Merritt public meetings in 2023

Committee of the Whole

The City of Merritt Committee of the Whole is reconvening to continue discussions from the December 11, 2023 meeting. This session is part of a multi-day series scheduled for December 11 through December 14.

• Continuation of the December 11, 2023 Committee of the Whole agenda

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The City of Merritt Council will consider three readings for Bylaw No. 2357, 2023, which sets rules for local election and assent voting. Council is also scheduled to vote on adopting Bylaw No. 2356, 2023 to amend the city’s 2023-2027 financial plan, which determines funding allocations for municipal services. Staff recommend council approve a development variance at 1510 Williams Crescent and support dedicating park land for the Bann Street subdivision rather than accepting cash-in-lieu payments. Information items include correspondence regarding emergency department closures and a Canada Community Building Fund grant.

• Bylaw No. 2357, 2023: Three readings proposed to establish new election and assent voting rules.
• Bylaw No. 2356, 2023: Adoption recommended to amend the city’s 2023-2027 financial plan.
• Development Variance Permit DVP 2022-003: Council to decide on a parcel depth variance at 1510 Williams Crescent.
• Subdivision 2023-002 (Bann St.): Staff recommend dedicating park land within the subdivision instead of accepting cash-in-lieu payments.
• Information items: Letter from MLA Jackie Tegart on emergency department closures and a Canada Community Building Fund grant.

Committee of the Whole

This meeting is a reconvening of the Committee of the Whole from December 11, 2023. The agenda consists of continuing discussions, with sessions scheduled through December 14 if required.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss the 2024 budget presentation and preliminary financial plan. The agenda also includes a review of financial aid to City organizations and the proposed 2024-2026 Fees and Charges Bylaw.

• 2024 Budget Presentation
• Proposed 2024-2026 Fees and Charges Bylaw
• Review of Financial Aid to City of Merritt Organizations

Policy Review Committee

The Policy Review Committee is reviewing the draft 2024 - 2026 Charges and Fees Bylaw. The committee will also review a report regarding financial aid provided by the City to local organizations.

• 2024 - 2026 Charges and Fees Bylaw Draft
• Review of Financial Aid to City of Merritt Organizations

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider a financial plan amendment bylaw and the adoption of a new strategic plan. Additionally, council is reviewing remedial action requirements for properties at 1798 and 1740 Voght Street.

• Bylaw 2356: 2023-2027 Financial Plan Amendment
• Remedial action requirement for 1798 Voght Street
• Remedial action requirement for 1740 Voght Street
• Adoption of the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan
• Enbridge regional updates presentation

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The Council will review several municipal policies, including privacy, vehicle use, dress code, and workplace conduct. Additionally, they are set to approve the 2024 meeting schedule and acting mayor rotation.

• Notice of Motion regarding home repair requirements for catastrophic damage
• Approval of the 2024 Council Meeting Schedule
• Appointment of the 2024 Acting Mayor rotation
• Approval of the Fortis Operating Agreement
• Review of various municipal policies including Privacy, City Hall Vehicles, Dress Code, Respectful Workplace, and Attendance Management

Policy Review Committee

The Policy Review Committee will review several draft policies regarding city operations. This includes a return of the amended policy for the use of City Hall assigned vehicles.

• Use of City Hall Assigned Vehicles policy review
• Privacy Management Policy introduction
• Street Naming and Addressing Policy discussion
• Dress Code Policy discussion
• Respectful Workplace Policy discussion

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will review the 2022 Annual Report and a quarterly report for the Baillie House visitors centre. The agenda also includes an amendment to the Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw.

• Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw 2356, 2023 amendment
• Baillie House Quarterly Report presentation
• City of Merritt 2022 Annual Report and audited financial statements
• Spayum Holdings letter of support request for Gateway 286 grant
• Request for size variance of a memorial plaque at Pineridge Cemetery

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will meet to review a presentation from Tourism Nicola Valley. Greg Girard and Tony Luck are scheduled to present their marketing plan.

• Presentation by Greg Girard and Tony Luck regarding the TNV marketing Plan

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The Council will review three readings of Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw 2356, 2023. The agenda also includes updating authorized signers for municipal banking and a proposed extension for remedial actions at 1625 Coldwater Avenue.

• Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw 2356, 2023 readings
• 35-day extension for Remedial Action Requirement at 1625 Coldwater Avenue
• Update to authorized signers for Municipal Finance Authority of BC
• Amendments to City banking signing authorities
• Approval for Councillor Egan to attend economic development conference

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss the City of Merritt Compost Facility and receive a presentation regarding the Walk of Stars Society Revitalization Project. The agenda also includes the adoption of minutes from August 8 and August 23, 2023.

• City of Merritt Compost Facility discussion
• Walk of Stars Society Revitalization Project presentation
• Adoption of August 8, 2023 meeting minutes
• Adoption of August 23, 2023 meeting minutes

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review considerations for the Merritt Business Improvement Area. Jeremy Heighton, Executive Director of the Kamloops North Shore Business Improvement Association, will provide a presentation. The committee will also adopt minutes from the July 26, 2023, meeting.

• Adoption of July 26, 2023, Committee of the Whole minutes
• Presentation on Merritt Business Improvement Area considerations

The Committee adopted the minutes from the July 26, 2023 meeting. The session included a presentation on the function and funding of Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) in British Columbia.

• Adopted Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes from July 26, 2023 (Carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will choose between several operational options for the City of Merritt Compost Facility, including potential private leasing or hauling. They will also consider approving a concept design for the Pine Ridge Cemetery Columbarium and reviewing a new tax exemption bylaw.

• Future operations for the City of Merritt Compost Facility
• Concept design approval for Pine Ridge Cemetery Columbarium
• Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw 2356, 2023 readings
• Upholding invoices #7120 ($7,693.61) and #6996 ($7,814.36)
• FortisBC Energy Transition Plan presentation

Council approved the concept design for the Pine Ridge Cemetery columbarium and upheld two invoices for properties on Voght and Grimmett Streets. The council also appointed members to the Airport Advisory Committee and deferred a tax exemption bylaw.

• Approved Pine Ridge Cemetery columbarium concept design
• Upheld Invoice #7120 ($7,693.61) and Invoice #6996 ($7,814.36) for 3350 Voght Street and 3155 Grimmett Street
• Deferred Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw 2356, 2023 to September 26, 2023
• Instructed staff to arrange a Committee of the Whole meeting regarding compost facility options
• Appointed Mayor Goetz, Ray Robinson, Geoff Scholtens, Ron Panton, Quinn Pooley, and Jessie Pierce to the Airport Advisory Committee
• Adopted July 25, 2023 Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to adopt minutes from July 26, 2023, and to consider a closed session under Section 90(1)(e) of the Community Charter for discussion of land acquisition or disposition. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda.

• Adoption of minutes from July 26, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting
• Proposed closed session under s90(1)(e) for acquisition or disposition of land

The committee adopted the minutes from the July 26, 2023 meeting. The remainder of the session was conducted in closed session regarding the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements.

• Adopted July 26, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting minutes (Carried)
• Approved moving to closed session pursuant to Section 90(1)(e) of the Community Charter (Carried)

Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel

This is a procedural meeting of the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel. The agenda includes only a call to order, land acknowledgement, adoption of minutes from the July 11, 2023 meeting, and a hearing of appeals (if any were received). No specific appeals or decisions are listed.

• Meeting is scheduled for 5:00-6:00 PM in the Board Room at City Hall, 2185 Voght Street.
• The panel will consider any appeals received at least 48 hours before the meeting.
• A motion to adjourn the July 11, 2023 meeting is recommended.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will receive a presentation on the draft Economic Development Strategy and discuss the roles and responsibilities of the City and Tourism Nicola Valley. The meeting also includes adoption of minutes from May 2, 2023.

• Presentation of draft Economic Development Strategy by Ms. M. Christensen
• Discussion on roles and responsibilities of the City and Tourism Nicola Valley
• Adoption of Committee of the Whole meeting minutes from May 2, 2023

The Committee adopted the minutes from the May 2, 2023 meeting. Members discussed an Economic Development Strategy and the roles of the City and Tourism Nicola Valley, though no formal votes were recorded for these items.

• Adopted May 2, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting minutes (Carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The Council is considering several infrastructure and financial items including Voght Park track restoration and a wildland fire truck purchase. They are also reviewing updated city policies and a grant application for Coldwater River flood mitigation.

• Contract award to KLL Construction for $993,450.00 for Voght Park track restoration
• Authorization of $406,260 loan from the Municipal Finance Authority for a Wildland Fire Truck
• Review of invoices for 3350 Voght Street ($7,693.61) and 3155 Grimmett Street ($7,814.36)
• Ratification of UBCM CEPF-DRR grant application for Coldwater River flood mitigation
• Appointment of a new member to the Parcel Tax Review Panel

Council approved a contract for track repairs at Voght Park and authorized borrowing over $406,000 for a wildland fire truck. The city also accepted its 2022 audited financial statements and updated several municipal policies. Additionally, Council ratified a grant application for Coldwater River flood mitigation.

• Approved $993,450 contract to KLL Construction for Voght Park track repairs
• Authorized borrowing $406,260 from Municipal Finance Authority for a Wildland Fire Truck
• Accepted 2022 Consolidated Financial Statements
• Ratified grant application for Coldwater River flood mitigation and risk assessment
• Appointed Adam Etchart as Alternate Director for Thompson-Nicola Regional District
• Approved $5,000 platinum sponsorship for 2023 Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo
• Adopted amended policies for Community Grant in Aid, Employee Long Service Recognition, and Outdoor Water Use
• Appointed Mayor Goetz, Councillor Etchart, and Councillor Charney to Parcel Tax Review Panel

Special Closed Meeting of Council

This is a special closed meeting of Merritt City Council, held to discuss items exempt from public disclosure under the Community Charter. The council will vote to close the meeting to the press and public, then review draft 2022 audited financial statements and discuss municipal objectives and progress reports for the annual report. The meeting is scheduled to last one hour and will return to open session afterward.

• Vote to close meeting under Section 90(1)(l) and 90(1)(j) of the Community Charter
• Discussion of draft 2022 audited financial statements
• Review of special closed council meeting minutes from May 9, 2023
• Discussion of municipal objectives and progress reports for the annual report

Police Committee

The Merritt Police Committee is meeting to adopt previous minutes and receive a presentation on year-to-date police statistics. A public submission from Lori Robinson will also be considered. The agenda is largely procedural with one substantive information item.

• Adoption of minutes from February 9, 2023 Police Committee meeting
• Year-to-date police statistics report presented by Staff Sgt. Rhoda
• Public submission from Ms. Lori Robinson for committee consideration

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council will consider adopting a fees bylaw, declaring two properties nuisances and ordering cleanup, appointing a financial officer, and directing staff toward a mixed-use development at 2102 Coutlee Avenue. The meeting also includes presentations from the Chamber of Commerce, Aspen Solar, and the Environmental Assessment Office, plus a closed session for committee appointments.

• Adoption of Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No 2355, 2023
• Remedial action requirement for unsightly property at 1625 Coldwater Avenue (45-day cleanup)
• Remedial action requirement for unsightly property at 1525 Main Street (90-day cleanup)
• Appointment of Kevin Natkinniemi as City Financial Officer
• Direct staff to work with Pattison Food Group on 3-storey mixed-use building at 2102 Coutlee Avenue, using ~$3.2M provincial housing funds

Council issued remedial action requirements for two properties to remove nuisance materials. The city also approved the development of a mixed-use building at 2102 Coutlee Avenue and appointed a new Financial Officer.

• Adopted Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No 2355, 2023 (CARRIED)
• Ordered removal of nuisance materials at 1625 Coldwater Avenue within 60 days (CARRIED)
• Ordered removal of nuisance materials at 1525 Main Street within 120 days (CARRIED)
• Approved Kevin Natkinniemi as the City’s Financial Officer (CARRIED)
• Directed staff to work with Pattison Food Group on a 3-storey mixed-use building at 2102 Coutlee Avenue (CARRIED)
• Allocated approximately $3.2M in Provincial housing funds to the 2102 Coutlee Avenue project (CARRIED)
• Amended cheque signing authorities for elected and appointed officials (CARRIED)
• Adopted June 13th, 2023 Regular Council Meeting Minutes (CARRIED)

Policy Review Committee

The committee will review several existing and draft policies, including mobile food vendors, use of city hall assigned vehicles, employee recognition, and outdoor water use restrictions. The meeting is a review session, not a final decision-making body.

• Mobile Food Vendors policy review, referred from May 9, 2023 Council meeting
• Use of City Hall Assigned Vehicles policy and draft
• Employee Recognition policy and draft
• Outdoor Water Use Restriction policy and draft
• Community Grant in Aid policy and draft

The Policy Review Committee approved several recommendations for mobile food vendor operations, including a new booking system and bylaw amendments. The Committee also advanced the Employee Recognition and Community Grant in Aid policies to Council for consideration.

• Approved recommendations for mobile food vendors including a booking system and 5-hour time limits (Carried)
• Decided mobile vendors must be self-sufficient with no power upgrades provided (Carried)
• Directed staff to implement decibel reading regulations for generators (Carried)
• Directed staff to prepare amendments to the Business Licence Bylaw (Carried)
• Requested Use of City Hall Assigned Vehicles Policy be updated to include Fire and Public Works vehicles
• Requested Employee Recognition Policy be advanced to Council as presented
• Recommended outdoor water restrictions for even numbered houses on Thursdays and Sundays
• Requested Community Grant in Aid application be updated to include organizer fundraising amounts

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council will hold a public hearing on rezoning at 1227 Midday Valley Road and consider third reading and adoption of OCP and zoning bylaws. They will also vote on buyout contracts for TEMHP flood recovery housing residents and a transit agreement with Cook's Ferry Indian Band. Other items include appointing a Parcel Tax Review Panel and setting enforcement levels for the Good Neighbour Bylaw in the flood zone.

• Public hearing on OCP Amendment Bylaw 2336 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2294 for 1227 Midday Valley Road
• Third reading and adoption of OCP Bylaw 2353 and Zoning Bylaw 2354
• Approval of buyout contracts for TEMHP phase 1 and phase 2 residents
• Transit agreement with Cook's Ferry Indian Band
• Appointment of Parcel Tax Review Panel members

Council adopted zoning and OCP amendments for 1227 Midday Valley Road and approved buyout contracts for TEMHP phase 1 and 2 residents. A transit agreement with Cook’s Ferry Indian Band was approved, and the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 2355 was passed. Council also directed proactive enforcement of the Good Neighbour Bylaw in the flood inundation area starting June 30, 2023.

• Adopted OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 2353 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2354 (CARRIED)
• Approved Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 2355, 2023 (CARRIED)
• Approved TEMHP buyout contracts for phase 1 and phase 2 residents (CARRIED)
• Approved Transit Agreement with Cook’s Ferry Indian Band (CARRIED)
• Appointed Mayor Goetz and Councillors Etchart and Charney to Parcel Tax Review Panel (CARRIED)
• Directed staff to enforce Good Neighbour Bylaw in flood inundation area starting June 30, 2023 (CARRIED)
• Approved list of priority Ministry meeting requests for UBCM (CARRIED)
• Adopted May 23rd, 2023 meeting minutes (CARRIED)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council will consider two late items: direction on enforcement of the Good Neighbour Bylaw in the flood inundation zone, and an extraordinary $7,500 Grant-in-Aid for the Merritt & District Chamber of Commerce from contingency funds. Other business includes approving the 2022 Statement of Financial Information, extending the Temporary Evacuee Mobile Home Program to Dec 31, 2025, and receiving the 2022 Development Cost Charges Report.

• Direction on enforcement of Good Neighbour Bylaw in flood inundation zone
• Extraordinary Grant-in-Aid of $7,500 for Merritt & District Chamber of Commerce
• Approval of City of Merritt Statement of Financial Information for 2022
• Extension of Temporary Evacuee Mobile Home Program to Dec 31, 2025
• 2022 Development Cost Charges Report presented

Council extended the expiration of the Temporary Evacuee Mobile Home Program by one year. The city also approved the 2022 Statement of Financial Information and the 2022 Development Cost Charges report.

• Extended Temporary Evacuee Mobile Home Program expiration from Dec 31, 2024 to Dec 31, 2025 (Carried)
• Approved 2023 Extraordinary Grant-in-Aid of $7,500 for Merritt & District Chamber of Commerce from Council Contingency funds (Carried)
• Approved City of Merritt Statement of Financial Information for year ended December 31, 2022 (Carried)
• Approved 2022 Development Cost Charges (Carried)
• Adopted May 9, 2023 Regular Council Meeting Minutes (Carried)
• Adopted May 10, 2023 Special Council Meeting Minutes (Carried)
• Referred enforcement of Good Neighbour Bylaw in Flood Inundation Zone to next Regular Meeting

Merritt Special Council Meeting

This is a special council meeting with a public hearing and a single substantive item: adoption of the 2023-2027 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2351 and the 2023 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 2352. Council will vote on recommendations to adopt both bylaws, which set the city's budget and property tax rates for the year.

• Adoption of Bylaw 2351 - 5 Year Financial Plan 2023-2027
• Adoption of Bylaw 2352 - 2023 Tax Rates
• Public hearing scheduled as part of the meeting

Council adopted the Financial Plan 2023 - 2027 and the 2023 Tax Rate bylaws. These documents establish the city's spending plan for the next five years and the tax rates for the current year.

• Adopted Financial Plan 2023 - 2027 Bylaw No 2351, 2023 (Carried)
• Adopted 2023 Tax Rate Bylaw No 2352, 2023 (Carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate with no substantive items for decision or discussion.

Council gave third reading to the 2023-2027 Financial Plan and the 2023 Tax Rate Bylaws. They also advanced zoning and community plan amendments for 1227 Midday Valley Road to a public hearing. Additionally, staff were directed to report on encampment safety and shopping cart history.

• Approved third reading of Financial Plan 2023 - 2027 Bylaw No 2351, 2023 (CARRIED)
• Approved third reading of 2023 Tax Rate Bylaw No 2352, 2023 (CARRIED)
• Approved second reading of Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2353, 2023 (CARRIED)
• Approved second reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2354, 2023 for 1227 Midday Valley Road (CARRIED)
• Directed staff to schedule a Public Hearing for the Midday Valley Road amendments (CARRIED)
• Directed staff to report on encampment clean-up safety and shopping cart history (CARRIED)
• Approved grandfathering of gravemarker size for Ms. Reynoldson (CARRIED)
• Forwarded Mobile Food Concession Business Bylaw Review to Policy Review committee (CARRIED)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider adopting minutes from April 18, 2023, and discuss the 2023-2027 Financial Plan, including the draft operating budget. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Adoption of Committee of the Whole meeting minutes from April 18, 2023
• Discussion of the 2023-2027 Financial Plan and draft operating budget

The Committee of the Whole reviewed the updated 2023-2027 Financial Plan, including amendments requested by Council. They supported funding for re-cabling the old fire hall, a stipend for ESS Directors, and a Climate Adaptation & Mitigation Strategy pending grant approval. Council requested more information on the Actioning Reconciliation line item and referred the Social Development Coordinator funding request to the 2024 budget. No formal decisions were made; items were discussed and supported for further consideration.

• Supported re-cabling of old fire hall
• Supported stipend for ESS Directors
• Supported Climate Adaptation & Mitigation Strategy, pending grant funding
• Referred Social Development Coordinator funding request to 2024 budget
• Requested further information on Actioning Reconciliation line item
• Supported purchase of public works equipment and attachments
• Requested segregated airport budget information in future

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss unfinished business, including 2023-2027 tax considerations and financial plan modifications. Staff reports will be introduced by Ms. Thiessen. The agenda also includes adoption of the April 6th minutes and a land acknowledgement.

• 2023-2027 Tax Considerations
• 2023-2027 Financial Plan modifications
• Adoption of April 6, 2023 Committee of the Whole minutes

Council reviewed 3% and 5% tax increase options and modified the 2023-2027 Financial Plan by removing or deferring several funding requests. Multiple projects were referred to the 2024 budget process or marked as grant-dependent.

• Adopted April 6, 2023 meeting minutes as amended (CARRIED)
• Removed Social Development Planner position from budget and moved to 2024 (CARRIED)
• Referred 2023OP-76 Snow Removal project review to Age Friendly, Accessibility, and Youth Committees (CARRIED)
• Referred 2023CP-028 Cleasby Street Extension request to 2024 budget process (CARRIED)
• Removed Central Park Concession request from budget (CARRIED)
• Made 2023CP-054 Fire Smart Interpretive Garden/Micro Park grant dependent (CARRIED)
• Denied request to remove Records Coordinator position from budget proposal (DEFEATED)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The Merritt City Council is meeting to consider several items, including entering into a lease with Nicola Valley Search and Rescue, appointing a new Approving Officer, and authorizing the 2023-24 BC Transit Annual Operating Agreement. Council will also receive a report on the 2022-2023 snow clearing program and discuss a Transit Future Service Plan. The meeting includes a closed session for property acquisition discussions.

• Lease agreement with Nicola Valley Search and Rescue
• Appointment of Lacey McRae Williams as Municipal Approving Officer
• Authorization to sign 2023-24 BC Transit Annual Operating Agreement
• Approval for BC Transit to finalize Transit Future Service Plan Terms of Reference
• Closed session under section 90(1)(e) for property acquisition discussion

Council authorized the 2023-24 BC Transit Annual Operating Agreement and approved a project to finalize a new Transit Future Service Plan. Other key actions included appointing a Municipal Approving Officer and entering a lease with Nicola Valley Search and Rescue.

• Approved lease with Nicola Valley Search and Rescue (CARRIED)
• Approved Terms of Reference for Age Friendly and Accessibility Advisory Committee and Airport Advisory Committee (CARRIED)
• Received 2022-2023 Snow Clearing Program report for information (CARRIED)
• Appointed Lacey McRae Williams as Municipal Approving Officer (CARRIED)
• Authorized 2023-24 Annual Operating Agreement with BC Transit (CARRIED)
• Approved BC Transit to work with staff to finalize Transit Future Service Plan Project Terms of Reference (CARRIED)
• Adopted March 28, 2023 meeting minutes (CARRIED)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to consider the 2023-2027 Financial Plan, with a staff report to be introduced and departmental directors available for questions. The agenda also includes adoption of the April 1, 2023 meeting minutes. No other substantive items are listed.

• 2023-2027 Financial Plan staff report
• Adoption of April 1, 2023 Committee of the Whole minutes

The Committee adopted the minutes from the April 1, 2023 meeting. Council reviewed tax considerations and departmental budget proposals for the 2023-2027 Financial Plan. A public consultation open house is scheduled for April 19 at 6pm in the Civic Centre.

• Adopted Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes from April 1, 2023

Committee of the Whole

The City of Merritt Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss BC Transit service, presented by Daynika White, and to review terms of reference for several advisory committees, including Age Friendly, Airport, Environment, Economic Development, Heritage, Recreation, and Youth. The agenda includes adoption of minutes and general matters but no specific decisions are listed.

• BC Transit presentation by Daynika White
• Review of Committee Terms of Reference for multiple committees
• Draft Age Friendly and Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
• Draft Heritage Committee Terms of Reference
• Draft Recreation Committee Terms of Reference

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hear financial contractor Ms. Thiessen introduce initial proposals for the 2023-2027 Financial Plan, with departmental staff available for questions. The meeting also includes adoption of the March 15th meeting minutes. No other new business or delegations are listed.

• Review of first proposals for the 2023-2027 Financial Plan
• Adoption of Committee of the Whole minutes from March 15, 2023
• Attachments include 2023 Financial Plan Request, Water Sewer Capital Requests, General Fund Capital Requests, and Water Operating Requests

The committee adopted the minutes from the March 15, 2023, meeting. Finance Contractor Ms. Thiessen led a discussion on proposed tax rates and budget items for the 2023-2027 Financial Plan.

• Adopted March 15, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting minutes (Carried)

Emergency Executive Committee

The Emergency Executive Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Emergency Program Coordinator on several emergency management topics. Items include a review of Bylaw 1725, the emergency management organizational chart, training, support services, regional coordinator meetings, and the community emergency plan. No decisions are recorded; the agenda is largely informational and procedural.

• Review of Bylaw 1725 (Emergency Measures Program)
• Emergency Management Daily Business Organizational Chart
• Emergency Management Training update
• Emergency Support Services update
• Review of Community Emergency Plan

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council will consider adopting three bylaws: a zoning amendment for Gateway 286, a fees and charges amendment, and a cemetery amendment. The meeting also includes recognition of two fire chiefs for 30 years of service, a presentation from the Chamber of Commerce, and several information items, including a provincial grant. A closed session is scheduled for a personnel matter.

• Adoption of Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2347, 2023 (Gateway 286)
• Adoption of Fees and Charges Amending Bylaw 2349, 2023
• Adoption of Cemetery Amendment Bylaw 2350, 2023
• Recognition of Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson and Deputy Fire Chief Darrell Finnigan for 30 years of service
• Information item: Province of BC Growing Communities Fund grant

Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2347, Fees and Charges Amending Bylaw 2349, and Cemetery Amendment Bylaw 2350. The city also agreed to provide letters of support for the Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce and the BC Farmers Market.

• Adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2347, 2023 (Gateway 286) (Carried)
• Adopted Fees and Charges Amending Bylaw No. 2349, 2023 (Carried)
• Adopted City of Merritt Cemetery Amendment Bylaw 2350, 2023 (Carried)
• Approved letter of support for Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce Etsi-BC FIR Program grant application (Carried)
• Approved letter of support for BC Farmers Market to Minister Dix (Carried)
• Adopted amended March 14, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to adopt two sets of past minutes and receive a presentation on the 2023-2027 Financial Plan Overview. The financial plan is the only substantive item on the agenda, and it is being received for information only, with no decisions scheduled.

• Adoption of Committee of the Whole minutes from February 7, 2023
• Adoption of Committee of the Whole minutes from June 29, 2022
• Presentation of 2023-2027 Financial Plan Overview by Ms. Thiessen

The Committee of the Whole received a report on the City's 2023-2027 Financial Plan. The session included discussions on tax rates, user fees, and the impact of the Tolko site closure on the tax base. No new policies or spending were approved.

• Adopted February 7, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
• Adopted June 29, 2022 meeting minutes (Carried)
• Received 2023-2027 Financial Plan report for information (Carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council is meeting to consider several items, including first, second, and third readings of a cemetery amendment bylaw and a fees and charges amendment bylaw. Council will also hear a delegation from Lee Woods about food truck regulations, consider an extraordinary grant for the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council, and discuss a proposed below-market lease for Nicola Valley Search and Rescue.

• First, second, and third reading of Cemetery Amendment Bylaw 2350, 2023
• First, second, and third reading of Fees and Charges Amending Bylaw No. 2349, 2023
• Extraordinary Grant-in-Aid of $663.23 to Nicola Valley Community Arts Council
• Proposed below-market lease to Nicola Valley Search and Rescue for airport terminal building and grounds
• Delegation from Lee Woods on food truck parking, business licenses, and hydro hookups in parks

Council approved a $663.23 in-kind grant for the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council. Three readings were passed for both the Cemetery Amendment Bylaw 2350 and the Fees and Charges Amending Bylaw No. 2349. Council also directed public notice for a below-market lease for Nicola Valley Search and Rescue.

• Approved $663.23 Extraordinary Grant-in-Aid for Nicola Valley Community Arts Council (Carried)
• Passed first, second, and third readings of Cemetery Amendment Bylaw 2350, 2023 (Carried)
• Passed first, second, and third readings of Fees and Charges Amending Bylaw No. 2349, 2023 (Carried)
• Directed Corporate Officer to provide public notice for below market value lease to Nicola Valley Search and Rescue (Carried)
• Adopted February 28, 2023 Regular Council Meeting Minutes (Carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council will hold a regular meeting with public input, adopt minutes, and hear presentations from Bass Coast festival co-founders, Mary Angus on entrance signage, and the Nicola Valley Community Theatre Society. They will discuss the Nicola Valley Food Bank's relocation and consider three readings of a zoning amendment bylaw. Adoption of two previously read bylaws (committees repeal and financial plan amendment) is also on the agenda.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No 2347, 2023 (correcting rezoning of CD2 and CD3 sites near Exit 286) – first, second, and third readings
• Adoption of Bylaw 2348, Committees and Commissions of Council Repeal Bylaw
• Adoption of Bylaw 2346, 2023 2022-2026 Financial Plan Amendment
• Discussion of Nicola Valley Food Bank relocation and possible letters of support
• Approval of Councillor Charney's attendance at 2023 Housing BC Together Conference (April 4-5, Vancouver)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The Merritt City Council is meeting to consider several items, including amendments to the 2022-2026 financial plan, a fire services agreement with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, and multiple grant applications. The council will also discuss a proposed repeal of committees and commissions bylaws, a grant for the Merritt Volleyball Association, and water infrastructure rights of way. Public input is scheduled, and the meeting includes adoption of previous minutes.

• First, second, and third reading of Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw 2346, 2023
• First, second, and third reading of Committees and Commissions of Council Repeal Bylaw 2348, 2023
• Extraordinary Grant-in-Aid of $2,775 for Merritt Volleyball Association
• Authorize execution of Structural Fire Protection Service Agreement with Thompson-Nicola Regional District for Electoral Areas M and N
• Apply for 30-year rights of way for waterline and reservoir purposes on District Lot 181 and NE 1/4 Section 11, Township 91

Council passed a 2022-2026 Financial Plan Amendment and a Structural Fire Protection Service Agreement with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. They also approved two resolutions for UBCM regarding rural healthcare and forestry approvals, and granted $2,775 in aid to the Merritt Volleyball Association.

• Approved 2022-2026 Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw 2346 (CARRIED)
• Approved Committees and Commissions of Council Repeal Bylaw 2348 (CARRIED)
• Approved $2,775 Extraordinary Grant-in-Aid for Merritt Volleyball Association (CARRIED)
• Authorized Structural Fire Protection Service Agreement with Thompson-Nicola Regional District (CARRIED)
• Approved UBCM resolution calling for expedited forestry practice approvals (CARRIED)
• Approved UBCM resolution calling for action on rural healthcare shortages (CARRIED)
• Instructed staff to apply for 30-year water infrastructure rights-of-way from the Province (CARRIED)
• Approved grant applications for FireSmart Community Funding and Emergency Support Services (CARRIED)

Police Committee

The City of Merritt's Police Committee is meeting to adopt minutes from March 2022, review its terms of reference, discuss strategic direction, and receive an update on provincial policing complement from CAO Sean Smith. The agenda includes public input and new business items, but no specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed.

• Adoption of Police Committee Meeting Minutes from March 2, 2022
• Review of Terms of Reference (Police Committee.pdf)
• Strategic Direction discussion
• Update regarding Provincial Policing Complement (presentation by CAO Sean Smith)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to adopt minutes from January 17th and receive a presentation from the recovery team on the post-flood housing situation. The housing update is the main substantive item on the agenda.

• Adoption of Committee of the Whole minutes from January 17, 2023
• Housing update presentation by Sean Strang, Steve Schell, and Nik Dragicevic from the recovery team

The Committee received an update on the two-phase Transitional Evacuee Manufactured Home Program. Staff detailed applicant approvals, partnerships for resident support, and the city's long-term strategy to sell the units rather than remain a permanent landlord.

• Adopted January 17, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting minutes (Carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The Merritt City Council is meeting to decide on several items, including approving 2023 Grant in Aid requests, endorsing a destination marketing organization, adopting flood zone building measure revisions, and directing staff to include the $8.8M Exit 286 water and sewer project in the 2023-2027 financial plan. They will also consider a one-year visitor services agreement with the Nicola Valley Heritage Society for $56,000 and approve council attendance at a regional seminar.

• Direct staff to include Exit 286 Water and Sewer Services project in 2023-2027 Financial Plan Bylaw with $8.8M budget
• Approve 2023 Grant in Aid requests per Schedule A and move remaining funds to Council Contingency
• Endorse Merritt and Nicola Valley Destination Marketing Society as Designated Marketing Organization
• Adopt revisions to Flood Inundation Zone Building Measures
• Execute one-year tourism and visitor services agreement with Nicola Valley Heritage Society for $56,000

Council approved several community grants and a three-year visitor services agreement with the Nicola Valley Heritage Society. The city also adopted revisions to Flood Inundation Zone Building Measures and designated Tourism Nicola Valley as its marketing organization.

• Approved $8.8M budget for Exit 286 Water and Sewer Services in the 2023-2027 Financial Plan Bylaw
• Approved three-year tourism and visitor information services agreement with Nicola Valley Heritage Society for $56,000.00
• Adopted revisions to Flood Inundation Zone Building Measures
• Endorsed Merritt and Nicola Valley Destination Marketing Society (Tourism Nicola Valley) as the Designated Marketing Organization
• Approved multiple Grant in Aid requests including $7,500 each for Merritt Snowmobile Club and Nicola Valley Rodeo Association
• Approved $1,500 Grant in Aid for Merritt Mountain Bike Association
• Approved attendance of all Council members at the 2023 Elected Officials Seminar in Kelowna
• Approved in-kind donations for Merritt and District Hospice Society ($1,500) and Nicola Valley Skating Club ($820)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to hear presentations from Tourism Nicola Valley and a communications overview, and to review the 2023 committees of Council. The committee will decide which terms of reference, bylaws, committees, commissions, and boards to recommend to Council for changes.

• Presentation by Tourism Nicola Valley (Greg Girard and Chris Langhaug)
• Communications overview presentation led by Ms. Mullin
• Review of 2023 Committees of Council, including terms of reference for Finance and Audit, Police, Airport Advisory, and others
• Recommendation to instruct staff on which committee terms of reference and bylaws to bring to Council

The Committee of the Whole approved a letter of support for Tourism Nicola Valley and requested a report on repealing committee establishment bylaws. Council also reviewed the city's communications plan and committee structures.

• Approved letter of support recognizing Tourism Nicola Valley as the destination management organization for the City of Merritt (Carried)
• Approved request for a report at a Regular Meeting of Council regarding the repeal of committee establishment bylaws (Carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council will consider several funding and operational items, including a grant application for airport land grading, a bus fleet expansion, and 2023 grant-in-aid approvals. A delegation from Samaritans Purse is scheduled, and the minutes from the December 13, 2022 meeting are up for adoption.

• Direct staff to apply for REDIP-FIT funding for airport development lot grading, total cost $519,997.50 (City share $19,997.50)
• Approve 2023 Grant in Aid requests per Schedule A and move remaining funds to Council Contingency
• Accept BC Transit fleet expansion to four buses at additional cost of $35,822
• Waive rental fee for Civic Centre West Auditorium for Nicola Watershed Restoration Workshop (Feb 23, Mar 1-2, 2023)
• Adopt a resolution for submission to the 2023 SILGA conference

Council authorized a funding application for airport land grading and approved the expansion of the BC Transit bus fleet. The council also waived rental fees for a watershed restoration workshop and deferred decisions on 2023 Grant in Aid applications.

• Approved application for REDIP-FIT funding for airport earthwork grading totaling $519,997.50 (Carried)
• Approved expansion of BC Transit bus fleet to four vehicles at a cost of $35,822 (Carried)
• Waived rental fee for Civic Centre West Auditorium for Nicola Watershed Restoration Workshop (Carried)
• Deferred 2023 Grant in Aid requests to January 24, 2023 meeting (Carried)
• Adopted minutes from December 13, 2022 Regular Council Meeting (Carried)