The city highlighted the following from its regular council meeting Tuesday, April 29.
Social Planning Council of Williams Lake and Area
Jessica Knodel and Sharon Taylor of the Social Planning Council of Williams Lake and Area provided Council an update on the organizations’ activities.
2014-2018 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2209
Council gave first three readings to 2014-2018 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2209, which is the culmination of several months of staff preparation time and consultation with council and the public. Expenditures and service levels have been thoroughly reviewed with no significant changes to current levels of service that the City provides.
There are no proposed changes to water or sewer utility rates. The 2014 budget is $31.99 million, down from $32.5 million in 2013. Capital expenditures are $11.6 million; operating costs are $20.3 million. Capital projects for 2014 include a pedestrian underpass linking the River Valley and Stampede grounds
trail systems; repaving portions of 2nd and Pigeon Avenues, and reconstruction of Borland Street between 4th and 7th Avenues. Council will consider the tax rate bylaw and adopt the financial plan at upcoming meetings.
Development Permits and Development Variance Permits
Council approved a number of Development Permits (DP) and Development Variance Permits (DVP), including:
• DVP #07 and DP #02 for the development of a new automotive sales and services centre on Highway 97 North, the new location for Lake City Ford.
• DVP #05-2014 for a proposed autism centre at the Child Development Centre on 2nd Avenue North
• DP #06-2013 for exterior renovations and site improvements to McDonald’s on Broadway Avenue South
• DP #01-2014 for redevelopment of the front facade, parking area, and landscaping for the Can Com Electronics building on Broadway Avenue North
2014/2015 BC Transit Annual Operating Agreement
Council approved the 2014/15 Annual Operating Agreement with BC Transit and the Lakers Go Bus Society. The AOA covers the annual revenues, operating costs and other costs associated with operating Williams Lake Transit. Major costs drivers affecting the 2014/15 Agreement include:
• Inflationary increase of 2 per cent in the operating company’s fixed costs
• 2.5 per cent increase in driver wages and benefits
• Changes to Fleet Maintenance budget.
• Increases to Fleet Fees which reflect current and future replacement vehicle lease fees
Total budgeted cost of the Williams Lake Transit service in 2014/15 is $999,871 to provide 9,642 scheduled hours of transit service for an estimated 88,745 total passengers. The city’s net share of costs are estimated at $487,689.
Important Dates
Hospice Palliative Care Awareness Month - May all month
City’s 85th Birthday Celebrations - May 3
World Ovarian Cancer Day - May 8
Relay For Life - May 31- June 1
Next Committee of the Whole Meeting - Tuesday, May 6
Special Council Meeting - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at 5 p.m.
Next Regular Council Meeting - Tuesday, May 13