Council Highlights December 5, 2023

Council Highlights December 5, 2023

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – 9 am

2024 Provisional Budget Review

Council discussed the 2024 Provisional Budget, reviewing the new operating and capital budget requests. The draft budget proposed a 6.35% tax increase, but Council’s discussion prompted items to be brought forward and the proposed tax increase now sits at 7.74%, which represents approximately $120/year, or $10/month for the typical property in Peachland valued at $902,700. The tax increase is necessary to fund ongoing operational expenses and services and to contribute a portion to reserves for future expenditures. Highlights of the draft 2024 budget include:
  • Capital Renewal parcel taxes (General, Water, Sewer) were removed and placed within the General Tax levy. They were initially in place to ensure proper renewal and maintenance of municipal infrastructure, but parcel taxes are typically used for finite project funding.
  • 2024 Capital Projects are funded from Reserves or Grants, not taxation. Proposed projects include:
    • Turner Park improvements ($750,000)
    • Road rehabilitation ($600,000)
    • Sanderson Dog Park upgrades ($100,000)
    • Interim multi-use pathway extension along Beach Ave. (13th St. to Todd’s Rd) ($100,000)
    • Dog Beach Boat Launch upgrades ($79,000)
    • New District website ($40,000)
Council agreed to move the following items from Priority 2 to Priority 1, with efforts to be made to fund with reserves or grants:
  • Reserve contribution ($100,000/year)
  • Outdoor pickleball courts ($200,000 - pending matching funds from Peachland Pickleball Society)
  • Athletic field maintenance equipment ($250,000 – depending on grant eligibility)
  • Portable radios for the Fire Department ($25,000)

Council’s recommendations will be incorporated into the 2024 Provisional Budget resolution being presented later in the day at the Regular Meeting for early budget approval of the General, Water and Sewer Operating and Capital Budgets.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – 6 pm

Rise and Report – Committee Appointments

Council agreed during its In Camera Meeting December 5, 2023 at 4:30 pm to appoint the following people to the Downtown Revitalization Task Force:
  • Judi Tyabji, recreation and culture representative
  • Darlene Thornton, Peachland Chamber of Commerce representative
  • Curtis Urlacher, TNI, downtown landowner/business owner
  • Shayn Moritz, Edward Jones, downtown landowner/business owner
  • Sarah Kendrick, Beachside Health, downtown landowner/business owner
  • Janice Liebe, public at large
  • Daniel McKinnon, public at large
  • Greg Sewell, public at large
  • Chelsea Jeal, public at large
  • Mike Kent, public at large
  • Alternate members are Linda Craven, Kym Martin, Graham Todd and Darlene Romanko.

Mayor Patrick Van Minsel will serve as chair of the committee, with Councillors Dave Collins and Alena Glasman, and Terry Condon as alternate, serving as Council representatives.

Tree Protection Bylaw

Council gave first three readings to a Tree Protection Bylaw and accompanying enforcement and licensing bylaw amendments to replace the District’s current Tree Cutting Bylaw. The new bylaw sets out regulations for tree removal and requirements for replanting. The proposed Tree Protection Bylaw further supports the Peachland Fire Department’s FireSmart program ensuring replacement trees do not further compound the existing problem by planting coniferous trees within the non-combustible zone of a structure. The bylaw also supports residents trying to incorporate FireSmart principles by exempting them from the permit process when completing activities within the immediate zone around structures.

2024 Provisional Budget Approval

Council approved the 2024 Provisional Budget with changes incorporated from Council’s deliberations earlier in the day. Early approval of the General, Water and Sewer Operating Budgets and the Capital Budget ensures District of Peachland daily operations are maintained and important capital projects can get underway. The 2024 Draft Budget will be presented to the public at an open house in February 2024. The first readings of the 2024-2029 Financial Plan and Tax Rate Bylaws are expected in April after public consultation on the draft budget.

OTHER COUNCIL NEWS:

Next Council Meeting

 The next Regular Meeting of Peachland Council is on Tuesday, January 24, 2024, beginning at 6 pm. Find the full schedule by visiting www.peachland.ca/council. Keep informed; subscribe to get news and event information emailed directly to you at www.peachland.ca/newsletter. Find webcasts of past meetings at www.peachland.ca/watch.
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