Council approves multiple fee for service requests
City of Williams Lake Council approved multiple Fee for Service Applications during its Tuesday, February 7 Regular Meeting.
All five of the approved agreements are for a three-year term from 2023-25.
Fee for Service Agreements were approved for the following organizations:
- Williams Lake Hospice Society: $20,000 per year
- Scout Island Nature Centre: $20,000 per year
- Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society' Waste Wise': $37,000 per year
- Potato House Sustainable Community Society: $15,000 per year
- Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce: $160,000 per year
Early budget approvals granted for 2023 capital projects
Multiple City capital projects were given early budget approval by Council following recommendations from the City's Chief Financial Officer.
The early budget approval is for capital projects of a time-sensitive nature to ensure timely completion, delivery of purchased equipment where applicable and work.
The early approval ensures the following projects would be approved in the 2023-27 Financial Plan Bylaw:
- Paving annual rehabilitation and saddle replacement for South Lakeside Drive (Cariboo Adventist Academy to Renner Road), Paxton Road, a portion of Juniper Street, a portion of Hazel Street, a portion of Renner Road, Holly Street and Mackenzie Avenue from Cameron Street to Comer Street ($1,535,000)
- Water and sewer utility vehicle with crane ($250,000)
- Snowblower ($240,000)
- Pre-approved design drawings for Accessory Dwelling Units ($50,000)
- Airport - rotary flail mower ($50,000)
'Heritage Week' proclaimed
Council proclaimed the week of February 20-26, 2023 'Heritage Week' in the City of Williams Lake following a request from Heritage BC last month. Heritage Week is held to recognize the legacy that is the foundation of the community.
Council requests meeting with museum board to discuss one-time fee for service increase request
A request from the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin for a one-time increase to its Fee for Service Agreement from $24,000 to $104,000 was received for information. In its request, the museum board notes the entire board of directors from the museum, with the exception of one director, recently resigned and a new board was elected.
The request also includes the museum's request to hire an executive director and have grants written in a narrow time frame.
Responding to the request, Council asked to receive a report back from staff, as well as to setup a meeting with the new museum board.
City to put out expression of interest for Stampede Parade organization
After denying an initial fee for service request from the Stampede Parade Committee, Council approved issuing an expression of interest for potential community groups to host the 2023 parade and committed to $10,000 for its support.
Council noted the fee for service request from the Stampede Parade Committee was denied due to it not meeting the criteria for approval, including not being a registered non-profit organization.
Council said it wants to ensure proper policies are being followed in its approval of fee for service applications, however, verbally committed to working with the Stampede Parade Committee to help find a solution.
They added the group did a phenomenal job hosting last year's event, and would be happy to see the committee provide the service again.