Council Matters: Rossland City Council Meeting, October 7, 2024
By Sara Golling
More trails on Lower Red; Financial Planning & paying $$ for better sewage treatment (and much more) – the importance of getting information about City requirements and finances to residents; looking into housing needs; energy efficiency is popular; Mayor Morel reports on the UBCM.
PRESENT:
Council: Mayor Andy Morel and Councillors Stewart Spooner, Craig Humpherys, Eliza Boyce (remote), Maya Provençal (who had to leave the meeting early), Jeff Weaver and Lisa Kwiatkowski (remote).
Staff: Chief Administrative Office Bryan Teasdale, Deputy Corporate Officer Cynthia Añonuevo, Executive Assistant Rachel Newton, Chief Financial Officer Mike Kennedy, City Planner Stacey Lightbourne, Manager of Recreation & Events Kristi Calder, and Manager of Operations and Infrastructure Scott Lamont.
PUBLIC INPUT PERIOD:
Laura Pettitt encouraged Council to allocate funds for some walls that need to be done.
A resident of the Old Fire Hall, who had been away when notices were sent about the application for an entertainment endorsement for the Old Firehall Tavern’s liquor license to allow for live entertainment from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, spoke to object to Council’s approval of the application. He stated that the strata rules state that “quiet time” is from 9:00 pm to 9:00 am, and fears that the hours planned for live entertainment will disturb residents, and worries about devaluation of property values; he wants the strata rules and bylaws upheld.
DELEGATIONS:
a) Rossland Museum and Discovery Centre
Chris Bowman and the Museum’s Executive Director, Joelle Hodgins, spoke compellingly of the multi-faceted value of the Museum to the community, and of the need for stable, ongoing funding to keep it operating most effectively. “We’re the gateway to the City … a cultural and economic driver.” They presented pie charts showing that they have diversified their funding structure, and pointed out that each dollar invested in culture brings a return to the community of four dollars. Their presentation was a plea for more funding from the City.
Bowman noted that there are several events coming up at the Museum, including the AGM on November 26, with speaker Richie Mann on the topic of the Dewdney Trail.
Councillors had questions and comments. Boyce asked why the Museum expenses have “increased five-fold since 2014” – Hodgins replied, that’s what it takes to operate the Museum’s range of services. Spooner commented that the Museum is providing a range of services including “education, child care and events” and that other entities also provide similar services. Bowman explained that much of the effort and expense goes toward keeping up a City asset that needs a lot of work. Hodgins added that, because the Museum does not own the building and property, they are precluded from some sources of funding to improve and maintain them.
b) Resilience Planning: Rossland Housing Needs Assessment
Lisa Moffat of Resilience Planning updated Council on progress on the Housing Needs Assessment, and explained next steps. She presented some preliminary findings, including:
— that Rossland’s vacancy rate is very low, with an estimated winter vacancy rate of 0%, and a summer vacancy rate estimated at 1%.
— she has found 15 households in “extreme core housing need” – their housing costs 50% of their income.
— seasonal workers: many are pooling resources (sharing accommodations) and living in Trail, where housing costs less and is more available.
— 40% of Rossland residents are in “high earning occupations.”
— Most Rossland commuters work elsewhere in the region.
The process began in August, and Moffat expects to present a draft report in February of 2024, and finalize it in March.
Councillors commented: Provençal noted that renters tend to be under-represented in housing studies. Moffat said she is actively seeking information from renters.
Spooner wanted to know “What questions are you looking to answer?” Moffat repolid that she is looking for creative ways to help people.
Morel stated that affordability is key; Humpherys questioned definitions of affordability, and Moffat agreed. Boyce questioned the idea that people “choose” to live in an RV, stating that for many, they choose it only because they cannot find secure and affordable housing.
PREVIOUS DECISION — Re Old Firehall Tavern entertainment endorsement: Morel explained his decision not to re-open Council’s motion from the previous meeting, because he sees enforcement of the strata rules as an issue internal to the strata council — he said “the strata bylaws trump anything Council does” about noise in the building.
BYLAW:
Permissive Tax Exemptions – a motion to adopt the bylaw, discussed at previous Council meetings, CARRIED unanimously.
STAFF REPORTS & UPDATES:
2025 – 2029 Five-Year Financial Plan Preview
Staff is seeking direction from Council on the DRAFT plan. CFO Mike Kennedy reminds us all that the City must not budget to spend more money than it expects to receive in income. His analysis of Rossland’s needs and how they can be met is found in the materials for this meeting, from page 53 to page 67 inclusive; for those interested in the community’s financial position and taxation levels, the CFO’s document is clearly worded and understandable. He also reminds us that the City is obliged to collect funds for other entities – so much that, of every dollar homeowners pay on our annual property tax bill, nearly half – 45 cents – goes to other entities, not the City of Rossland.
Kennedy is seeking responses from Council on what the City’s “overarching spending priorities” should be, and noted that budget planning is “a year-round process.”
The tax question:
After explaining the magnitude of Rossland’s infrastructure deficit and what it will cost to address it, Kennedy asked whether the preliminary plan to increase property taxes by 5% is acceptable. Councillors appeared to agree that it is probably the minimum increase necessary.
Spooner said, “I think we should at least have a plan to deal with what’s coming at us.”
Weaver commented that communication to residents must be “really clear” and that he is “completely on-board with facing it head-on, and not passing it on to future generations” but that the City must work to have the community understand and accept the necessity. He referred to a speaker at the UBCM who had convincingly summed up what the future likely holds.
The debt question:
Rossland’s current policy on debt is to hold the cost of debt servicing (interest payment on debt) to under 10% of controllable sustained revenue – the maximum allowed under the Community Charter is 25%. Council expressed a strong preference for keeping the policy of lower debt levels.
About public consultation:
Council seemed united in agreeing with Provençal that “consulting” residents about the hard decisions that it is Council’s job to make is of less value than putting major effort into educating residents about the reasons for those decisions.
Humpherys agreed that information is key, and that the City needs to “get it out early, and make it really clear.”
Rossland Energy Efficiency Rebate Funds – Request for one-time additional allocation:
A motion to make a one-time allocation of $25,000 in additional funding for the Rossland Energy Efficient Building Incentives program for 2024, from the Local Government Climate Action Reserve fund, CARRIED. Boyce and Morel both recused themselves, as both are enrolled in Rossland Retrofit; Humpherys was the Acting Mayor and took over as chair for this motion.
Kootenay-Columbia Trails Society – Memorandum of Understanding
A motion to approve the draft Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Kootenay-Columbia Trails Society (KCTS) CARRIED; and a further motion to approve construction of additional trails, as shown on a map, on the lower east side of Red Mountain, also CARRIED.
KCTS is funded from several sources: the RDKB East End Services Committee, a grant-in-aid from the City of Rossland, grants, and memberships.
REQUESTS ARISING FROM CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Black Jack Ski Club: A motion to supply an updated letter of support for Black Jack’s REDIP (Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program) application related to a ski lodge CARRIED unanimously.
2. Rossland Museum and Discovery Centre: A motion to support the Museum’s request for a joint REDIP fourth intake partnership application for the Mine Experience Project CARRIED unanimously.
3. Rossland Museum and Discovery Centre: A motion to provide support for the Museum in applying to the BC Mass Timber Demonstration Program for their Mine Experience Project CARRIED unanimously.
MEMBERS’ REPORTS:
Spooner attended the UBCM, and commented that the pre-election timing was unfortunate, as the politicians in attendance are not functioning in their positions, but are in election mode. He commented that affordability cannot be “solved” and that the forestry industry is “in a death spiral,” and that the more we can do to prepare for fire season, the better. He also stated that, based on what he heard at the UBCM, no matter now contentious discussion may be at the Rossland Council table, this Council is an oasis of sanity and civility “and it’s great to be back.”
Kwiatkowski reported that a new mechanism is in the works to enable sports organizations that are currently unable to do so, to receive donations and issue tax receipts.
Mayor Morel’s report on the UBCM conference:
Union of BC Muncipalities Conference (UBCM)
September 15-20, 2024, Vancouver, BC
City of Rossland Representation included: Mayor Andy Morel, with Councillors Maya Provencal and Stewart Spooner, and CAO Bryan Teasdale
Note: This report is my own Mayor’s agenda for the Conference week. CAO Teasdale and Councillors Provencal and Spooner attended other Conference Clinics, meetings and social opportunities as well as representing the City at Ministerial meetings.
Sunday, Sept. 15
Arrival in Vancouver – evening meeting with Hwy. 3, Mayors and Chairs Coalition. Discussed priorities to take to Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure meeting:
1. Hwy. 3 upgrade priorities include: Creston Highway 3 alignment
2. Morrisey eastbound passing lane, west of Fernie (Preliminary engineering stage)
3. Northbound passing lane near the Brilliant Dam, Highway 3A between Castlegar and Nelson with shoulder widening when possible, added to all projects.
4. Yahk river crossing curves
5. Whipsaw curves at Princeton
Monday, Sept. 16
Participated in Province-Wide Community-to-community Forum – full day program.
Included a large number of BC Indigenous members including Chief, Robert Phillips, Indigenous Council of BC, Terry Geegee, Head of BC Chiefs, Grand Chief, Stewart Phillip and many other speakers/presenters including a Key Note Address by Jody Wilson-Raybould. The day’s theme – “Calling First Nation and local government leaders to join UBCM and the First Nations Leadership Council for a day of dialogue around building relations, advancing reconciliation, and exploring ways to work together.”
Tuesday, Sept. 17
BC Resource Day 1 Breakfast – presentation/Q&A with Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation and Mining Executives.
Discussing Provincial policies, opportunities and stumbling blocks to development in BC Mining Sector.
Ministerial Meeting: Transportation and Infrastructure (Ministry Staff – Southern Interior) – discussing ongoing concerns of parking related to Rossland Museum and Discovery Centre upgrades.
Small Talk Forum: CAO Teasdale and myself presented to fellow, smaller BC Community politicians and officials, highlighting our Rossland Yards, City Hall/Workforce Housing project.
Lots of interest from other communities exploring similar Municipal projects.
Ministerial Meeting: Municipal Affairs, Minister, Ann Kang and Senior Staff. Collaborative effort with Mayors and CAOs led by Castlegar with support from Nelson, Trail and Rossland.
Advocating to secure funding to implement a permanent Rural Community Immigration Program.
Afternoon session: Tools to Implement New Housing legislation
Evening – attended Community Excellence Awards Ceremony – Rossland was a nominee.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
Resource Day 2 Breakfast – The Future of Forestry featuring outgoing and retiring Minister of Forests, Bruce Rahlston and Jennifer Gunter, BC Community Forest Association and Michael Armstrong, Council of Forest Industries.
Interesting discussion around local forestry development including Community Forest support with aspirational goal of 20% of Annual Allowable Cut allocated to Community Forests from current 3-4% AAC.
UBCM Opening Session/Annual Meeting – Addresses by BC Lieutenant Governor, Janet Austin, Ken Simm, Mayor, Vancouver, Trish Mandewo, President UBCM and Keynote Address: George Stroumboulopoulos
Ministerial Meeting: Childcare, Minister of State – Senior Staff, Rossland Council reps. And CAO. Discussion of funding streams and opportunities to expand our Childcare spaces in Rossland.
Ministerial Meeting: Minister of Citizen Services, George Chow and Staff. Collaborative effort with members of Regional Connectivity Committee members/Regional Directors from RDKB, RDCK and RDEK. Providing update and concerns for rollout of fibre connectivity project throughout the Columbia Basin.
Ministerial Meeting: Ministry of Transportation (MoTI) with RDKB Reps/Mayors from Lower Columbia Communities – Rossland to Beaver Valley to discuss North-South Corridor improvements – Waneta Crossing – bridge replacement and highway realignment across Border to Northport.
Thursday, September 19
Resource Day 3 Breakfast – Speaker/ Special Guest – Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship with Representatives from gas and forestry resource industries.
Discussions on BC Indigenous involvement in natural resource economies, permitting issues, climate change and ecological values as priorities.
Premier David Eby in-person Address and Q&A to UBCM Delegates.
Community Energy Association – Retrofit Assist photo opportunity – celebrating this relatively new and valuable program with Community participants.
Ministerial Meeting: Ministry of Forests – Senior Staff with Rossland Council members and CAO Teasdale. Topics included: advocating for support for Old Growth Strategic Review Plan recommendations for protection of biodiversity, Provincial Park designation and protection of sensitive and unique ecosystems, trail development FSR access and maintenance responsibilities. Closure, decommissioning and reduction of motorized access on non-strategic forestry service roads to increase biodiversity and reduce human impacts.
Ministerial Meeting: Ministry of Emergency management and Climate Change Readiness.
Rossland Council representatives and CAO Teasdale met with Minister, Bowinn Ma and Ministry Staff to advocate for additional funding resources for Climate Change preparedness.
Opportunity to thank Minister Ma for her strong Ministerial leadership in response to the many emergency situations that unfolded in the last few years in and near many BC Communities.
Friday, September 20
Resort Municipality Collaborative – Breakfast Meeting of participating Mayors and CAOs. CAO Teasdale represented City of Rossland. I could not attend with illness.
The Advocacy Working Group (AWG) had secured a short meeting with Minister Popham, Ministry of Tourisms, Arts, Culture and Sport and TACS staff on Wednesday during UBCM to advocate for funding gaps to support tourism communities with infrastructure deficit related to visitation pressure. Updates to other advocacy efforts.
Unfortunately, with illness an early ending of the Conference for me. I would have
appreciated the opportunity to hear the two other BC, Conservative and Green Party Leader’s addresses to the delegates.
Submitted by Andy Morel, Mayor, City of Rossland
THE MEETING ADJOURNED, and your reporter walked home in the dark and chilly evening, wishing she was wearing a toque, and contemplating the current global situation (fires, floods, hurricanes and landslides, concurrent with senior governments maintaining subsidies to, and issuing new exploration permits to, fossil fuel companies, not to mention plastics pollution from the macro to the micro) and feeling sympathy for municipal governments who must work and make their decisions within this rapidly-changing context.
