The following is a snapshot of what transpired during the July 3, 2012 meeting of Penticton Council.
Climate Action Advisory Committee Chair Chris Allen gave a presentation to Council outlining what steps the City has taken to become carbon neutral, in addition to measuring and reporting the community's greenhouse gas emissions. Allen reported that the City increased its progress as of 2009, and has since completed Milestones 1 through 3 of the Partners for Climate Protection program, which includes creating a GHG emissions inventory and forecast, setting reductions and developing a local action plan. He explained that there is funding available for plan implementation, such as the Green Fund. Council referred the Committee's recommendation with respect to funding to staff.
Council unanimously received the 2011 Annual Report Monday. The report is available at City Hall for inspection, and available online for download and review.
Council referred the date for the owner of 288 Westminster Ave. West Lot A to address them on Aug. 7. During the June 18 meeting, Council passed a resolution to place a notice on title under Section 57 of Community Charter due to alteration to building and occupancy of commercial suites without building permits, in violation of City building bylaws. The owner requested a later date to accommodate previous commitments.
Penticton Council considered additional options for off-leash dog parks within the City, as per a staff recommendation. Last fall, Council approved four potential sites for off-leash dog parks, which included 650 Wiltse Blvd. Discussions with the nearby school, however, indicated the school community was not in favour of a nearby dog park. That site was removed from the list for additional consideration.Staff presented other potential sites, including a previous off-leash area at the south City boundary along Lakeside Road, and Dartmouth Road, as an extension of the existing area into recently demolished SPCA building. Staff estimated construction to be $6,200 at Lakeside Road and $1,000 at Dartmouth. These projects could all could be covered with unused funds from the Skaha Lake Park playground project, which was deferred until 2013. Council directed staff to focus on two locations - Dartmouth and Lakeside.
Council considered a development permit application for the construction of a 159-suite congregate house development for 3388 Skaha Lake Rd. (to be named 3475 Wilson St.), and a subsequent amendment to the economic investment zones bylaw to include the use of retirement resorts as an eligible development. The subject property is a large lot within the Skaha Urban Village area of the Official Community Plan, and the applicant is proposing to build Southwood Retirement Resort – a two-stage project with amenity building. The applicant was seeking inclusion in the economic investment zones to make the project more feasible. Both requests were approved by Council.
Council approved the "City Manager – One Employee of Council" policy with one revision. The corporate model structure identifies the City Manager as Council's only employee and all other City employees report (directly or indirectly) to the City Manager, who is considered the link between policy makers (Council) and policy implementers (staff). The policy ensures any Council directives and official correspondence will be channelled through the City Manager for follow-up by staff.
Penticton Council Highlights are written by communications staff at the City of Penticton. A PDF version [PDF - 159 KB] is available for download. If you require an official record of Council meeting resolutions, the Minutes are also available online.