Council Highlights – December 4, 2023

08-Dec-2023 9:46 am

Council Highlights provide a summary of City of Castlegar Council meetings.

Presentation

On behalf of Council, Mayor McFaddin presented Royal Canadian Legion Branch 170 members, Dean Burdeyny and Chris MacBain, with a certificate recognizing the Castlegar/Robson Legion’s 80^th Anniversary.

2024 Water and Sewer Utility Rates Amendment Bylaws

Council received a report seeking approval for the 2024 Water Regulations and Rates Amendment Bylaw No. 1412 and the 2024 Sewer Regulations and Rates Amendment Bylaw No. 1413. The proposed utility rates will cover the increased operating costs for the City’s water and sewer systems.

• Water – The monthly flat rate will increase from $33.55 to $34.99. The rate for water consumption, in excess of 30 cubic meters, will increase from $0.76 to $0.79 per cubic meter.
• Sewer – The monthly flat rate will increase from $27.22 to $28.94. The consumption rate for sewer will increase from $0.43 to $0.46 per cubic meter.

Council gave Amendment Bylaws No. 1412 and 1413 First, Second, and Third Readings. The Amendment Bylaws will be considered for adoption at the December 18, 2023, Regular Council Meeting.

Dog Park Bylaw Enforcement and Education

Council received a report about Millennium Park & Ponds dog park bylaw enforcement and education, following concerns raised by community members. The information outlines the City’s current contract with the BCSPCA for animal control and sheltering services and recommends a combination of education and increased patrol hours to improve enforcement.

Council directed staff to include $10,000 for increased animal control services and $5,000 for additional education and signage in the draft 2024 budget for discussion.

Notice of Motions

• Public Safety – Mayor McFaddin introduced a Notice of Motion seeking authorization to send a letter to BC’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, and Attorney General, Niki Sharma, outlining the City’s concerns around the increase of suspicious fires in and around the community, and requesting their offices review the situation and pursue solutions to restore public confidence and community safety. The Notice of Motion will be discussed at the December 18, 2023, Regular Council Meeting.
• Deputy Mayor – Mayor McFaddin introduced a Notice of Motion seeking the appointment of Councillor Brian Bogle to Deputy Mayor for the remainder of the term ending November 2026, and that staff prepare a Council Procedures Bylaw amendment to allow more flexibility in appointing Deputy Mayors. The Notice of Motion will be discussed at the December 18, 2023, Regular Council Meeting.

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