Council Meeting Highlights - March 24th, 2025

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The agenda and live stream of the March 24th meeting is linked below. Official meeting minutes will be available to the public once approved by Council at an upcoming meeting.

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Delegations and Presentations

Honourable Mr. Scott McInnis, MLA, Presents to Council

Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis made his first presentation to City Council since being elected to the BC legislature in October 2024. McInnis introduced his local priorities, including discussing his role as Conservative Critic for the Department of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. McInnis spoke about Health Care Workers, Provincial Regulation of Short-term Rentals Policy, the environment and other issues facing our region. Watch the playback at the YouTube link above. 

Bylaws, Permits, and Policies

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2780 - Future Drive-Throughs and Gas Stations

Manager of Planning and Sustainability Troy Pollock presented Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2780 - Future Drive-Throughs and Gas Stations for consideration of first reading. After some discussion, Council denied the recommendation for first reading, which will result in any applications for zoning changes being considered on a case-by-case basis in the future. Watch the complete discussion at the YouTube link above. 

Draft Policy No. ADM005 Complaints Policy

City Administrative Assistant Jasmine Nelson of the Corporate Services Department presented two new policies for adoption by Council. First, the new Complaints Policy and incorporated procedure, defines how the City of Kimberley will handle complaints from the public concerning City services and staff. The new policy clearly defines how complaints are received, managed, and communicated. It ensures administrative fairness for complainants, protects privacy, mental health, and physical safety, and complies with legislative requirements. After a short discussion, Council approved the policy. 

Draft Policy No. ADM006 Public Conduct Policy

Corporate Services also requested and received Council approval of the Public Conduct Policy No. ADM006. While addressing the development of a Complaints Policy, staff identified a need to develop an additional policy that guides the processes to be followed when staff receive unreasonable conduct. The policy recognizes that members of the public have a right to access staff and facilities in order to seek assistance and services, and it balances this right with the City's responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace for staff and safe facilities for the public. Both policies are available for public viewing at the agenda link above. They will also be available on the City's website. 

New Business

2025 Public Notification and Evacuation Route Planning Grant Application

Fire Chief Will Booth requested and received Council approval to apply to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Fund - Public Notification and Evacuation Route Planning grant program for $40,0000 to fund 100% of the cost of updating the current Area Specific Evacuation Route Plan including the identification of available routes and the assessment of road infrastructure capacity. If the grant is approved, the project will begin in 2025. 

Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund Grant Application

Staff requested and received Council approval to apply to the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund for $990,000, or 50% of the funding required to construct the Lois Creek Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) station. The project will take place in 2026 regardless of whether or not the grant application is successful, as the project is currently budgeted to be 100% funded from City reserves.

Kimberley Public Library - 2025 Budget Increase Request

At the March 10th Regular Meeting of Council, Kimberley Public Library's Director and Board President presented on programming and operations for the previous year and plans for the upcoming year. They also requested an increase in the City's contribution to the library. At the March 24th meeting, CAO Jim Hendricks explained how the increase will affect the City's budget and Five-Year Financial Plan. Council approved the request and directed staff to fund the increase by reducing the previously approved contribution to the General Operating Capital Reserve. See the full discussion at the link above. 

Rotary Park Playground Upgrades - Rubber Surfacing

For several months, the Rotary Club of Kimberley have been raising funds to renovate the outdated playground at the City-owned Rotary Park. To date, the Club has raised $249,206.37 to fund the new equipment and installation. The Club also applied to several organizations for funding to install accessible rubber surfacing throughout the playground to enhance safety and accessibility. Those grants were denied, and Rotary requested that Council consider funding the rubber surfacing at the City-owned asset. After much discussion, the request was denied, and Council directed that other possible funders be sought out to cover the expense. Watch the discussion at the YouTube link above. 

The Council meeting concluded at 8:48 p.m., at which point an In-Camera meeting was conducted.