government Liaison Committee, whose stated goal is the restoration of passenger rail service for Vancouver Island. The invitation and the merits of joining the committee were discussed, with Council declining to join.
Motion carried: 5-3
Neighbourhood home-based business
Council received presentations from three delegations regarding a home-based business bakery located in a residential neighborhood at 5491 Rutherford Road. Details surrounding the nature of the business and the appropriateness of its location (for and against) were explained. Following the presentations and discussion, Council directed staff to prepare a report reviewing the Home Based Business Bylaw provisions.
Motion carried: unanimous
Tender call for pipe
In accordance with the City’s Purchasing Bylaw, Council was advised of a public tender call of $250,000 to supply pipe for the College Park Water Supply Main project.
Motion carried: unanimous
Loaves and Fishes warehouse expansion
Council received an update and thanks from Loaves and Fishes regarding Council’s 2014 decision to provide $250,000 in funding to help establish a new warehouse to store donated food that the organization distributes to the community. Through the support provided by Council, combined with the contributions of several local food chains and other organizations, Loaves and Fishes reported they have dramatically increased their capacity to supply food to those in need.
Information was received.