MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, June 17, 2024 at 6:00 P.m. - 11:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

8645 Stave Lake Street, Mission, BC

Council Present:

• Mayor Paul Horn
• Councillor Mark Davies
• Councillor Angel Elias
• Councillor Carol Hamilton
• Councillor Ken Herar
• Councillor Danny Plecas

Council Absent:

• Councillor Jag Gill

Staff Present:

• Mike Younie, Chief Administrative Officer
• Barclay Pitkethly, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
• Jennifer Russell, Corporate Officer
• Ellen Croy, Manager of Transportation
• Mike Dickinson, Manager of Long-Range Planning
• Mark Goddard, Fire Chief
• Chris Gruenwald, Director of Forestry
• Mark Haney, Manager of Arts & Culture
• Jay Jackman, Manager of Development Engineering
• Tracy Kyle, Director of Engineering and Public Works
• Robert Publow, Manager of Planning
• Scott Ross, Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis
• Dan Sommer, Director of Development Services
• Doug Stewart, Director of Finance
• Connie Cooper, Administrative Assistant

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Horn called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

• RC24-318
  Moved by Councillor Plecas
  Seconded by Councillor Davies

  RESOLVED:

  1. That the Title in Item 7(b) under Forestry be amended to "UAV Purchase for Forestry";
  2. That the following late item be added to this agenda:
     1. Item 14(b) "Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw 6240-2023-5670(43) - ADOPTION" under Bylaws for Consideration; and
  3. That the agenda for the Regular Council meeting of June 17, 2024 be adopted as amended.
  CARRIED

3.

DELEGATIONS

a.

Camille Atebe, Opening Nite Theatre Society

Camille Atebe, President, Opening Nite Theatre Society appeared before Council to provide a history of the small community theatre on Railway Avenue.  She asked Council to commit to helping the Society continue to operate by offering an affordable interim solution while they work towards finding suitable space.  She also requested the City assist by either buying a property and helping them renovate, finding an existing City property that is suitable and could be adapted to hold 100 - 150 seats, or building a performing arts space.

The Mayor stated the necessity of complying with the BC Building Code and said that several community groups have outgrown many of the spaces available.  He advised that Council and staff would work together with the Society and various other community partners to find options for longer term solutions.

4.

PRESENTATIONS

a.

Certificate of Appreciation - Brad Laughlin

Mayor Horn and Chris Gruenwald, Director of Forestry, presented Brad Laughlin, Forestry Operations Supervisor, with a certificate of appreciation for his dedicated years of service to the City of Mission.

b.

Official Community Plan Update Presentation

Nicholas Kuhl, Project Manager, and Andrew Palmiere, Principal-in-Charge, O2 Planning & Design Inc. appeared before Council to present an Official Community Plan update.  A PowerPoint presentation was provided which reviewed previous work completed in response to direction from Council, public engagement opportunities and responses received, and a summary of a refreshed vision and guiding principles for moving forward. 

Nicholas Kuhl identified the priorities Council had provided including comprehensive public engagement and education, revisiting the vision and guiding principles, and identifying which major issues mattered most to residents.  A summary of the phases of the review process was provided, including the "Launch" phase where public engagement was used to address Council's considerations.  He confirmed there was a large turnout with a good balance of rural and urban residents, and that the majority of responses were in support of the vision.  Priority areas identified included the accommodation of growth, neighbourhood planning, and social well-being and health.  He added that the Council tour to neighbouring municipalities helped to inform a better understanding of what could work in Mission and stated that the project website will become a library of planning information which will grow as the project moves forward.

Mr. Kuhl explained how the mapping, research, and engagement allowed for core components to be identified which was used to create refreshed guiding principles.  These principles led to a proposed new vision statement focusing on the connections that exist within the City, with each other, and with our broader connections with the entire regional economy.

The Growth Strategy Concept maps identify areas that could support future growth along with a greater enhanced health hub, rural centres, and employment nodes.  The public will have opportunity to engage with these maps in order to solicit their perspectives as to what works best.  The Land Use Scenario Concept maps present options for the City's growth moving forward where varying priorities including employment, development, and a focus on the core area are identified.

Various engagement strategies will be occurring including open houses, pop-up events, an online survey and interactive web-mapping tool, and a World Café event for housing and business group stakeholders.  The next steps include a summary report following the closing of the Phase 2 Engagement period and the launching of the Phase 3 period focusing on Big Ideas.

Following the presentation, Council re-emphasized the many opportunities for public involvement and strongly encouraged residents to participate in this important community project.

5.

RESOLUTION TO RESOLVE INTO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

• RC24-319
  Moved by Councillor Davies
  Seconded by Councillor Elias

  RESOLVED:

  That Council now resolve itself into Committee of the Whole.

  CARRIED

6.

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS

a.

Stave Falls Aquifer Hydrogeologic Review

A report from the Environmental Coordinator dated June 17, 2024, regarding a Stave Falls Aquifer Hydrogeologic review was provided for the Committee’s information.  Giulio Scarzella, Senior Hydrogeologist, AECOM, provided a PowerPoint presentation which reviewed objectives and a project work overview, details about local aquifers including groundwater flow and well yields, potential vulnerability to groundwater contamination, and preliminary conclusions and recommendations.

Council expressed concern regarding the vulnerability to groundwater contamination in the southern portion of the Stave Falls Neighbourhood and questioned the development potential in those areas.

• RC24-320
  Moved by Councillor Davies

  RECOMMENDED:

  That staff report back with information and possible next steps regarding the recommendations noted in the Stave Falls Aquifer Hydrogeologic Review report of December 2023 including: associated costs, expected outcomes, impact on development potential in the Official Community Plan (groundwater flow and well yields, potential vulnerability to contamination) and clarification of the roles of the Province and Fraser Health regarding groundwater wells.

  CARRIED

1.

Stave Falls Aquifer Hydrogeologic Review - Addendum Pages

b.

2024-2025 Annual Operating Agreement for Transit Services

A report from the Manager of Transportation dated June 17, 2024, regarding the 2024-2025 Annual Operating Agreement for Transit Services was provided for the Committee’s consideration.  Rob Ringma, Senior Manager, Government Relations with BC Transit provided a PowerPoint presentation which included a ridership update, details on the Transit Improvement Program, an update on the Transit Future Action Plan, and a review of the annual operating agreement.

Discussion ensued, and Rob Ringma answered the Committee's questions regarding the possibility of a bi-directional transit route model, the revenue generated from the U-Pass program for University of Fraser Valley students, and the benefits of a soon to come electronic fare payment system which will provide more robust data regarding ridership.

Council requested that the impact of a reduced or free ridership service for youth and seniors be included in the 2024 / 2025 Central Fraser Valley Transit fare review.

• RC24-321
  Moved by Councillor Plecas

  RECOMMENDED:

  1. That Council direct the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute the 2024-2025 Annual Operating Agreement (AOA) as appended to the report by the Manager of Transportation dated June 17, 2024;
  2. That Council allocate $275,000 from the Unappropriated Accumulated Surplus towards the Conventional Transit System Budget and that the 2024 Financial Plan be amended accordingly; and
  3. That Council allocate $40,000 from the Unappropriated Accumulated Surplus towards the Custom Transit System Budget and that the 2024 Financial Plan be amended accordingly.
  CARRIED

c.

Vision Zero Grant Application Update

A report from the Manager of Transportation dated June 17, 2024, regarding a Vision Zero Grant application update was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

• RC24-322
  Moved by Councillor Elias

  RECOMMENDED:

  That the 2024 Financial Plan be amended by increasing the 2024 Traffic Safety Budget from $350,000 to $370,000 to incorporate the $20,000 grant received from the Vision Zero Grant.

  CARRIED

d.

Engineering and Public Works 2023 Annual Report

A report from the Director of Engineering and Public Works dated June 17, 2024, regarding the Engineering and Public Works 2023 activities was provided for the Committee’s information.  

The Director of Engineering and Public Works provided a presentation focused on the staff and activities of both the Engineering and Public Works departments.  She highlighted Public Works activities including roads and drainage maintenance, road cameras and streetlights, utility operations and water conservation, and the fleet and mechanic shop.  Engineering department activities include curbside collection oversight, environmental services, key infrastructure projects completed in 2023, and utility master plans.

The Director answered the Committee's questions regarding road repairs and maintenance, public education, installation of additional crosswalk safety beacons, and the 14th Avenue project.

Staff were directed to provide communications to the public regarding clarification of the land management program and a high level update and timeline for new facilities and public use spaces.

e.

Temporary Works Inspector 1 Posting 2024

A report from the Manager of Development Engineering dated June 17, 2024, regarding the posting of a Temporary Works Inspector position was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

Discussion ensued, and a concern was noted about the timing of the request.

• RC24-323
  Moved by Councillor Davies

  RECOMMENDED:

  1. That Council support the posting of a temporary Works Inspector 1 position for a 1-year time-durated position beginning in 2024; and
  2. That associated costs be funded using surplus revenue collected via the Engineering Development Activity account.

  OPPOSED (1)

  Councillor Elias

  CARRIED (5 to 1)

7.

FORESTRY

a.

Forestry Operations 2024 Quarter 1 (Q1) Report

A report from the Director of Forestry dated June 17, 2024, providing a summary of the first quarter financial results for the forestry operation, was provided for the Committee’s information.

b.

Forestry Excavator Purchase – CAT548

A report from the Director of Forestry dated June 17, 2024, regarding an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) purchase was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

Discussion ensued, and the Fire Inspector / Educator answered the Committee's questions regarding drone use, maintenance, and required training.  He advised the drone would allow for more thorough and efficient fire patrol and advised of possible uses including rapid above ground fire detection, search and rescue operations, mapping the perimeter during a fire event, and thermal imaging to detect fires underground.  He advised the budget and uses would be divided between the Forestry Department and Mission Fire and Rescue Service and the training would require a Transport Canada Certified Advanced Drone Operators' Licence.

• RC24-324
  Moved by Councillor Plecas

  RECOMMENDED:

  1. That Council approve a capital expenditure of $75,261 towards the purchase of a 2024 DJI Matrice 350 RTK UAV (Drone), and associated sensors, from the Forestry Capital Reserve; and
  2. That the Financial Plan be updated accordingly.
  CARRIED
• RC24-325
  Moved by Councillor Davies

  RECOMMENDED:

  That the meeting be recessed.

  The meeting recessed at 8:53 p.m.

  The meeting reconvened at 8:58 p.m.

  CARRIED

8.

CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

a.

2023 Annual Report

A report from the Director of Finance dated June 17, 2024, regarding the 2023 Annual Report was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

• RC24-326
  Moved by Councillor Davies

  RECOMMENDED:

  That Council receive and consider the City of Mission 2023 Annual Report, including the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, including any corrections as necessary.

  CARRIED

b.

2023 Statement of Financial Information

A report from the Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis dated June 17, 2024, regarding the 2023 Statement of Financial Information was provided for the Committee’s consideration.  He advised that due to some minor adjustments required on the Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses, an amended Appendix A had been distributed and this amended version will be the one submitted to the Ministry to meet the statutory requirements of the Financial Information Regulation and posted on the City’s website.

Discussion ensued, and the Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis answered the Committee's questions regarding what types of expenses are included in the report.

Staff were directed to include a breakdown of elected officials' expenses in future Statement of Financial Information reports.

• RC24-327
  Moved by Councillor Plecas

  RECOMMENDED:

  1. That the City of Mission’s 2023 Statement of Financial Information, attached as Attachment A to the report entitled “2023 Statement of Financial Information” from the Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis dated June 17, 2024, be approved as amended for submission to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and
  2. That the Mayor and Director of Finance be authorized to sign the Statement of Financial Information Approval form.
  CARRIED

c.

2023 Development Cost Charge Report

A report from the Director of Finance dated June 17, 2024, regarding the 2023 Development Cost Charge activity was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

• RC24-328
  Moved by Councillor Elias

  RECOMMENDED:

  That Council receive and consider the City of Mission 2023 Development Cost Charge report.

  CARRIED

d.

2024 Grant Funded Projects

A report from the Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis dated June 17, 2024, regarding 2024 grant funded projects was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

• RC24-329
  Moved by Councillor Elias

  RECOMMENDED:

  1. That Council approve $773,887 of expenses, funded from various governments, government agencies, and non-profit organizations for the following projects:
     1. Kwantlen - Interpretive Signage - $70,000;
     2. Indigenous Carving - $5,500;
     3. Celebrate Canada Event- $5,000;
     4. Housing Legislation Implementation - $345,952;
     5. Firesmart and Fuel Management Program - $190,235;
     6. Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) Program - $54,200;
     7. Housing Innovation Day - $10,000;
     8. Emergency Disaster Management Program- $48,000;
     9. Mission Active Support Table (MAST) Program - $15,000;
     10. Stream Mapping - $30,000; and
  2. That the City’s 2024 – 2028 Financial Plan be amended accordingly.
  CARRIED

e.

Amendment to Committees of Council Policy

A report from the Corporate Officer dated June 17, 2024, regarding amendments to the Committees of Council Policy was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

• RC24-330
  Moved by Councillor Davies

  RECOMMENDED:

  1. That the Code of Conduct for Committees of Council as provided in Attachment A to the report from the Corporate Officer dated June 17, 2024, be approved and added as a schedule to Committees of Council Policy ADM.41;
  2. That the amendments to Committees of Council Policy ADM.41 as provided in Attachment B to the report from the Corporate Officer dated June 17, 2024, be approved; and
  3. That the amendments to Council Liaison to External Agencies Policy ADM.42 as provided in Attachment C to the report from the Corporate Officer dated June 17, 2024, be referred back to staff for clarification of language.
  CARRIED

f.

Prioritizing Planning Areas

A report from the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer dated June 17, 2024, regarding prioritizing planning areas was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

• RC24-331
  Moved by Mayor Horn

  RECOMMENDED:

  That Council Policy LAN.64(C) Silverdale Comprehensive Planning Area Neighbourhood Planning Terms of Reference be amended to include:

  Thresholds

  Because the Silverdale Comprehensive Planning Area is such a vast and important growth area for the City, the community and the lower mainland, careful consideration should be given as to when Neighbourhood Planning shall be initiated to remain current to emerging market trend and demands.

  Council will not consider initiation of neighbourhood planning for either the West or East neighbourhoods (or portions thereof) until 65% of the land area of the ‘South Slopes’ of the Central Neighbourhood Plan is under application, OR engineering services have been constructed and in the ground to within 500m of a neighbourhood plan boundary within an identified Arterial Roadway.

  under Section 2. "Authorization", after the opening paragraph and prior to Step 1: Council Authorization Process.

  CARRIED

9.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

a.

Mission Heritage Advisory Committee Recommendations to Council

A report from the Manager of Long Range Planning and Special Projects dated June 17, 2024, regarding recommendations from the Mission Heritage Advisory Committee was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

• RC24-332
  Moved by Councillor Plecas

  RECOMMENDED:

  That the recommendation from the Mission Heritage Advisory Committee regarding retaining a videographer to document historical aspects of the previously demolished Japanese School be referred to the Mission District Historical Society for consideration and report back to Council.

  CARRIED
• RC24-333
  Moved by Councillor Davies

  RECOMMENDED:

  That the meeting be extended until all items of business have been concluded.

  CARRIED

b.

Heritage Conservation in Mission – Current Overview

A report from the Manager of Long Range Planning & Special Projects and the Planner 2 dated June 17, 2024, regarding a current overview of heritage conservation in Mission was provided for the Committee’s information.  A PowerPoint presentation was provided which reviewed legislation and guiding documents, city studies and policies, heritage conservation tools, and the demolition permit process.

• RC24-334
  Moved by Councillor Plecas

  RECOMMENDED

  That staff schedule a special council meeting regarding the heritage conservation process, including public input opportunities.

  CARRIED

c.

Demolition Permit Process for Buildings with Potential Heritage Value

A report from the Manager of Long Range Planning & Special Projects dated June 17, 2024, regarding a demolition permit process for buildings with potential heritage value was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

Discussion ensued, and the Committee noted a preference for preliminary consultation with the Mission District Historical Society if a building holds potential heritage value prior to determining if a more in-depth archival review is required.

• RC24-335
  Moved by Councillor Davies

  RECOMMENDED:

  1. That Council approve the addition of a new Section 4 to LAN.57(C) Identification and Protection of Heritage Resources Policy to include a pre-demolition permit review process to determine the potential heritage value and any opportunities for conservation as per the Manager of Long Range Planning and Special Projects report dated June 17, 2024; and
  2. That the Building Permit Application form and procedure for demolitions be amended to provide guidance on heritage conservation.
  CARRIED

d.

Development Application P2021-139 – Housing Agreement and Development Permit (DP21-166) - 8863 Cedar Street

A report from the Planner III - Land Use dated June 17, 2024, regarding a development application for the property located at 8863 Cedar Street was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

• RC24-336
  Moved by Councillor Elias

  RECOMMENDED:

  1. That draft Housing Agreement Bylaw 6294-2024 (Agreement) be considered for first, second and third reading; and
  2. That Development Permit DP21-166 be considered by Council, as shown in Attachment A to the report from the Planner III - Land Use dated June 17, 2024, and be approved at the same time Zoning Amending Bylaw 6254-2023-5949(148) is approved.
  CARRIED

e.

Development Application – 33591 - 9th Avenue

A report from the Planning Technician dated June 17, 2024, regarding a development application for the property located at 33591 - 9th Avenue was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

Discussion ensued regarding the request for a variance, considering the large lot size of over 9,000 square feet.

• RC24-337
  Moved by Councillor Hamilton

  RECOMMENDED:

  That Development Variance Permit DVP24-2 for 33591 - 9^th Avenue to reduce the interior setbacks from 4.5 m (combined) to 3.0 m (1.5 m on each side) for Lots 16 and 17 be approved.

  OPPOSED (6)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Herar, Councillor Plecas, Mayor Horn, and Councillor Elias

  DEFEATED (0 to 6)

f.

Development Application for 29599 Kennedy Terrace

A report from the Planner II dated June 17, 2024, regarding a development application for the property located at 29599 Kennedy Terrace was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

• RC24-338
  Moved by Councillor Davies

  RECOMMENDED:

  That Development Variance Permit DVP24-7 for 29599 Kennedy Terrace to increase the maximum permitted grade of a driveway from 12% to 15% be approved.

  CARRIED

g.

P2023-033 - Development Variance Permit - 7758 Wren Street

A report from the Planner II dated June 17, 2024, regarding a development application for the property located at 7758 Wren Street was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

• RC24-339
  Moved by Councillor Davies

  RECOMMENDED:

  That Development Variance Permit DV23-001 for 7758 Wren Street to reduce the minimum interior side yard setback from 1.5 m to 1.16 m (4.9 ft to 3.8 ft) of Section 901 (D) (1) of Zoning Bylaw 5949-2020 be approved.

  CARRIED

10.

RESOLUTION TO RISE AND REPORT

• RC24-340
  Moved by Councillor Davies
  Seconded by Councillor Hamilton

  RESOLVED:

  That the Committee of the Whole now rise and report.

  CARRIED

11.

RESOLUTION TO ADOPT RECOMMENDATIONS OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

• RC24-341
  Moved by Councillor Davies
  Seconded by Councillor Herar

  RESOLVED:

  That the recommendations of the June 17, 2024 Committee of the Whole, as contained in items RC24-320 to RC24-339 (except item RC24-323) be adopted.

  CARRIED
• RC24-342
  Moved by Councillor Plecas
  Seconded by Councillor Hamilton

  RESOLVED:

  That the recommendation of the June 17, 2024 Committee of the Whole, as contained in item RC24-323 be adopted.

  OPPOSED (1)

  Councillor Elias

  CARRIED (5 to 1)

12.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS & MINUTES

The following minutes were received as information: 

a.

Development Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes - January 30, 2024

b.

Cultural Resources Committee Meeting Minutes - March 20, 2024

c.

Economic Development Select Committee Meeting Minutes - April 4, 2024

d.

Economic Development Select Committee Meeting Minutes - May 2, 2024

e.

Recommendation out of the Economic Development Select Committee Meeting of June 6, 2024

• RC24-343
  Moved by Mayor Horn
  Seconded by Councillor Davies

  RESOLVED:

  That the Official Community Plan (OCP) review process involve all of Council's advisory committees as a larger public group.

  CARRIED

13.

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

a.

Regular Council Meeting (for the purpose of going into a closed meeting) – June 3, 2024

b.

Regular Council Meeting - June 3, 2024

• RC24-344
  Moved by Councillor Plecas
  Seconded by Councillor Hamilton

  RESOLVED:

  1. That the minutes contained in Item 13 a be adopted;
  2. That the minutes of the Regular meeting of Council held on June 3, 2024 be amended by adding the words "and it is intended that rural character will be protected." to the last sentence in the last paragraph on page 15 of the minutes, after the words "the OCP review will include these neighbourhoods"; and
  3. That the minutes of the Regular meeting of Council held on June 3, 2024 be adopted as amended.
  CARRIED

14.

BYLAWS FOR CONSIDERATION

a.

Housing Agreement Bylaw 6294-2024 - FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD READINGS

• RC24-345
  Moved by Councillor Davies
  Seconded by Councillor Elias

  RESOLVED:

  That Housing Agreement Bylaw 6294-2024, a bylaw to enter into a housing agreement for the property located at 8863 Cedar Street, be read a first, second, and third time.

  CARRIED

b.

Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw 6240-2023-5670(43) - ADOPTION

• RC24-346
  Moved by Councillor Plecas
  Seconded by Councillor Herar

  RESOLVED:

  That Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw 6240-2023-5670(43), a bylaw to redesignate portions of the properties located at 34142 and 34198 Parr Avenue and 8200 Hanson Drive from Parks and Open Space and Townhouse Residential to Townhouse Residential and Apartment Residential, be adopted.

  CARRIED

15.

PERMITS FOR CONSIDERATION

a.

Development Permit Application DP21-166 (8863 Cedar Street)

• RC24-347
  Moved by Councillor Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Herar

  RESOLVED:

  That Development Permit Application DP21-166 for the property at 8863 Cedar Street, be approved.

  CARRIED

b.

Development Variance Permit Application DV22-033 (32768 and 32778 Egglestone Avenue)

• RC24-348
  Moved by Councillor Herar
  Seconded by Councillor Elias

  RESOLVED:

  That Development Variance Permit DV22-033 for the properties at 32768 and 32778 Egglestone Avenue, be approved.

  CARRIED

c.

Development Variance Permit Application DVP24-002 (33591 - 9th Avenue)

This item was not considered.

d.

Development Variance Permit Application DVP24-007 (29599 Kennedy Terrace)

• RC24-349
  Moved by Councillor Davies
  Seconded by Councillor Plecas

  RESOLVED:

  That Development Variance Permit DVP24-007 for the property at 29599 Kennedy Terrace, be approved.

  CARRIED

e.

Development Variance Permit Application DVP23-001 (7758 Wren Street)

• RC24-350
  Moved by Councillor Herar
  Seconded by Councillor Plecas

  RESOLVED:

  That Development Variance Permit DVP23-001 for the property at 7758 Wren Street, be approved.

  CARRIED

16.

RESOLUTIONS RELEASED FROM CLOSED

a.

Appointments to Mission Bridgehead Investment Corporation and Economic Development Select Committee and Benefits for Elected Officials

The following resolution was released from the Closed Council meeting held on June 3, 2024:

Board of Director Appointments – Mission Bridgehead Investment Corporation

The following five individuals have been appointed to the Board of Directors of Mission Bridgehead Investment Corporation, for the identified length of term, as voting directors:

1. James Atebe        - 2 years
2. Lilian Kan             - 3 years
3. Ryan Laurin         - 2 years
4. Alex Putrenko      - 3 years
5. Dan Schubert       - 3 years

The following four individuals have been appointed to the Board of Directors of Mission Bridgehead Investment Corporation as non-voting directors:

1. Paul Horn, Mayor
2. Jonathan Mark Davies, Councillor
3. Doug Stewart, Director of Finance
4. Mike Younie, Chief Administrative Officer

Economic Development Select Committee Continuance and Term Renewal

Despite changes to the Economic Development Department resulting from the creation of the Mission Bridgehead Investment Corporation, the Economic Development Select Committee (EDSC) will continue to function as a committee of Council.

Councillor Jag Gill has been appointed as the Chair of the EDSC, commencing July 1, 2024.

Barclay Pitkethly, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, has been designated to the EDSC as the interim staff representative.

The following five individuals have been re-appointed to the EDSC for a two-year term commencing July 1, 2024:

1. Naomi McAleer
2. Glen Robertson
3. Gwen Schmidt
4. Ken Stenerson
5. Alisa Webb

The following individual has been appointed as the new Chamber of Commerce representative to the EDSC for a two-year term commencing July 1, 2024:

1. Jason Matte

Benefits for Elected Officials

The City of Mission will provide health and dental benefits to Council with 100% of the costs borne by the City of Mission, effective July 1, 2024; and

The City of Mission will make available to Council optional life insurance and accident/serious illness insurance, with 100% of the costs to be borne by the Council member, effective July 1, 2024.

17.

CORRESPONDENCE

a.

Fraser Health Authority

Re: Fraser Health Heat and Smoke Letter for Local Governments

Staff were directed to update Council as to how extreme heat and wildfire smoke may affect the City's planning processes.

18.

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

a.

Council Member Updates

Council provided updates on recent events, committee and association meetings.

19.

NOTICES OF MOTION

a.

Pride Flag

• Moved by Councillor Herar

  That Flag Etiquette Policy ORG.06 be amended to allow for the Pride Flag to be flown at City Hall in support of the annual Fraser Valley Pride Event.

  The motion failed for lack of a seconder.

  
  

20.

QUESTION PERIOD

Candace Koch inquired as to the $470,000 budgeted municipal cost associated with the Glasgow Avenue / Horne Street water and sewer upgrades capital project as part of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) Highway 7 and 11 truck rerouting project.  In response, staff advised this project was in the capital plan for future years and the City is taking the opportunity to coordinate efforts to minimize cost and disruption, and that the MOTI project costs were fully covered by the Province.  Ms. Koch also inquired about wage comparisons with other municipalities.  In response, the Mayor advised that the City uses a consultant who will complete a job rating and comparison system against eight other municipalities and noted these communities may be at a different rotation of wage assessment.  This comparison system will include factors such as scope of budget, different titles and duties, amount of seniority, experience, qualifications, and number of direct reports.

Pamela Herar inquired about the status of Mission Heritage Advisory Committee projects and the allocation of funds from the Unappropriated Surplus Account to a videographer project to document historical aspects of the previously demolished Japanese School.  In response, the Manager of Long Range Planning and Special Projects advised there are some Mission Heritage Advisory Committee projects that are currently underway.  The Mayor stated that staff are coordinating efforts with the Mission Historical Society to continue recognition of heritage projects and that Council resolved to have a special council meeting regarding the heritage conservation process which included public input opportunities.  Ms. Herar expressed a specific concern regarding the STR.28(C) Street Naming Policy.  The Mayor referred this concern to the Manager of Long Range Planning and Special Projects for review.

Kenny Braich inquired as to whether there was any impact on Development Cost Charges from the previous sale of land by Genstar Development Company and the Madison Development Corporation.  The Mayor explained that the City is required to go through a process of costing the new infrastructure caused by growth across the community as well as allocating an amount of growth which must be presented to the Province and that no previous agreement has negatively affected that.  In response to Mr. Braich's question of development in the Ferndale area, Mayor Horn explained that development in all rural areas has been completed with the goal of preserving the rural nature and is compliant with being outside of the Urban Growth Boundary designation.  He restated that all residents are invited to participate in the Official Community Plan review process.  In response to Mr. Braich's questions regarding Bridgehead Investment Corporation, the Mayor stated the current make up of the Board is five members and that they are seeking a Chief Executive Officer to be the Chairperson of the Corporation.  He also explained the role of Bridgehead Investment Corporation is to develop opportunities for the City such as arranging creative partnerships and joint ventures, while the role of the Economic Development Select Committee is to give advice on policies, including the Official Community Plan, that will help the community to derive more economic value in areas such as tourism and film.

Martin Marinutti inquired about the reliability of the data in the Stave Falls Aquifer Hydrogeologic Review report.  In response, the Mayor confirmed that Council has requested staff report back to Council with further details about the local aquifers, groundwater flow and well yields, and potential vulnerability to groundwater contamination.

21.

ADJOURNMENT

• RC24-351
  Moved by Councillor Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Davies

  RESOLVED:

  That the meeting be adjourned.

  CARRIED

  The meeting was adjourned at 10:13 p.m.