Conditions for expansion of Port Theatre restated
Council voted unanimously to continue to support the Port Theatre Society’s fundraising efforts towards the completion of its Community Performing Arts Centre and restate a key condition:
That the Port Theatre Society raise the remaining funds for the expansion.
The City reconfirmed it’s Sept. 2014 commitment to partner with the Port Theatre Society related to its Community Performing Arts Centre Project, and rescinded the motion made at a March 7, 2016 “in camera” meeting. That was replaced with this motion: That the City allocate up to $4.6 million in contribution funding for the expansion of the Port Theatre on the condition that the Port Theatre Society agree that it has an ongoing obligation to raise the remaining necessary funds.
With the support of the City, the Society will actively explore and pursue all funding opportunities from Federal and Provincial funds in order to maximize funding from senior levels of government starting with the Build Canada Fund, Department of Canadian Heritage, Cultural Spaces and Canada 150.
Motion carried: Unanimous.
New portfolio policy approved
A draft policy relating to the new Council Portfolios was introduced. Council members were recently assigned to department portfolios for three-month periods through to September, 2018. The new initiative is intended to improve relationships between Council and senior staff while providing learning opportunities for Council members around specific areas of City business.
Motion carried: 5-2
Acting Mayor’s pay decision delayed
Section 3.2 from the Council Spending and Amenities Policy – Acting Pay Rate while serving as Acting Mayor was introduced. Following discussion, Council opted to table their review of this and requested staff return with a report explaining the rationale for Section 3.2, why it’s needed and how the proposed rate compares to other communities.
Motion carried: 5-3
Parks and Trails Parcel Tax
Council deferred a decision to adopt the Regional Parks and Trail Parcel Tax Bylaw 2016 No. 7228 to a future meeting so staff could examine information about the tax, which is added to property tax bills to help fund parks and trails.
Motion carried: Unanimous.
A request to adopt the Parcel Tax Roll Preparation Bylaw 2016 No. 7229 was brought forward, and Council again deferred a decision to adopt the bylaw to a future meeting.
Motion carried: Unanimous.
A request from the Regional District of Nanaimo was put forward to consent to the adoption of a Parks and Trails Service Area Amendment Bylaw, which would amend the annual requisition collected by parcel tax.
Motion carried: Unanimous.
Commissionaires receive security contract
Council awarded a three year contract for After Hours Support and Security Services to the Commissionaires Victoria, The Islands and Yukon. The contract is for $421,512, excluding taxes.
Motion carried: Unanimous.
Nicol Street renovation/addition
Council received a development permit application for the exterior renovation of an existing three storey personal care building at 355 Nicol Street, and the addition of a second three-storey there. The permit included variances to reduce the required frontage setback, north side yard and onsite parking, and to increase the fence height.
Motion carried: Unanimous
Subdivision on Portsmouth
A development variance permit for subdividing 6430 Portsmouth Road into two lots was introduced.
Motion carried: Unanimous
New units on Mexicana Road
An amendment to rezone 3150 Mexicana Road to permit a four unit multi-family development passed first and second reading.
Motion carried: Unanimous
Townhouse for Bruce Avenue
An application to rezone a portion of 1099 Bruce Avenue and permit a 21-unit townhouse development passed first and second reading.
Motion carried: Unanimous
Wakesiah Avenue rezoning
A bylaw to rezone 416 and 434 Wakesiah Avenue to permit a mixed-use building, which would include student housing, was adopted.
Motion carried: Unanimous
Pipe for Garner and Emery
Council was advised of a public tender call of $250,000 to supply pipe for the Garner Crescent and Emery Way utility upgrades. Following feedback from a delegation, Council returned the item to staff for further discussions with affected property owners.
Motion carried: Unanimous
Millstone sewer upgrades
Council was informed of a public tender call of $250,000 for the Millstone Sanitary Trunk Sewer Upgrades.
Motion carried: Unanimous
Local poets descend on Council
Nanaimo Poet Laureate Naomi Beth Wakan, along with winners of the High School Poetry Competition: Eden Rowe, Eli Bueckert and Sophia Halfyard, read poems as part of the 2016 Mayor’s City Poetry Challenge.
High School Poetry Competition Winning Entries
Following the readings, a delegation from the Nanaimo Youth Advisory Council provided an update on the Youth Poet Laureate initiative. Chris Barfoot, Culture and Heritage Coordinator, concluded with a poetry-related presentation.
Information was received
April 18, 2016 Regular Council Meeting - agenda, documents and video