COUNCIL PROCLAIMS PURPLE RIBBON CAMPAIGN
Council proclaimed December 1 to 10, 2021 as the 'Purple Ribbon Campaign' in the City of Williams Lake following a presentation from Women's Contact Society Executive Director Irene Willsie.
Willsie's presentation focused on taking action against gender-based violence through the campaign, while encouraging Council to be part of a community plan moving forward to reduce violence in the community. As part of the City's proclamation, social media imaging will be changed to the colour purple from December 1 to 10 and the lights outside City Hall will also be lit up purple.
COUNCIL, CITY STAFF AGREE TO SUPPORT EVACUATED GREEN ACRES MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS
Following a presentation from evacuated Green Acres Mobile Home Park resident Ashley Coleman outlining her family's experiences since being evacuated from their home as of September 29 due to land slippage on Frizzi Road adjacent to the park, Council and staff agreed to provide continued support moving forward.
During the discussion, Council stressed the importance of the landowner's participation in the process, noting City staff are ready to undertake the necessary work to see the two trailers moved in order to accommodate re-entry away from the area deemed unsafe through a geotechnical analysis of the slippage area.
Council members agreed to support fundraising initiatives by Green Acres Mobile Home Park residents and appointed Chief Administrative Officer Gary Muraca to facilitate discussions between residents and the City to ensure the re-entry process flows smoothly. In addition, Mayor Walt Cobb agreed to contact the landowner.
COUNCIL APPROVES MEMBERS TO ATTEND UPCOMING LGLA FORUM
Council approved registration and associated expenses for any Council members wishing to attend the 2022 Local Government Leadership Academy forum in Richmond, B.C. from February 9-11, 2022.
CANNABIS RETAIL LICENSE FEE
Council gave the first three readings to the City of Williams Lake Business License Amendment Bylaw on cannabis retail licensing fees, and directed staff to set the time for adoption as December 21, 2021. The amended bylaw would see the fee reduced from $2,500 to $320.
COUNCIL ASKS STAFF FOR REPORT ON KINSMEN PARK DISPOSITION
After a lengthy discussion on how to proceed, Council agreed to direct staff to bring forward a report on potential next steps for the disposition of Kinsmen Park in order to address the housing shortage in the community.
Council voted unanimously for the report to include architectural designs, timelines and development options, using funds from the City's Economic Development budget.
City Planning Analyst Jessica Ball delivered a consultation survey summary highlighting neighbourhood responses.
Mayor Walt Cobb noted during the meeting should any parkland be voted on for disposition in the future - whether through an alternative approval process or through a referendum - that money would have to be directed back into parkland within the City.
ANNUAL MEMORY TREE CELEBRATION APPROVED
Council approved the placement of the Williams Lake Hospice Society's Memory Tree and 'In Memory' name cards donation box inside City Hall at the reception counter, as well as the use of the City Hall lobby and tree for displaying of name ornaments from December 6 to Christmas.
The City also agreed to light the 'Memory Tree' outside City Hall, which will be decorated for the annual Memory Tree Celebration, to be posted and viewable online. The Memory Tree Celebration is hosted as a way for residents to remember family, loved ones and friends who have passed away.
COUNCIL TO LOOK INTO CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS
Staff were directed by Council, following a unanimous vote, to move forward with a report outlining options for how council can hold its members accountable.
The report will focus on information about how issues surrounding code of conduct can be addressed currently, and in the future.
CENTRAL MOUNTAIN AIR RESUMES ROUND-TRIP SERVICE FROM WILLIAMS LAKE TO VANCOUVER
Mayor Walt Cobb told Council that Central Mountain Air will resume round-trip service from Williams Lake to Vancouver for four flights per week as of Thursday, December 16 at the Williams Lake Airport. The service had been cancelled since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and will transition to a Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday service in the New Year.