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Good morning, everybody. I'd like to call a special Councillor

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meeting of November 19, 2024. To order and begin by

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recognizing that this meeting is taking place on the traditional

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lands of the Silko Canagan people. Before we get into

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the agenda, I'd like to just point out that Councillor

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Conan says. On Zoom joining us on Zoom because. She's

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contagious. But she's able to function otherwise. So I need

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a motion to adopt the agenda as present. Do we

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have any late items? Sorry. No late items. Adopt. The

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agenda is presented. Move. Seconded. All in favor? And Councillor

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Conan, and that's unanimous. Thank you. And moving straight on

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to. Our regular portion of the meeting. So that's bylaws

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and permits. 3.1, the official community Plan Amendment bylaw number

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2024 36 and zoning amendment bylaw number 2024 37. Miss

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Collinson, please. Thank you, your worship. Councillor gave first reading

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to the spot fees bylaws on October 15. And following

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a public hearing that was held on November 5, Councillor

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gave second and third reading to the bylaws. Ministry of

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Transportation approval has been received and the staff recommendation is

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to adopt. Both bylaws. Thank you. Thank you. Council. Any

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discussion? Any comments? Questions? And hearing none. Do we have

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a staff recommend? Moving the staff recommendation and seconded. And

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any comments? Questions? Hearing? None. I'll call the question. All

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in favor? And Councillor conant indicates. Yes, and that's unanimous.

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Thank you. And moving on. To item four. The 2025

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to 2029 draft financial and corporate business plan overview. Ms.

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Campbell, please. Thank you. Your worship and councillor today, myself,

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along with city staff, are pleased to be presenting the.

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City's 2025 to 2029 draft financial and corporate business plan

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before we get started. I would like to turn it

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over to Mr. Hadad to say a few words. Okay.

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Thank you, Ms. Campbell. Thank you, Councillor. Looking forward to

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discussions over the next couple of days. I just want

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to highlight, first of all, Early this year, Councillor focused

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their priorities around. Through the strategic planning process Councillor undertook

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really emphasizing their commitment to public safety and housing through

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livable and accessible priorities. Safety and resiliency reflects council's commitment

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to creating a safe supportive community through balanced approach that

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addresses crime, assist vulnerable populations, and builds long term resilience.

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Livable. And accessible priority drives the city's efforts to improve

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the quality of life for all residents. Through better housing

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solutions, accessible public spaces, safe streets and inclusive community services.

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Really looking forward to the work that the team of

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presenting team will be presenting to Councillor over the next

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couple of days. Led through our finance department. A lot

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of work goes into the preparation of the. Budget over

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the last number of months, and I really want to

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thank the community also for their feedback. And you hear

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a little bit later on this morning from our engagement

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team on the results. Of that process. So look forward

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to council's questions. We've got the team senior. Leadership team

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here with our finance department to answer any questions, and

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our management team as well, through the presentation. So looking

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forward to a productive next. Couple of days. Thank you,

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Ms. Campbell. Thank you, Mr. Haddad. Before we review the

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budget through each division and department, I'd like to give

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an overview of the plan, including what's new for 2025,

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the presentation approach Councillor priorities, some overall budget highlights, and

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the proposed tax rate. Although some of the information contained

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within this overview was previously shared with Councillor on October

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15 with the release of the draft financial. Plan. It

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is being presented again to ensure that the relevant information

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that form the drafting of this plan is provided during

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the deliberation process. Continuing to build on the amalgamation of

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the financial and corporate business plan in 2025. The document

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continues to be refined to improve reporting on the advancement

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of council's priorities and transparency and financial management. We are

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committed to continually enhancing the information included in the plan,

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including what services the city provides budget highlights and financial

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impacts to our. Residents. For this year, capital budgets have

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been separated out from operating. The capital presentations will commence

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after all. Operating presentations are completed and is scheduled for

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day two of deliberations. As a result, capital information will

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not be included in this overview. However, a separate overview

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will be provided to start off the capital presentations. Senior

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staff members will be co presenting with. Myself for their

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respective areas with time for Councillor to ask questions and

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deliberate over each divisional or departmental budget. As this is

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council's third budget process, presentations have been focused on key

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budget drivers and incremental costs as opposed to daily business

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activities. Councillor is welcome to comment at any stage of

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the presentations and can make motions to amend what is

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being presented throughout each div. Division. This may include either

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amending the budget information as presented or directing staff to

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compile any items Councillor may wish to defer and discuss

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at the end of deliberations at the end of each

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presentation, a motion to approve in principle will be made

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subject to final budget. Review. Approving in principle is council's

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acceptance of the budget. Information as presented. However, is not

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a formal appro. Approval. Councillor can reconsider any budget area

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throughout deliberations until the final financial plan. Resolution is made

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after Councillor has deliberated over each area. Staff will provide

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the final recap. To review any set aside items and

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present the final motions. Moving into the budget process. Commencement

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of the capital budget occurred in June with compilation of

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operating budget starting in July. All budget information from individual

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areas was finalized in early September, with reviews completed by

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senior staff in late September. The financial plan was released

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publicly on October the 15th, with several public engagement opportunities

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provided through no. November 6, our communications and engagement manager,

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Adam Alnick, will be providing a summary of the engagement

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feedback in the next presentation. I'm going to provide a

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brief overview of the initiatives for each Councillor. Priority however

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many of these will be covered in more detail during

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the divisional presentations for safe and resilient we have 14

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initiatives for the 2025 budget. These include items such as

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advancement of the community, safety buildings, development of a hazard

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risk vulnerability analysis and wildfire and fire smart planning. Other

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safe and resilient priorities include development of a community safety

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and wellbeing plan advancement of the RCMP strategic plan and

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proposed addition of two additional RCMP members to create a

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new community safety unit. For livable and accessible. We have

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21 initiatives. These include items such as the sports and

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recreational needs assessment. Development of an area plan for Okanagan,

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lakeshore and esplanade. And advancing housing affordability. Further initiatives include

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the Eckert Avenue Quarter reconstruction project, demand side management, voltage

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conversion, and smart truck technology to reduce contamination and increase

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recycling best practices. And lastly, leading the KVR trail master

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plan and green quarter strategy, advancing the city's community plan

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continuing to focus on safe routes to school, transit network

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expansion, and accessibility plan implementation. For vision, mission, and culture.

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We have four initiatives, including items such as advocacy, planning,

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and intergovernmental. Relations and advancing digital transformation and innovation projects.

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Of those initiatives, there are 17 that have a financial

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component associated with them which are included on pages 22

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to 23 of the financial plan. These initiatives do not

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all have an impact on taxation. And are proposed to

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be funded through a variety of methods, including existing operational

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budgets. Grant programs as well as taxation increases, which is

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noted, will be introduced for counci. Council's consideration during deliberations

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through each respective divisional presentation. Moving to some overall budget

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highlights. Consolidated revenues have increased 7% over 2024. Adopted budget

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to $155.8 million and expenses are 7% over 2024 at

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143.4 million. These figures are net of the taxes collected

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on behalf of other governments and the difference between revenue

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and expense amounts goes into reserves, which funds our. Capital

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programs and other operational requirements. Focusing in specifically on the

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general fund. Revenues in 2025 amount to 78.6 million, up

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5.8 million from 2024 and 8% increase expenses in 2025

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amount to 82.3 million. These are at 4.9 million from

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2024, a 6% increase and as a reminder now include

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amortization expenses. A large portion of the general fund. Expenses

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are allocated to protective services, which makes up an estimated

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40% of the overall budget, excluding amortization. Some of the

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financial challenges that continue to impact the 2025 budget include

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the 2022 taxation deferral that was approved during the 2022

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deliberations. In addition to sustained inflation, that we've seen across

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many city functions, in particular areas being more than normal,

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inflation would be labor, insurance and supplies. Many municipalities across

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BC are challenged with rising costs and trying to balance

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providing the needed community services. With the required funding in

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order to pay for those services. Although many municipalities haven't

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released their 2025 tax increases. Yet this slide displays a

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few of the other communities that are facing these same

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challenges. It's important to note that the city's increase is

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significantly impacted by the 2022 taxation deferral with our actual

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2025 tax increase being just over five and a half

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percent. Managing these financial challenges has resulted in a shortfall

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of just under $4 million in the 2025 General Operating

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Fund. One third of this shortfall is comprised of the

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1.4 million for the remaining taxation deferral, which I'll discuss

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in more detail in upcoming. Slides, with the remainder consisting

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of? 1.35 million for inflation and operational expenses, which is

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net of. New revenues and an additional 1.2 million for

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priorities and initiatives on top of the inflationary costs mentioned

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earlier for things such as insurance and supplies. The city

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also has to incorporate contractual increases for our labor agreements,

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as well as other significant impacts such as the RCMP

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contract, which alone is an increase of 700,000 without the

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addition of any new members. For 2025. To assist with

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offsetting these operational increases, staff introduced a more aggressive budgeting

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approach where a preliminary review of the budget was done

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by looking at every line item for both revenues and

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expenses with a five year history. Looking for trend analysis.

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Every budget area was reviewed with a comparison of each

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line item with five years of. Actual and budget costs

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to look for opportunities to optimize the numbers. That review

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was sent to each senior leadership team member and was

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then reviewed with myself and Mr. Haddad to go. Over

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each initiative request an opportunity to revise budget figures. Traditionally,

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the city has budgeted based on ensuring that no individual

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line item would go over budget. However, under this new

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methodology, we are. Looking to ensure that department's cumulative line

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items stay within an overall budget. This change will likely

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result in some line items being over and some under,

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with the anticipation that overall each budget area will have

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sufficient funding to provide the approved service levels on the

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screen. Here is an example. Of one page of the

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review spreadsheets that were reviewed during this process, which included

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over 2000. Line items and resulted in over 200 of

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those items being reduced, for a total of 2.4 million,

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or 5.4%. These reductions included requests for both ftes and

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initiatives as well as budget changes. Based on the five

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year trends, significant reductions were made in the following areas

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FTE requests initiative and project requests supplies, freight and. Postage

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contractors and consultants, marketing, promotions and printing costs, training seminars

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and dues, and then some specific areas such as flushing

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mains, trunk lines, irrigation, snow removal, asphalt, solid waste, tipping

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fees, and weed control the five year trends highlight items

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that might fluctuate more on an annual basis. For example,

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weed control, which changes based on weather pattern. Patterns and

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looking at the five year average number, it's also important

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to note that it would not reflect inflationary increases year

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over year, and so the average was used as a

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baseline. To review annual spend and not necessarily used to

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match the proposed budget. Thank you. Through the chair. And

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so I just want to be clear, when you went

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through this, The shortfalls and going through the budget with

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this fine tuned comb, what was the percentage that you're

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able to find. To essentially make sure that we're coming

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in line with our priorities. Like you said, we're saving

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2.4 million. Yeah, through the chair, so that equated to

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5.4%. So that wasn't just a reduction of existing budget

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line items, that was also incremental asks. Right. So fte

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requests initiatives and projects. So we looked at the proposed

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budget cumulatively and went. Through every line by line, looking

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for opportunities to reduce that number based on where we

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were sitting. As part of the budget process and to

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address funding shortfalls. City staff review opportunities to decrease the

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impacts of taxation. Staff identified a number of ways to

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reduce the general funding shortfall, including funding one time projects

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through reserve transfers. So for 2025, this includes the community

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well being plan. Sign standardization and the area plan for

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Okanagan lake and esplanade. Another mitigating strategy employed this year

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was increasing the allotment of RCMP vacancies due to leaves,

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as well as budgeting for a minor staffing vacancy for

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city staff to reduce labor costs, recognizing that not all

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vacancies reduce costs as positions may be filled temporarily or

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with use of overtime. There are generally a few positions

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through the year that remain vacant for a period of

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time and fulfilled which. We've now incorporated into the budget.

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Lastly, there are two significant costs that will impact future

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years. The first is the two new RCMP members that

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00:16:18,320 --> 00:16:21,560
if approved by Councillor will be requested through edision. However,

235
00:16:21,560 --> 00:16:24,160
it takes approximately twelve months for these positions to be

236
00:16:24,160 --> 00:16:27,000
filled, which would have those officers, starting in very late

237
00:16:27,000 --> 00:16:31,920
2025. Or early 2026, approving this in 2025, but allocating

238
00:16:31,920 --> 00:16:34,894
the budget into 2020. Six matches the cost with the

239
00:16:34,894 --> 00:16:37,134
year that the service will be put into place, ensuring

240
00:16:37,134 --> 00:16:39,614
we aren't taxing residents for something they will not receive

241
00:16:39,614 --> 00:16:42,691
for the year. Transit is another similar item. There is

242
00:16:42,691 --> 00:16:45,131
no certainty of when the expanded transit for phase one

243
00:16:45,131 --> 00:16:47,651
will be available, but it is not likely to occur

244
00:16:47,651 --> 00:16:50,491
until later next year. Again, looking to match the cost

245
00:16:50,491 --> 00:16:52,331
of the service to the year that the city will

246
00:16:52,331 --> 00:16:55,451
incur the cost and our residents will benefit from it.

247
00:16:55,451 --> 00:16:57,811
Originally, the entire cost of phase one was planned to

248
00:16:57,811 --> 00:17:01,051
be incorporated into the budget for 2025. However, it is

249
00:17:01,051 --> 00:17:05,138
being. Proposed to be split between 2025 and 2026. In

250
00:17:05,138 --> 00:17:07,618
addition to the cost of phase one. 2026. We'll also

251
00:17:07,618 --> 00:17:10,298
see the incorporation of the evening service expansion, which is

252
00:17:10,298 --> 00:17:12,738
not included. In this mitigated impact as it did not

253
00:17:12,738 --> 00:17:16,689
form part of the 2025 budget. During deliberations in November

254
00:17:16,689 --> 00:17:20,249
of 2021, Councillor approved the deferral of 7% of taxation

255
00:17:20,249 --> 00:17:22,569
into future years with one time use of the remaining

256
00:17:22,569 --> 00:17:26,089
Covid-19 restart grant as a reminder, the cost associated to

257
00:17:26,089 --> 00:17:29,249
the 7% deferral are related to the previous council's. Investment

258
00:17:29,249 --> 00:17:32,329
in community safety and included the addition of seven RCMP

259
00:17:32,329 --> 00:17:39,170
officers between. 2021 and 2022, expanding by law enforcement, adding

260
00:17:39,170 --> 00:17:41,850
a fire training officer and adding a firefighter every year

261
00:17:41,850 --> 00:17:44,930
for four years. In addition, when setting the final tax

262
00:17:44,930 --> 00:17:48,370
increase for 2022, Councillor approved. A further deferral of 3%

263
00:17:48,370 --> 00:17:51,530
into future years, for a total deferral of 10%. The

264
00:17:51,530 --> 00:17:53,690
plan was to phase in the impacts of these deferrals

265
00:17:53,690 --> 00:17:55,490
over the course of the next three years, which started.

266
00:17:55,949 --> 00:17:58,709
In the 2023 budget cycle with use of surplus reserves

267
00:17:58,709 --> 00:18:01,589
over the time frame to offset the different. 2025 will

268
00:18:01,589 --> 00:18:05,626
mark the final year of this phase in. Moving into

269
00:18:05,626 --> 00:18:08,266
staffing. The city's workforce is quite complex and has many

270
00:18:08,266 --> 00:18:11,586
unique challenges. Our 2024. Turnover rate is currently lower than

271
00:18:11,586 --> 00:18:15,906
2023, going from 11% down to nine. However, without retirements,

272
00:18:15,906 --> 00:18:19,386
that figure is 8%. We've seen fairly consistent retirement through

273
00:18:19,386 --> 00:18:21,346
the last few years, ranging from 1% to 3% of

274
00:18:21,346 --> 00:18:24,426
our workforce. Turnover rates don't capture the workload of recruitment.

275
00:18:25,365 --> 00:18:27,245
As we also see a large number of postings annually

276
00:18:27,245 --> 00:18:31,605
for relief positions, seasonal employees, and internal transfers. The city

277
00:18:31,605 --> 00:18:34,005
continues to work on its employee engagement initiatives to assist

278
00:18:34,005 --> 00:18:36,765
in attraction of new employees. And retention of existing talent.

279
00:18:38,159 --> 00:18:41,239
Year to date, for 2024, the city has hired 176

280
00:18:41,239 --> 00:18:45,279
candidates, including relief and seasonal, and facilitated some significant recruitments,

281
00:18:45,279 --> 00:18:48,959
including the building and permitting manager bylaw manager, manager of

282
00:18:48,959 --> 00:18:53,279
finance, manager of Communications of public engagement emergency program coordinator,

283
00:18:53,279 --> 00:18:56,559
as well as multiple bylaw officers, building officials, and an

284
00:18:56,559 --> 00:19:01,463
electrician. Starting fte for the year is 352, with seven

285
00:19:01,463 --> 00:19:04,623
new FTe being proposed through the budget. Process. These positions

286
00:19:04,623 --> 00:19:06,823
are spread amongst the divisions with a full summary of

287
00:19:06,823 --> 00:19:09,583
fte and the new proposed positions being provided on page

288
00:19:09,583 --> 00:19:13,063
44 of the plan. Requests requiring new funding will be

289
00:19:13,063 --> 00:19:15,783
discussed during each divisional presentation, including how they impact the

290
00:19:15,783 --> 00:19:19,181
budget and how they were fund. Funded, as not all

291
00:19:19,181 --> 00:19:22,924
of these requests reflect an increase to the budget. Also

292
00:19:22,924 --> 00:19:25,484
on paper, the city has significant reserve balances. Many of

293
00:19:25,484 --> 00:19:28,284
these have restricted uses, leaving only a small portion available

294
00:19:28,284 --> 00:19:31,004
to draw from. Also to consider when looking at the

295
00:19:31,004 --> 00:19:34,164
city's reserve balances is that the 2025 draft capital plan

296
00:19:34,164 --> 00:19:37,004
is in excess of 30 million. We also have significant

297
00:19:37,004 --> 00:19:40,644
2024 capital program, including over 40 million of carry forward

298
00:19:40,644 --> 00:19:44,928
projects for. An excess of 80 million of approved capital

299
00:19:44,928 --> 00:19:48,168
projects currently underway are scheduled. Considering that the city owns

300
00:19:48,168 --> 00:19:51,808
over $1.4 billion of assets. These reserves in entirety represent

301
00:19:51,808 --> 00:19:54,408
less than 10% of our asset values with a large

302
00:19:54,408 --> 00:19:57,368
portion of the currently allocated to funding the capital budget.

303
00:19:58,866 --> 00:20:01,066
One statutory utility and other restricted reserves are removed, a

304
00:20:01,066 --> 00:20:04,066
balance of 20.6 million of reserves. Is available for general

305
00:20:04,066 --> 00:20:07,607
use as at the end of 2023. After year end

306
00:20:07,607 --> 00:20:10,447
revised 2024. Reserve balances will be provided to Councillor with

307
00:20:10,447 --> 00:20:13,127
the presentation of the audited financial statements at the beginning

308
00:20:13,127 --> 00:20:16,327
of May. However, forecasted reserve balances will be presented to

309
00:20:16,327 --> 00:20:19,127
Councillor during the reserve presentation later this morning, as well

310
00:20:19,127 --> 00:20:22,607
as additional details on how reserve contributions are used and

311
00:20:22,607 --> 00:20:27,443
work. Again, these balances are that December 31, 2023, and

312
00:20:27,443 --> 00:20:29,883
are the ones available for offsetting the phase in of

313
00:20:29,883 --> 00:20:32,883
the tax rate deferral these balances don't incorporate the current

314
00:20:32,883 --> 00:20:35,563
asset emergency work previously approved by Councillor but not yet

315
00:20:35,563 --> 00:20:38,403
completely drawn from the reserves or the surplus draws for

316
00:20:38,403 --> 00:20:41,443
2024 being used to offset the deferral for the addition

317
00:20:41,443 --> 00:20:43,523
of the four firefighters over four years, which ends after.

318
00:20:44,772 --> 00:20:49,351
2025. Switching over to utility rates. The 2025 rates were

319
00:20:49,351 --> 00:20:51,751
presented to Councillor with the fees and charges. Bylaw, with

320
00:20:51,751 --> 00:20:54,431
the first three readings of the bylaw occurring August 20

321
00:20:54,431 --> 00:20:58,671
and adoption on September 10. Rate increases include 7.1% in

322
00:20:58,671 --> 00:21:03,151
total for electrical, 10.8% for sanitary sewer, 8.5 for water

323
00:21:03,151 --> 00:21:06,850
and 30% for storm. These increases have been built. Into

324
00:21:06,850 --> 00:21:10,773
the draft financial plan in each respective utility. Based on

325
00:21:10,773 --> 00:21:12,973
the increases approved through that fees and charges bylaw in

326
00:21:12,973 --> 00:21:15,533
September, the average residential property will see an increase of

327
00:21:15,533 --> 00:21:21,794
$276 per year or $23 per month. And for business

328
00:21:21,794 --> 00:21:24,954
property. The average increase for utilities in 2025 is estimated

329
00:21:24,954 --> 00:21:30,907
at $1,536 per year or $128 per month. This brings

330
00:21:30,907 --> 00:21:34,227
us to a proposed tax increase for 2025. However, before

331
00:21:34,227 --> 00:21:36,587
presenting what's included in that final draft number, I wanted

332
00:21:36,587 --> 00:21:39,627
to briefly review the rigorous process that staff undergoes when

333
00:21:39,627 --> 00:21:43,067
compiling the budget. As mentioned earlier, the operating budget process

334
00:21:43,067 --> 00:21:45,747
starts in July, and after initial submission of budgets by

335
00:21:45,747 --> 00:21:48,387
each department and review by the finance team. We go

336
00:21:48,387 --> 00:21:52,366
through a detailed process. Looking for other opportunities to decrease

337
00:21:52,366 --> 00:21:55,766
the impact with alternatives to taxation. This year, the starting

338
00:21:55,766 --> 00:21:58,406
point of the operating gap was 20.1%, which is the

339
00:21:58,406 --> 00:22:02,566
remaining deferral inflation. Past decisions with financial impacts and incremental

340
00:22:02,566 --> 00:22:04,886
costs. Our next step is to do a thorough review

341
00:22:04,886 --> 00:22:08,006
of revenues from that review. Increases were identified from the

342
00:22:08,006 --> 00:22:11,263
fees and charges or other economic impacts, including non. Market

343
00:22:11,263 --> 00:22:14,983
change. All combined, these equated to a reduction of 3%

344
00:22:14,983 --> 00:22:17,023
as discussed on a previous slide. We introduced a more

345
00:22:17,023 --> 00:22:20,783
aggressive budgeting process this year. With the preliminary review done,

346
00:22:20,783 --> 00:22:22,983
looking at every line item with the five year history

347
00:22:22,983 --> 00:22:25,863
for trend analysis, which resulted in a reduction of 2.4

348
00:22:25,863 --> 00:22:30,242
million or 5.4%. Subsequent to that process, the senior leadership

349
00:22:30,242 --> 00:22:33,042
team met to review and discuss the final, revised operating

350
00:22:33,042 --> 00:22:36,602
gap. This discussion included reviewing all remaining FTE and initiative

351
00:22:36,602 --> 00:22:38,762
requests to determine what would be put forth into the

352
00:22:38,762 --> 00:22:42,595
proposed plan. Part of this process is determining if items

353
00:22:42,595 --> 00:22:44,835
can be deferred, as well as looking for other opportunities

354
00:22:44,835 --> 00:22:48,195
for efficiencies and cost savings. Several funding strategies were reviewed,

355
00:22:48,195 --> 00:22:51,755
which ultimately resulted in a reduction of 3.5%, which included

356
00:22:51,755 --> 00:22:54,075
reserve funding for several one time projects. As well as

357
00:22:54,075 --> 00:22:57,315
the mitigation strategies that were noted earlier. This brings us

358
00:22:57,315 --> 00:23:00,435
to the proposed tax increase for 2025 of 8.63, which.

359
00:23:00,895 --> 00:23:04,214
Is included in the draft plan. Delivering a bit further

360
00:23:04,214 --> 00:23:09,433
into the new revenues. This chart includes the historic non

361
00:23:09,433 --> 00:23:12,633
market change revenue indicated by the blue bars as compared

362
00:23:12,633 --> 00:23:15,553
to building permit revenue shown by the red line non

363
00:23:15,553 --> 00:23:17,993
market change accounts for new construction that is completed and

364
00:23:17,993 --> 00:23:20,873
being added to the assessment base. With new taxation revenue

365
00:23:20,873 --> 00:23:23,273
being introduced to the city, it is one of the

366
00:23:23,273 --> 00:23:25,513
few revenues that the city adds to the budget annually

367
00:23:25,513 --> 00:23:29,570
that doesn't impact existing taxpayers ratep. Ratepayers or service users

368
00:23:29,570 --> 00:23:32,770
as building permit revenue increases or declines. Nonmarket change often

369
00:23:32,770 --> 00:23:35,530
follows the same trend. But in the preceding year, for

370
00:23:35,530 --> 00:23:39,450
2025, the city has included $600,000 for nonmarket change, which

371
00:23:39,450 --> 00:23:42,770
helps spread the cost of overall taxes over more residents

372
00:23:42,770 --> 00:23:45,730
on average, the city sees between four and $500,000 of

373
00:23:45,730 --> 00:23:49,444
non market change annually. Although. Technically nonmarket change revenues should

374
00:23:49,444 --> 00:23:52,204
be applied against the incremental cost of providing services to

375
00:23:52,204 --> 00:23:55,644
a growing population. It has been historically applied against inflationary

376
00:23:55,644 --> 00:23:58,764
costs in order to minimize those impacts. To existing residents

377
00:23:58,764 --> 00:24:02,276
and business owners. The tax increase is made up of

378
00:24:02,276 --> 00:24:06,036
the deferral, which makes up just over 3%. And nondiscretionary

379
00:24:06,036 --> 00:24:09,716
costs at 2.95%. And finally, discretionary costs, which equate to

380
00:24:09,716 --> 00:24:13,956
2.62%. It's important to note that the actual 2025 tax

381
00:24:13,956 --> 00:24:16,076
increase is around five and a half percent. It's the

382
00:24:16,076 --> 00:24:18,596
remaining deferral. Portion that is bringing the increase up to

383
00:24:18,596 --> 00:24:24,668
8.63. Inflation includes collective agreement, labor contracts, RCMP contracts, as

384
00:24:24,668 --> 00:24:28,028
well as regular inflation prior to offsetting with revenues or

385
00:24:28,028 --> 00:24:31,708
other mitigating efforts. Inflationary impacts on the 2025 budget actually

386
00:24:31,708 --> 00:24:35,348
equated to 7.6%. However, after the detailed review of the

387
00:24:35,348 --> 00:24:38,148
budget process, staff were able to reduce those impacts to

388
00:24:38,148 --> 00:24:41,727
just under 3%. The data shown on this slide is

389
00:24:41,727 --> 00:24:43,967
collected by the province of BC and allows us to

390
00:24:43,967 --> 00:24:47,447
review our residential competitiveness to other areas in the region.

391
00:24:47,447 --> 00:24:50,767
These figures include municipal rates, parcel taxes, utility bills and

392
00:24:50,767 --> 00:24:53,647
taxes paid to the other taxing authorities, so provides a

393
00:24:53,647 --> 00:24:56,367
reasonably holistic overview of the cost to residents in these

394
00:24:56,367 --> 00:25:01,166
areas, as you can see from this graph. Penticton is

395
00:25:01,166 --> 00:25:03,206
very competitive in the valley, having one of the lowest

396
00:25:03,206 --> 00:25:06,686
residential taxes and charges. In comparison to West Colonia, Kelowna,

397
00:25:06,686 --> 00:25:10,823
Vernon and Summerland. In terms of what this means to

398
00:25:10,823 --> 00:25:12,943
residents. We broke this down in a bit more detail.

399
00:25:12,943 --> 00:25:15,023
This year to provide a more wholesome view of what

400
00:25:15,023 --> 00:25:17,423
that percentage looks like to our residents based on their

401
00:25:17,423 --> 00:25:20,903
property values. We have around 5000 residential properties that are

402
00:25:20,903 --> 00:25:23,743
assessed at 500,000 or less, which makes up a third

403
00:25:23,743 --> 00:25:27,183
of our residential properties. An average home around this value

404
00:25:27,183 --> 00:25:31,286
would see an increase of $12. Per month, or $138

405
00:25:31,286 --> 00:25:34,046
for the year. Next, we looked at the average residential

406
00:25:34,046 --> 00:25:37,846
assessed value, which this year is 660,000. We have three

407
00:25:37,846 --> 00:25:40,766
and a half thousand properties that are between 500,000. In

408
00:25:40,766 --> 00:25:43,406
the average. A property valued around the average would see

409
00:25:43,406 --> 00:25:46,726
an increase of $15. Per month, or $182 for the

410
00:25:46,726 --> 00:25:49,923
year. And next, we looked at properties that are valued

411
00:25:49,923 --> 00:25:51,803
at a million dollars or higher, of which we have

412
00:25:51,803 --> 00:25:55,123
over 3000 of a property valued around 1 million would

413
00:25:55,123 --> 00:25:58,483
see an increase of $23 per month or 277 for

414
00:25:58,483 --> 00:26:01,763
the year. On the business side, for 2024, the average

415
00:26:01,763 --> 00:26:05,283
commercial assessed value is 1.3 million. A property valued around

416
00:26:05,283 --> 00:26:07,843
the average would see an increase of $59. Per month

417
00:26:07,843 --> 00:26:11,708
or 708. Dollars for the year. This table represents overall

418
00:26:11,708 --> 00:26:14,308
impact to the residents for both utilities and taxes, with

419
00:26:14,308 --> 00:26:17,348
the average increase to property taxes to a residential home

420
00:26:17,348 --> 00:26:21,388
being in the range of $38 per month or $456

421
00:26:21,388 --> 00:26:26,027
annually. We also took a look at how the overall

422
00:26:26,027 --> 00:26:30,027
business assessments break down and did that a little in

423
00:26:30,027 --> 00:26:34,805
further detail this year as well. Of the taxable business

424
00:26:34,805 --> 00:26:38,205
properties. Approximately 30% of them have an assessed value of

425
00:26:38,205 --> 00:26:42,205
$500,000. Or less, which at that $500,000 mark would equate

426
00:26:42,205 --> 00:26:47,165
to $27. Per month, or $319 per year. Around 200

427
00:26:47,165 --> 00:26:51,085
of the properties are between the values of 500,800 thousand,

428
00:26:51,085 --> 00:26:52,605
which at the high end of that range would be

429
00:26:52,605 --> 00:26:55,179
a $35 per month increase. Or 425 for the year.

430
00:26:56,959 --> 00:27:02,439
Approximately 150 properties are between the 800,001.3 million mark with

431
00:27:02,439 --> 00:27:05,879
the remaining 300 properties being assessed above 1.3 million, which

432
00:27:05,879 --> 00:27:10,075
accounts for about a third of the taxable folios. This

433
00:27:10,075 --> 00:27:13,275
table represents overall impact to businesses for utilities and taxes,

434
00:27:13,275 --> 00:27:15,555
with the average increase to a business being in the

435
00:27:15,555 --> 00:27:20,675
range of $187 per month or 2244 annually. However, as

436
00:27:20,675 --> 00:27:22,715
noted on the previous slide. About two thirds of the

437
00:27:22,715 --> 00:27:25,275
business properties are assessed lower than this value and would

438
00:27:25,275 --> 00:27:30,139
see an increase of 155 to 163 per month. In

439
00:27:30,139 --> 00:27:33,659
summary, the 2025 to 2029 draft financial plan focuses on

440
00:27:33,659 --> 00:27:37,179
the continued advancement of council's refocus strategic priorities with a

441
00:27:37,179 --> 00:27:40,619
number of initiatives supporting a safe, resilient livable and accessible

442
00:27:40,619 --> 00:27:45,920
community. I'm happy to take any questions Councillor might have

443
00:27:45,920 --> 00:27:48,280
prior to introducing Miss Melnick to provide an update on

444
00:27:48,280 --> 00:27:53,094
the engagement process. Thank you, Ms. Campbell. Councillor, any questions

445
00:27:53,094 --> 00:27:57,214
at this point? And I'm hearing none. So we're just

446
00:27:57,214 --> 00:27:59,734
going to move straight on to the engagement process. And

447
00:27:59,734 --> 00:28:07,926
so thank you, Ms. Campbell. And for the budget engagement

448
00:28:07,926 --> 00:28:09,046
report, item number five.

449
00:28:17,573 --> 00:28:25,650
Anna melnick. Communications manager. And Ms. Campbell, please. Good morning,

450
00:28:25,650 --> 00:28:27,330
Mary. And Councillor, in case you don't know, my name

451
00:28:27,330 --> 00:28:29,770
is Anna Melnick. And I am the manager of clinicians

452
00:28:29,770 --> 00:28:32,730
engagement here at the city of Pendicton. It is my

453
00:28:32,730 --> 00:28:35,370
pleasure to be presenting the engagement overview in summary for

454
00:28:35,370 --> 00:28:40,250
the 2025 2029 draft. Financial, corporate, business plan or budget

455
00:28:40,250 --> 00:28:45,136
budget 2025, as it may also be known. As a

456
00:28:45,136 --> 00:28:47,456
bit of background, the development of the financial plan is

457
00:28:47,456 --> 00:28:50,696
one of the most important public processes of local government

458
00:28:50,696 --> 00:28:53,416
and as a result, consultation with the public is required

459
00:28:53,416 --> 00:28:57,016
by the community charter. Before the financial plan is adopted

460
00:28:57,016 --> 00:28:58,456
today, I will tell you about what we did to

461
00:28:58,456 --> 00:29:04,617
fulfill this. Requirement. In today's world, residents are more connected

462
00:29:04,617 --> 00:29:07,337
and educated than ever before on issues that affect their

463
00:29:07,337 --> 00:29:10,217
lives. As a result, they expect opportunities to have a

464
00:29:10,217 --> 00:29:12,697
say on the decisions that come to city hall when

465
00:29:12,697 --> 00:29:15,217
they are engaged in a meaningful way and all perspectives

466
00:29:15,217 --> 00:29:19,137
are considered, Councillor may make more informed, trusted decisions. We

467
00:29:19,137 --> 00:29:23,116
use our own engagement public engagement framework along with. IAP

468
00:29:23,116 --> 00:29:26,996
two guiding principles, best practices and tools to steer our

469
00:29:26,996 --> 00:29:29,556
efforts so that when pendict and residents are consulted. They

470
00:29:29,556 --> 00:29:33,516
see that their participation is valued and their contributions are

471
00:29:33,516 --> 00:29:36,276
making a difference. This in turn increases the level of

472
00:29:36,276 --> 00:29:39,588
trust the community has with the local government. It is

473
00:29:39,588 --> 00:29:41,668
important to note that it is best practice to include

474
00:29:41,668 --> 00:29:44,428
both public engagement and market research. When considering the needs

475
00:29:44,428 --> 00:29:46,908
or perceptions of the community. This is why I will

476
00:29:46,908 --> 00:29:50,308
also provide a quick recap of our 2023 citizen satisfaction

477
00:29:50,308 --> 00:29:55,062
survey in upcoming slides. The city of Penticton recognizes the

478
00:29:55,062 --> 00:29:59,262
International association for public participation, or IAP two, as the

479
00:29:59,262 --> 00:30:03,502
international standard for effective community engagement. IAP two spectrum is

480
00:30:03,502 --> 00:30:05,982
a continuum that helps us determine the extent to which

481
00:30:05,982 --> 00:30:09,062
stakeholders in the community are involved in a decision. The

482
00:30:09,062 --> 00:30:13,767
chart provided explains the five categories of particip. Participation and

483
00:30:13,767 --> 00:30:16,407
provides examples of how they have been used to support

484
00:30:16,407 --> 00:30:19,727
city of Penticton decisions. The greater the impact, the higher

485
00:30:19,727 --> 00:30:23,247
the recommended level of involvement. For the purposes of budget

486
00:30:23,247 --> 00:30:27,167
2025. We consulted the community. This level of participation is

487
00:30:27,167 --> 00:30:29,927
used when interest is high, such as with decisions. About

488
00:30:29,927 --> 00:30:34,063
the environment, economy and the future of our city. The

489
00:30:34,063 --> 00:30:37,183
city does a biannual citizen satisfaction survey, so I just

490
00:30:37,183 --> 00:30:39,343
wanted to take a moment. To refresh Council's memory on

491
00:30:39,343 --> 00:30:42,103
what the pulse was back in the fall of 2023.

492
00:30:42,103 --> 00:30:45,343
When these results were presented. According to these results, the

493
00:30:45,343 --> 00:30:47,903
top five priorities at that point in time were safety

494
00:30:47,903 --> 00:30:52,223
and crime. Social issues, homelessness and drug use, housing affordability.

495
00:30:53,691 --> 00:30:58,380
General affordability and affordable housing and climate and sustainability. As

496
00:30:58,380 --> 00:31:00,540
you will see with these results, the city has seen

497
00:31:00,540 --> 00:31:03,420
improving results year over year on how residents generally feel

498
00:31:03,420 --> 00:31:05,260
we are doing in terms of how the city spends

499
00:31:05,260 --> 00:31:08,180
the taxes it collects and the value they believe they

500
00:31:08,180 --> 00:31:12,067
get. At the time of the citizen survey, we asked

501
00:31:12,067 --> 00:31:14,747
residents how we should address the rising cost of services,

502
00:31:14,747 --> 00:31:17,387
and at that time, the top result was the encouragement

503
00:31:17,387 --> 00:31:20,587
of growth to share costs across the larger tax brace.

504
00:31:20,587 --> 00:31:22,827
This was followed by an increase in user fees to

505
00:31:22,827 --> 00:31:25,987
pass on cost to users. And an increase in taxes

506
00:31:25,987 --> 00:31:29,467
to maintain services at current levels. Historically, this has not

507
00:31:29,467 --> 00:31:31,752
been typical. Public sentiment. And as you will see in

508
00:31:31,752 --> 00:31:34,352
my upcoming engagement summary, it was not something that was

509
00:31:34,352 --> 00:31:37,792
supported by the residents who participated in our engagement program

510
00:31:37,792 --> 00:31:42,257
this year. Moving on to this year's budget, engagement communications

511
00:31:42,257 --> 00:31:46,097
and engagement strategy. This year's engagement strategy focused on reducing

512
00:31:46,097 --> 00:31:49,217
barriers to participation in ensuring that there was a wide

513
00:31:49,217 --> 00:31:52,857
range of communications collateral available to residents. To learn more

514
00:31:52,857 --> 00:31:57,497
about and participate in budget 2025 engagement by utilizing both

515
00:31:57,497 --> 00:32:02,284
traditional print and static. Communications tactics along with digital communications,

516
00:32:02,284 --> 00:32:05,764
we endeavored to reach as many possible people across all

517
00:32:05,764 --> 00:32:09,964
city. Channels. Communications collected feedback in person from kiosks located

518
00:32:09,964 --> 00:32:12,484
at city hall and the library as well as at

519
00:32:12,484 --> 00:32:16,924
council's open house on October 29. We also collected feedback

520
00:32:16,924 --> 00:32:19,604
online through our feedback form located on Shapeshire city pentict.

521
00:32:19,422 --> 00:32:24,650
Penticton. The Communications and engagement program for Budget 2025 included

522
00:32:24,650 --> 00:32:27,730
a number of different tactics, ranging from internal and external

523
00:32:27,730 --> 00:32:31,570
communications and marketing, as well as public engagement activities. The

524
00:32:31,570 --> 00:32:34,730
engagement program kicked off on October 15 was a presentation

525
00:32:34,730 --> 00:32:38,010
to counsel by our chief financial officer, a media event,

526
00:32:38,010 --> 00:32:41,370
and a news release. Communications and marketing tactics that followed.

527
00:32:41,719 --> 00:32:43,879
Over the course of the three week engagement program included

528
00:32:43,879 --> 00:32:45,879
a full page newspaper ad in the Herald in the

529
00:32:45,879 --> 00:32:49,199
western a direct mail out to residents and various social

530
00:32:49,199 --> 00:32:52,079
media tactics, along with radio ads and an in person

531
00:32:52,079 --> 00:32:56,109
info session with the business community. During the execution of

532
00:32:56,109 --> 00:32:58,669
our communications and engagement program. There were a number of

533
00:32:58,669 --> 00:33:02,989
notable results across various city platforms. For example, the mayor's

534
00:33:02,989 --> 00:33:05,789
social media invite to the Councillor open House received over

535
00:33:05,789 --> 00:33:09,469
1200 views our shape your city budget talks page had

536
00:33:09,469 --> 00:33:12,389
over 500 views and we had six media stories where

537
00:33:12,389 --> 00:33:16,303
Budget 2025 was mentioned, including. Three of which were specific

538
00:33:16,303 --> 00:33:20,928
to the tax increase. This year's engagement program received 200

539
00:33:20,928 --> 00:33:23,528
for survey responses, which is more than double last year's.

540
00:33:23,528 --> 00:33:29,429
Result. Of survey respondents, 79% of them identified as living

541
00:33:29,429 --> 00:33:33,909
in Penticton, as well as the majority of residents identified

542
00:33:33,909 --> 00:33:37,429
as 65 years or older, followed by the age category

543
00:33:37,429 --> 00:33:44,820
of 40 to 64 years of age with 39%. Based

544
00:33:44,820 --> 00:33:47,940
on these survey results, the top five message to reach

545
00:33:47,940 --> 00:33:51,820
methods to reach citizens sorry, where content on Shapier City

546
00:33:51,820 --> 00:33:55,420
Penticton. Attendance at the Councillor open house adds an articles

547
00:33:55,420 --> 00:33:58,500
in the newspaper adds in articles, adds in posts on

548
00:33:58,500 --> 00:34:01,620
social media channels, and then media coverages on news websites

549
00:34:01,620 --> 00:34:07,310
like Castinet, we. Western News and the Herald. As this

550
00:34:07,310 --> 00:34:09,270
is the last year of the tax deferral, we wanted

551
00:34:09,270 --> 00:34:11,350
to ask residents if they knew about this and the

552
00:34:11,350 --> 00:34:15,270
upcoming implications it had on our 2025 tax rate. Close

553
00:34:15,270 --> 00:34:17,550
to 80% of respondents said they were aware of the

554
00:34:17,550 --> 00:34:20,190
deferral and that this is the last year for that

555
00:34:20,190 --> 00:34:27,104
deferral. We also wanted to ask residents about council's updated

556
00:34:27,104 --> 00:34:29,024
priorities and if they felt that these are the right

557
00:34:29,024 --> 00:34:32,624
priorities for the community at this time. Over 60% agreed

558
00:34:32,624 --> 00:34:36,803
that these were the right priorities. We then dug a

559
00:34:36,803 --> 00:34:39,043
little bit deeper into why some may have opted to

560
00:34:39,043 --> 00:34:42,534
say no or unsure. Of the respondents that answered no.

561
00:34:42,534 --> 00:34:46,254
37 opted to explain the response further. Themes from these

562
00:34:46,254 --> 00:34:49,494
comments included priorities being too vague and unclear on which

563
00:34:49,494 --> 00:34:52,814
population they are meant to benefit. Priorities needing to include

564
00:34:52,814 --> 00:34:57,534
more sustainable initiatives and responses being unclear on the role

565
00:34:57,534 --> 00:35:01,094
of bylaw versus RCMP and the need to further clarify.

566
00:35:01,550 --> 00:35:06,124
Their scope and abilities. Of the respondents that answered unsure,

567
00:35:06,124 --> 00:35:10,124
27 opted to explain their responses further. Themes included concerns

568
00:35:10,124 --> 00:35:14,324
with costs required to implement these proposed strategic initiatives, being

569
00:35:14,324 --> 00:35:16,844
in agreement with the priorities in general, but not in

570
00:35:16,844 --> 00:35:20,390
agreement with the actions outlined within them. Or feeling that

571
00:35:20,390 --> 00:35:23,550
the increased policing does not stop crime but rather support

572
00:35:23,550 --> 00:35:26,310
housing and medical care, reduces crime, so we should focus

573
00:35:26,310 --> 00:35:30,409
on this instead. Of the key proposed strategic initiatives identified

574
00:35:30,409 --> 00:35:33,929
in the draft budget, respondents online were most in favor

575
00:35:33,929 --> 00:35:38,489
of investing in our aging infrastructure at 81%, followed by

576
00:35:38,489 --> 00:35:42,449
a continued focus on affordable housing and then the improvement

577
00:35:42,449 --> 00:35:45,169
of public safety with the addition of a fire inspector

578
00:35:45,169 --> 00:35:49,086
and the creation of a safe. Safety unit with two

579
00:35:49,086 --> 00:35:52,686
more police officers to round out the top three choices.

580
00:35:52,686 --> 00:35:55,806
Interestingly, the creation of a community safety and well being

581
00:35:55,806 --> 00:35:58,686
plan came in fourth place in our online survey. But

582
00:35:58,686 --> 00:36:01,206
in the top spot at our Councillor open house, which

583
00:36:01,206 --> 00:36:04,726
I will talk about in further slides. Coming in at

584
00:36:04,726 --> 00:36:07,206
number five was the expansion of the remote guard camera

585
00:36:07,206 --> 00:36:10,086
program, followed by the advancement. Of the civic Places and

586
00:36:10,086 --> 00:36:13,086
Places plan, which includes plans for a CSb building and

587
00:36:13,086 --> 00:36:17,825
fire hall renewals. In terms of a preference to introduce

588
00:36:17,825 --> 00:36:20,665
or increase user fees in exchange for lower tax increase.

589
00:36:20,665 --> 00:36:23,425
68% of respondents are not in favor of doing so

590
00:36:23,425 --> 00:36:30,302
at this time. In addition, 60% of respondents in this

591
00:36:30,302 --> 00:36:33,942
year survey were also not in favor of reducing city

592
00:36:33,942 --> 00:36:39,043
services in exchange for lower tax increase. This is an

593
00:36:39,043 --> 00:36:42,283
interesting statistic because when asked last fall, respondents at that

594
00:36:42,283 --> 00:36:44,763
point in time favored the idea of both increased user

595
00:36:44,763 --> 00:36:47,523
fees and a reduction in city services in exchange for

596
00:36:47,523 --> 00:36:50,003
a lower tax increase. This could be due to a

597
00:36:50,003 --> 00:36:52,003
number of factors, but I think it's worth noting that

598
00:36:52,003 --> 00:36:54,123
this is why it's best practice to do both public

599
00:36:54,123 --> 00:36:57,203
engagement and market research. As both of these outcomes and

600
00:36:57,203 --> 00:37:01,026
insights provide. Important information into the community's needs and perceptions.

601
00:37:02,344 --> 00:37:05,784
As part of the communications strategy for Budget 2025, we

602
00:37:05,784 --> 00:37:10,542
included the. Draft financial and business plan in council's open

603
00:37:10,542 --> 00:37:13,742
house on October 29. This was done strategically. In order

604
00:37:13,742 --> 00:37:16,262
to maximize exposure to residents and make sure that the

605
00:37:16,262 --> 00:37:19,902
budget was a key topic of conversation for attendees. This

606
00:37:19,902 --> 00:37:22,182
year's open house included a focus on safety, and we

607
00:37:22,182 --> 00:37:24,542
were happy to have 100 more homes in attendance to

608
00:37:24,542 --> 00:37:28,253
discuss their work with the community. Participations, participants had the

609
00:37:28,253 --> 00:37:30,693
opportunity to review the budget details and learn more about

610
00:37:30,693 --> 00:37:34,293
the proposed initiatives related to safety and housing that have

611
00:37:34,293 --> 00:37:37,893
been included for consideration in the draft budget. Attendees got

612
00:37:37,893 --> 00:37:40,493
to speak directly with staff members and counsel at this

613
00:37:40,493 --> 00:37:44,676
event. Themes from comments heard related to the budget include

614
00:37:44,676 --> 00:37:47,156
concerns that the tax increase is too high and the

615
00:37:47,156 --> 00:37:50,276
affordability of the city is getting harder and harder. Concerns

616
00:37:50,276 --> 00:37:54,276
that the city is overspending. Concerns about cost to infrastructure

617
00:37:54,276 --> 00:37:58,094
resulting from densification. Questions related to capital projects and their

618
00:37:58,094 --> 00:38:02,054
timelines for completion and concerns about tax implications for city

619
00:38:02,054 --> 00:38:05,494
owned land being used for social housing. As guests left

620
00:38:05,494 --> 00:38:07,454
the event, we asked them to place a sticker on

621
00:38:07,454 --> 00:38:10,334
the proposed strategic initiative. They felt that was most important

622
00:38:10,334 --> 00:38:12,494
to them. You will see. A photo of it on

623
00:38:12,494 --> 00:38:15,814
the slide. The top result that night was the creation

624
00:38:15,814 --> 00:38:17,962
of a community sa. Safety and well being plan followed

625
00:38:17,962 --> 00:38:21,676
by. A continued investment in affordable housing and investment in

626
00:38:21,676 --> 00:38:25,356
our aging infrastructure. This is an interesting result given the

627
00:38:25,356 --> 00:38:27,236
fact that it is different than what came out in

628
00:38:27,236 --> 00:38:30,476
our online survey where investment in aging infrastructure came out

629
00:38:30,476 --> 00:38:32,836
as number one. I think that this goes to show

630
00:38:32,836 --> 00:38:35,116
that those who attended our open house resonated with a

631
00:38:35,116 --> 00:38:38,668
topic of safety. Also to note is that we also

632
00:38:38,668 --> 00:38:41,028
have a public safety survey currently in market at this

633
00:38:41,028 --> 00:38:43,548
time. It was available at our open house on October

634
00:38:43,548 --> 00:38:46,828
29, and at present it has over 1000 responses. I

635
00:38:46,828 --> 00:38:49,308
think this goes to show the alignment with council's priorities

636
00:38:49,308 --> 00:38:51,148
and the fact that safety is important to our community.

637
00:38:52,750 --> 00:38:57,687
Representatives from the Downtown Business Association. Chamber of Commerce visit

638
00:38:57,687 --> 00:39:01,327
Penticton and Pentictin Industrial Development association were in attendant for

639
00:39:01,327 --> 00:39:06,287
our business community budget infosection on November 1. Attendees appreciated

640
00:39:06,287 --> 00:39:10,007
the targeted information and the opportunity to ask specific questions

641
00:39:10,007 --> 00:39:13,127
to their industry. Themes from the discussion include the cost

642
00:39:13,127 --> 00:39:16,207
of doing business, rising consensus that they are happy to

643
00:39:16,207 --> 00:39:19,176
deal with the final year. Of the deferral, concerns about

644
00:39:19,176 --> 00:39:22,376
rising costs of utility and concerns about the future of

645
00:39:22,376 --> 00:39:25,296
tourism. Given the recent external factors like climate impacts and

646
00:39:25,296 --> 00:39:28,816
short term rentals, as well as concerns about spending money

647
00:39:28,816 --> 00:39:32,136
on where the community needs it and concerns that vacant

648
00:39:32,136 --> 00:39:36,657
store prints are decreasing the city's vibrancy. General feedback for

649
00:39:36,657 --> 00:39:39,177
the proposed budget saw many comments for and against the

650
00:39:39,177 --> 00:39:42,377
proposed initiatives, which is not surprising residents are feeling the

651
00:39:42,377 --> 00:39:45,057
effects of our external environment when it comes to inflation,

652
00:39:45,057 --> 00:39:47,697
housing costs and the cost of daily living and want

653
00:39:47,697 --> 00:39:50,337
Councillor to make the best possible decisions that impact their

654
00:39:50,337 --> 00:39:52,537
quality. Of life and they want to feel considered in

655
00:39:52,537 --> 00:39:56,524
the decisions or outcomes. This engagement feedback. Is an important

656
00:39:56,524 --> 00:39:59,004
piece of the overall picture that Councillor may wish to

657
00:39:59,004 --> 00:40:02,724
consider when deliberating. Next year's budget. And finally, I will

658
00:40:02,724 --> 00:40:05,738
leave you with. Our final question, which is did respondents

659
00:40:05,738 --> 00:40:09,418
feel satisfied with the information and consultation provided to them

660
00:40:09,418 --> 00:40:12,378
in this year's budget engagement program, the answer was largely

661
00:40:12,378 --> 00:40:14,818
yes, where 78% says strongly agree. Agree. Agree. Agree. Agree.

662
00:40:14,818 --> 00:40:17,103
Agree. Agree. Agree. Agree. Agree. Agree or neutral? Thank you

663
00:40:17,103 --> 00:40:19,023
for your time, and I'm happy to answer any questions

664
00:40:19,023 --> 00:40:28,256
you may have. Any questions on communications feedback? And Councillor.

665
00:40:28,256 --> 00:40:34,170
Comments? No, and thank you, Ms. Malick. And Ms. Campbell,

666
00:40:34,170 --> 00:40:38,209
anything to add? Thank you, your worship. The only thing

667
00:40:38,209 --> 00:40:40,809
I wanted to add was. That. Just a reminder to

668
00:40:40,809 --> 00:40:44,569
Councillor that targeted feedback, such as ones like this when

669
00:40:44,569 --> 00:40:46,969
you're asking the public for feedback versus it being around

670
00:40:46,969 --> 00:40:49,569
them really does tend to skew the results. That we

671
00:40:49,569 --> 00:40:51,969
see. We see the results of people that want to

672
00:40:51,969 --> 00:40:55,369
provide feedback versus just the general. Feeling of the population.

673
00:40:55,369 --> 00:40:58,729
So, as Ms. Melnick noted, we have 1000 respondents to

674
00:40:58,729 --> 00:41:01,163
public safety, but we only had 200. To the budget

675
00:41:01,163 --> 00:41:05,163
that generally indicates a level of interest in things that

676
00:41:05,163 --> 00:41:07,163
might be something for Councillor. To consider with these results.

677
00:41:08,506 --> 00:41:15,690
Yes. Statistics. Always interesting. Moving on.

678
00:41:17,987 --> 00:41:25,515
Items, section six 6.1. Debt and borrowing. And.

679
00:41:33,456 --> 00:41:35,176
Thank you, your worship. Ms. Jones is going to be

680
00:41:35,176 --> 00:41:37,056
presenting the debt and borrowing for Councillor this. Morning.

681
00:41:49,291 --> 00:41:55,699
Good morning, your worship, and council. This presentation will review

682
00:41:55,699 --> 00:41:58,859
the debt and the debt that the city currently holds

683
00:41:58,859 --> 00:42:01,979
and proposed borrowing the city uses debt as a funding

684
00:42:01,979 --> 00:42:05,139
source and is allowed to utilize debt borrowing for capital

685
00:42:05,139 --> 00:42:12,002
purposes only. Increases in the capital demand outside of the

686
00:42:12,002 --> 00:42:15,882
available funding can be financed through new debt. Short term

687
00:42:15,882 --> 00:42:18,922
debt can be approved by Councillor, but longterm debt may

688
00:42:18,922 --> 00:42:22,082
require electoral approval unless the city is in the ascent

689
00:42:22,082 --> 00:42:26,282
free zone. The ascent free zone occurs when municipalities has

690
00:42:26,282 --> 00:42:30,156
debt servicing levels under a certain amount. Depending on the

691
00:42:30,156 --> 00:42:33,076
capital request, some of the projects may be funded out

692
00:42:33,076 --> 00:42:36,796
of existing reserves. If the project meets the reserve criteria,

693
00:42:36,796 --> 00:42:41,422
and the reserve has appropriate funds available. Borrowing matches uses

694
00:42:41,422 --> 00:42:44,462
of the asset with the current taxpayer and allows for

695
00:42:44,462 --> 00:42:47,222
more capital spending to occur. In years where it is

696
00:42:47,222 --> 00:42:51,099
needed, which can reduce the risk of asset failure. Some

697
00:42:51,099 --> 00:42:53,659
projects have been approved to be funded with internal or,

698
00:42:53,659 --> 00:42:57,899
sorry, interfund borrowing from reserves that have available funds that

699
00:42:57,899 --> 00:43:00,859
aren't projected to be used over the short term to

700
00:43:00,859 --> 00:43:03,779
save on interest costs and are currently being paid back.

701
00:43:05,478 --> 00:43:08,038
This graph shows the history of the city's debt levels

702
00:43:08,038 --> 00:43:14,318
from 2021 to forecast at 2028. In 2023, $7.8 million

703
00:43:14,318 --> 00:43:17,558
was drawn on approved borrowing bylaws for the advanced wastewater

704
00:43:17,558 --> 00:43:22,558
treatment plant and the Ridgedale Reservoir in 2025. We anticipate

705
00:43:22,558 --> 00:43:29,668
drawing five. $.1 million on the. Previously approved borrowing bylaw

706
00:43:29,668 --> 00:43:34,468
for the Penticton ave pressure reducing valve. Our debt servicing

707
00:43:34,468 --> 00:43:37,468
levels are determined by the province to our local government.

708
00:43:37,468 --> 00:43:41,308
Data entry reporting, which is done by May 15. Following

709
00:43:41,308 --> 00:43:45,788
our year end. Based on this data, the liability servicing

710
00:43:45,788 --> 00:43:50,632
limit may not exceed 25%. And it was 22.8% in

711
00:43:50,632 --> 00:43:55,152
2023 and based on forecasted borrowing, will grow. To about

712
00:43:55,152 --> 00:44:00,152
3% and then will decline to 1.8% by 2029. This

713
00:44:00,152 --> 00:44:03,632
does not include any potential future borrowing for the community

714
00:44:03,632 --> 00:44:08,264
safety building. In order to sustain our capital program and

715
00:44:08,264 --> 00:44:11,224
needs in the future. Staff review the capital program and

716
00:44:11,224 --> 00:44:17,124
identify projects that may require financing for council's consideration. It

717
00:44:17,124 --> 00:44:20,284
is anticipated that borrowing will also be required in 2027

718
00:44:20,284 --> 00:44:22,644
for the ls two dam. And in 2028 for the

719
00:44:22,644 --> 00:44:26,924
expansion and upgrades to the advanced wastewater treatment plant. Some

720
00:44:26,924 --> 00:44:31,284
potential borrowing that may be required for currently unfunded projects

721
00:44:31,284 --> 00:44:34,644
include the community safety building as that project has not

722
00:44:34,644 --> 00:44:37,440
been fully scoped or costed yet. Future information. Will be

723
00:44:37,440 --> 00:44:40,800
provided to Councillor with funding options once the project is

724
00:44:40,800 --> 00:44:45,548
further advanced. This slide summarizes the debt we hold and

725
00:44:45,548 --> 00:44:48,908
how debt servicing costs are funded from the general fund.

726
00:44:48,908 --> 00:44:53,708
We utilize casino development cost charges, the Asset sustainability reserve,

727
00:44:53,708 --> 00:44:58,456
and general funds to service the debt. We currently hold

728
00:44:58,456 --> 00:45:02,650
no debt in the electric fund. From the 2025 to

729
00:45:02,650 --> 00:45:05,770
2029 financial plan. The proposed borrowing for the next five

730
00:45:05,770 --> 00:45:10,650
years total $7.9 million. Capital projects that are being proposed

731
00:45:10,650 --> 00:45:13,770
to be debt financed are detailed in the financial plan

732
00:45:13,770 --> 00:45:18,050
on page 271. Note that the capital projects for the

733
00:45:18,050 --> 00:45:22,593
ls two dam and. The advanced wastewater treatment plant in

734
00:45:22,593 --> 00:45:26,673
2027 and 2028 are currently estimates and subject to change.

735
00:45:26,673 --> 00:45:29,715
As we get closer to that time, We are happy

736
00:45:29,715 --> 00:45:34,722
to take any questions Councillor may have. Any questions on

737
00:45:34,722 --> 00:45:42,181
debt levels? Pretty clear. And thank you, Ms. Jones. Let's

738
00:45:42,181 --> 00:45:44,741
move on to reserves in debt, please.

739
00:45:56,868 --> 00:45:59,268
The following is a presentation on the city's overall financial

740
00:45:59,268 --> 00:46:02,348
health, focusing on the financial tools of reserve and debt.

741
00:46:03,972 --> 00:46:07,252
The city's financial health is guided by overarching policies and

742
00:46:07,252 --> 00:46:12,052
bylaws to ensure good governance, accountability, transparency and maintaining service

743
00:46:12,052 --> 00:46:17,732
levels. Approved by Councillor in December 2023, the reserve policy

744
00:46:17,732 --> 00:46:20,972
outlines the primary objectives of the city's funds for 41

745
00:46:20,972 --> 00:46:27,206
reserves totaling $131,000,000. At the end of 2023. These funds

746
00:46:27,206 --> 00:46:30,006
are to ensure stable and predictable tax levies focus on

747
00:46:30,006 --> 00:46:35,566
long term financial stability, safeguarding and maintaining existing assets, providing

748
00:46:35,566 --> 00:46:40,530
operating emergencies, and finance new capital assets. These are identified

749
00:46:40,530 --> 00:46:44,542
in the more detail. Details further in the presentation. This

750
00:46:44,542 --> 00:46:48,822
policy also provides clarity on how each reserve receives contributions.

751
00:46:48,822 --> 00:46:52,302
The minimum and optimum balances, as well as defining internal

752
00:46:52,302 --> 00:46:57,854
borrowing and specifying interest allocations. The yearend surplus policy, which

753
00:46:57,854 --> 00:47:01,134
was last approved by Councillor in February 2022, governs the

754
00:47:01,134 --> 00:47:04,614
city's treatment of fund surpluses as calculated in the annual

755
00:47:04,614 --> 00:47:08,294
financial statements. The policy ensures funds are set aside to

756
00:47:08,294 --> 00:47:12,054
address the future city priorities while meeting statutory requirements. By

757
00:47:12,054 --> 00:47:17,099
providing direction to staff on the distribution. Of the annual

758
00:47:17,099 --> 00:47:22,383
surplus for each fund. The use of surplus funds was

759
00:47:22,383 --> 00:47:26,103
designed to ensure the city maintains adequate accumulated surplus values

760
00:47:26,103 --> 00:47:30,899
while also setting aside reserves for specific purposes. In the

761
00:47:30,899 --> 00:47:34,179
general fund. The surplus is allocated towards accumulated surplus to

762
00:47:34,179 --> 00:47:37,339
achieve the optimum balance with excess funds being allocated to

763
00:47:37,339 --> 00:47:43,499
the RCMP reserves, financial stabilization, equipment replacement, asset emergencies, and

764
00:47:43,499 --> 00:47:49,693
asset sustainability. Electric water and. Electric, water and sewer surpluses.

765
00:47:49,693 --> 00:47:54,653
Our funds are allocated in respective reserves in 2023. The

766
00:47:54,653 --> 00:47:58,333
ending general surplus balance was $10.3 million, which will be

767
00:47:58,333 --> 00:48:02,569
discussed further in the presentation. Reserves are funded by surpluses.

768
00:48:06,658 --> 00:48:10,778
Or specific revenue streams to fund operating, working capital and

769
00:48:10,778 --> 00:48:16,000
capital asset renewal. And replacement and to ensure the city's

770
00:48:16,000 --> 00:48:19,720
continues to meet and maintain expected service levels. Annual or

771
00:48:19,720 --> 00:48:23,480
periodic contributions, as well as appropriations, must be specific to

772
00:48:23,480 --> 00:48:26,840
each reserve and approved by Councillor through the city's annual

773
00:48:26,840 --> 00:48:30,840
financial planning bylaw and any subsequent budget amendments as required

774
00:48:30,840 --> 00:48:34,152
by the Community Charter and the Local Government Act. As

775
00:48:34,152 --> 00:48:37,672
mentioned, the reserve policy indicates how the reserves are funded.

776
00:48:37,672 --> 00:48:40,632
This slide and the next one shows what revenue streams

777
00:48:40,632 --> 00:48:46,755
are directed into the various reserves. Utility fee revenue funded

778
00:48:46,755 --> 00:48:50,555
utility operations and help maintain 1.4 billion in city infrastructure.

779
00:48:52,075 --> 00:48:55,675
Developer fee revenue also maintains city infrastructure but is held

780
00:48:55,675 --> 00:49:00,475
in reserve and is restricted into related projects. Grant revenues

781
00:49:00,475 --> 00:49:03,635
are funded into specific reserves and are also restricted based

782
00:49:03,635 --> 00:49:07,155
on grant criteria. Many of the other reserves are restricted

783
00:49:07,155 --> 00:49:09,715
in what funds they can be used for. For example,

784
00:49:09,715 --> 00:49:12,695
the stormwater can only be used for storm. And water

785
00:49:12,695 --> 00:49:15,895
operating and capital costs. Affordable housing can only be used

786
00:49:15,895 --> 00:49:19,255
for affordable housing projects. Climate action reserves can only be

787
00:49:19,255 --> 00:49:23,375
used for carbon neutral initiatives. The city's surplus policy details

788
00:49:23,375 --> 00:49:27,322
each reserve's applicable use and revenue source. Through the year

789
00:49:27,322 --> 00:49:30,762
end surplus policy. If there is a general revenue surplus,

790
00:49:30,762 --> 00:49:33,482
a calculation is performed that dictates how funds are to

791
00:49:33,482 --> 00:49:37,362
be directed into the reserves shown in red RCMP financial

792
00:49:37,362 --> 00:49:43,042
stabilization, equipment replacement, asset emergency, and asset sustainability. Each of

793
00:49:43,042 --> 00:49:48,556
these reserves have specific uses. The remaining other reserves in

794
00:49:48,556 --> 00:49:51,836
the middle column are funded by specific revenue sources shown

795
00:49:51,836 --> 00:49:55,956
in the last column. For example, asset sustainability is additionally

796
00:49:55,956 --> 00:49:58,596
funded by gaming reserves and a portion of the SOEC

797
00:49:58,596 --> 00:50:02,716
facility fees. The marina reserve is funded by marina lease

798
00:50:02,716 --> 00:50:06,436
revenues and the online accommodation reserve is funded by the

799
00:50:06,436 --> 00:50:11,101
provincial. OAP revenues received. Each of the reserve reserves have

800
00:50:11,101 --> 00:50:16,108
a specific use. Together, these policies provide guidance and direction

801
00:50:16,108 --> 00:50:19,108
to city staff in how any surplus funds are managed

802
00:50:19,108 --> 00:50:22,468
through the reserves, debt and investments. The use of the

803
00:50:22,468 --> 00:50:24,948
funds is summarized in the image provided on this slide.

804
00:50:27,793 --> 00:50:30,113
In the following slides, we will review the current and

805
00:50:30,113 --> 00:50:33,433
forecasted financial health of the city and explore how revenues,

806
00:50:33,433 --> 00:50:37,313
reserves and debt contribute to the overall health and long

807
00:50:37,313 --> 00:50:44,198
term sustainability of the city. In addition to reviewing balances

808
00:50:44,198 --> 00:50:47,678
and reserves, debt or revenues, it is also best practice

809
00:50:47,678 --> 00:50:50,438
to look at trends and ratios based on statements of

810
00:50:50,438 --> 00:50:53,678
recommended practice as defined by the public sector accounting board.

811
00:50:56,363 --> 00:50:59,203
Financial statements are snapshot in time. And by compiling these

812
00:50:59,203 --> 00:51:02,323
snapshots in time, we can review trends and ratios to

813
00:51:02,323 --> 00:51:07,092
help provide insight into the city's overall financial health. These

814
00:51:07,092 --> 00:51:09,132
ratios can also be used to provide a glimpse into

815
00:51:09,132 --> 00:51:12,965
the future. Using the long term financial plan. The ratios

816
00:51:12,965 --> 00:51:16,085
presented on the next two slides focus on sustainability and

817
00:51:16,085 --> 00:51:20,285
flexibility, but more in depth. Historical overview will be presented

818
00:51:20,285 --> 00:51:25,002
at the time of the 2024 financial statement presentation. One

819
00:51:25,002 --> 00:51:28,482
of these three categories of trend analysis is sustainability. Using

820
00:51:28,482 --> 00:51:34,459
the financial assets to liabilities ratio. This indicator measures the

821
00:51:34,459 --> 00:51:39,095
extent to which government. Can require future revenues to pay

822
00:51:39,095 --> 00:51:43,693
for past transactions. The ratio is trending greater than one,

823
00:51:43,693 --> 00:51:47,813
which indicates that resources are on hand to finance future

824
00:51:47,813 --> 00:51:50,693
operations. This is because the city has been paying down

825
00:51:50,693 --> 00:51:55,388
debt and increasing. Reserves, placing the city in a sustainable

826
00:51:55,388 --> 00:51:59,323
position. New debt for the PRV project, a total of

827
00:51:59,323 --> 00:52:02,963
$5.1 million was approved in 2022, which will affect this

828
00:52:02,963 --> 00:52:07,083
ratio in 2025 as the debt is drawn and adding

829
00:52:07,083 --> 00:52:09,683
in the projections for the future debt for the Ellis

830
00:52:09,683 --> 00:52:13,163
Dam and the advanced wastewater treatment plant. The ratio is

831
00:52:13,163 --> 00:52:18,283
projected to be 1.72. Still within sustain. Sustainable limits. This

832
00:52:18,283 --> 00:52:21,723
forecast calculation of 1.72 does not include debt for the

833
00:52:21,723 --> 00:52:26,659
proposed community safety buildings. A second category of trend analysis

834
00:52:26,659 --> 00:52:33,985
is flexibility. Using debt charges to operating revenue. This indicator

835
00:52:33,985 --> 00:52:36,945
measures the impact of borrowing decisions on the city's ability

836
00:52:36,945 --> 00:52:41,305
to meet financial and service commitments. With debt being repaid,

837
00:52:41,305 --> 00:52:45,173
the city has increased flexibility. To support additional servicing costs

838
00:52:45,173 --> 00:52:49,566
in the future when infrastructure funding decisions are presented. When

839
00:52:49,566 --> 00:52:52,446
adding in the projected revenue and debt increases over the

840
00:52:52,446 --> 00:52:55,166
life of the five year plan, the projected ratio will

841
00:52:55,166 --> 00:53:02,791
decline to eight 1.8% by 2029. This graph presented overall

842
00:53:02,791 --> 00:53:07,191
reserve dccs and debt local government's best practice is to

843
00:53:07,191 --> 00:53:10,231
use a combination of reserves, dcCs, and debt to leverage

844
00:53:10,231 --> 00:53:16,551
grants and fund future infrastructure investment using the left access.

845
00:53:16,551 --> 00:53:20,918
The reserves are shown by the blue bar. And dccs

846
00:53:20,918 --> 00:53:24,592
are shown by the red bar. Using the right access

847
00:53:24,592 --> 00:53:27,886
debt is shown by the green line. Debt has increased

848
00:53:27,886 --> 00:53:33,303
from. 75 decreased from 75 million in 2011 to 25

849
00:53:33,303 --> 00:53:37,703
million in 2023. Additional debt is forecasted for the Penticton

850
00:53:37,703 --> 00:53:42,823
Ave. PRV. In 2025 and in 2027, the community safety

851
00:53:42,823 --> 00:53:46,103
building has been included in here for 40 million and

852
00:53:46,103 --> 00:53:49,998
the LlS two dam at 5.6 million and then. Vast

853
00:53:49,998 --> 00:53:53,318
waste water treatment plant upgrades of 2.3 million in 2028.

854
00:53:54,713 --> 00:53:58,113
The load debt balance puts the city in a positive

855
00:53:58,113 --> 00:54:01,553
financial position to use its increased borrowing capacity. To finance

856
00:54:01,553 --> 00:54:05,577
assets in the future. The reserve balances grew from 50

857
00:54:05,577 --> 00:54:10,297
million in 2011 to a high of 130,000,000 in 2023,

858
00:54:10,297 --> 00:54:13,337
which has contributed to the large capital program the city

859
00:54:13,337 --> 00:54:16,897
is currently undertaking, including $7 million grant from the province.

860
00:54:18,307 --> 00:54:22,147
In 2024, the city has undertaken a large capital portfolio,

861
00:54:22,147 --> 00:54:26,027
which is forecasted to decrease the reserves by $40 million,

862
00:54:26,027 --> 00:54:30,492
and then. Are projected to recover into 2023 levels by

863
00:54:30,492 --> 00:54:35,212
2029, which will help fund additional long term capital infrastructure

864
00:54:35,212 --> 00:54:39,092
needs. Current forecast to the 2028 and 2029 have reduced

865
00:54:39,092 --> 00:54:42,212
spending in the utilities which is resulting in the projected

866
00:54:42,212 --> 00:54:47,680
increase in forecast. DCC funds collected are currently at $17.5

867
00:54:47,680 --> 00:54:50,480
million, with plans to utilize most of these funds over

868
00:54:50,480 --> 00:54:55,053
the next five years. As at December 31, 2023, the

869
00:54:55,053 --> 00:55:01,413
total reserves, including statutory, non statutory and DCCs, was $131,000,000

870
00:55:01,413 --> 00:55:05,093
based on the audited financial statements, the reserve balances for

871
00:55:05,093 --> 00:55:08,373
2024 will be presented in the audited financial statements, which

872
00:55:08,373 --> 00:55:14,199
will be submitted to Councillor for approval. In. Spring 2025.

873
00:55:14,199 --> 00:55:16,399
The next few slides will provide further breakdown of each

874
00:55:16,399 --> 00:55:21,729
of the reserve categories. The statutory reserves total $65 million

875
00:55:21,729 --> 00:55:26,009
as of December 31, 2023. Statutory reserves are established by

876
00:55:26,009 --> 00:55:30,329
bylaw, which include restrictive uses and or funding some of

877
00:55:30,329 --> 00:55:34,129
the city's largest statutory reserves. Are the asset sustainability, which

878
00:55:34,129 --> 00:55:39,479
is at $9.6 million. The equipment replacement at 8.7 million,

879
00:55:39,479 --> 00:55:44,854
and each of the utilities capital. The utilities, capital reserves

880
00:55:44,854 --> 00:55:48,814
should continue to grow to enable future infrastructure renewal. Building

881
00:55:48,814 --> 00:55:53,929
capital reserves for future infrastructure replacement. Is key to mitigate

882
00:55:53,929 --> 00:55:57,969
large costs to residents, such as being seen by the

883
00:55:57,969 --> 00:56:02,112
RDs for sage mesa or in Oliver. The reserve balances

884
00:56:02,112 --> 00:56:04,912
for water and sewer funds currently are holding the debt

885
00:56:04,912 --> 00:56:07,872
that was received in 2023 for capital projects that are

886
00:56:07,872 --> 00:56:12,354
being constructed over the coming years. The non statutory reserves

887
00:56:12,354 --> 00:56:15,874
total $48 million and have defined uses and or funding

888
00:56:15,874 --> 00:56:22,112
based on policy some of the city's largest reserves. Are

889
00:56:22,112 --> 00:56:25,472
the surplus reserves. Surpluses are used to provide working capital.

890
00:56:27,053 --> 00:56:30,933
For $83 million operating budget and accumulated funds for a

891
00:56:30,933 --> 00:56:35,013
long term asset replacement based on average annual lifecycle investment

892
00:56:35,013 --> 00:56:39,786
targets. Upcoming expenditures are forecasted to reduce surplus reserves until

893
00:56:39,786 --> 00:56:43,026
such time the rates can catch up with operating cost.

894
00:56:43,026 --> 00:56:46,546
This is especially true for the electric surplus. A forecast

895
00:56:46,546 --> 00:56:49,506
of the general surplus will be provided on an upcoming

896
00:56:49,506 --> 00:56:54,773
slide. Development cost charges total 17.5 million, which are collected

897
00:56:54,773 --> 00:56:58,533
from development fees and held as deferred revenue to be

898
00:56:58,533 --> 00:57:01,813
used in future projects. According to bylaw, many of the

899
00:57:01,813 --> 00:57:05,173
reserves will be substantially depleted with upcoming planned capital projects.

900
00:57:08,456 --> 00:57:12,616
Although on the paper the city has significant reserve balances,

901
00:57:12,616 --> 00:57:15,056
many of these have restricted uses, leaving only a small

902
00:57:15,056 --> 00:57:17,656
portion that are available to draw from for general use.

903
00:57:20,503 --> 00:57:23,423
Once statutory, utility and other restricted reserves are removed, a

904
00:57:23,423 --> 00:57:26,863
balance of $20.6 million of reserves is available for general

905
00:57:26,863 --> 00:57:31,572
use at the end of 2023. Using the balances as

906
00:57:31,572 --> 00:57:37,461
at December 31, 2023. These are reserves that have been

907
00:57:37,461 --> 00:57:42,784
used to offset the tax to rate deferral. These balances

908
00:57:42,784 --> 00:57:46,704
do not incorporate the 2024 or 2025 surplus draws being

909
00:57:46,704 --> 00:57:50,944
used to offset the deferral or addition of firefighters. The

910
00:57:50,944 --> 00:57:55,024
gaming reserve is currently significantly subscribed for annual debt repayments.

911
00:57:57,400 --> 00:58:01,720
The general surplus forecast reflects the surplus draws being used

912
00:58:01,720 --> 00:58:04,680
to offset tax deferral as well as the addition of

913
00:58:04,680 --> 00:58:11,245
firefighters passed by resolution in 2022. In green. The general

914
00:58:11,245 --> 00:58:17,882
surplus projected 2023 optimum balance using. The reserve. Policy. Optimum

915
00:58:17,882 --> 00:58:21,442
balance of 15% of net expenditures from the previous year.

916
00:58:23,009 --> 00:58:26,129
The shortfall is $4 million between the optimum balance and

917
00:58:26,129 --> 00:58:30,369
the forecasted future balance. A declining surplus may impact the

918
00:58:30,369 --> 00:58:33,849
city's financial stability in future years and will provide less

919
00:58:33,849 --> 00:58:38,325
opportunity to balance community needs in times of emergency. Based

920
00:58:38,325 --> 00:58:41,805
on the 2025 to 2029 financial plan, the reserves are

921
00:58:41,805 --> 00:58:45,525
forecasted to decline over the next few years from 130,000,000,

922
00:58:45,525 --> 00:58:55,472
then grow by. Statutory

923
00:58:55,472 --> 00:59:01,382
reserves fluctuating between 45 and 93 million. Mandatory reserves are

924
00:59:01,382 --> 00:59:06,982
forecasted to decrease to 3.7 million by 2029 and non

925
00:59:06,982 --> 00:59:10,262
statutory reserves are forecasted to decrease from 48 million to

926
00:59:10,262 --> 00:59:13,689
44 million. Mainly due to the increased spending for capital

927
00:59:13,689 --> 00:59:16,689
infrastructure needs, which is subject to change as projects and

928
00:59:16,689 --> 00:59:20,938
initiatives are brought forward. As noted earlier, the anticipated growth

929
00:59:20,938 --> 00:59:25,018
by 2029 is largely due to incorporation of asset management

930
00:59:25,018 --> 00:59:28,938
into the utility rates, reflecting increased contribution to those capital

931
00:59:28,938 --> 00:59:32,648
reserves. We are happy to answer any questions Councillor may

932
00:59:32,648 --> 00:59:41,657
have. Council. Any question on reserves? And Councillor comments getting

933
00:59:41,657 --> 00:59:44,337
a negative from Councillor Conan. So I've got a question,

934
00:59:44,337 --> 00:59:50,603
actually, regarding reserves. When taken as a percentage of asset

935
00:59:50,603 --> 00:59:58,475
values. And. Ever mindful of asset management. Is there any

936
00:59:58,475 --> 01:00:05,253
calculation made for the rising cost of maintaining assets? The

937
01:00:05,253 --> 01:00:09,984
cost of repairs and maintenance. And with increasing costs that

938
01:00:09,984 --> 01:00:14,096
we've seen, we've seen runaway costs. On some of these

939
01:00:14,096 --> 01:00:17,713
works that have been carried out. What's an optimum sort

940
01:00:17,713 --> 01:00:25,339
of percentage amount, if you like. For reserve amounts. As

941
01:00:25,339 --> 01:00:28,219
opposed to asset values. And should that change with the

942
01:00:28,219 --> 01:00:32,497
increasing costs of maintenance? Thank you for the question through

943
01:00:32,497 --> 01:00:35,017
your worship. So I'd say there's a couple. Of points

944
01:00:35,017 --> 01:00:37,937
on that. So absolutely, like, the rising cost of the

945
01:00:37,937 --> 01:00:40,817
maintenance of assets is a factor. That impacts the taxation

946
01:00:40,817 --> 01:00:43,617
rates. But on the other side, on the capital side,

947
01:00:43,617 --> 01:00:45,897
right now, I think we said we have about 10%

948
01:00:45,897 --> 01:00:48,657
of our asset values in reserves. I'd say when we've

949
01:00:48,657 --> 01:00:53,658
been doing fore. Forecasting of those things, you probably want

950
01:00:53,658 --> 01:00:56,978
to use about 70 or 80% of reserve balances. To

951
01:00:56,978 --> 01:00:58,858
do your asset replacement and then try to fund the

952
01:00:58,858 --> 01:01:02,178
remaining with grants and other sources. So I would say.

953
01:01:03,543 --> 01:01:06,943
The city's 10% of reserves was a big contribution to

954
01:01:06,943 --> 01:01:08,863
the utility rate review work. That was done, saying that

955
01:01:08,863 --> 01:01:11,143
we really need to put more money aside so that

956
01:01:11,143 --> 01:01:14,903
when we do have significant capital projects. We're able to

957
01:01:14,903 --> 01:01:17,703
fund that through reserves instead of having to increase rates.

958
01:01:19,385 --> 01:01:21,745
At a non smooth pace. We really want to be

959
01:01:21,745 --> 01:01:24,265
able to provide stability for our residents and not have

960
01:01:24,265 --> 01:01:27,225
peaks and valleys when we see large projects. So I

961
01:01:27,225 --> 01:01:30,941
think our ultimate goal. In the very long term is

962
01:01:30,941 --> 01:01:34,821
to see those reserves, particularly for capital, increased at a

963
01:01:34,821 --> 01:01:38,421
significant rate. In order to provide better stability for our

964
01:01:38,421 --> 01:01:41,461
taxpayers and ability to fund big projects as they come.

965
01:01:41,461 --> 01:01:44,541
Up, mostly from Miss Dixon's area. We're seeing high cost

966
01:01:44,541 --> 01:01:49,101
escalations, so. That 1.4 billion is probably two years old

967
01:01:49,101 --> 01:01:51,823
now. It's probably higher than that. I don't know if

968
01:01:51,823 --> 01:01:53,583
you want to estimate what you think that might be,

969
01:01:53,583 --> 01:01:56,023
Ms. Dixon, but I'm thinking it's probably more like. 1.5

970
01:01:56,023 --> 01:01:58,703
or 1.6 billion now. Yeah, I'm sure the chair I

971
01:01:58,703 --> 01:02:01,863
would guess higher based on the current pricing that we

972
01:02:01,863 --> 01:02:04,569
have, but I think that is. One of the important,

973
01:02:04,569 --> 01:02:06,729
that is one of the important reasons why we need

974
01:02:06,729 --> 01:02:09,289
to continue to update and monitor those figures because costs

975
01:02:09,289 --> 01:02:11,889
have changed so significantly over the last few years. So

976
01:02:11,889 --> 01:02:13,769
I do expect over the next few years as we

977
01:02:13,769 --> 01:02:16,449
both update our asset valuation and then do our next

978
01:02:16,449 --> 01:02:19,849
utility rate review those continuation of the updating those numbers

979
01:02:19,849 --> 01:02:23,554
to make sure they are reflecting. Accurate forecasted cost is

980
01:02:23,554 --> 01:02:27,868
going to be particularly important. Yeah. This is a big

981
01:02:27,868 --> 01:02:32,068
conversation within stratas as well for their maintenance and repairs.

982
01:02:33,858 --> 01:02:37,443
And strata developments, and so. It's natural that it should

983
01:02:37,443 --> 01:02:41,363
apply to municipalities as well. So just a question. Thanks

984
01:02:41,363 --> 01:02:44,712
for the clarity. And being mindful of it. Ms. Campbell.

985
01:02:44,712 --> 01:02:46,552
And if I may, your worship, just wanted to add.

986
01:02:46,552 --> 01:02:49,152
To that. It will heavily impact dccs. The next time

987
01:02:49,152 --> 01:02:52,232
we see the DCC bylaw. Come, the cost of those

988
01:02:52,232 --> 01:02:55,032
projects will probably also be significantly impacted by the inflation

989
01:02:55,032 --> 01:02:56,752
that we're seeing and may impact what we see for

990
01:02:56,752 --> 01:03:00,728
those DCC rates as well. That's another discussion, I'm sure.

991
01:03:02,522 --> 01:03:09,614
Thank you. And Councillor. Any questions? Rising? From that. I'm

992
01:03:09,614 --> 01:03:13,423
getting a negative from Councillor Conan. So. Thank you, Ms.

993
01:03:13,423 --> 01:03:19,063
Jones. And like to propose a quick break right now,

994
01:03:19,063 --> 01:03:22,303
if we could. 15 minutes break and then we'll come

995
01:03:22,303 --> 01:03:26,164
back. For the budget deliberations. Thank you.

996
01:18:14,493 --> 01:18:18,733
I'd like to reconvene to the budget deliberations and moving

997
01:18:18,733 --> 01:18:27,454
on. With section seven. Community services. And Kelsey Johnson,

998
01:18:27,454 --> 01:18:35,456
please, Ms. Campbell. 7.15 community services thank you. Thank you.

999
01:18:35,456 --> 01:18:39,543
Good morning, council. So the community services division takes a

1000
01:18:39,543 --> 01:18:42,383
strategic approach to support all facets of community health and

1001
01:18:42,383 --> 01:18:44,903
safety. Our work is focused on activities and actions that

1002
01:18:44,903 --> 01:18:47,743
enable citizens to have a high quality of life. Our

1003
01:18:47,743 --> 01:18:50,863
division includes facilities, land management and the recreation, arts and

1004
01:18:50,863 --> 01:18:53,863
culture department, which also encompasses the museum archives as well

1005
01:18:53,863 --> 01:18:59,331
as the Cleveland theater. The community services division is led

1006
01:18:59,331 --> 01:19:03,451
by myself and includes 55 FTE providing services for facilities,

1007
01:19:03,451 --> 01:19:06,851
rec arts and culture, land management, museum and archives and

1008
01:19:06,851 --> 01:19:09,651
arm's length oversight for Oakview Group. The managing operator of

1009
01:19:09,651 --> 01:19:13,931
the SOEC PTCC and Memorial and OHS arenas. We also

1010
01:19:13,931 --> 01:19:18,416
leave very closely with the Pinticton Public library. Our facility

1011
01:19:18,416 --> 01:19:22,776
scheme is responsible for maintaining approximately 650,000 city owned buildings,

1012
01:19:22,776 --> 01:19:26,016
which range from public use facilities to residential homes to

1013
01:19:26,016 --> 01:19:28,976
office complexes. The team ensures all of these city owned

1014
01:19:28,976 --> 01:19:32,696
buildings operate at optimum efficiency for service and program delivery.

1015
01:19:32,696 --> 01:19:35,056
The Rec arts and culture department welcomes visitors to our

1016
01:19:35,056 --> 01:19:39,269
many recreation facilities. Parks and sports fields where we deliver

1017
01:19:39,269 --> 01:19:41,749
a wide range of recreation programs and services for people

1018
01:19:41,749 --> 01:19:44,709
of all ages and abilities. Routing out this division is

1019
01:19:44,709 --> 01:19:47,589
land management, which is responsible for over 500 city owned

1020
01:19:47,589 --> 01:19:50,829
properties, as well as facilitating land related agreements and providing

1021
01:19:50,829 --> 01:19:54,509
legal title and company surges for all city departments. Our

1022
01:19:54,509 --> 01:19:56,909
division works to advance council's priorities of a safe and

1023
01:19:56,909 --> 01:20:01,479
resilient community. Through facilities planning of responsible asset management and

1024
01:20:01,479 --> 01:20:04,359
renewal to ensure long term sustainable service delivery across the

1025
01:20:04,359 --> 01:20:08,279
organization, our reconculture services take a proactive approach to creating

1026
01:20:08,279 --> 01:20:11,119
a safe community by activating public spaces with events and

1027
01:20:11,119 --> 01:20:14,799
programs, as well as strengthening partnerships with local organizations to

1028
01:20:14,799 --> 01:20:19,239
integrate and enhance rec opportunities to support a connected. Community.

1029
01:20:19,239 --> 01:20:22,519
These tactics also support council's priority of a livable and

1030
01:20:22,519 --> 01:20:25,479
accessible community as our whole division focuses on creating an

1031
01:20:25,479 --> 01:20:30,002
inclusive, healthy and vibrant community. With respect to some of

1032
01:20:30,002 --> 01:20:33,002
our major achievements within the division this year, staff continued

1033
01:20:33,002 --> 01:20:35,802
advancing the Community Safety building project, which was the first

1034
01:20:35,802 --> 01:20:38,082
priority coming out of the civic places and spaces asset

1035
01:20:38,082 --> 01:20:41,602
and amenity management plan. In particular, a major milestone occurred

1036
01:20:41,602 --> 01:20:44,762
when Councillor endorsed the site selections for the Fireall headquarters,

1037
01:20:44,762 --> 01:20:49,457
satellite fire hall and the community safety building, which. Is

1038
01:20:49,457 --> 01:20:54,206
intended to house bylaw and community policing. Other major accomplishments

1039
01:20:54,206 --> 01:20:56,846
included securing additional funding from the ministry for the new

1040
01:20:56,846 --> 01:20:59,646
childcare facility at the community center, which will be operated

1041
01:20:59,646 --> 01:21:02,726
by the YMCA. Construction is currently underway and will result

1042
01:21:02,726 --> 01:21:05,806
in 80 net new spaces for the community. Our recreation

1043
01:21:05,806 --> 01:21:08,806
and culture team successfully hosted the inaugural Frost Fest Winter

1044
01:21:08,806 --> 01:21:14,139
Carnival in January 2024. The event leveraged the existing BC

1045
01:21:14,139 --> 01:21:17,579
Hockey All Star weekend activities and added children's activities food

1046
01:21:17,579 --> 01:21:20,899
vendors, djs, and the pretty spectacular downtown throw down rail

1047
01:21:20,899 --> 01:21:25,086
jam event. We also continue to focus on strategic use

1048
01:21:25,086 --> 01:21:28,086
subsidio and land to advance council's priorities. A complete review

1049
01:21:28,086 --> 01:21:30,886
of available city lands was conducted to support the advancing

1050
01:21:30,886 --> 01:21:34,726
housing affordability project. And Councillor endorsed three city owned properties

1051
01:21:34,726 --> 01:21:37,646
for social housing development. And lastly, I just wanted to

1052
01:21:37,646 --> 01:21:40,406
highlight a very unique exhibit, curated and presented by our

1053
01:21:40,406 --> 01:21:44,560
team at the museum. This year, a Taste of home

1054
01:21:44,560 --> 01:21:47,840
cookbooks as family heirlooms was a temporary exhibit that involved

1055
01:21:47,840 --> 01:21:51,160
a considerable amount of participation from our community, as residents

1056
01:21:51,160 --> 01:21:53,360
were invited to share their cookbooks. And recipes that had

1057
01:21:53,360 --> 01:21:55,680
been passed down through generations to be included and put

1058
01:21:55,680 --> 01:21:59,655
on display. So our division tracks a number of statistics

1059
01:21:59,655 --> 01:22:01,775
and KPIs, and we've highlighted a few. That may be

1060
01:22:01,775 --> 01:22:04,295
of interest to Councillor as well as the public. Looking

1061
01:22:04,295 --> 01:22:07,215
at our emission rates in various rec service areas is

1062
01:22:07,215 --> 01:22:10,015
a good indicator for us to track these numbers provide

1063
01:22:10,015 --> 01:22:12,015
us with a general sense of service level use and

1064
01:22:12,015 --> 01:22:15,255
give us direction when setting operational hours and deploying resources.

1065
01:22:15,255 --> 01:22:21,722
To ensure. We are effectively and efficiently delivering services. And

1066
01:22:21,722 --> 01:22:24,242
one KPI of notes on this screen in particular is

1067
01:22:24,242 --> 01:22:27,642
the life memberships. These are subsidy passes provided to individuals

1068
01:22:27,642 --> 01:22:29,802
and families within our community that fall below the low

1069
01:22:29,802 --> 01:22:34,769
income threshold. Continuing from the previous slide, again, monitoring KPIs

1070
01:22:34,769 --> 01:22:37,849
associated with the delivery of recreation services. We've heard the

1071
01:22:37,849 --> 01:22:39,769
community pretty loud and clear on the need for more

1072
01:22:39,769 --> 01:22:41,649
swimming lessons, and we have been hard at work to

1073
01:22:41,649 --> 01:22:44,289
get the number of lessons up over the past number

1074
01:22:44,289 --> 01:22:48,689
of years with 476 lessons delivered this year from January

1075
01:22:48,689 --> 01:22:53,658
to August. We are on track to almost double the

1076
01:22:53,658 --> 01:22:57,948
number of lessons compared to 2023. In our facilities department,

1077
01:22:57,948 --> 01:23:00,348
we monitor KPIs that provide us with a pulse on

1078
01:23:00,348 --> 01:23:02,948
how effective and efficient we are with our time. We

1079
01:23:02,948 --> 01:23:05,628
set service standards to complete work orders within 30 days

1080
01:23:05,628 --> 01:23:07,988
and aim to achieve this at least 90% of the

1081
01:23:07,988 --> 01:23:11,348
time. We also monitor the percentage of plan versus reactive

1082
01:23:11,348 --> 01:23:14,228
work. This target is a good indication that our preventative

1083
01:23:14,228 --> 01:23:17,374
and planned maintenance is reducing unplanned interruptions. And it also

1084
01:23:17,374 --> 01:23:19,614
gives us better understanding of how our resources need to

1085
01:23:19,614 --> 01:23:24,395
be deployed and scheduled to increase efficiencies. So for 2025,

1086
01:23:24,395 --> 01:23:28,795
the community services division is proposing six strategic initiatives. First

1087
01:23:28,795 --> 01:23:31,435
up is the advancement of the first priority identified in

1088
01:23:31,435 --> 01:23:33,995
the civic Places and Spaces plan, which is a focus

1089
01:23:33,995 --> 01:23:37,115
on our community safety buildings, civic places and spaces was

1090
01:23:37,115 --> 01:23:44,320
adopted in 2022, and staff. Have been advancing the first

1091
01:23:44,320 --> 01:23:48,120
priority recommendation since that time in 2025. Priority number one

1092
01:23:48,120 --> 01:23:51,160
will have two main areas of focus fire hall renewals

1093
01:23:51,160 --> 01:23:53,360
and the community safety building, which is intended to house

1094
01:23:53,360 --> 01:23:57,120
bylaw and community policing in a strategic downtown location. This

1095
01:23:57,120 --> 01:23:59,760
is a multi year project advancing council's safe and resilient

1096
01:23:59,760 --> 01:24:03,653
priority and funded through the capital budget. Also in alignment

1097
01:24:03,653 --> 01:24:06,373
with the safe and resilient priority, the RCMP detachment will

1098
01:24:06,373 --> 01:24:10,893
receive security. Enhancements in 2025 for additional security features specifically

1099
01:24:10,893 --> 01:24:14,133
to the exterior fleet parking area. These enhancements are also

1100
01:24:14,133 --> 01:24:17,373
funded through the capital budget and will describe these enhancements

1101
01:24:17,373 --> 01:24:20,013
along with the CSB. Or community safety buildings in more

1102
01:24:20,013 --> 01:24:24,555
detail during the capital presentations tomorrow. The remaining four strategic

1103
01:24:24,555 --> 01:24:27,475
initiatives proposed will advance will advance council's livable and accessible

1104
01:24:27,475 --> 01:24:30,475
priority. So back to the civic place in the spaces

1105
01:24:30,475 --> 01:24:33,315
plan staff are also advancing. The second priority are identified,

1106
01:24:33,315 --> 01:24:36,675
which addresses the city's aging arena. Infrastructure staff continued to

1107
01:24:36,675 --> 01:24:38,915
work on a plan for the replacement of memorial McLaren

1108
01:24:38,915 --> 01:24:44,790
arenas with a single twin. Pad facility. This project will

1109
01:24:44,790 --> 01:24:47,550
realize work completed to date and will consider direction provided

1110
01:24:47,550 --> 01:24:51,030
through the arena. Visa arena feasibility study, which is expected

1111
01:24:51,030 --> 01:24:54,330
to be completed by the end of this year. Staff

1112
01:24:54,330 --> 01:24:56,650
will also continue the sport and ReC needs assessment project

1113
01:24:56,650 --> 01:25:00,250
into 2025 with a final report and recommendations presented to

1114
01:25:00,250 --> 01:25:03,370
Councillor in the spring. The needs assessment will inform decisions

1115
01:25:03,370 --> 01:25:06,610
on facility allocation and investment to best meet the needs

1116
01:25:06,610 --> 01:25:09,330
of the community. The project was approved through the 2024

1117
01:25:09,330 --> 01:25:11,850
budget process and there is no additional funding request associated

1118
01:25:11,850 --> 01:25:15,948
to complete this work. Established in 2024, Frostfest is a

1119
01:25:15,948 --> 01:25:19,108
multi year winter carnival organized by city staff with community

1120
01:25:19,108 --> 01:25:22,588
partners. The vision for 2025 is to expand into a

1121
01:25:22,588 --> 01:25:26,268
multiday event from January 17 to 19th. And this initiative

1122
01:25:26,268 --> 01:25:29,428
comes with an operating budget request, and I'll speak to

1123
01:25:29,428 --> 01:25:32,369
that later. In this presentation. And last but not least,

1124
01:25:32,369 --> 01:25:34,729
we will continue the city yards facility upgrades, which is

1125
01:25:34,729 --> 01:25:37,929
another multi year project funded through the capital budget in

1126
01:25:37,929 --> 01:25:41,986
2024. The facilities team led the construction of. A new

1127
01:25:41,986 --> 01:25:45,546
electric utility building within city yards. This building offers dedicated

1128
01:25:45,546 --> 01:25:48,626
space for the secure storage of electric utility vehicles and

1129
01:25:48,626 --> 01:25:51,266
supports the long term goal of establishing a new fleet

1130
01:25:51,266 --> 01:25:53,906
shop, which would then free up essential office space in

1131
01:25:53,906 --> 01:25:57,426
the existing city arts administrative building. The team's focus for

1132
01:25:57,426 --> 01:26:00,386
2025 will be on the design and construction of a

1133
01:26:00,386 --> 01:26:03,014
new fleet shop building. So when it comes to operational

1134
01:26:03,014 --> 01:26:06,014
efficiencies, we looked for opportunities where we could both increase

1135
01:26:06,014 --> 01:26:09,814
revenues as well as decrease expenses. We revive service level

1136
01:26:09,814 --> 01:26:13,854
provisions within contracted services to reduce expenses. Reviewed all facility

1137
01:26:13,854 --> 01:26:17,454
and repair maintenance costs and have integrated energy efficiency opportunities

1138
01:26:17,454 --> 01:26:25,240
in. Projects to reduce annual operating costs. We've also deployed

1139
01:26:25,240 --> 01:26:28,800
alternate procurement methods instead of tendering for supply and installation

1140
01:26:28,800 --> 01:26:31,800
on some of our facilities. Projects we've utilized source well,

1141
01:26:31,800 --> 01:26:35,040
which is a municipal group purchasing program for the purchase

1142
01:26:35,040 --> 01:26:37,680
of the equipment, and then we tender for the installation.

1143
01:26:37,680 --> 01:26:42,573
Portion. Only taking advantage of group purchasing has saved. Us

1144
01:26:42,573 --> 01:26:47,293
approximately $30,000 on a generator replacement project, and we'll continue

1145
01:26:47,293 --> 01:26:49,973
to look at using this method where possible on a

1146
01:26:49,973 --> 01:26:54,175
go forward basis. And lastly, we reviewed and made adjustments

1147
01:26:54,175 --> 01:26:57,015
to the delivery of our REC services to increase revenue

1148
01:26:57,015 --> 01:27:01,175
opportunities. With little impact to correlated expenses. This was largely

1149
01:27:01,175 --> 01:27:03,775
done through a collaborative approach between the facilities and recreation

1150
01:27:03,775 --> 01:27:07,695
departments that saw modifications to our staff resource deployment to

1151
01:27:07,695 --> 01:27:12,684
expand hours and services. So the 2025 proposed budget for

1152
01:27:12,684 --> 01:27:15,604
Community services division is a net total of just over

1153
01:27:15,604 --> 01:27:19,484
$6 million, a net decrease of 400,000 from the 2024

1154
01:27:19,484 --> 01:27:23,404
budget. The summary contains revenues from over 130 lease and

1155
01:27:23,404 --> 01:27:26,564
license to use agreements covering city properties, beach vendors and

1156
01:27:26,564 --> 01:27:32,406
mobile food trucks as well as. Aquatics, facility rentals, recreation

1157
01:27:32,406 --> 01:27:36,214
programs and museum grants and donations. Expenses include the cost

1158
01:27:36,214 --> 01:27:39,254
of operating all the city's general fund facilities, managing city's

1159
01:27:39,254 --> 01:27:43,054
land administration, museum exhibits and archives, recreation programs such as

1160
01:27:43,054 --> 01:27:46,734
aquatics, and salaries and wages for the entire division. Net

1161
01:27:46,734 --> 01:27:49,494
SueC expenses do fall under this division, however, Mr. Clark

1162
01:27:49,494 --> 01:27:51,534
will be providing details on their budget request in the

1163
01:27:51,534 --> 01:27:55,254
next presentation. Other items included in the SUEC budget related

1164
01:27:55,254 --> 01:27:57,811
to. City operations are the facility fee and lease revenues.

1165
01:27:59,246 --> 01:28:01,526
Significant impacts on the budget include higher revenues for recreation

1166
01:28:01,526 --> 01:28:04,446
and land management, revenues and reductions of expenses from completion

1167
01:28:04,446 --> 01:28:08,148
of one time projects. Key budget drivers in this division

1168
01:28:08,148 --> 01:28:11,628
include contractual labor increases, significant changes realized through the five

1169
01:28:11,628 --> 01:28:14,748
year trend analysis, specifically in areas such as facility maintenance

1170
01:28:14,748 --> 01:28:20,148
for electrical envelopes, HVAC, plumbing, security, utilities and vandalism. Increases

1171
01:28:20,148 --> 01:28:22,788
seen in revenues for land are relating to contractual adjustments

1172
01:28:22,788 --> 01:28:26,108
for lease revenues, including CPI as well as recreation for

1173
01:28:26,108 --> 01:28:29,542
increased. Programming and updated fees and charges. In addition, reductions

1174
01:28:29,542 --> 01:28:31,742
related to line items due to completed projects such as

1175
01:28:31,742 --> 01:28:36,681
the arena feasibility study were also realized. The proposed initiative

1176
01:28:36,681 --> 01:28:39,361
for the Community Services division is an additional 50,000 for

1177
01:28:39,361 --> 01:28:43,201
the frost fest. Winter Carnival established in 2024, Frostfest is

1178
01:28:43,201 --> 01:28:45,761
intended to be an annual winter carnival organized by city

1179
01:28:45,761 --> 01:28:48,721
staff with community partners. The vision for 2025 is to

1180
01:28:48,721 --> 01:28:50,801
expand this into a multi day event, I will turn

1181
01:28:50,801 --> 01:28:52,441
it over to Ms. Johnson to speak more about that.

1182
01:28:54,356 --> 01:28:57,676
Thank you. So, in 2024, staff were able to leverage

1183
01:28:57,676 --> 01:29:00,916
the resources and activations provided through the BCHL All Star

1184
01:29:00,916 --> 01:29:05,916
Weekend, which was provided a $50,000 municipal special event grant.

1185
01:29:05,916 --> 01:29:09,396
With the Allstar weekend not returning to Fintexton for 2025,

1186
01:29:09,396 --> 01:29:12,476
staff are requesting a 50,000 addition to the recreation operating

1187
01:29:12,476 --> 01:29:16,369
budget. To ensure the service and production levels remain the

1188
01:29:16,369 --> 01:29:20,009
same, additional vent content is being developed through other community

1189
01:29:20,009 --> 01:29:22,849
partnerships and staff are working to secure sponsorships to support

1190
01:29:22,849 --> 01:29:26,898
the long term sustainability of the event. With that. The

1191
01:29:26,898 --> 01:29:29,738
recommendation is for Councillor to approve in principle, the community

1192
01:29:29,738 --> 01:29:33,578
services 2025 to 2029. Financial and corporate business plan initiatives

1193
01:29:33,578 --> 01:29:36,338
and proposed budgets subject to final review. We are happy

1194
01:29:36,338 --> 01:29:38,418
to take any questions Councillor may have at this time.

1195
01:29:41,458 --> 01:29:45,247
Thank you, Ms. Campbell. Yeah. Thank you. Through the chair.

1196
01:29:45,247 --> 01:29:52,510
Late to just move the staff recommendation. Seconded. Discussion questions.

1197
01:29:54,857 --> 01:30:02,388
I'd like to ask a couple of questions. So if

1198
01:30:02,388 --> 01:30:04,908
we look back at the slide on key performance indicators,

1199
01:30:06,780 --> 01:30:10,919
And there was a mention the line there about. The.

1200
01:30:13,895 --> 01:30:16,815
Swimming pool. I think I'm looking at what I got

1201
01:30:16,815 --> 01:30:21,052
on my screen here. The number. Of pool admissions. Might

1202
01:30:21,052 --> 01:30:25,977
have been the one before that. Yeah. Now. We had

1203
01:30:25,977 --> 01:30:29,427
a great tour of. This Councillor had a great tour

1204
01:30:29,427 --> 01:30:35,791
of municipal facilities. And prior to this budget deliberations, and

1205
01:30:35,791 --> 01:30:38,791
we saw on the tour of the community center, we

1206
01:30:38,791 --> 01:30:43,156
obviously saw. Where a lot of the this year's money

1207
01:30:43,156 --> 01:30:48,081
has been spent. With the repairs there, but the number

1208
01:30:48,081 --> 01:30:52,161
of pool admissions obviously was affected by that work, and

1209
01:30:52,161 --> 01:30:54,681
I wonder if you could maybe, just for the sake

1210
01:30:54,681 --> 01:30:56,961
of the public, give us an update of what? We

1211
01:30:56,961 --> 01:31:01,010
saw. And the schedule for the works. And are they

1212
01:31:01,010 --> 01:31:04,120
going to be completed on the community center? Thank you

1213
01:31:04,120 --> 01:31:11,052
to the chair. So just to clarify, yes. We still

1214
01:31:11,052 --> 01:31:13,052
do have a portion of that work that needs to

1215
01:31:13,052 --> 01:31:17,509
be conducted. And we'll be utilizing our annual shutdown to

1216
01:31:17,509 --> 01:31:19,749
complete that, hoping to do it within the time frame.

1217
01:31:19,749 --> 01:31:21,549
We may need to extend it to a week or

1218
01:31:21,549 --> 01:31:25,189
two, but not expecting any long term shutdowns outside of

1219
01:31:25,189 --> 01:31:29,436
our annual shutdown moving forward. And in addition to that,

1220
01:31:29,436 --> 01:31:33,171
we've been able to increase the public access. Seven days

1221
01:31:33,171 --> 01:31:38,116
a week by expanding our hours. And increasing programming. And

1222
01:31:38,116 --> 01:31:41,433
does that affect. The fitness room as well. I see

1223
01:31:41,433 --> 01:31:45,593
that the projections for the fitness room showing us decreases.

1224
01:31:45,593 --> 01:31:49,634
Well. So I'm just wondering. What the rationale is behind

1225
01:31:49,634 --> 01:31:56,547
that 2025 projection. Yes, through the chair. So that's just

1226
01:31:56,547 --> 01:32:05,916
a conservative estimate. We did exceed our 2023. We don't

1227
01:32:05,916 --> 01:32:08,076
expect to be closing down the fitness room for an

1228
01:32:08,076 --> 01:32:11,156
extended period of time. Just a conservative estimate on these

1229
01:32:11,156 --> 01:32:14,796
admission rates. When we do the planning, it's kind of

1230
01:32:14,796 --> 01:32:16,476
looking at year to date, the data we have available.

1231
01:32:18,179 --> 01:32:23,194
Certainly exceeded our expectations in 2023. As we shift out

1232
01:32:23,194 --> 01:32:27,737
of Covid, we're still very much monitoring the trends. But

1233
01:32:27,737 --> 01:32:33,533
can expect. Staying fairly steady. It's always good to be

1234
01:32:33,533 --> 01:32:38,961
careful on projections. I appreciate that. Council. Any questions? Councillor?

1235
01:32:38,961 --> 01:32:41,481
Comments? Do you have any questions? I'm getting a negative

1236
01:32:41,481 --> 01:32:47,760
from Councillor. Conan. Any counsel any further, so I'm going

1237
01:32:47,760 --> 01:32:51,025
to call the question. All in favor? And I get

1238
01:32:51,025 --> 01:32:54,745
a yes from Councillor Conan. So that's a unanimous decision.

1239
01:32:54,745 --> 01:33:01,589
Thank you very. Much. Moving along. So we're going to

1240
01:33:01,589 --> 01:33:07,342
7.2. And south hookanagan event center complex. Manager of the

1241
01:33:07,342 --> 01:33:12,582
soc. Dean clark and cliff last director of finance for

1242
01:33:12,582 --> 01:33:16,402
soec. Or ovg 360, I should say.

1243
01:33:49,751 --> 01:33:51,391
Over here and just click over here.

1244
01:34:01,696 --> 01:34:09,385
Good morning. Good morning. My name is Dean Clark. This

1245
01:34:09,385 --> 01:34:13,915
is Cliff last. Cliff is art. I'm having some trouble

1246
01:34:13,915 --> 01:34:19,587
here. Hold on a second. Cliff last is our director

1247
01:34:19,587 --> 01:34:21,667
of finance. I would like to thank Cliff for producing

1248
01:34:21,667 --> 01:34:28,181
our budget. I've been the general manager of the SOEC

1249
01:34:28,181 --> 01:34:31,941
and the PTC, along with Memorial. Arena and the OhD

1250
01:34:31,941 --> 01:34:39,098
training center for more than 15 years. I have 35

1251
01:34:39,098 --> 01:34:42,938
years experience in venue management. Live vents last 25 years

1252
01:34:42,938 --> 01:34:46,104
have been in the okinawan. I'm also the regional vice

1253
01:34:46,104 --> 01:34:49,904
president for Oakview Group for Western Canada and currently responsible

1254
01:34:49,904 --> 01:34:52,271
for seven other venues. To review. Our private management company,

1255
01:34:52,271 --> 01:34:56,351
Oakview Group, is led by owners Tim Liwicki, former president

1256
01:34:56,351 --> 01:34:59,093
of Maple Leaf sports entertainment. And Irving Azaw, former president

1257
01:34:59,093 --> 01:35:01,573
of Live Nation, manager of the Eagles and many more

1258
01:35:01,573 --> 01:35:06,479
of the world's greatest acts. The specific venue division is

1259
01:35:06,479 --> 01:35:10,319
led by our president, Greg Odell. Greg comes from an

1260
01:35:10,319 --> 01:35:13,599
extensive convention. Center background, leading some of the biggest and

1261
01:35:13,599 --> 01:35:17,239
most important convention spaces in the world, with deep political

1262
01:35:17,239 --> 01:35:25,445
ties and professional convention meeting association relationships worldwide. I would

1263
01:35:25,445 --> 01:35:29,679
like to state that our budget. Is not just the

1264
01:35:29,679 --> 01:35:34,799
soec. Ovg operates not only the soec, but the ptcc.

1265
01:35:34,799 --> 01:35:40,028
The ohd training center and memorial arena. What I want

1266
01:35:40,028 --> 01:35:43,875
to let you know is our complex is run. Our

1267
01:35:43,875 --> 01:35:46,875
complex is run by the best professionals in the Okanagan

1268
01:35:46,875 --> 01:35:48,835
and some of my staff. Are, in fact, the best

1269
01:35:48,835 --> 01:35:54,563
in the business. We have 34 fulltime staff, eight of

1270
01:35:54,563 --> 01:35:58,043
which are department directors, and we have over 500 local

1271
01:35:58,043 --> 01:36:06,931
part time staff. What do we do and what do

1272
01:36:06,931 --> 01:36:11,672
we provide at the okinawan event Center? We provide support

1273
01:36:11,672 --> 01:36:14,192
for community vibrancy and culture in the form of live

1274
01:36:14,192 --> 01:36:18,934
music, content and sporting events last year. To highlight a

1275
01:36:18,934 --> 01:36:22,494
few, we hosted the legendary ice cube and foreigner. Both

1276
01:36:22,494 --> 01:36:25,489
were sold out shows. An ice cube was hosted on

1277
01:36:25,489 --> 01:36:31,388
a Wednesday during February. This specific shows illustrate how we

1278
01:36:31,388 --> 01:36:35,108
hit all of our support initiatives for our community. Also.

1279
01:36:36,474 --> 01:36:41,394
In 2024, not only did we have young Stars tournament,

1280
01:36:41,394 --> 01:36:44,434
but we hosted the canucks main camp. We had over

1281
01:36:44,434 --> 01:36:49,545
20,000 visitors during those ten days in September. We could

1282
01:36:49,545 --> 01:36:53,120
not have had a busier month. We host close to

1283
01:36:53,120 --> 01:36:59,894
40 home games, including. These playoff games. These average attendance

1284
01:36:59,894 --> 01:37:04,894
is over 2100 a game. The Vis have 1150 season

1285
01:37:04,894 --> 01:37:10,152
ticket holders with an additional 350 club seat holders. In

1286
01:37:10,152 --> 01:37:13,352
2024, we did not host the between the Lakes Powell,

1287
01:37:13,352 --> 01:37:17,272
but we are excited to announce that in July 2025,

1288
01:37:17,272 --> 01:37:22,388
we will see its return. Two things that go unnoticed.

1289
01:37:22,388 --> 01:37:27,059
But I always like to mention at this point, Is

1290
01:37:27,059 --> 01:37:32,552
that 12,000 people annually use the SOEC walking track. With

1291
01:37:32,552 --> 01:37:40,004
18 special need groups. Also. Sort of goes unnoticed. Maybe

1292
01:37:40,004 --> 01:37:42,204
Councillor Conan understands this pretty well because she's been a

1293
01:37:42,204 --> 01:37:46,604
part of this, but each year, local sports association special

1294
01:37:46,604 --> 01:37:50,684
need groups and charities work and earn more than $35,000

1295
01:37:50,684 --> 01:37:54,684
by filling critical workforce positions and volunteering at our live

1296
01:37:54,684 --> 01:37:58,404
events, giving back to these associations not only reduce the

1297
01:37:58,404 --> 01:38:01,479
burden of. Their asked to counsel, but it actually makes

1298
01:38:01,479 --> 01:38:04,843
us more profitable. So it's a win win. What do

1299
01:38:04,843 --> 01:38:07,643
we provide in support at the Penticton Trade and Convention

1300
01:38:07,643 --> 01:38:17,288
Center? Well, we support meetings, conventions, concerts, special events. And

1301
01:38:17,288 --> 01:38:21,929
our mission is focused on driving economic impact. Last year

1302
01:38:21,929 --> 01:38:26,489
at PTCC, we had 110,000 people through our doors. And

1303
01:38:26,489 --> 01:38:30,277
the PTC hosted 150 events. We had new convention business.

1304
01:38:31,745 --> 01:38:38,311
We had new convention business, like wild sheep Society. BC

1305
01:38:38,311 --> 01:38:41,871
First Nations Forestry Councillor BC fairs and agriculture, and a

1306
01:38:41,871 --> 01:38:47,080
number of more. We are still experiencing short booking windows.

1307
01:38:47,080 --> 01:38:50,680
This is obviously still due to the backlog from Covid

1308
01:38:50,680 --> 01:38:53,480
in 2024, we booked two conventions in less than eight

1309
01:38:53,480 --> 01:38:56,200
months where normally we would see a sales cycle of

1310
01:38:56,200 --> 01:39:02,470
three years. In. 2025. We have many returning clients like

1311
01:39:02,470 --> 01:39:06,230
fire chiefs. And happy to report we've signed two new

1312
01:39:06,230 --> 01:39:11,150
conventions to Penticton, Canada Water Resources and Canada West Ski

1313
01:39:11,150 --> 01:39:16,757
Areas association. My staff work very effectively with meat in

1314
01:39:16,757 --> 01:39:21,757
Penticton. Our CVB. Looking forward to continued education and growth

1315
01:39:21,757 --> 01:39:25,957
by this initiative. This is critical that you support meat

1316
01:39:25,957 --> 01:39:29,357
and pentictin to highlight its success. For the first time

1317
01:39:29,357 --> 01:39:32,677
since I've been responsible for the complex budget, the trade

1318
01:39:32,677 --> 01:39:39,141
center. Will drive more gross. Income this year in 2025

1319
01:39:39,141 --> 01:39:44,248
than the soec. Laura Hunt, our new director of sales,

1320
01:39:44,248 --> 01:39:48,213
told me that in the month of May, Of next

1321
01:39:48,213 --> 01:39:51,855
year, we will only have two dark days. In June

1322
01:39:51,855 --> 01:39:53,655
of next year, we will only have one dark day.

1323
01:39:55,314 --> 01:39:58,677
It's incredible progress. What do we do in support when

1324
01:39:58,677 --> 01:40:01,757
it comes to the Okinawan Hockey Training center and Memorial?

1325
01:40:01,757 --> 01:40:11,300
Arena. Well, besides the obvious. Our incredible facilities help us

1326
01:40:11,300 --> 01:40:15,860
host the biggest minor hockey tournament. In western Canada. In

1327
01:40:15,860 --> 01:40:19,260
partnership with canadian sports school Hockey League, the championship tournament

1328
01:40:19,260 --> 01:40:24,171
is held in March. Selfo Canaugh and event staff. Is

1329
01:40:24,171 --> 01:40:28,311
and are the local organizing committee. This 17 day period

1330
01:40:28,311 --> 01:40:30,831
in March is the biggest hockey tournament in western Canada.

1331
01:40:32,680 --> 01:40:36,400
During a time of much need. In 2024, the championship

1332
01:40:36,400 --> 01:40:41,160
reached a new economic record of over $5 million, almost

1333
01:40:41,160 --> 01:40:45,000
2 million more than the 2023 record. This event features

1334
01:40:45,000 --> 01:40:49,840
96 teams, roughly 2100 players and staff from four different

1335
01:40:49,840 --> 01:40:53,792
western provinces and the states of Idaho. And Washington. Over

1336
01:40:53,792 --> 01:40:57,552
91% of the event participants were from out of town

1337
01:40:57,552 --> 01:41:05,969
and overnight guests. Also. Of note specifically for memorial arena,

1338
01:41:05,969 --> 01:41:08,689
we are seeing year over year increase in maintenance expense.

1339
01:41:10,526 --> 01:41:13,246
Where the efficiencies from managing the Okanagan Training center at

1340
01:41:13,246 --> 01:41:16,166
a profit and memorial at a small expense used to

1341
01:41:16,166 --> 01:41:20,845
net. Each other to zero. That's not the case anymore.

1342
01:41:20,845 --> 01:41:24,045
We expect repairs and maintenance to grow. Significantly in memorial

1343
01:41:24,045 --> 01:41:28,794
arena. When we look at the overall facilities we manage

1344
01:41:28,794 --> 01:41:31,514
complex, wide we have more than seven weekends a year

1345
01:41:31,514 --> 01:41:37,235
where the SEC, the PTCC, And our arenas are full

1346
01:41:37,235 --> 01:41:40,035
of different events. These games, concerts on the same weekends

1347
01:41:40,035 --> 01:41:43,635
as festival and spring hockey. This is when our assets,

1348
01:41:43,635 --> 01:41:46,475
the buildings and our staff shine, and when more than

1349
01:41:46,475 --> 01:41:50,355
15,000 people use our facilities during these weekends. I continue

1350
01:41:50,355 --> 01:41:52,315
to imagine what this will look like. When we see

1351
01:41:52,315 --> 01:41:58,659
more of the northern gateway completed. We also have continued

1352
01:41:58,659 --> 01:42:08,431
to create operational efficiencies. We have new

1353
01:42:08,431 --> 01:42:12,791
safety lines installed at the SEC. We've increased security and

1354
01:42:12,791 --> 01:42:16,631
safety with our new secure guard contractor. We decreased cost

1355
01:42:16,631 --> 01:42:19,231
for managing guest services by taking it more in house.

1356
01:42:20,926 --> 01:42:24,046
There's certainly some parking efficiencies with a cashless pay for

1357
01:42:24,046 --> 01:42:26,006
our outer town concert goers, just to name a few.

1358
01:42:27,651 --> 01:42:31,011
Certainly some operational efficiencies at the PTCC. Name a few

1359
01:42:31,011 --> 01:42:38,820
of them. More LED lighting. More energy savings when it

1360
01:42:38,820 --> 01:42:43,441
comes to new dishwater, new dishwasher, and, of course, The

1361
01:42:43,441 --> 01:42:52,700
trend to using a bottle roof filling stations. I would

1362
01:42:52,700 --> 01:42:54,660
also like to remind Councillor that each and every year

1363
01:42:54,660 --> 01:42:58,180
our budget is reviewed by city. Staff this year was

1364
01:42:58,180 --> 01:43:03,300
Angela Campbell, GMO finance and admin, along with Anthony Adet.

1365
01:43:03,300 --> 01:43:05,300
Now she tried to explain a few of the numbers

1366
01:43:05,300 --> 01:43:13,715
for 2024 and 2025. Our gross expense. Exceeds over $10

1367
01:43:13,715 --> 01:43:17,885
million each year. A large percentage of that is sent

1368
01:43:17,885 --> 01:43:22,821
right back into our local economy. We generate almost 6.5

1369
01:43:22,821 --> 01:43:26,316
million in revenue. Inside of that, we generate nearly two.

1370
01:43:27,800 --> 01:43:31,815
.7 million. In gross food and beverage revenue, we generate

1371
01:43:31,815 --> 01:43:36,040
1.7 million. In other revenue. And over 1 million in

1372
01:43:36,040 --> 01:43:41,985
ice rentals. Once we talk net numbers. And indirect expenses.

1373
01:43:42,588 --> 01:43:45,068
Basically, the four buildings you manage have roughly a $5

1374
01:43:45,068 --> 01:43:48,908
million in net expense and 3 million in net revenue.

1375
01:43:48,908 --> 01:43:50,588
So to make the math easy, it leaves us with

1376
01:43:50,588 --> 01:43:57,035
an operational shortfall. In 2024 of about 2.28 million. The

1377
01:43:57,035 --> 01:44:05,098
shortfall in 2025. Is 2.38 million. Why the increase? Mostly

1378
01:44:05,098 --> 01:44:12,079
that. Is event mix, our normal cycle of events. Includes

1379
01:44:12,079 --> 01:44:15,719
Cirque ducella circus. La does not come back to Pentictin

1380
01:44:15,719 --> 01:44:20,915
in 2025. So just that event alone, we net close

1381
01:44:20,915 --> 01:44:26,190
to $150,000 in revenue. So that alone can count for

1382
01:44:26,190 --> 01:44:32,838
the increase. Other key budget changes. Positive changes. The PTC

1383
01:44:32,838 --> 01:44:36,893
has increased food and beverage trends. So we see the

1384
01:44:36,893 --> 01:44:39,773
bookings seem to be stronger in 2025, so we're happy.

1385
01:44:39,773 --> 01:44:43,173
With that. The CSSL championship, like I mentioned before, is

1386
01:44:43,173 --> 01:44:48,621
seeing an increase in teams. Some of the drivers. Screwed

1387
01:44:48,621 --> 01:44:58,291
that up. I did that again.

1388
01:45:01,628 --> 01:45:05,721
Oh, goodness. I can't do the most of my left

1389
01:45:05,721 --> 01:45:09,846
hand. Yeah, there we go. Some other drivers of our

1390
01:45:09,846 --> 01:45:17,489
budget. Minimum wage increase. The technology costs regarding cyber risks.

1391
01:45:17,489 --> 01:45:21,588
I can't believe I'm even saying that, but. Yeah. Lastly,

1392
01:45:21,588 --> 01:45:24,508
when we work with a shortfall deficit budget, there's a

1393
01:45:24,508 --> 01:45:28,928
divergence between the gross expense and the gross revenue. That

1394
01:45:28,928 --> 01:45:33,288
increase year over year is anywhere between 75 and $100,000.

1395
01:45:39,880 --> 01:45:42,200
Some of the upcoming events are. We're seeing Blippy. We

1396
01:45:42,200 --> 01:45:46,640
just had freestyle motocross. World tour. January we're going to

1397
01:45:46,640 --> 01:45:50,600
have the return of the Harlem Globetrotters. More heavy metal

1398
01:45:50,600 --> 01:45:56,155
music in March with kill switch. Engage. Happy. To announce

1399
01:45:56,155 --> 01:45:58,835
that Bachman Turner Overdrive is selling probably the best in

1400
01:45:58,835 --> 01:46:02,855
the country here in Penticton. Super excited about that. Lots

1401
01:46:02,855 --> 01:46:05,495
of kids stuff. Still with Sesame street live in June.

1402
01:46:07,246 --> 01:46:11,126
We have some improv who's live anyway. And then, of

1403
01:46:11,126 --> 01:46:14,157
course, Proud to have back the powwow between the lakes

1404
01:46:14,157 --> 01:46:19,011
in July. As I stated in the past, the v's,

1405
01:46:19,011 --> 01:46:26,133
ohg, the ptcc, the soec. These are your best levers

1406
01:46:26,133 --> 01:46:30,193
for? Economic impact within the city limits. If you want

1407
01:46:30,193 --> 01:46:34,364
to increase our local economy. Continually to strongly invest in

1408
01:46:34,364 --> 01:46:38,404
your incredible building assets, live events and the staff that

1409
01:46:38,404 --> 01:46:47,108
run them. Questions. Thank you, Mr. Clark and Mr. Last.

1410
01:46:47,108 --> 01:46:54,029
So, Councillor, any questions? It's good to see that Penticton

1411
01:46:54,029 --> 01:46:56,629
is full of aging rockers. You want to go see

1412
01:46:56,629 --> 01:47:02,436
beach logo. Councilor Graham. Yeah. Thank you, chair. I just

1413
01:47:02,436 --> 01:47:05,676
want to give kudos to the management staff. Volunteers of

1414
01:47:05,676 --> 01:47:10,556
the Event Center Memorial Trade Convention. Clearly, the numbers are

1415
01:47:10,556 --> 01:47:14,765
indicating we're going in. The right direction. It's incredible to

1416
01:47:14,765 --> 01:47:17,125
hear the numbers coming out of the trade and convention

1417
01:47:17,125 --> 01:47:21,120
center. With respect. To how many we've seen. In this

1418
01:47:21,120 --> 01:47:23,640
upcoming year. So kudos to Deed and the team and

1419
01:47:23,640 --> 01:47:25,920
everyone. And I would also like to move their staff

1420
01:47:25,920 --> 01:47:28,520
recommendation, so we're going to move it. Do we have

1421
01:47:28,520 --> 01:47:33,530
a second. Seconded. I got a question as well regarding.

1422
01:47:35,294 --> 01:47:38,974
The events, especially the PTCC, with the conventions and et

1423
01:47:38,974 --> 01:47:44,175
cetera. I know anecdotally that the people that I talk

1424
01:47:44,175 --> 01:47:49,576
to. That come to have conventions here. They are very

1425
01:47:49,576 --> 01:47:55,117
impressed with. The service and the food. And general. They

1426
01:47:55,117 --> 01:47:58,313
love the city as well, but. Is there any data?

1427
01:48:00,465 --> 01:48:05,530
Like an exit poll, if you like, or convention. People

1428
01:48:05,530 --> 01:48:08,290
that have conventions here and getting the feedback from them.

1429
01:48:08,290 --> 01:48:10,930
Is there anything that we can take? A look at

1430
01:48:10,930 --> 01:48:18,967
in that regard. Well, certainly we do exiting surveys, so

1431
01:48:18,967 --> 01:48:20,727
certainly we can provide you with that data and we

1432
01:48:20,727 --> 01:48:23,567
look at that. That's a regular thing that happens in

1433
01:48:23,567 --> 01:48:30,264
almost every convention business. But our biggest opportunity. Is the

1434
01:48:30,264 --> 01:48:32,624
fact that there is market share to be had with

1435
01:48:32,624 --> 01:48:40,093
convention business. That have always seeked out the larger. Urban

1436
01:48:40,093 --> 01:48:44,748
communities like Vancouver, Calgary or Emitten. And right now. With

1437
01:48:44,748 --> 01:48:50,109
the ballooning cost. Of their major city hotels. Those conventions

1438
01:48:50,109 --> 01:48:54,109
are looking elsewhere for probably the first time. Well, first

1439
01:48:54,109 --> 01:49:02,135
time in ten years. So we are responding to many,

1440
01:49:02,135 --> 01:49:03,617
many rfps. And again, That digging in the corner. Is

1441
01:49:03,617 --> 01:49:06,457
happening from the mice initiative with tourism. So very pleased

1442
01:49:06,457 --> 01:49:10,257
with what Tom is doing, what Karen is doing over

1443
01:49:10,257 --> 01:49:15,115
in tourism, but the. Is this moment in time where.

1444
01:49:15,161 --> 01:49:23,796
Opportunity. We've dovetailed. The

1445
01:49:23,796 --> 01:49:28,956
CVB, Karen and Tom and that opportunity after Covid with

1446
01:49:28,956 --> 01:49:32,843
this resetting of hotel. Prices. So that's why. Look at

1447
01:49:32,843 --> 01:49:37,739
Penticton. We're seeing them. We do a great job with

1448
01:49:37,739 --> 01:49:40,911
our food. We do a great job with our services.

1449
01:49:40,700 --> 01:49:43,100
And so if we can capture them and get them

1450
01:49:43,100 --> 01:49:49,685
in the building, That's when we continually see, year after

1451
01:49:49,685 --> 01:49:51,766
year, repeat business. And so as long as we can

1452
01:49:51,766 --> 01:49:51,892
get them here, we can keep them. That's probably the

1453
01:49:51,892 --> 01:49:55,212
same thing for almost everything that is penticked in. So

1454
01:49:55,212 --> 01:49:57,212
you can get them here, we can keep them. Yeah,

1455
01:49:57,212 --> 01:50:01,052
that kind of was leading into my next question. Was

1456
01:50:01,052 --> 01:50:04,172
what percentage of repeat business, which is a difficult thing

1457
01:50:04,172 --> 01:50:08,518
to say. Whether it's a good result or not with

1458
01:50:08,518 --> 01:50:12,658
conventions, because they do like to move around. Obviously. But

1459
01:50:12,658 --> 01:50:15,538
we seem. I know for a fact that we've got

1460
01:50:15,538 --> 01:50:21,035
some repeat convention business. In town here purely based on.

1461
01:50:21,640 --> 01:50:24,520
The experiences that they've had with a single convention here.

1462
01:50:24,520 --> 01:50:27,240
Yeah, we have tremendous, first of all. The city is

1463
01:50:27,240 --> 01:50:32,652
tremendous. Obviously, once you get here. I think when it

1464
01:50:32,652 --> 01:50:34,732
comes to this service, when it comes to the food

1465
01:50:34,732 --> 01:50:36,572
quality, everyone here has probably had the food at the

1466
01:50:36,572 --> 01:50:41,452
PTCC. It's probably some of the best in town. And

1467
01:50:41,452 --> 01:50:46,158
then. When I first. The one thing. Was in charge

1468
01:50:46,158 --> 01:50:48,678
and moved to Penticton was the fact that we have

1469
01:50:48,678 --> 01:50:52,478
a bold, complex where you have the Suec attached to

1470
01:50:52,478 --> 01:50:58,550
the PTCC. You got the OHG. So when conventions have

1471
01:50:58,550 --> 01:51:04,986
outgrown other spaces. They can expand from this PTCC into

1472
01:51:04,986 --> 01:51:08,866
the SOEC or OhG. So we've been able to keep

1473
01:51:08,866 --> 01:51:13,546
convention spaces or conventions because of the ability to expand.

1474
01:51:13,926 --> 01:51:16,896
And so that's incredible for us. And just sort of

1475
01:51:16,896 --> 01:51:24,371
all the amenities in and around the facility. So I've

1476
01:51:24,371 --> 01:51:27,731
always said that we have a bald complex, and that's

1477
01:51:27,731 --> 01:51:29,931
one of the main reasons why we continue to keep

1478
01:51:29,931 --> 01:51:32,438
conventions for sure. Council. Any further questions? Councilor Conan. Any

1479
01:51:32,438 --> 01:51:38,089
questions? I'm getting a negative from Councillor Conan. So I'm

1480
01:51:38,089 --> 01:51:42,277
going to call the question. All in favor? And. I

1481
01:51:42,277 --> 01:51:44,957
get an affirmative from Councillor Conan. So that's unanimous. Thank

1482
01:51:44,957 --> 01:51:50,237
you very much. Thank you. Gentlemen. 7.22 Penticton Public Library.

1483
01:51:50,237 --> 01:51:54,117
And Councillor Gilbert, I believe you're going to accuse. Yeah.

1484
01:51:54,117 --> 01:51:55,877
Thank you. The chair. So I'll be doing a conflict

1485
01:51:55,877 --> 01:51:58,877
of interest as my wife works at the Pentecton library.

1486
01:51:58,877 --> 01:52:05,588
Thank you. I'd like to welcome Heather Pizzelle, the chief

1487
01:52:05,588 --> 01:52:13,873
librarian, and Ms. Campbell back. To the desk. For the

1488
01:52:13,873 --> 01:52:21,354
report from Penticton Public Library. Good morning, everyone. My name

1489
01:52:21,354 --> 01:52:23,474
is Heather Russell. I'm the chief librarian at the Penticton.

1490
01:52:23,474 --> 01:52:26,434
Public library, and I'm here to present our 2025 budget

1491
01:52:26,434 --> 01:52:30,235
on behalf of the library board. All right. So as

1492
01:52:30,235 --> 01:52:32,515
a public library, we provide free library services to the

1493
01:52:32,515 --> 01:52:35,235
residents of the City of Penticton. Beyond the loan of

1494
01:52:35,235 --> 01:52:39,075
physical and digital collections. This includes literacy based programming for

1495
01:52:39,075 --> 01:52:43,035
all ages research and readers advisory services, public access, computers

1496
01:52:43,035 --> 01:52:47,107
in study space, and so much more. As the chief

1497
01:52:47,107 --> 01:52:49,467
librarian, I oversee the day to day operations of the

1498
01:52:49,467 --> 01:52:52,107
library, guided by the strategic framework and value set by

1499
01:52:52,107 --> 01:52:54,867
our library board as our governing body, which consists of

1500
01:52:54,867 --> 01:52:58,667
a city Councillor. And eight to ten residents of appendix.

1501
01:53:00,483 --> 01:53:02,923
So beyond the loan of materials, the library hosts creative

1502
01:53:02,923 --> 01:53:07,995
literacy based programming for all ages. Both on our own

1503
01:53:07,995 --> 01:53:11,475
and in partnership with many community organizations such as the

1504
01:53:11,475 --> 01:53:14,275
Penticton museum. And archives one sky, the pentext and Art

1505
01:53:14,275 --> 01:53:17,774
gallery and SOS. Pride to name a few. The library

1506
01:53:17,774 --> 01:53:20,414
provides welcoming space for visitors and members of our community

1507
01:53:20,414 --> 01:53:23,829
to work and study or just sit and read. We

1508
01:53:23,829 --> 01:53:27,189
also supervise exams for distance learners and provide homebound delivery

1509
01:53:27,189 --> 01:53:29,909
services for residents of Penticton who are physically unable to

1510
01:53:29,909 --> 01:53:33,029
come into the library. And over the past few years,

1511
01:53:33,029 --> 01:53:35,469
a major focus has been on building a makerspace, which

1512
01:53:35,469 --> 01:53:38,909
we originally called Creative Solutions, which encourages residents to create

1513
01:53:38,909 --> 01:53:41,629
their own designs and see them through to fruition. With

1514
01:53:41,629 --> 01:53:44,589
the introduction of 3d or sublimination printing as well as

1515
01:53:44,589 --> 01:53:48,651
other maker technology. All right, so the library's work to

1516
01:53:48,651 --> 01:53:52,651
help advance council's safe and resilient. Strategic priority by participating

1517
01:53:52,651 --> 01:53:56,171
in community groups like 100 more homes, Penticton and the

1518
01:53:56,171 --> 01:53:58,691
Youth Action table and through partnerships with organizations like the

1519
01:53:58,691 --> 01:54:03,091
foundry to help address community challenges. Additionally, we continue to

1520
01:54:03,091 --> 01:54:08,626
focus on training. Our staff in fostering skills to work

1521
01:54:08,626 --> 01:54:10,986
with patrons who are struggling with homelessness, mental health or

1522
01:54:10,986 --> 01:54:14,978
substance use. To help push forward city council's livable and

1523
01:54:14,978 --> 01:54:18,298
accessible strategic priority. The library engaged accessibility testers from the

1524
01:54:18,298 --> 01:54:23,859
national network for equitable library services. To evaluate and improve

1525
01:54:23,859 --> 01:54:27,734
the library's website and catalog. Remedial work was completed in

1526
01:54:27,734 --> 01:54:30,414
the summer of 2024. But, of course, this is something

1527
01:54:30,414 --> 01:54:34,178
that is going to be ongoing. Additionally, with the support

1528
01:54:34,178 --> 01:54:36,778
of the city's facility department and funded through the provincial

1529
01:54:36,778 --> 01:54:39,498
library enhancement, Grant. We responded to patron demands to improve

1530
01:54:39,498 --> 01:54:42,298
the library space with the creation of a maker space.

1531
01:54:42,298 --> 01:54:44,658
Which grew out of creative solutions project and together with

1532
01:54:44,658 --> 01:54:47,498
that has been used in over 125 sessions. This year.

1533
01:54:49,475 --> 01:54:51,795
The renewal of the library strategic framework and business plan

1534
01:54:51,795 --> 01:54:54,315
to guide library services over the next three years, along

1535
01:54:54,315 --> 01:54:57,795
with our enhanced staff development policies, which is designed to

1536
01:54:57,795 --> 01:55:01,635
support staff who are seeking formal education and librarianship both

1537
01:55:01,635 --> 01:55:03,915
support city council's vision, the mission, culture, goals for the

1538
01:55:03,915 --> 01:55:09,239
city of Penticton. Here are some of our statistics to

1539
01:55:09,239 --> 01:55:11,359
the end of September. This is sort of an overall

1540
01:55:11,359 --> 01:55:14,559
snapshot of library services. Key performance indicators are dealt with

1541
01:55:14,559 --> 01:55:20,423
on the next few slides. So we welcomed over 100,000

1542
01:55:20,423 --> 01:55:23,823
visitors to the library and a further 131,000 through the

1543
01:55:23,823 --> 01:55:26,423
library's website and catalog. When adjusted for our closure in

1544
01:55:26,423 --> 01:55:29,463
June to the facility's. Electrical upgrades together. This is about

1545
01:55:29,463 --> 01:55:34,235
a 7% increase over 2023, the same period. Library staff

1546
01:55:34,235 --> 01:55:39,355
have delivered over 300 programs to nearly 6500 participants, plus

1547
01:55:39,355 --> 01:55:44,009
an approximate 20,000 20,000. Sorry. 2000. Connections were made with

1548
01:55:44,009 --> 01:55:46,529
patrons at community events like Kids Fest or Peach Fest.

1549
01:55:48,147 --> 01:55:51,267
More than 300,000 items have circulated. About 24% of that

1550
01:55:51,267 --> 01:55:53,974
is digital. The whole flocker, which is housed at the

1551
01:55:53,974 --> 01:55:56,334
community center, has been used by more than 400 patrons,

1552
01:55:56,334 --> 01:55:59,882
so some improvements could be seen there. We've also had

1553
01:55:59,882 --> 01:56:02,442
more than 1300 new patrons register at the library and

1554
01:56:02,442 --> 01:56:06,250
answered more than 19,000 reference questions. So this is a

1555
01:56:06,250 --> 01:56:08,970
highlight of some of the library's key performance indicators that

1556
01:56:08,970 --> 01:56:10,690
may be of interest to Councillor in the public. These

1557
01:56:10,690 --> 01:56:13,490
numbers are current to the end of July, and so.

1558
01:56:13,490 --> 01:56:16,370
Program attendance does look a little bit low here. However,

1559
01:56:16,370 --> 01:56:18,770
that was because it did not fully encapsulate our summertime

1560
01:56:18,770 --> 01:56:22,330
programming, which runs through August as well. As of last

1561
01:56:22,330 --> 01:56:26,787
week, we've exceeded the 2024 plan. And everything except for

1562
01:56:26,787 --> 01:56:31,972
the use advisory committee attendance because teens are hard. Summer

1563
01:56:31,972 --> 01:56:35,412
Reading Club participation was higher in 2024 than anticipated this

1564
01:56:35,412 --> 01:56:38,532
year, as we were able to hire two coordinators, which

1565
01:56:38,532 --> 01:56:40,892
allowed us to enhance the schedule. We are hoping to

1566
01:56:40,892 --> 01:56:45,373
see the same. Result in 2025. We've exceeded our class

1567
01:56:45,373 --> 01:56:49,293
visit expectations with about 27 visits from schools or two

1568
01:56:49,293 --> 01:56:53,053
schools to date. As mentioned previously, circulation in general is

1569
01:56:53,053 --> 01:56:55,053
strong, although the June closure certainly did have an impact.

1570
01:56:58,180 --> 01:57:00,740
Library of things, however, does need further promotion and evaluation,

1571
01:57:00,740 --> 01:57:03,020
although we do expect to see a jump in board

1572
01:57:03,020 --> 01:57:07,183
game and video game loan during the holiday season. Techhelp

1573
01:57:07,183 --> 01:57:08,943
continues to evolve to meet the needs of our patron.

1574
01:57:08,943 --> 01:57:11,503
That last count, we've had over 100 sessions in 2024.

1575
01:57:13,393 --> 01:57:16,153
Our major initiative for 2025. The library is planning on

1576
01:57:16,153 --> 01:57:18,713
using some grant funding again through the provincial library enhancement

1577
01:57:18,713 --> 01:57:20,833
grant to increase the comfort and enjoyment of the library

1578
01:57:20,833 --> 01:57:25,153
and improve accessibility by replacing aging stacks, new furniture, things

1579
01:57:25,153 --> 01:57:31,174
like that. Funds will be transferred. At year end from

1580
01:57:31,174 --> 01:57:33,774
this grant, and we'll also be seeking other granting opportunities

1581
01:57:33,774 --> 01:57:38,839
in 2025. As library staff are at capacity for new

1582
01:57:38,839 --> 01:57:41,359
projects, our plans for 2025 are to evaluate and improve

1583
01:57:41,359 --> 01:57:45,159
our current services and programs without adding any new functions

1584
01:57:45,159 --> 01:57:52,382
to the library space. This will provide flexibility to. Engage

1585
01:57:52,382 --> 01:57:56,723
in internal planning and evaluations for future projects. The detailed

1586
01:57:56,723 --> 01:57:59,443
budget for the library can be found on pages 194

1587
01:57:59,443 --> 01:58:03,483
to 195 of the financial plan the 2025 proposed net

1588
01:58:03,483 --> 01:58:07,523
budget has remained similar to 2024. However, in 2025, as

1589
01:58:07,523 --> 01:58:10,123
Miss Buzzwell mentioned, the library will be utilizing a specific

1590
01:58:10,123 --> 01:58:13,323
project grant which has increased individual revenues and expenses compared

1591
01:58:13,323 --> 01:58:17,276
to the 2024 budget Libr. Library revenues consist of grants

1592
01:58:17,276 --> 01:58:20,116
from different sources, agreements from other entities, and service fees

1593
01:58:20,116 --> 01:58:24,436
and expenses include book purchases, wages and program costs. In

1594
01:58:24,436 --> 01:58:26,396
terms of budget drivers, the library will be bargaining with

1595
01:58:26,396 --> 01:58:29,996
their local QP 608 in 2025, along with the increased

1596
01:58:29,996 --> 01:58:32,396
operating costs that most areas are facing books have increased

1597
01:58:32,396 --> 01:58:36,754
in price by approximately 15% since 2019. Ebook cost. Costing

1598
01:58:36,754 --> 01:58:38,754
for a public library is, on average, four times higher

1599
01:58:38,754 --> 01:58:40,674
than for a member of the public. With a limited

1600
01:58:40,674 --> 01:58:43,594
license period. While those costs have been somewhat mitigated with

1601
01:58:43,594 --> 01:58:45,914
a multiple render model. The cost for these services have

1602
01:58:45,914 --> 01:58:48,674
increased and will continue to do so. Primary initiative for

1603
01:58:48,674 --> 01:58:52,234
2025 will focus on improvements to the library's accessibility and

1604
01:58:52,234 --> 01:58:53,994
comfort and the funds for that will be drawn from

1605
01:58:53,994 --> 01:58:58,294
that provincial enhancement grant with that. The Councillor recommendation is

1606
01:58:58,294 --> 01:59:02,254
to approve in principle the library 2025 to 2029 proposed

1607
01:59:02,254 --> 01:59:06,998
budget subject to final review. Thank you. And, Councillor, any

1608
01:59:06,998 --> 01:59:12,296
questions? Any comments, Councillor Graham? I think you like to

1609
01:59:12,296 --> 01:59:17,592
move the staff recommendation. Please do have a second. Seconded.

1610
01:59:17,592 --> 01:59:24,091
Thank you. And. Any further comments? And I'm getting a

1611
01:59:24,091 --> 01:59:27,491
negative from Councillor Conan, so I'm going to call the

1612
01:59:27,491 --> 01:59:32,624
question. All in favor? And Councillor Conan skysy handraise. So,

1613
01:59:32,624 --> 01:59:35,944
yes, that's unanimous. Thank you very much. Thank you.

1614
02:00:04,095 --> 02:00:08,135
And we're moving on to 7.3. We're moving into public

1615
02:00:08,135 --> 02:00:14,775
safety. And our first presentation on public safety is from

1616
02:00:14,775 --> 02:00:18,975
the Penticton Fire Department. Like to welcome Mike Larson, the

1617
02:00:18,975 --> 02:00:23,098
fire chief, and Ms. Campbell, please. Good morning. Thank you

1618
02:00:23,098 --> 02:00:30,577
for having me. The Pinticton Fire Department has been serving

1619
02:00:30,577 --> 02:00:34,097
the community of Penticton in the regional district since 1911.

1620
02:00:34,097 --> 02:00:36,697
The department is a composite department which has both career

1621
02:00:36,697 --> 02:00:40,297
and auxiliary members working out of two stations. Firehall one

1622
02:00:40,297 --> 02:00:43,137
located on Nanaimo and fire hall two located on Dawson.

1623
02:00:46,185 --> 02:00:49,425
The department consists of 49 staff and is proposing to

1624
02:00:49,425 --> 02:00:52,185
increase staff to 50 for growth in the fire prevention

1625
02:00:52,185 --> 02:00:54,865
division, allowing the division to meet requirements set by the

1626
02:00:54,865 --> 02:00:59,249
province. Our division provides a wide range of services that

1627
02:00:59,249 --> 02:01:02,649
meet the expectations of the community and its many visitors,

1628
02:01:02,649 --> 02:01:10,035
including fire suppression, prehospital medical care. A variety of rescues,

1629
02:01:10,035 --> 02:01:15,155
including motor vehicle incidents, industrial accidents and technical rescue. We

1630
02:01:15,155 --> 02:01:21,915
also complete fire inspections investigations, business licenses, occupancy inspections, freedom

1631
02:01:21,915 --> 02:01:24,995
information request, Office of the Fire Commission reports and many

1632
02:01:24,995 --> 02:01:29,207
other fire prevention activities. Some of the divisional achievements for

1633
02:01:29,207 --> 02:01:34,207
Penticton Fire Department in 2024 include safe staffing levels to

1634
02:01:34,207 --> 02:01:36,887
ensure coverage of two engines with a four person crew

1635
02:01:36,887 --> 02:01:40,447
for emergency response within the city. Of Penticton and the

1636
02:01:40,447 --> 02:01:43,167
successful opening of the new apparatus storage building has pictured

1637
02:01:43,167 --> 02:01:49,216
here. I joined emergency operation training exercise was held in

1638
02:01:49,216 --> 02:01:55,163
2024 in collaboration with ESS volunteers. Completion of the first

1639
02:01:55,163 --> 02:01:59,203
responder study, which resulted in changes and efficiencies in response

1640
02:01:59,203 --> 02:02:03,243
protocols and a four year collective agreement with the IFF

1641
02:02:03,243 --> 02:02:07,224
local 1399 was reached. I would like to take an

1642
02:02:07,224 --> 02:02:09,864
opportunity to highlight a few of the KPIs for the

1643
02:02:09,864 --> 02:02:13,304
department. That may be of interest to counsel. These numbers

1644
02:02:13,304 --> 02:02:16,784
shown are for the first half of 2024. But a

1645
02:02:16,784 --> 02:02:19,464
couple of note are that the total fire inspections are

1646
02:02:19,464 --> 02:02:23,224
down 11% at midyear. And they're expected to decrease even

1647
02:02:23,224 --> 02:02:26,896
lower in 2024 due to personnel changes. Within the division.

1648
02:02:28,480 --> 02:02:31,560
And overall response to calls in 2024 is seeing a

1649
02:02:31,560 --> 02:02:35,600
6% increase over 2023 that's the trends we saw in

1650
02:02:35,600 --> 02:02:39,200
2023 was 12% over 2022. So is a trend of

1651
02:02:39,200 --> 02:02:44,969
increase. Proposed initiatives for 2025 the addition of an exempt

1652
02:02:44,969 --> 02:02:48,089
fire prevention officer to assist the department in meeting provincial

1653
02:02:48,089 --> 02:02:51,449
requirements and community needs. This is an important first step

1654
02:02:51,449 --> 02:02:54,529
in a multi year growth strategy. In the department with

1655
02:02:54,529 --> 02:03:02,268
an operating budget of $198,685. The development of a hazard

1656
02:03:02,268 --> 02:03:06,148
risk and vulnerability assessment that will meet the new EDMA,

1657
02:03:06,148 --> 02:03:12,416
or Emergency disaster Management act requirements. Utilizing provincial grants, Pentictin

1658
02:03:12,416 --> 02:03:15,616
will develop a plan focusing on hazard specific risk assessment

1659
02:03:15,616 --> 02:03:19,376
and planning. The plan for 2025 is to complete a

1660
02:03:19,376 --> 02:03:23,296
third party operational risk assessment on low frequency, high severity

1661
02:03:23,296 --> 02:03:28,678
instance. Specifically airport response, water rescues and high rise operations.

1662
02:03:30,661 --> 02:03:32,901
It's important to have a review of our procedures by

1663
02:03:32,901 --> 02:03:35,541
a third party subject matter expert. To ensure the safety

1664
02:03:35,541 --> 02:03:37,741
of our personnel and the efficiency to our response to

1665
02:03:37,741 --> 02:03:40,861
these incidents. The last time such a review was done

1666
02:03:40,861 --> 02:03:45,151
was in. Swift water operations. And from this review, we

1667
02:03:45,151 --> 02:03:49,631
changed operational guidelines, safety practices and strategies that significantly improved

1668
02:03:49,631 --> 02:03:52,911
the response and well being of our firefighters. The operational

1669
02:03:52,911 --> 02:03:58,299
budget request for this is $50,000. We'll continue with wildfire

1670
02:03:58,299 --> 02:04:01,419
and fire smart planning and mitigation strategies that are compliant

1671
02:04:01,419 --> 02:04:05,419
with Edma updates, the city's emergency program manager and fire

1672
02:04:05,419 --> 02:04:08,459
smart coordinator will investigate and pursue grants and lead the

1673
02:04:08,459 --> 02:04:16,440
mitigation efforts. We'll also replace our outdated fire department record

1674
02:04:16,440 --> 02:04:20,200
management software with a new user friendly software. System. The

1675
02:04:20,200 --> 02:04:23,840
new software will replace a multitude of existing programs, including

1676
02:04:23,840 --> 02:04:29,040
scheduling, training events, and activities. Assets and inventory, fire inspections

1677
02:04:29,040 --> 02:04:32,760
and property database. The replacement of the software will improve

1678
02:04:32,760 --> 02:04:37,198
operations, save time. And improve overall efficiencies. Some of the

1679
02:04:37,198 --> 02:04:43,410
operational efficiencies achieved this year include. Penticton Emergency support services

1680
02:04:43,410 --> 02:04:45,730
is now reporting to the rdos with no changes of

1681
02:04:45,730 --> 02:04:49,650
level. Service to the residents of Pentictin. This will improve

1682
02:04:49,650 --> 02:04:54,824
resiliency in our team and response to emergencies. And we

1683
02:04:54,824 --> 02:04:59,384
also completed the first responders study where Penticton all Penticton

1684
02:04:59,384 --> 02:05:03,504
response calls were examined, opportunities for efficiencies were identified and

1685
02:05:03,504 --> 02:05:08,510
implemented. The detailed budget for the fire department can be

1686
02:05:08,510 --> 02:05:12,270
found on pages 160 to 161 of the plan. Overall,

1687
02:05:12,270 --> 02:05:15,710
the 2025 budgeted net cost for fire is $9 million,

1688
02:05:15,710 --> 02:05:19,910
a $1.4 million increase over the 2024 budget. Revenues for

1689
02:05:19,910 --> 02:05:24,110
2025 are forecasted at $1.1 million under Madapus service contracts,

1690
02:05:24,110 --> 02:05:27,874
recoveries, permits and. Grants, with the reduction from 2024 being

1691
02:05:27,874 --> 02:05:30,714
related to less anticipated grant revenues, which is offset by

1692
02:05:30,714 --> 02:05:34,714
a reduction in related expenses. Expenses are forecasted to increase

1693
02:05:34,714 --> 02:05:38,354
$1.4 million, which is directly related to the contract negotiations

1694
02:05:38,354 --> 02:05:41,474
and budget requests, which will be discussed in upcoming slides.

1695
02:05:41,474 --> 02:05:44,594
Approximately 90% of the fire department expenses are related to

1696
02:05:44,594 --> 02:05:48,121
labor costs. This year. Key budget drivers in the fire

1697
02:05:48,121 --> 02:05:50,841
budget can be directly tied to the recent contract negotiations

1698
02:05:50,841 --> 02:05:54,081
which impacted contractual labor costs, an FTE request, as well

1699
02:05:54,081 --> 02:05:58,763
as several initiatives which we'll go over shortly. The first

1700
02:05:58,763 --> 02:06:01,003
proposed initiative for the fire department is a request of

1701
02:06:01,003 --> 02:06:05,043
$50,000 to complete. Risk assessments on low frequency, high severity

1702
02:06:05,043 --> 02:06:09,083
rescues and operations, specifically airport water and high rise. The

1703
02:06:09,083 --> 02:06:12,403
assessment will compel findings and recommendations to guide high risk

1704
02:06:12,403 --> 02:06:16,671
rescues and operations. The second proposed initiative for the fire

1705
02:06:16,671 --> 02:06:19,031
department is a request for a new position for fire

1706
02:06:19,031 --> 02:06:22,911
prevention. Officer at a cost of $160,000 to meet community

1707
02:06:22,911 --> 02:06:25,951
needs and provincial requirements for fire. Inspections. The department has

1708
02:06:25,951 --> 02:06:28,431
not expanded this internal department in over 30 years and

1709
02:06:28,431 --> 02:06:31,471
is beyond capacity and its ability to meet provincial requirements

1710
02:06:31,471 --> 02:06:35,944
of completing over 2400 required inspect. Inspections. I'll turn it

1711
02:06:35,944 --> 02:06:38,104
back to Chief Larson to elaborate on this initiative further.

1712
02:06:39,759 --> 02:06:43,894
Thank you. When I arrived last year, I identified the

1713
02:06:43,894 --> 02:06:46,974
lack of resources that are needed in the prevention division.

1714
02:06:46,974 --> 02:06:49,454
There's been substantial growth in the city and development over

1715
02:06:49,454 --> 02:06:51,774
the years, and there is still the same two resources

1716
02:06:51,774 --> 02:06:54,574
in the prevention division. As you look at the slide,

1717
02:06:54,574 --> 02:06:58,054
you will see the 2023. Prevention stats notably was the

1718
02:06:58,054 --> 02:07:04,441
number of inspectable properties at. 2179. And these don't account

1719
02:07:04,441 --> 02:07:09,041
for the nearly 475 reinspections that were required. Inspectoral properties

1720
02:07:09,041 --> 02:07:14,562
in 2024 are closer to 2400. In 2023, only 1495

1721
02:07:14,562 --> 02:07:17,402
inspections were completed by our two inspectors and the fire

1722
02:07:17,402 --> 02:07:20,402
suppression staff. Showing that we're not meeting our provincial mandates.

1723
02:07:21,793 --> 02:07:25,033
On average, a full time fire inspector can complete 600

1724
02:07:25,033 --> 02:07:29,913
fire inspections annually, and suppression crews can complete approximately 350

1725
02:07:29,913 --> 02:07:33,208
company inspections. On this slide. You will also see a

1726
02:07:33,208 --> 02:07:36,288
list of time consuming prevention activities outside of these inspections.

1727
02:07:38,040 --> 02:07:41,318
That. Are currently being done by our inspector, but just

1728
02:07:41,318 --> 02:07:45,764
can't be maintained. An unexpected retirement over inspection officer in

1729
02:07:45,764 --> 02:07:49,044
2024 was a significant loss of knowledge, skills and abilities.

1730
02:07:49,044 --> 02:07:52,603
In the division. Getting an exempt fire prevention officer is

1731
02:07:52,603 --> 02:07:55,523
an important piece to ensure that we have a leader

1732
02:07:55,523 --> 02:07:59,643
who can restructure the division, train inspectors and schedule inspections

1733
02:07:59,643 --> 02:08:02,323
to ensure we are meeting provincial requirements. As well as

1734
02:08:02,323 --> 02:08:05,043
working with development services on future growth of the city.

1735
02:08:05,043 --> 02:08:07,403
They'll also be responsible to do the list you saw

1736
02:08:07,403 --> 02:08:10,003
above of the non inspection pieces of the prevention department.

1737
02:08:11,121 --> 02:08:13,881
Failing to fill this important position forces myself as the

1738
02:08:13,881 --> 02:08:16,721
fire chief to absorb the workload and prevents me from

1739
02:08:16,721 --> 02:08:21,441
effectively fulfilling other core responsibilities. This workload cannot be sustained

1740
02:08:21,441 --> 02:08:25,446
by myself in the fire chief office. The third proposed

1741
02:08:25,446 --> 02:08:28,006
initiative for the fire department is to replace the existing

1742
02:08:28,006 --> 02:08:30,286
software that chief Larson mentioned. Earlier, which is reached at

1743
02:08:30,286 --> 02:08:32,886
the end of life. The new system will improve operations,

1744
02:08:32,886 --> 02:08:36,006
increase efficiencies. And decrease liability with a cost of $30,000.

1745
02:08:41,501 --> 02:08:43,461
And with that, the recommendation is that Councillor approve in

1746
02:08:43,461 --> 02:08:48,890
principle the fire department's budget subject. To final review. Thank

1747
02:08:48,890 --> 02:08:55,715
you. Thank you, Mr. Larson. And Ms. Campbell. Councillor, any

1748
02:08:55,715 --> 02:09:02,108
questions? Councilor Conan. Thank you. I apologize for my voice.

1749
02:09:04,593 --> 02:09:11,072
But. I'd like to bring forward a motion that. We

1750
02:09:11,072 --> 02:09:20,137
not hire the $160,000 inspector? Because. We're already just trying

1751
02:09:20,137 --> 02:09:25,785
to pay off four new firefighters. Maybe the cheap or

1752
02:09:25,785 --> 02:09:32,536
RCO can explain how. We. 're still trying to. We

1753
02:09:32,536 --> 02:09:35,176
still are paying for four new firefighters at this time.

1754
02:09:37,108 --> 02:09:42,686
And so that's a motion. And do we have a

1755
02:09:42,686 --> 02:09:47,333
second for that motion? I'm not hearing a seconder for

1756
02:09:47,333 --> 02:09:54,549
that motion. I'm going to call again. So the motion

1757
02:09:54,549 --> 02:09:59,846
is. To not hire the fire inspector at the cost

1758
02:09:59,846 --> 02:10:03,590
of $160,000 a year, is that correct. I'm getting a

1759
02:10:03,590 --> 02:10:06,590
nod from Councillor Conanz. So, once again, do we have

1760
02:10:06,590 --> 02:10:10,806
a seconder? For that motion. And I'm not hearing a

1761
02:10:10,806 --> 02:10:15,050
second for that motion, so that motion fails. Council. Do

1762
02:10:15,050 --> 02:10:22,607
we have any further discussions? Any questions? And.

1763
02:10:26,056 --> 02:10:30,585
I have a couple of. Questions? Actually, one I noticed.

1764
02:10:31,863 --> 02:10:37,393
In the report. On the number of calls, and if

1765
02:10:37,393 --> 02:10:43,551
we go back, we can see that. The medical. Calls.

1766
02:10:43,551 --> 02:10:47,431
So for the first seven months of 2024, they look

1767
02:10:47,431 --> 02:10:51,987
sort of like they're on the increase from 2023. But

1768
02:10:51,987 --> 02:10:57,253
the actual overdose response calls shows a significant decrease. Can

1769
02:10:57,253 --> 02:10:59,413
you sort of rationalize that a little bit more, Mr.

1770
02:10:59,413 --> 02:11:05,271
Larson, please? Yeah. It's right on trend, as it has

1771
02:11:05,271 --> 02:11:06,951
been the last few years. At the beginning of the

1772
02:11:06,951 --> 02:11:09,511
year, we were down a slight bit, but over the

1773
02:11:09,511 --> 02:11:11,471
summer months, we picked right back up. To where we

1774
02:11:11,471 --> 02:11:15,831
were. So we are on trend for actually breaking about

1775
02:11:15,831 --> 02:11:25,470
1% over on overdose. Calls this year, okay? Do we

1776
02:11:25,470 --> 02:11:29,753
have a motion on the. Is anybody going to move?

1777
02:11:29,753 --> 02:11:32,233
The staff recommendation is moved. Do we have a second?

1778
02:11:33,007 --> 02:11:40,929
Seconded. Any further questions? Comments? Discussion? Councillor Conan, any discussion?

1779
02:11:40,929 --> 02:11:47,799
Any questions? No further questions. And hearing none. Then I'm

1780
02:11:47,799 --> 02:11:52,654
going to call the question. All in favor? And Councillor

1781
02:11:52,654 --> 02:12:01,114
Connez. Opposed. Councilor Conanz is opposed and.

1782
02:12:02,640 --> 02:12:08,312
So. That motion passes. And thank you very much. Thank

1783
02:12:08,312 --> 02:12:17,930
you, Chief Larson. Moving on to penticton

1784
02:12:17,930 --> 02:12:27,061
rcmp. And we have Superintendent Beth McCandy and Ms. Campbell,

1785
02:12:27,061 --> 02:12:36,008
please. Sure. Good morning.

1786
02:12:41,582 --> 02:12:45,727
I appreciate the opportunity to be able to present. On

1787
02:12:45,727 --> 02:12:49,007
the overview of the Pentex in RCMP budget and the

1788
02:12:49,007 --> 02:12:54,133
request for additional resources this year. The core values of

1789
02:12:54,133 --> 02:12:58,053
integrity, compassion, respect, and accountability are the heart of our

1790
02:12:58,053 --> 02:13:02,493
operations at the particular NRCMP. Our mission is clear to

1791
02:13:02,493 --> 02:13:05,013
safeguard the public, uphold the rule of law, and maintain

1792
02:13:05,013 --> 02:13:10,093
order in our community through vigilant investigations, proactive crime prevention

1793
02:13:10,093 --> 02:13:13,813
measures, and empathetic assistance. We are dedic. Dedicated to ensuring

1794
02:13:13,813 --> 02:13:18,389
the security and welfare of all individuals. By fostering collaborative

1795
02:13:18,389 --> 02:13:21,709
partnership within the community, we strive to build trust and

1796
02:13:21,709 --> 02:13:27,469
cultivate positive relationships. Whether conducting patrols, inquiries, engaging and supporting

1797
02:13:27,469 --> 02:13:31,829
youth and or diverse communities, or providing aid during crisis.

1798
02:13:33,352 --> 02:13:36,032
We remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold our values,

1799
02:13:36,032 --> 02:13:39,472
ensuring that each action reflects our dedication to serving with

1800
02:13:39,472 --> 02:13:44,208
integrity and distinction. The Penticton RCMP detachment is led by

1801
02:13:44,208 --> 02:13:47,888
myself, the officer in charge, and consists of 57 members

1802
02:13:47,888 --> 02:13:51,528
and 27 municipal staff. In addition to three public service

1803
02:13:51,528 --> 02:13:56,128
employees, there are three business lines within the RCMP operations,

1804
02:13:56,128 --> 02:14:02,744
frontline investigative services and operational support. There are also two

1805
02:14:02,744 --> 02:14:07,873
municipal business lines, operations and administration. Every member of our

1806
02:14:07,873 --> 02:14:11,593
senior leadership team has over 20 years of policing experience

1807
02:14:11,593 --> 02:14:15,393
and our experience working within the RCMP framework, this team

1808
02:14:15,393 --> 02:14:18,688
continues to drive and lead change. Use innovative approaches to

1809
02:14:18,688 --> 02:14:21,848
public safety with a strong focus on employee wellness and

1810
02:14:21,848 --> 02:14:27,420
operational excellence. The RCMP provides comprehensive policing services to the

1811
02:14:27,420 --> 02:14:32,100
city committed to community safety and security, providing law enforcement,

1812
02:14:32,100 --> 02:14:37,540
investigative services, crime prevention. Also focusing on community engagement, building

1813
02:14:37,540 --> 02:14:41,788
trust and creating a sense of safety. Working in partnership

1814
02:14:41,788 --> 02:14:44,508
with the city to ensure local needs are met, fostering

1815
02:14:44,508 --> 02:14:48,712
a safer and more connected community. Just reviewing some of

1816
02:14:48,712 --> 02:14:55,877
our divisional achievements for 2024. One of the highlights for

1817
02:14:55,877 --> 02:14:59,397
me this year was the inception of our integrated crisis

1818
02:14:59,397 --> 02:15:03,690
response team, which started in January. This team has consistently

1819
02:15:03,690 --> 02:15:09,095
demonstrated the impact of this collaboration with interior health. And

1820
02:15:09,095 --> 02:15:12,215
what it brings to our community. This team has responded

1821
02:15:12,215 --> 02:15:16,695
to over 500 calls for service and provided over 280

1822
02:15:16,695 --> 02:15:22,510
referrals connecting and supporting those experiencing mental health. And crisis

1823
02:15:22,510 --> 02:15:26,750
or drug addictions. They've worked with those experiencing homelessness, supported

1824
02:15:26,750 --> 02:15:29,390
youth in crisis. And can you continue to make efforts

1825
02:15:29,390 --> 02:15:34,430
to extend their services and outreach? Having three amazing nurses

1826
02:15:34,430 --> 02:15:38,830
and two eager constables working within the detachment. The relationship.

1827
02:15:39,964 --> 02:15:43,244
Has naturally fostered mentorship, a greater understanding of mental health,

1828
02:15:43,244 --> 02:15:46,364
and the impacts within the policing world. As we work

1829
02:15:46,364 --> 02:15:49,204
to provide the best police in response to our community.

1830
02:15:49,204 --> 02:15:51,364
We know that the work being led by this program

1831
02:15:51,364 --> 02:15:55,067
has provided vital support to those in need. While freeing

1832
02:15:55,067 --> 02:15:57,947
up our frontline teams to respond to police related matters

1833
02:15:57,947 --> 02:16:02,008
within the city. I look forward to discussions next year

1834
02:16:02,008 --> 02:16:04,208
whether we will need to expand this program based on

1835
02:16:04,208 --> 02:16:08,066
the evidence, data and needs of our community. Furthermore, this

1836
02:16:08,066 --> 02:16:11,746
summer we saw the implementation of our inadmissible patrons pilot

1837
02:16:11,746 --> 02:16:16,626
project, a collaboration with the Penticton RCMP, City of Penticton,

1838
02:16:16,626 --> 02:16:21,466
local hotels, restaurants and licensed establishments to enhance security and

1839
02:16:21,466 --> 02:16:28,451
prevent criminal activities. The strategy seeks. To deter gang members

1840
02:16:28,451 --> 02:16:32,851
and their associates from engaging in legal activities in Pentictin.

1841
02:16:32,851 --> 02:16:37,451
Our objectives were to ensure public safety, patron safety and

1842
02:16:37,451 --> 02:16:40,611
staff safety, and we're proud to report that. We have

1843
02:16:40,611 --> 02:16:45,251
five hotels currently participating, along with 13 liquor or dining

1844
02:16:45,251 --> 02:16:49,046
establishments and other two commercial. Locations. This has been a

1845
02:16:49,046 --> 02:16:52,246
great response and I look forward to reporting more out

1846
02:16:52,246 --> 02:16:57,446
on that during the summer. Overall, property crime reduction is

1847
02:16:57,446 --> 02:17:00,446
down a total of 16%, and we continue to make

1848
02:17:00,446 --> 02:17:04,126
efforts to maintain proactive work in the identified hotspots to

1849
02:17:04,126 --> 02:17:08,496
deer property crime and other criminal activities. The benefit is

1850
02:17:08,496 --> 02:17:11,776
focusing our finite resources in areas of the city where

1851
02:17:11,776 --> 02:17:14,576
we know that will have the most impacts. We have

1852
02:17:14,576 --> 02:17:17,776
seen the benefits of this work in reduced calls for

1853
02:17:17,776 --> 02:17:20,856
service and areas where both the RCMP and bylaws have

1854
02:17:20,856 --> 02:17:24,715
been present. We've also seen that the continued partnership and

1855
02:17:24,715 --> 02:17:28,075
collaboration has been key to success in public. Safety within

1856
02:17:28,075 --> 02:17:31,075
our communities. In the last twelve months, as the officer

1857
02:17:31,075 --> 02:17:35,035
in charge, I've had the opportunity to meet, strategize, plan

1858
02:17:35,035 --> 02:17:39,155
and rekindle relationships with many key community partners social service

1859
02:17:39,155 --> 02:17:43,750
sectors health, education and business group. Groups. It is through

1860
02:17:43,750 --> 02:17:46,590
the initiation of these connections that we can continue to

1861
02:17:46,590 --> 02:17:50,384
build a safer and more connected community. I will continue

1862
02:17:50,384 --> 02:17:53,144
to make efforts to reach out, connect, and listen as

1863
02:17:53,144 --> 02:17:56,064
we work to plan for the next three years, I'm

1864
02:17:56,064 --> 02:17:59,144
truly energized by what has already been accomplished. In twelve

1865
02:17:59,144 --> 02:18:03,925
months. Additionally, one of the things that I heard from

1866
02:18:03,925 --> 02:18:06,925
all of the groups was, why doesn't the RCMP do

1867
02:18:06,925 --> 02:18:12,863
a better job at telling their story. So what we

1868
02:18:12,863 --> 02:18:15,743
did was we set out to acquire additional training within.

1869
02:18:16,993 --> 02:18:20,898
The municipality. As it relates to media relations. To enhance

1870
02:18:20,898 --> 02:18:24,778
our formalized messaging to the community, we created our social

1871
02:18:24,778 --> 02:18:29,538
media platform with over 120 crime prevention, public safety, and

1872
02:18:29,538 --> 02:18:34,978
or community engagement messages and worked extensively with our communications

1873
02:18:34,978 --> 02:18:37,658
team here at the city to really amp up our

1874
02:18:37,658 --> 02:18:42,734
profile. There has been a revitalization of intelligenceled, proactive enforcement

1875
02:18:42,734 --> 02:18:46,254
strategies in relation to the repeat offender management and hotspot

1876
02:18:46,254 --> 02:18:50,414
patrols, which has led to over 330 hours of proactive

1877
02:18:50,414 --> 02:18:53,694
police patrols and identified high crime areas since March of

1878
02:18:53,694 --> 02:19:00,964
2024. New has also been information sharing initiated between bylaw

1879
02:19:00,964 --> 02:19:05,444
services and the RCMP in relation to hotspot patrols, maximizing

1880
02:19:05,444 --> 02:19:08,604
resources to address the areas within the city most impacted

1881
02:19:08,604 --> 02:19:13,043
by property. Crime. The initiation of joint patrols within bylaw

1882
02:19:13,043 --> 02:19:18,163
services will have greater success and is forecasted to be

1883
02:19:18,163 --> 02:19:20,563
something that will be able to report out with the

1884
02:19:20,563 --> 02:19:24,247
creation of a new community safety unit. More hours of

1885
02:19:24,247 --> 02:19:29,531
coverage. By our indigenous policing services, both. On PIB and

1886
02:19:29,531 --> 02:19:33,091
within the municipality, extending their hours to allow them to

1887
02:19:33,091 --> 02:19:38,771
be more present in community, increasing that sense of safety.

1888
02:19:38,771 --> 02:19:42,811
Updated technology within our detachment in relation to monitoring equipment,

1889
02:19:42,811 --> 02:19:46,691
which was completed in 2024, and this has been an

1890
02:19:46,691 --> 02:19:49,494
incredible win for the detachment. En. Ensuring that we are

1891
02:19:49,494 --> 02:19:53,294
compliant with provincial policing standards and improving our ability to

1892
02:19:53,294 --> 02:19:58,202
provide quality, best evidence to BC prosecution services. Those are

1893
02:19:58,202 --> 02:20:01,282
just some of the many highlights from the RCMP for

1894
02:20:01,282 --> 02:20:03,562
this year, and some of the things that I would

1895
02:20:03,562 --> 02:20:09,490
like. To also showcase to Councillor is that was not

1896
02:20:09,490 --> 02:20:17,292
captured. In the 2025 2020. Nine plan. Is the additional

1897
02:20:17,292 --> 02:20:22,576
key performance indicators. We will be reporting out on. Onto

1898
02:20:22,576 --> 02:20:26,096
first and foremost is our proactive press releases. We are

1899
02:20:26,096 --> 02:20:29,056
seeking to make sure that we are proactively engaging formally

1900
02:20:29,056 --> 02:20:32,607
through media at least twice a month. And we'll be

1901
02:20:32,607 --> 02:20:36,767
sharing. Those wins through social media and through connection with

1902
02:20:36,767 --> 02:20:40,927
our public safety team here at city, through our community

1903
02:20:40,927 --> 02:20:44,986
consultation process. Like I already spoke about was that ability

1904
02:20:44,986 --> 02:20:47,306
to tell our story in a better way in a

1905
02:20:47,306 --> 02:20:50,546
more timely manner and making sure that it is not

1906
02:20:50,546 --> 02:20:53,786
just reporting about a specific crime that occurred. On that

1907
02:20:53,786 --> 02:20:57,346
day, but being able to proactively send out public safety

1908
02:20:57,346 --> 02:20:59,506
messaging on trends that we are seeing within the community.

1909
02:21:01,098 --> 02:21:04,418
Working in partnership with city Communications will remain a priority

1910
02:21:04,418 --> 02:21:10,427
for this year. Also. In May of 2024. We also

1911
02:21:10,427 --> 02:21:14,343
showcased. The social media platform, which we've already spoken about

1912
02:21:14,343 --> 02:21:17,223
here in my presentation, but we will be reporting out

1913
02:21:17,223 --> 02:21:20,263
on public safety messaging as one of our key performance

1914
02:21:20,263 --> 02:21:27,771
indicators. Also proposed for the initiatives for this year. They

1915
02:21:27,771 --> 02:21:33,086
are in line with our 2024 2027 strategic plan. Which

1916
02:21:33,086 --> 02:21:36,646
I've spoken about many times to Councillor. Connected for a

1917
02:21:36,646 --> 02:21:41,378
safer city with four key areas of focus. Connecting connection

1918
02:21:41,378 --> 02:21:45,858
which is connect vulnerable people with appropriate supports impact crime

1919
02:21:45,858 --> 02:21:50,538
trends through intelligenceled strategies advanced partnerships for natural and human

1920
02:21:50,538 --> 02:21:54,968
cause disasters and drive results together. I will just quickly

1921
02:21:54,968 --> 02:21:57,768
highlight some of the initiatives that we will be focusing

1922
02:21:57,768 --> 02:22:02,770
on under each of. These pillars within our strategic plan.

1923
02:22:04,319 --> 02:22:08,933
So for. Connection. Collaborate with the RCMP community policing and

1924
02:22:08,933 --> 02:22:14,093
bylaw services for a youth liaison position to engage proactively

1925
02:22:14,093 --> 02:22:18,937
with at risk use and connect through education. Through the

1926
02:22:18,937 --> 02:22:22,795
school district and other platforms within the community. We are

1927
02:22:22,795 --> 02:22:26,235
also requesting an assessment and laying the groundwork for the

1928
02:22:26,235 --> 02:22:29,195
establishment of a child and youth advocacy center within the

1929
02:22:29,195 --> 02:22:34,095
municipality. The creation of a community safety unit, which will

1930
02:22:34,095 --> 02:22:37,415
be one of my requests to counsel today with a

1931
02:22:37,415 --> 02:22:42,455
primary mandate to collaborate with bylaws, provide youth outreach and

1932
02:22:42,455 --> 02:22:46,624
support to our most at risk within the community. This

1933
02:22:46,624 --> 02:22:49,984
will be a team that supports the integrated crisis response

1934
02:22:49,984 --> 02:22:53,464
team to improve outreach to those experiencing mental health and

1935
02:22:53,464 --> 02:22:59,091
substance abuse. And those also experiencing homelessness and be a

1936
02:22:59,091 --> 02:23:04,788
primary connection. To our shelters within the community. And in

1937
02:23:04,788 --> 02:23:08,908
addition, advancement of our equity, diversity and inclusion. Training within

1938
02:23:08,908 --> 02:23:12,988
the detachment focused on a trauma informed response to gender

1939
02:23:12,988 --> 02:23:18,690
based violent crimes. So to impact crime, I spoke earlier

1940
02:23:18,690 --> 02:23:22,490
about seeking a grant application for site funding. This is

1941
02:23:22,490 --> 02:23:31,746
through the provincial revoi program. Specifically requesting camera equipment.

1942
02:23:33,171 --> 02:23:36,411
In areas within the community, specifically this summer, where we

1943
02:23:36,411 --> 02:23:38,971
saw an increase in violent crime in an effort to

1944
02:23:38,971 --> 02:23:44,651
deter crime and or more effectively investigate these incidents further.

1945
02:23:44,651 --> 02:23:49,066
Collaboration with bylaw services. Completing such things as crime prevention

1946
02:23:49,066 --> 02:23:52,266
through environmental design or Sept, as you may have heard

1947
02:23:52,266 --> 02:23:55,346
it be. Called and Nanaima Square and other areas that

1948
02:23:55,346 --> 02:24:01,107
may have been identified through our hotspot. Initiatives. Proactive communication

1949
02:24:01,107 --> 02:24:03,547
in relation to crime trends, with a focus on crime

1950
02:24:03,547 --> 02:24:07,387
prevention and collaboration with our community policing team here in

1951
02:24:07,387 --> 02:24:14,448
the south, Okanagan. This is to advance preparedness for national

1952
02:24:14,448 --> 02:24:22,117
and human cause. Disasters working interagency training such as with

1953
02:24:22,117 --> 02:24:25,117
the winter shelter, the school district, the Penticton Indian Band

1954
02:24:25,117 --> 02:24:29,800
and the Penticton Regional Airport. And establishing the RCMP command

1955
02:24:29,800 --> 02:24:31,920
center, which I think you all had an opportunity to

1956
02:24:31,920 --> 02:24:35,509
see last. Week with the tour. And the area we

1957
02:24:35,509 --> 02:24:40,733
have identified for that renovation. And lastly, this is where

1958
02:24:40,733 --> 02:24:44,013
we work together as a detachment with the city to

1959
02:24:44,013 --> 02:24:47,133
drive results together. And this is where we come and

1960
02:24:47,133 --> 02:24:50,453
prioritize as a team what we would like led. In

1961
02:24:50,453 --> 02:24:53,453
the detachment, and it doesn't always have to be led

1962
02:24:53,453 --> 02:24:57,933
by the senior leadership team. By leaders identified from within

1963
02:24:57,933 --> 02:25:03,213
the detachment in areas such as increased our wellness initiatives

1964
02:25:03,213 --> 02:25:08,733
within the detachment employee engagement and training opportunities that are

1965
02:25:08,733 --> 02:25:13,253
modern and progressive leadership and development opportunities at all ranks

1966
02:25:13,253 --> 02:25:18,358
within the detachment in all category of employee. The proposed

1967
02:25:18,358 --> 02:25:22,198
creation of the operational review unit, which will lead enhanced

1968
02:25:22,198 --> 02:25:26,758
investigation capacity in the pursuit of organizational excellence regarding member

1969
02:25:26,758 --> 02:25:31,875
and municipal employee levels of service and expectations. Assessing the

1970
02:25:31,875 --> 02:25:35,515
renewal of the Pentictin traffic section and if we have

1971
02:25:35,515 --> 02:25:39,595
the resources available to reanimate that team within the detachment

1972
02:25:39,595 --> 02:25:43,778
will be a priority for this year. And internal reorganization

1973
02:25:43,778 --> 02:25:46,698
of our command structure within front line, which I will

1974
02:25:46,698 --> 02:25:49,138
speak about a little bit. Later on in my presentation.

1975
02:25:50,258 --> 02:25:52,338
I think one of the things that's really important today.

1976
02:25:55,675 --> 02:25:58,395
Is to be able to discuss with Councillor the work

1977
02:25:58,395 --> 02:26:02,596
that we've done internally. To really? Are we operating in

1978
02:26:02,596 --> 02:26:05,649
the best way that we can? Are we? A modern

1979
02:26:05,649 --> 02:26:10,209
and progressive detachment. We're in a small municipality within the

1980
02:26:10,209 --> 02:26:13,289
province and making sure that we are keeping up with.

1981
02:26:14,682 --> 02:26:18,242
Policing trends as it relates to how we conduct business

1982
02:26:18,242 --> 02:26:20,922
before we come to Councillor making these types. Of requests.

1983
02:26:22,287 --> 02:26:24,047
And so the team really leaned in on that, and

1984
02:26:24,047 --> 02:26:26,367
I'd like just to highlight some of the things that

1985
02:26:26,367 --> 02:26:30,941
we were able to be successful with this year. So

1986
02:26:30,941 --> 02:26:34,384
conducting the review in itself. And really, where do we

1987
02:26:34,384 --> 02:26:36,784
want to be three years from now? As a police

1988
02:26:36,784 --> 02:26:39,784
detachment. And what are some of the units that we

1989
02:26:39,784 --> 02:26:44,627
should be thinking about creating. Or. Are the teams that

1990
02:26:44,627 --> 02:26:48,227
we have created really providing the best response? And so

1991
02:26:48,227 --> 02:26:51,427
that was the review. Of our crime reduction unit and

1992
02:26:51,427 --> 02:26:53,907
making sure that their mandate was on point. And where

1993
02:26:53,907 --> 02:26:57,027
we saw the greatest risk to the community and making

1994
02:26:57,027 --> 02:27:02,271
sure that. We had a scope that. Could be measured

1995
02:27:02,271 --> 02:27:06,711
successfully. So we reviewed our repeat offender management team in

1996
02:27:06,711 --> 02:27:09,631
our program and how that was being deployed within the

1997
02:27:09,631 --> 02:27:13,111
city to make sure we could best address those people

1998
02:27:13,111 --> 02:27:17,051
that were driving. Up. Our crime rate in relation to

1999
02:27:17,051 --> 02:27:20,977
property crime. And basically, we also made sure that if

2000
02:27:20,977 --> 02:27:25,108
there was an opportunity. To task work that was being

2001
02:27:25,108 --> 02:27:29,708
conducted by your frontline officers to the appropriate municipal employee,

2002
02:27:29,708 --> 02:27:33,308
making sure that was freeing up valuable time from officers

2003
02:27:33,308 --> 02:27:35,068
for them to be able to get back out. Onto

2004
02:27:35,068 --> 02:27:38,148
the road. And so really leaning into both Ken and

2005
02:27:38,148 --> 02:27:41,948
Randy's team with our municipal employees and being able to

2006
02:27:41,948 --> 02:27:45,252
task them with additional work. So it will allow officers

2007
02:27:45,252 --> 02:27:50,120
to be out on the road proactively investigating. And being

2008
02:27:50,120 --> 02:27:54,763
present within the community. We also continue to see the

2009
02:27:54,763 --> 02:27:58,963
income coming from our digital forensic trios team. I know,

2010
02:27:58,963 --> 02:28:00,963
Ange. Is always pleased when we can say that we

2011
02:28:00,963 --> 02:28:03,683
are bringing in funds to the municipality, so thank you

2012
02:28:03,683 --> 02:28:07,698
again for that continued support. We have seen that this

2013
02:28:07,698 --> 02:28:12,178
really allows for a more timely examination of evidence and

2014
02:28:12,178 --> 02:28:16,278
our ability. To prepare reports to crown and present that

2015
02:28:16,278 --> 02:28:18,878
evidence for charge assessment. So we will continue to see

2016
02:28:18,878 --> 02:28:21,078
the benefits of that, and I know that we are

2017
02:28:21,078 --> 02:28:23,998
heavily tasked with that. One of the things that I

2018
02:28:23,998 --> 02:28:26,318
don't want to take credit for, but I know it

2019
02:28:26,318 --> 02:28:30,638
was in play, just. Before I arrived. So 2023. 2024.

2020
02:28:30,638 --> 02:28:32,918
But the city has really seen the benefit of the

2021
02:28:32,918 --> 02:28:36,119
staffing of the regional. Operations position, which is not municipally

2022
02:28:36,119 --> 02:28:40,957
funded, but. This position was vital because some of the

2023
02:28:40,957 --> 02:28:44,077
work that was being tasked to your municipally funded staff

2024
02:28:44,077 --> 02:28:49,437
surgeons was being done. For the region. And so the

2025
02:28:49,437 --> 02:28:52,637
creation of the staff sergeants that the regional operations staff

2026
02:28:52,637 --> 02:28:55,957
surgeon Dan Pollock has taken on that work. And so

2027
02:28:55,957 --> 02:28:58,957
the work, now that you see Bob and Andrew is

2028
02:28:58,957 --> 02:29:01,597
for the municipality and making sure they can focus the

2029
02:29:01,597 --> 02:29:05,749
work that they're doing. For those positions within the city

2030
02:29:05,749 --> 02:29:08,949
was so vital, and we've seen the benefit of Dan's.

2031
02:29:08,949 --> 02:29:13,080
Position. And him being appropriately tasked with that work to

2032
02:29:13,080 --> 02:29:16,256
the region. So making sure that we could focus the

2033
02:29:16,256 --> 02:29:19,696
work that both Andrew and Bob were doing back to

2034
02:29:19,696 --> 02:29:22,056
where they're funded to be, if that makes sense. So

2035
02:29:22,056 --> 02:29:24,936
hopefully I explained that well enough. Happy to answer questions

2036
02:29:24,936 --> 02:29:29,867
on that. Creating opportunities for shared response with bylaw. And

2037
02:29:29,867 --> 02:29:33,347
this was key, as we did the bylaw review with

2038
02:29:33,347 --> 02:29:36,267
Miss Check and the work that was being tasked with

2039
02:29:36,267 --> 02:29:40,827
both the RCmp and bylaw services and making sure that

2040
02:29:40,827 --> 02:29:45,147
they were lawful in their response and being tasked appropriately

2041
02:29:45,147 --> 02:29:48,713
and for those calls of service. But also, when possible,

2042
02:29:48,713 --> 02:29:53,793
a shared response was so vital to our ability. To

2043
02:29:53,793 --> 02:30:00,626
quickly. See the benefit of. A two agency response and

2044
02:30:00,626 --> 02:30:03,826
so more to follow out on that. But I think

2045
02:30:03,826 --> 02:30:07,186
less calls for service or less questions about which department

2046
02:30:07,186 --> 02:30:10,772
was going to be taking that call. And definitely more

2047
02:30:10,772 --> 02:30:15,163
clarity on that piece was a win. I spoke on

2048
02:30:15,163 --> 02:30:19,323
our last quarterly report about public works collaboration with Ms.

2049
02:30:19,323 --> 02:30:22,603
Dixon in regards to where we see trends as it

2050
02:30:22,603 --> 02:30:26,083
relates to areas where we have lots of traffic complaints,

2051
02:30:26,083 --> 02:30:30,243
traffic accidents and if there is work to collaborate there,

2052
02:30:30,243 --> 02:30:32,483
and I think we'll continue to see some of the

2053
02:30:32,483 --> 02:30:35,608
benefits of that. More so in 2000. And 25. But

2054
02:30:35,608 --> 02:30:39,488
that work was started this year, the camera program, and

2055
02:30:39,488 --> 02:30:41,608
I know that was supported. By the city. But I

2056
02:30:41,608 --> 02:30:45,408
think being able to liaise of the downtown business association.

2057
02:30:46,663 --> 02:30:49,063
On that work and making sure that we can help

2058
02:30:49,063 --> 02:30:51,023
inform them as it relates to some of the decision

2059
02:30:51,023 --> 02:30:57,175
making on that, so. That was. Inefficiency because. We will

2060
02:30:57,175 --> 02:31:01,629
see the benefit of the evidence. When we lawfully secure

2061
02:31:01,629 --> 02:31:03,629
it from them as it relates to some of the

2062
02:31:03,629 --> 02:31:09,903
property crime businesses. Are experiencing. And lastly. This is a

2063
02:31:09,903 --> 02:31:13,063
great deal of work done by Staff Sergeant Bayless, and

2064
02:31:13,063 --> 02:31:16,823
we have done a reorganization of our frontline supervision. We

2065
02:31:16,823 --> 02:31:19,823
identified the need for guidance and mentorship on the road.

2066
02:31:19,823 --> 02:31:23,543
And the way we were organized internally, we had watches

2067
02:31:23,543 --> 02:31:26,303
that were run by a watch commander of the rank

2068
02:31:26,303 --> 02:31:30,964
of corporal. And so we relied on. Senior constables to

2069
02:31:30,964 --> 02:31:35,489
provide supervision on the road. And mentorship as we are

2070
02:31:35,489 --> 02:31:40,314
responding for calls to service. We were able to reorganize,

2071
02:31:40,314 --> 02:31:43,074
and we will now be staffing each watch with a

2072
02:31:43,074 --> 02:31:48,510
sergeant. So now, with two positions going to sergeant rank,

2073
02:31:48,510 --> 02:31:53,350
we will have four frontline corporals on. The road. Supervising

2074
02:31:53,350 --> 02:31:58,087
this will be key. To pushing our members to be

2075
02:31:58,087 --> 02:32:01,847
more proactive in those areas where we see property crime

2076
02:32:01,847 --> 02:32:06,087
taking place be more visible in relation to road checks.

2077
02:32:07,612 --> 02:32:09,692
I heard at the open house about wanting to see

2078
02:32:09,692 --> 02:32:13,412
us out there doing traffic enforcement, but also just making

2079
02:32:13,412 --> 02:32:16,772
sure that we're providing that best police response, and it's

2080
02:32:16,772 --> 02:32:20,052
so key. As we have junior members on the road,

2081
02:32:20,052 --> 02:32:23,012
that they're guided in how we respond to those calls

2082
02:32:23,012 --> 02:32:26,033
for service. So in the new year, you will see

2083
02:32:26,033 --> 02:32:31,485
four watches being supervised by a sergeant. And four corporals

2084
02:32:31,485 --> 02:32:34,445
on the road supervising our frontline teams, and I think

2085
02:32:34,445 --> 02:32:37,965
that will be a huge win for 2025, and we

2086
02:32:37,965 --> 02:32:40,965
were able to do that all internally before I come.

2087
02:32:40,965 --> 02:32:43,125
To you today making the asks that I will be.

2088
02:32:45,330 --> 02:32:47,690
So details for the RCMP budget can be found on

2089
02:32:47,690 --> 02:32:52,170
pages 163 to 164 of the plan for the 2025

2090
02:32:52,170 --> 02:32:54,690
proposed budget. The net cost for the RCMP is budgeted

2091
02:32:54,690 --> 02:32:58,490
at $15.3 million, an increase of 1.1 million from the

2092
02:32:58,490 --> 02:33:03,574
2024 budget. Revenues for the RCMP consists of recoveries of

2093
02:33:03,574 --> 02:33:07,574
services provided and have increased 155,000. Specifically for the DfT

2094
02:33:07,574 --> 02:33:12,550
work that Superintendent McKinney mentioned before. 98% of the RCMP

2095
02:33:12,550 --> 02:33:15,390
expenses consist of labor costs for the municipal employees as

2096
02:33:15,390 --> 02:33:18,470
well as the member contract. These have increased 1.3 million

2097
02:33:18,470 --> 02:33:21,710
overall, with over 700,000 of those increases as a result

2098
02:33:21,710 --> 02:33:25,230
of annual contract inflation. The remaining additional cost for the

2099
02:33:25,230 --> 02:33:27,950
new staffing resources being requested, which will be discussed in

2100
02:33:27,950 --> 02:33:31,737
detail in the next few slides. Key budget drivers for

2101
02:33:31,737 --> 02:33:34,857
the RCMP include the contractual labor increases for both municipal

2102
02:33:34,857 --> 02:33:37,297
employees as well as the members, and in addition to

2103
02:33:37,297 --> 02:33:40,057
the new employee request and member request, that we will

2104
02:33:40,057 --> 02:33:43,057
be talking about over the next few slides here. Well,

2105
02:33:43,057 --> 02:33:45,537
the first proposed initiative for the RCMP is an increase

2106
02:33:45,537 --> 02:33:48,457
of two additional member resources to create a new community

2107
02:33:48,457 --> 02:33:51,503
safety unit. This unit will have a primary. Mandate to

2108
02:33:51,503 --> 02:33:55,183
collaborate with bylaw services, youth outreach, and community engagement. The

2109
02:33:55,183 --> 02:33:57,823
unit will include the integrated crisis response team to improve

2110
02:33:57,823 --> 02:34:01,623
outreach to those experiencing mental health and substance use disorders.

2111
02:34:01,623 --> 02:34:03,623
As the approval of these members by Councillor through budget

2112
02:34:03,623 --> 02:34:06,023
results in a request to provide the members, which generally

2113
02:34:06,023 --> 02:34:09,543
takes twelve months. The $450,000 cost of these members is

2114
02:34:09,543 --> 02:34:12,044
being built until the 2026. Budget to ensure that the

2115
02:34:12,044 --> 02:34:14,444
city isn't taxing the community for service. It will not.

2116
02:34:14,444 --> 02:34:16,724
Receive until the following year. I'll turn it back to

2117
02:34:16,724 --> 02:34:19,404
Superintendent McKandy to provide. Further details on the member request.

2118
02:34:21,141 --> 02:34:24,141
The city of Penticton has continued to make investment in

2119
02:34:24,141 --> 02:34:30,022
public safety, specifically policing, for the last few years. There

2120
02:34:30,022 --> 02:34:32,662
were no additional budget requests made of the city of

2121
02:34:32,662 --> 02:34:37,982
pendiction from the RCMP. In 2024, the Penticton RCMP did

2122
02:34:37,982 --> 02:34:41,902
receive two provincially funded regular member positions that have been

2123
02:34:41,902 --> 02:34:47,747
staffed and one public service employee position. In 2022. As

2124
02:34:47,747 --> 02:34:50,187
you are all aware, the Ministry of Public Safety and

2125
02:34:50,187 --> 02:34:53,227
Solicitor General, policing and security Branch published a review of

2126
02:34:53,227 --> 02:34:58,227
police resources. The report documented that for municipalities, over 15,000

2127
02:34:58,227 --> 02:35:03,211
or higher, the criminal. Code. Criminal code. Caseload per police

2128
02:35:03,211 --> 02:35:08,831
officer in Penticton was 131. Second only to Courtney BC,

2129
02:35:08,831 --> 02:35:13,511
which was at 136 file per police officer. The provincial

2130
02:35:13,511 --> 02:35:18,791
average in modestipalities over 15,000 is 68. We are almost

2131
02:35:18,791 --> 02:35:23,709
twice the provincial average caseload. Per police officer. What are

2132
02:35:23,709 --> 02:35:26,669
results? What are the results of having this workload? There

2133
02:35:26,669 --> 02:35:30,109
are impacts of this workload. On all category of employees

2134
02:35:30,109 --> 02:35:32,989
wellness and our ability to respond to calls for service

2135
02:35:32,989 --> 02:35:37,949
in a timely manner, complete timely investigations, write up, score

2136
02:35:37,949 --> 02:35:42,629
and or categorize and capture, capture accurate information. Or prepare

2137
02:35:42,629 --> 02:35:45,870
the appropria. Appropriate report to Crown counsel for Crown's consideration

2138
02:35:45,870 --> 02:35:49,348
for charges. As the officer in charge, I have to

2139
02:35:49,348 --> 02:35:52,028
ask myself, does this work load impact the quality of

2140
02:35:52,028 --> 02:35:55,801
our investigations. Are we calling people back to provide them

2141
02:35:55,801 --> 02:35:59,721
with appropriate updates in relation to their police complaints? This

2142
02:35:59,721 --> 02:36:02,601
has been identified as a KPI in our detachment, and

2143
02:36:02,601 --> 02:36:04,281
I can say that I know that. There is work

2144
02:36:04,281 --> 02:36:07,268
that still needs to be done in this area. Showing

2145
02:36:07,268 --> 02:36:10,228
up at our best for every citizen remains a priority

2146
02:36:10,228 --> 02:36:12,908
of all of our officers, and we are dedicated and

2147
02:36:12,908 --> 02:36:16,574
working very hard. How long is it taking to get.

2148
02:36:16,574 --> 02:36:20,454
To get to 911 calls? The policing standard is seven

2149
02:36:20,454 --> 02:36:23,334
minutes. And we are not in a position to easily

2150
02:36:23,334 --> 02:36:27,514
gather this information. To provide you a summary of what

2151
02:36:27,514 --> 02:36:31,434
our average response time is, and we are prioritizing. That

2152
02:36:31,434 --> 02:36:34,194
we are able to do that for you in the

2153
02:36:34,194 --> 02:36:36,674
weeks and months ahead. We want to be able to

2154
02:36:36,674 --> 02:36:39,874
better examine our data and better tell our story. We

2155
02:36:39,874 --> 02:36:44,121
currently only have one criminal. Intelligence analyst for the entire

2156
02:36:44,121 --> 02:36:48,921
South Okanagan Samilcomine regional attachment. This position is funded 60%

2157
02:36:48,921 --> 02:36:51,801
by the city of Penticton, and the detachment could use

2158
02:36:51,801 --> 02:36:55,140
her 100% of the time. We are unable to deal

2159
02:36:55,140 --> 02:36:58,793
with our priority. Three and four calls for service adequately.

2160
02:37:00,447 --> 02:37:02,287
There may be some files that we are unable to

2161
02:37:02,287 --> 02:37:05,047
respond to other than providing a file number. For insurance

2162
02:37:05,047 --> 02:37:09,287
purposes or information only. This is not a popular position

2163
02:37:09,287 --> 02:37:11,967
for the police to be in. That being said, this

2164
02:37:11,967 --> 02:37:15,247
is the reality of our current situation. We are still

2165
02:37:15,247 --> 02:37:18,047
asking the public to report crime. If you see something,

2166
02:37:18,047 --> 02:37:20,127
we want you to say. Something. We need to be

2167
02:37:20,127 --> 02:37:22,887
able to capture the totality of what is required for

2168
02:37:22,887 --> 02:37:26,407
police in the city. We are making efforts to proactively

2169
02:37:26,407 --> 02:37:32,190
address crime trends and address repeat. Crime offenders. We are

2170
02:37:32,190 --> 02:37:35,030
constantly hearing about traffic safety issues from the public, and

2171
02:37:35,030 --> 02:37:37,310
my job is to lead a strategy to address our

2172
02:37:37,310 --> 02:37:41,910
obligations under our municipal policing agreement. Balancing the impacts of

2173
02:37:41,910 --> 02:37:45,710
overtast officers what is often unknown by the public and

2174
02:37:45,710 --> 02:37:49,030
local government is a requirement that must be met in

2175
02:37:49,030 --> 02:37:53,500
relation to ongoing police training standards. Mandatory training compliance, which

2176
02:37:53,500 --> 02:37:57,769
is either annual or set out otherwise. I often have

2177
02:37:57,769 --> 02:38:03,144
to consider sick leave injuries and annual leave obligations. To

2178
02:38:03,144 --> 02:38:06,221
just need a few other factors to consider. Our officers

2179
02:38:06,221 --> 02:38:09,301
are tasked with additional responsibilities in relation to court and

2180
02:38:09,301 --> 02:38:13,981
disclosure obligations. More recent case law such as Regina versus

2181
02:38:13,981 --> 02:38:17,781
Jordan or Reginas versus Morocca have placed additional demands on

2182
02:38:17,781 --> 02:38:22,501
our investigators, while digital evidence management requirements to better manage

2183
02:38:22,501 --> 02:38:26,582
our investigations electronically. To ensure we adhere to OB. Obligations

2184
02:38:26,582 --> 02:38:30,352
as to the MoU for the BC prosecution service. There

2185
02:38:30,352 --> 02:38:34,352
are no short of overtime shifts to fill, often reaching

2186
02:38:34,352 --> 02:38:37,432
out to detachments outside of the Sotho Ganagan. We have

2187
02:38:37,432 --> 02:38:40,912
leveraged relations with ships with some of our provincial partners.

2188
02:38:40,912 --> 02:38:45,614
Such as BC highway patrol. There are CFSeu, uniform gain

2189
02:38:45,614 --> 02:38:49,374
task force. As you saw last summer, our southeast district

2190
02:38:49,374 --> 02:38:53,214
major. Crime section and other provincial support units to assist

2191
02:38:53,214 --> 02:38:58,014
with local safety strategies. We have overtast officers and overtast

2192
02:38:58,014 --> 02:39:02,054
municipal watch clerks and support staff. Officers are tied to

2193
02:39:02,054 --> 02:39:05,494
their desks, trying to address outstanding investigations and requirements of

2194
02:39:05,494 --> 02:39:09,334
disclosure resulting in left officers on the road, being visible

2195
02:39:09,334 --> 02:39:12,974
and proactive. Our watch clerk should be assisting more with

2196
02:39:12,974 --> 02:39:16,837
frontline operations, but instead they are tasked. With other aspects

2197
02:39:16,837 --> 02:39:20,383
of file intake and management. Tasked with high risk work

2198
02:39:20,383 --> 02:39:23,303
that is part of the essential foundation of our ability

2199
02:39:23,303 --> 02:39:27,783
to respond, investigate. And engage and collect essential crime data.

2200
02:39:27,783 --> 02:39:31,559
There's more to follow on that particular topic. I mentioned,

2201
02:39:31,559 --> 02:39:34,919
we have done considerable work to examine our internal process

2202
02:39:34,919 --> 02:39:38,479
and looked more effectively deploy resources. While tasking work to

2203
02:39:38,479 --> 02:39:41,944
the correct level of employee. We were able to get

2204
02:39:41,944 --> 02:39:44,824
four additional resources on the road I told you earlier

2205
02:39:44,824 --> 02:39:48,624
about by adjusting our internal structure. We will see this

2206
02:39:48,624 --> 02:39:53,824
time, this come to fruition in 2025. That being said,

2207
02:39:53,824 --> 02:39:56,664
we have been asked to commit to additional activities in

2208
02:39:56,664 --> 02:39:59,784
the cities, such as the temporary winter shelter and the

2209
02:39:59,784 --> 02:40:03,811
increased partnership with. Bylaws. This is innovative and strategic work,

2210
02:40:03,811 --> 02:40:07,545
yet continues to task our staff. With the creation of

2211
02:40:07,545 --> 02:40:10,945
a community safe unit. It will include the integrated Crisis

2212
02:40:10,945 --> 02:40:15,225
response team, a wraparound response to supporting those experiencing mental

2213
02:40:15,225 --> 02:40:19,145
health addictions crisis while adding an additional layer in relation

2214
02:40:19,145 --> 02:40:22,625
to homelessness and the pediction RCMP's prior to connecting those

2215
02:40:22,625 --> 02:40:25,985
in our community with the correct supports the community safety.

2216
02:40:27,328 --> 02:40:29,208
Unit officers will work in partnership with the City of

2217
02:40:29,208 --> 02:40:34,008
Penticton Bylaw Services, the school district, community policing and other

2218
02:40:34,008 --> 02:40:37,956
key community partners. This team's mandate will include share patrols

2219
02:40:37,956 --> 02:40:42,036
in response with bylaws to address social issues, encampments, problem

2220
02:40:42,036 --> 02:40:46,996
property compliance and liaison with community shelters. Proactively engaging with

2221
02:40:46,996 --> 02:40:50,796
at risk Youth Business Association, a liaison and during the

2222
02:40:50,796 --> 02:40:54,676
summer months conduct high visibility foot and bike patrols. This

2223
02:40:54,676 --> 02:40:57,584
is a lofty mandate and. Will be implemented in a

2224
02:40:57,584 --> 02:41:01,584
phased approach based on the priority and greatest impact the

2225
02:41:01,584 --> 02:41:04,384
creation of this team aligns with the recommendations made in

2226
02:41:04,384 --> 02:41:07,024
the public safety review and seeks to shift some of

2227
02:41:07,024 --> 02:41:10,344
the work tasked to frontline officers to this integrated team

2228
02:41:10,344 --> 02:41:13,464
within the detachment. We want to make every effort to

2229
02:41:13,464 --> 02:41:17,287
provide the best response to those within our community. Are

2230
02:41:17,287 --> 02:41:22,003
experiencing crisis implementing a trauma informed response to services. Remains,

2231
02:41:22,003 --> 02:41:25,843
pardon me, remains a priority. And freeing up officers call

2232
02:41:25,843 --> 02:41:29,003
to attend for calls for service and related to unwanted

2233
02:41:29,003 --> 02:41:32,523
persons will impact their abilities to better respond and truly

2234
02:41:32,523 --> 02:41:36,243
implement the practice of trauma. Informed policing, supporting those who

2235
02:41:36,243 --> 02:41:40,203
have been impacted by violence or indoor repeat offenders. The

2236
02:41:40,203 --> 02:41:42,452
creation of a community safe. Safety team within the city

2237
02:41:42,452 --> 02:41:46,732
of Penticton is modern, progressive response to policing. This team

2238
02:41:46,732 --> 02:41:50,172
will start the creation of a foundational infrastructure in what

2239
02:41:50,172 --> 02:41:54,394
is needed within the city of pennticton. So the second

2240
02:41:54,394 --> 02:41:57,874
request is to increase municipal employee resources by two FTE

2241
02:41:57,874 --> 02:42:02,114
and implement an operational review unit staffed by operational reviewers

2242
02:42:02,114 --> 02:42:05,994
at a cost of $189,000. These new positions will assume

2243
02:42:05,994 --> 02:42:08,954
high level tasks from noncommissioned officers and watch clerks and

2244
02:42:08,954 --> 02:42:11,474
is strongly recommended due to the complex and high risk

2245
02:42:11,474 --> 02:42:15,226
nature of file review again. I'll let Superintendent McKinney speak

2246
02:42:15,226 --> 02:42:19,054
further to this request. What was really important, and I

2247
02:42:19,054 --> 02:42:21,134
think we had an opportunity to do it last week

2248
02:42:21,134 --> 02:42:26,590
when you had a tour of the facilities. Is really,

2249
02:42:26,590 --> 02:42:30,030
how are we supported internally by our municipal staff, who

2250
02:42:30,030 --> 02:42:32,230
really are the foundation of the work that we do.

2251
02:42:33,511 --> 02:42:35,431
In the detachment. And so I want to just summarize

2252
02:42:35,431 --> 02:42:38,231
for you how we are set. Up internally as it

2253
02:42:38,231 --> 02:42:42,071
relates to our watch clerks, which are four municipal staff

2254
02:42:42,071 --> 02:42:45,031
that support each of our four watches. A, B, C

2255
02:42:45,031 --> 02:42:48,990
and D watch. So currently, each of our four frontline

2256
02:42:48,990 --> 02:42:51,950
watches is supported by a watch clerk. This position remains

2257
02:42:51,950 --> 02:42:55,710
the primary support to the watch members, the watch commander

2258
02:42:55,710 --> 02:42:58,952
and the senior patrol sergeant. They are tasked with the

2259
02:42:58,952 --> 02:43:01,752
first and most critical step in file and take outside

2260
02:43:01,752 --> 02:43:05,712
of the initial police response. So once the file has

2261
02:43:05,712 --> 02:43:09,472
been dispatched by our operational call center in Kelowna, the

2262
02:43:09,472 --> 02:43:12,912
file is reviewed, scored in terms of entering the correct

2263
02:43:12,912 --> 02:43:16,472
crime type based on the nature of the call details

2264
02:43:16,472 --> 02:43:20,604
and the initial police response. By our watch clerks. This

2265
02:43:20,604 --> 02:43:23,804
response is then reviewed. This scoring and review can trigger

2266
02:43:23,804 --> 02:43:26,924
a number of other steps in the records management process.

2267
02:43:26,924 --> 02:43:29,684
Depending on the initial scoring done by the watch clerks,

2268
02:43:31,253 --> 02:43:33,853
This can be described as the building of the foundation

2269
02:43:33,853 --> 02:43:37,373
of our records management system. This is a huge responsibility.

2270
02:43:38,700 --> 02:43:41,660
Holds a certain level of risk and require significant experience

2271
02:43:41,660 --> 02:43:44,380
to get it right. This work is taking away from

2272
02:43:44,380 --> 02:43:47,580
the support that is typically assigned to the watch clerks,

2273
02:43:47,580 --> 02:43:52,780
like assisting the watch commander with supporting operations, overtime callouts,

2274
02:43:52,780 --> 02:43:56,940
managing members, court schedules, and Justin entries, which is the

2275
02:43:56,940 --> 02:44:00,600
platform we use. To schedule officers. To attend court. The

2276
02:44:00,600 --> 02:44:05,768
transcription of statements. Are frontline disclosure preparation, which will now

2277
02:44:05,768 --> 02:44:09,168
include preparation of body worn camera material, which we now

2278
02:44:09,168 --> 02:44:13,101
know is coming in February. Assisting with the preparation for

2279
02:44:13,101 --> 02:44:15,661
bale hub, which is when we have someone in custody

2280
02:44:15,661 --> 02:44:18,061
and they are being required to be brought before a

2281
02:44:18,061 --> 02:44:20,959
judge. There are just a few. These are just a

2282
02:44:20,959 --> 02:44:24,919
few tasks given to our watch clerks. If they are

2283
02:44:24,919 --> 02:44:27,639
over task. We are having to pay additional staff to

2284
02:44:27,639 --> 02:44:31,759
come in and transcribe statements. Which are required for disclosure.

2285
02:44:31,759 --> 02:44:34,639
This will hold up the ability to disclose in a

2286
02:44:34,639 --> 02:44:37,239
timely manner if our watch clerks are tasked with all

2287
02:44:37,239 --> 02:44:41,543
the jobs I've described above. This. Creates an additional delay.

2288
02:44:41,543 --> 02:44:44,927
And as you can see, There is a domino effect.

2289
02:44:44,927 --> 02:44:48,487
With the creation of the two person operational review Unit,

2290
02:44:48,487 --> 02:44:51,367
watch clerks will be tasked appropriately with work they should

2291
02:44:51,367 --> 02:44:55,127
be expected to do as a watch clerk, freeing them

2292
02:44:55,127 --> 02:44:58,247
to better support frontline teams. The goal of freeing up

2293
02:44:58,247 --> 02:45:01,807
officers to more quickly respond to calls for service conduct

2294
02:45:01,807 --> 02:45:06,882
more timely investigations. And resulting in earlier submissions to report

2295
02:45:06,882 --> 02:45:12,380
to Crown counsel. Assisting the watch commanders in tracking the

2296
02:45:12,380 --> 02:45:16,660
progress of complex and high risk files. The operational review

2297
02:45:16,660 --> 02:45:20,380
team will ensure best practice and inheritance to policy in

2298
02:45:20,380 --> 02:45:25,260
relation to intimate partner violence, sex crimes investigations and making

2299
02:45:25,260 --> 02:45:28,220
sure that we have applied the principles of trauma informed

2300
02:45:28,220 --> 02:45:31,850
policing to some of these high risk. Files. They will

2301
02:45:31,850 --> 02:45:35,330
also be assigning administrative follow ups and alerting frontline road

2302
02:45:35,330 --> 02:45:39,450
supervisors to files that require attention either with investigative follow

2303
02:45:39,450 --> 02:45:45,610
up victim management strategies or prescribe dates for judicial authorizations.

2304
02:45:45,610 --> 02:45:51,147
Some of these authorizations allow us to retain exhibits. And

2305
02:45:51,147 --> 02:45:55,107
evidence before charges have been approved. And if we fail

2306
02:45:55,107 --> 02:45:58,209
to complete those in the 90 days. We will lose

2307
02:45:58,209 --> 02:46:01,609
the ability to retain that evidence which is given permission

2308
02:46:01,609 --> 02:46:04,169
by this document. I'm. Talking about. So this is something

2309
02:46:04,169 --> 02:46:09,675
that has always existed but definitely become more apparent. And

2310
02:46:09,675 --> 02:46:11,795
the police are more heavily scrutinized on this in the

2311
02:46:11,795 --> 02:46:16,035
last five years, the operational review of files requires a

2312
02:46:16,035 --> 02:46:20,675
significant degree of judgment and discretion in reviewing investigational standards

2313
02:46:20,675 --> 02:46:23,635
to a broad range of cases, from minor offenses to

2314
02:46:23,635 --> 02:46:27,275
violent crimes against persons that could have significant public safety

2315
02:46:27,275 --> 02:46:32,675
implications further. Reviewers should have the experience, knowledge, and capacity

2316
02:46:32,675 --> 02:46:36,355
to identify aspects relating to a file and proactively engage

2317
02:46:36,355 --> 02:46:39,595
supervisors at all ranks and support units to manage or

2318
02:46:39,595 --> 02:46:44,252
mitigate deficiencies in these high risk areas. So, in summary,

2319
02:46:44,252 --> 02:46:48,332
the operational review unit will provide more investigative oversight, improve

2320
02:46:48,332 --> 02:46:53,212
quality of investigations, improve streamline with court process identify risks

2321
02:46:53,212 --> 02:46:57,292
that require immediate follow up that jeopardize prosecution or risk

2322
02:46:57,292 --> 02:47:00,412
to public safety. Allow for supervisors to be on the

2323
02:47:00,412 --> 02:47:04,779
road supporting frontline constables. More time will be spent on

2324
02:47:04,779 --> 02:47:08,117
the road by officers. Because they will have the support

2325
02:47:08,117 --> 02:47:11,397
of watch clerks to do their disclosures. More time dealing

2326
02:47:11,397 --> 02:47:14,517
with more complex investigation with the hope of improving the

2327
02:47:14,517 --> 02:47:18,677
quality of investigations. Allow for watch clerks to provide that

2328
02:47:18,677 --> 02:47:21,197
additional support, as I spoke about in relation to body

2329
02:47:21,197 --> 02:47:30,458
worn cameras, transcription disclosure, bail. Package preparations, training court. And

2330
02:47:30,458 --> 02:47:34,986
additional tasking. They will also for more proactive hours in

2331
02:47:34,986 --> 02:47:37,546
high crime areas because our officers will now be in

2332
02:47:37,546 --> 02:47:40,623
a position to be on the road. It is for

2333
02:47:40,623 --> 02:47:43,263
this reason that I'm requesting an increase of two municipal

2334
02:47:43,263 --> 02:47:47,383
resources for the Penticton RCMP, allowing for this risk mitigation

2335
02:47:47,383 --> 02:47:50,623
strategy to apply to all four watches seven days a

2336
02:47:50,623 --> 02:47:54,763
week. Thank you for this consideration. And that brings us

2337
02:47:54,763 --> 02:47:57,963
to the recommendation that Councillor approve in principle, the RCMP's

2338
02:47:57,963 --> 02:48:01,523
2025 to 2029. Budget as proposed, subject to final review.

2339
02:48:03,850 --> 02:48:10,174
Thank you very much, Superintendent McKandy and Scambell. Councillor Gilbert.

2340
02:48:10,174 --> 02:48:17,739
Sorry. Yeah. Thank you. The chair. My questions in regard

2341
02:48:17,739 --> 02:48:26,047
to. The incident critical response team. 2024 100 and then

2342
02:48:26,047 --> 02:48:30,155
actual 2024 494. The two questions with that one. The

2343
02:48:30,155 --> 02:48:33,475
first question is, how's the morale with the team? The

2344
02:48:33,475 --> 02:48:35,675
three nurses and the three officers that are going out

2345
02:48:35,675 --> 02:48:40,704
on there. And two, how much are we. Seeing repeats.

2346
02:48:42,234 --> 02:48:46,554
That. They're getting the first contact. With the critical team,

2347
02:48:46,554 --> 02:48:48,994
the RCMP. How many of those people are we seeing

2348
02:48:48,994 --> 02:48:54,342
that are getting these repeat calls for those services. So,

2349
02:48:54,342 --> 02:48:57,662
as you can imagine, the number 100 comes from just

2350
02:48:57,662 --> 02:49:03,806
a guess, because. We didn't have any metrics in place

2351
02:49:03,806 --> 02:49:08,541
or any statistics. So I think the morale of that

2352
02:49:08,541 --> 02:49:11,790
team. Is they're energized by the work. They see the

2353
02:49:11,790 --> 02:49:16,422
impacts that they're having within the front line team. Having

2354
02:49:16,422 --> 02:49:19,902
three people in your office that are not police officers,

2355
02:49:19,902 --> 02:49:23,852
that come from a completely different field. It is amazing

2356
02:49:23,852 --> 02:49:27,141
to see the perspectives that they bring. And I think.

2357
02:49:28,737 --> 02:49:31,857
It actually has helped us be better in our work

2358
02:49:31,857 --> 02:49:37,101
in terms of compassion, understanding. Having an understanding of some

2359
02:49:37,101 --> 02:49:41,934
of the challenges these people are facing with. Various mental

2360
02:49:41,934 --> 02:49:47,990
health disorders and addiction challenges. So provide. An extra level

2361
02:49:47,990 --> 02:49:52,364
of patient and compassion to those teams, yes. They're incredibly

2362
02:49:52,364 --> 02:49:58,919
overworked, and we would ultimately love to. Have four nurses

2363
02:49:58,919 --> 02:50:01,159
and four constables assigned to each watch, but we're not

2364
02:50:01,159 --> 02:50:03,048
there yet. And that will come in time. So, yes,

2365
02:50:03,048 --> 02:50:05,968
they are busy, but they see the value in the

2366
02:50:05,968 --> 02:50:10,689
work that they're having. In the community. And energized by

2367
02:50:10,689 --> 02:50:14,327
that. And your question was about morale. And your question

2368
02:50:14,327 --> 02:50:19,772
was about and repeats. I used an Alas quarterly report.

2369
02:50:19,772 --> 02:50:25,812
We had one individual. That we had 109 calls for

2370
02:50:25,812 --> 02:50:28,692
service, and this was a huge win in our integrated

2371
02:50:28,692 --> 02:50:32,558
crisis response. Team. So I would suggest that individual. What

2372
02:50:32,558 --> 02:50:35,863
we would call, or you described as. A repeat or

2373
02:50:35,863 --> 02:50:38,423
repeat client after being engaged with our integrated crisis response

2374
02:50:38,423 --> 02:50:42,703
team and having basically a strategy to deal with this

2375
02:50:42,703 --> 02:50:45,743
individual. In the month of September, we had one call

2376
02:50:45,743 --> 02:50:50,489
for service from that individual. That's a huge win. And

2377
02:50:50,489 --> 02:50:53,449
that call for service would be definitely one where it

2378
02:50:53,449 --> 02:50:56,289
was. Very appropriate that they reached out to the RCMP

2379
02:50:56,289 --> 02:50:59,617
for support. So to break it down in terms of

2380
02:50:59,617 --> 02:51:02,937
repeat customers. That's just one example. I know. Is sourced.

2381
02:51:04,286 --> 02:51:07,183
And I would suggest that. We do have a certain

2382
02:51:07,183 --> 02:51:09,703
clientele that we see on a regular basis to give

2383
02:51:09,703 --> 02:51:12,023
you that. Number I don't have in front of me,

2384
02:51:12,023 --> 02:51:15,733
but where also some of the other. Success stories would

2385
02:51:15,733 --> 02:51:22,249
be. Youth experiencing crisis. Suicidal ideations and be able to

2386
02:51:22,249 --> 02:51:25,369
have that support and provide that to families. And I

2387
02:51:25,369 --> 02:51:28,849
know I've seen some positive messaging coming from families being

2388
02:51:28,849 --> 02:51:32,650
able to have that nurse and police officer respond. I

2389
02:51:32,650 --> 02:51:37,794
think. Those families were experiencing such crisis and were so

2390
02:51:37,794 --> 02:51:44,820
fearful. For their team that having that immediate response and

2391
02:51:44,820 --> 02:51:48,180
a strategy in place, they felt cared and supported. For.

2392
02:51:48,180 --> 02:51:53,658
So that's just another example that I can say. Those

2393
02:51:53,658 --> 02:51:56,458
five individuals in our detachment see the work that they're

2394
02:51:56,458 --> 02:52:00,799
doing and knowing the impact. They're having. Follow up. Yeah.

2395
02:52:00,799 --> 02:52:01,959
Thank you. Just to follow up, and it's just a

2396
02:52:01,959 --> 02:52:03,799
comment to it. And I really appreciate that because I

2397
02:52:03,799 --> 02:52:07,408
think when we look at this team, The concern that

2398
02:52:07,408 --> 02:52:09,448
I had with it is that when it was implemented,

2399
02:52:09,448 --> 02:52:11,808
is this going to be repeat, repeat, repeat. But it

2400
02:52:11,808 --> 02:52:14,568
is good to hear that there are hopefully services outside

2401
02:52:14,568 --> 02:52:20,128
of that they're. Getting from the rcmp. In the critical

2402
02:52:20,128 --> 02:52:23,728
response team to the services of interior health and elsewhere

2403
02:52:23,728 --> 02:52:26,616
to be able to manage. The crises that they're going

2404
02:52:26,616 --> 02:52:31,068
through, and it's not. Burdening the RCMP with the constant

2405
02:52:31,068 --> 02:52:32,868
call, so I'm really glad to hear that. And I'm

2406
02:52:32,868 --> 02:52:34,788
really glad to hear some of the successes from that

2407
02:52:34,788 --> 02:52:42,779
program. Thank you. Gratifying to hear that. The programs that

2408
02:52:42,779 --> 02:52:44,979
we put into place to help the RCMP be better

2409
02:52:44,979 --> 02:52:50,023
at the job are actually working. Councillor Conan is next,

2410
02:52:50,023 --> 02:52:54,794
and then I have Councillor Graham. Yes. Hi again. Apologize

2411
02:52:54,794 --> 02:53:00,651
for my voice. That I don't have today. But thanks

2412
02:53:00,651 --> 02:53:05,941
for all your hard work. I really appreciate it. Sounds

2413
02:53:05,941 --> 02:53:08,873
like we're really making progress. But what I want to

2414
02:53:08,873 --> 02:53:13,786
know is about these two new municipal employees. Are you

2415
02:53:13,786 --> 02:53:17,626
making the same ask to the rdos or something similar?

2416
02:53:22,752 --> 02:53:31,142
To help with. Their. Files. And with the provincial rcmp.

2417
02:53:33,458 --> 02:53:37,778
So that obviously our municipal employees aren't doing the work

2418
02:53:37,778 --> 02:53:40,578
of the regional district or that they are at least

2419
02:53:40,578 --> 02:53:45,928
contributing. So through the chair as it relates to requests.

2420
02:53:48,966 --> 02:53:52,936
Made to the Rdos and or to the province. So

2421
02:53:52,936 --> 02:53:55,616
as highlighted, and I'm sorry, which slide it was, but

2422
02:53:55,616 --> 02:54:02,659
in 2024, We discussed the fact that we received. Two

2423
02:54:02,659 --> 02:54:07,259
provincially funded regular member positions and one public service employee

2424
02:54:07,259 --> 02:54:12,778
position, which. Will assist with the support as it relates

2425
02:54:12,778 --> 02:54:17,229
to the RDos area. And making sure that the work

2426
02:54:17,229 --> 02:54:20,989
that is being done outside of the municipality is appropriately

2427
02:54:20,989 --> 02:54:29,373
tasked. This discussion is something our team has talked about

2428
02:54:29,373 --> 02:54:32,477
most recently. As it relates to the work that is

2429
02:54:32,477 --> 02:54:36,077
done in that regional district area. I spoke about our

2430
02:54:36,077 --> 02:54:40,597
analyst who is 60% funded by the municipality but also

2431
02:54:40,597 --> 02:54:45,637
40% funded by the RDos. And region. And so is

2432
02:54:45,637 --> 02:54:49,637
that correct? And so that is some of that analytics

2433
02:54:49,637 --> 02:54:54,741
work. That directs our provincially funded RCMP members in the

2434
02:54:54,741 --> 02:54:58,168
RDos area. That is some of the work that we

2435
02:54:58,168 --> 02:55:03,242
have. Been doing and assessing most recently to address the

2436
02:55:03,242 --> 02:55:06,536
question that you have. Do you have a follow up

2437
02:55:06,536 --> 02:55:14,781
question, your hand still raised? Yeah, I do, actually. Want

2438
02:55:14,781 --> 02:55:20,500
to follow up with. Making sure that you let us

2439
02:55:20,500 --> 02:55:23,020
know when we need to lobby for a position like

2440
02:55:23,020 --> 02:55:29,380
that, because. The municipality is taking possibly the brunt of

2441
02:55:29,380 --> 02:55:33,233
that work. And we may need to hire more to

2442
02:55:33,233 --> 02:55:41,210
help with. That work and. We need to lobby the.

2443
02:55:42,953 --> 02:55:51,928
Government to. Give support to the regional district. Rcmp. That's

2444
02:55:51,928 --> 02:55:55,421
all. Just through the chair to comment on that. I

2445
02:55:55,421 --> 02:55:59,686
spoke to you earlier in my presentation about. The criminal.

2446
02:56:00,259 --> 02:56:05,152
And answering your last question. We are considering for our

2447
02:56:05,152 --> 02:56:08,992
multi year resource planning that we will be coming to

2448
02:56:08,992 --> 02:56:14,295
strategically as it relates. To capacity for a criminal intelligence

2449
02:56:14,295 --> 02:56:18,787
analyst. Through the Rdos and through the region. That is

2450
02:56:18,787 --> 02:56:25,526
something. That is forecasted for us in the next two

2451
02:56:25,526 --> 02:56:26,585
years. But right now. That wasn't the priority. Ask for

2452
02:56:26,585 --> 02:56:29,225
us. But that is something that is definitely on our

2453
02:56:29,225 --> 02:56:34,545
radar specific. To leveraging Councillor and merit in relation to

2454
02:56:34,545 --> 02:56:40,535
that future, ask. Thank you. Any further questions from council.

2455
02:56:42,450 --> 02:56:47,435
Council. Grant. Sorry. Thank you chair. You had touched on

2456
02:56:47,435 --> 02:56:51,508
the psicted indian band. And trying to get their operational

2457
02:56:51,508 --> 02:56:55,388
hours up. Can you speak to what their current operational

2458
02:56:55,388 --> 02:56:58,988
hours are? Like how many officers there are and how

2459
02:56:58,988 --> 02:57:05,062
many days they're working. So those provincially funded ips. Resources.

2460
02:57:06,645 --> 02:57:12,435
They work. 08:00 a.m. To 08:00 p.m. At the pib.

2461
02:57:13,743 --> 02:57:19,383
And. They are providing care and support and response on

2462
02:57:19,383 --> 02:57:25,209
PIB. And also. To residents from PIB within community as

2463
02:57:25,209 --> 02:57:30,479
and when required. And obviously we do benefit from that

2464
02:57:30,479 --> 02:57:34,470
team. And the responses and skill set that they have

2465
02:57:34,470 --> 02:57:39,901
in community as well, readily supporting us. Whenever we need

2466
02:57:39,901 --> 02:57:49,558
them to. Any further questions, Councillor Watt. Thank you. Chair

2467
02:57:49,558 --> 02:57:55,278
to Superintendent McCandy. Just because I'm curious, I'm wondering. The

2468
02:57:55,278 --> 02:57:58,238
community safety unit, I would say at least stems from.

2469
02:57:59,921 --> 02:58:02,801
Mental health and addiction issues. There's a large component based

2470
02:58:02,801 --> 02:58:05,721
on that, but I don't. Think that interior health or

2471
02:58:05,721 --> 02:58:08,241
any health authorities throughout the province chip in on the

2472
02:58:08,241 --> 02:58:13,553
funding of that. Is there a model? Where health authorities

2473
02:58:13,553 --> 02:58:18,078
help fund. I know I'm jumping ahead. I'm just suggesting

2474
02:58:18,078 --> 02:58:25,007
that. I'm a proponent that we've made health and safety

2475
02:58:25,007 --> 02:58:29,136
our number one. And I certainly. Am happy that we're

2476
02:58:29,136 --> 02:58:32,958
moving forward with this. I just also know that many

2477
02:58:32,958 --> 02:58:36,038
times when it's mental health and addictions, probably the direct

2478
02:58:36,038 --> 02:58:40,956
payment shouldn't come from a municipality because provincial. Would probably

2479
02:58:40,956 --> 02:58:43,116
take the lead on that. I just wonder if there's

2480
02:58:43,116 --> 02:58:45,796
any models where the province has actually chipped in on

2481
02:58:45,796 --> 02:58:49,300
those. So through the chair. I'd like to provide some

2482
02:58:49,300 --> 02:58:53,340
clarity around the mandate of those two. Resources. I'm asking

2483
02:58:53,340 --> 02:58:57,585
to create that community safety unit. So in the last

2484
02:58:57,585 --> 02:59:01,625
four quarter presentations, I've given to city the number one

2485
02:59:01,625 --> 02:59:05,185
call for service for RCMP has been to deal with

2486
02:59:05,185 --> 02:59:10,702
unwanted persons. And I would say, more statistically. Those requests

2487
02:59:10,702 --> 02:59:17,007
come from local businesses. And that would be from people

2488
02:59:17,007 --> 02:59:22,937
loitering. In their business spaces in the morning. And so

2489
02:59:22,937 --> 02:59:26,697
being able to prioritize that call for service over a

2490
02:59:26,697 --> 02:59:29,337
break and enter you can imagine that a break and

2491
02:59:29,337 --> 02:59:33,545
enter in property or. That kind of report to police

2492
02:59:33,545 --> 02:59:37,793
would be of a priority. But creating a community safety

2493
02:59:37,793 --> 02:59:41,153
unit will help us address those calls for service in

2494
02:59:41,153 --> 02:59:44,993
a shared response with bylaw as it relates to encampments

2495
02:59:44,993 --> 02:59:50,004
in public spaces. And being able to address calls for

2496
02:59:50,004 --> 02:59:53,204
service at some of our shelter incidences, and being a

2497
02:59:53,204 --> 02:59:57,604
primary point of liaison to shelters. So the function of.

2498
02:59:59,409 --> 03:00:04,249
Those two officers will not be around those responses to

2499
03:00:04,249 --> 03:00:07,529
what we have tasked to our integrated crisis. Response team.

2500
03:00:07,529 --> 03:00:10,575
They will be a collective unit. That we will call

2501
03:00:10,575 --> 03:00:14,575
the community safety unit. The officers and nurses are the

2502
03:00:14,575 --> 03:00:18,295
integrated crisis response team. And the two or three officers

2503
03:00:18,295 --> 03:00:23,051
that we have identified. To hopefully becoming from this budget

2504
03:00:23,051 --> 03:00:27,011
request, we'll be forming that group, and we used to

2505
03:00:27,011 --> 03:00:30,731
have a similar team that Sergeant Rock was the downtown

2506
03:00:30,731 --> 03:00:34,131
enforcement team, and they were the primarily liaisons. To business

2507
03:00:34,131 --> 03:00:40,577
associations. And those people experiencing property crime downtown and being

2508
03:00:40,577 --> 03:00:46,840
able to do that work. Of supporting businesses locally with

2509
03:00:46,840 --> 03:00:52,960
crime prevention and anything around strategies to move people along

2510
03:00:52,960 --> 03:00:56,502
in the morning. That are maybe loitering outside of their

2511
03:00:56,502 --> 03:01:01,582
businesses and also being that primary connection with other supports,

2512
03:01:01,582 --> 03:01:05,062
such as we no longer have a youth position or

2513
03:01:05,062 --> 03:01:09,182
youth liaison position within the municipality, but we also want

2514
03:01:09,182 --> 03:01:13,639
this community safety unit to. Be engaged with youth in

2515
03:01:13,639 --> 03:01:17,399
the community, and we also would like them to be

2516
03:01:17,399 --> 03:01:20,799
engaged with supporting some of our seniors, more vulnerable seniors

2517
03:01:20,799 --> 03:01:24,093
in the community as well. And so that's the work

2518
03:01:24,093 --> 03:01:28,029
that I see this community safety unit doing. That is

2519
03:01:28,029 --> 03:01:31,669
outside the integrated crisis response team, which is why we

2520
03:01:31,669 --> 03:01:34,069
have not gone to a health authority to ask to

2521
03:01:34,069 --> 03:01:38,949
fund those positions. Thank you. That was a long answer.

2522
03:01:38,949 --> 03:01:44,138
Sorry. And I think that with the restructuring of the

2523
03:01:44,138 --> 03:01:48,418
ministries in Victoria now, that mental health and addictions is

2524
03:01:48,418 --> 03:01:53,526
going into. The health service under the Ministry of Health,

2525
03:01:53,526 --> 03:01:56,806
then that might be a good message to take to

2526
03:01:56,806 --> 03:02:03,026
Victoria. When we meet the ministers next. Councillor Gilbert. Yeah.

2527
03:02:03,026 --> 03:02:04,226
Thank you for the chair. I'd like to move the

2528
03:02:04,226 --> 03:02:10,791
staff recommendation seconded. We have a second. Any further questions

2529
03:02:10,791 --> 03:02:16,265
or comments. Bearing in mind that. These motions as we

2530
03:02:16,265 --> 03:02:18,545
pass them now are subject to final review and the

2531
03:02:18,545 --> 03:02:24,493
final budget decision making. Process. For the questions. Councillor Conan?

2532
03:02:24,493 --> 03:02:26,893
No, we're getting a negative from Councillor Connett, so I'm.

2533
03:02:26,893 --> 03:02:34,384
Going to call the question then. All in favor? And

2534
03:02:34,384 --> 03:02:39,704
Councillor Conan? That's affirmative. So that motion passes unanimously. Thank

2535
03:02:39,704 --> 03:02:42,064
you very much. Thank you. For your consideration. Thank you.

2536
03:02:42,064 --> 03:02:51,063
Thank you. I'd like to move on. With.

2537
03:02:52,522 --> 03:02:55,722
7.33 public safety and partnerships before we break for lunch,

2538
03:03:02,629 --> 03:03:05,914
And. We have director of public safety and partnerships, Julie

2539
03:03:05,914 --> 03:03:10,720
Check. And Ms. Campbell, please. Hello, mayor and councillor. I'm

2540
03:03:10,720 --> 03:03:13,800
pleased to bring forward the public safety and partnerships operating

2541
03:03:13,800 --> 03:03:22,450
budget. For 2025. The Public Safety and Partnerships Division is

2542
03:03:22,450 --> 03:03:25,130
a new department at the city with the responsibility of

2543
03:03:25,130 --> 03:03:28,570
both community safety and well being through direct oversight of

2544
03:03:28,570 --> 03:03:35,346
the social development department as well as bylaw. Services. Public

2545
03:03:35,346 --> 03:03:39,666
safety is a multi agency, multi jurisdictional issues that requires

2546
03:03:39,666 --> 03:03:43,746
coordinated efforts across various organizations to be truly effective and

2547
03:03:43,746 --> 03:03:47,643
responsive to the community's needs. Another function of this division

2548
03:03:47,643 --> 03:03:50,843
is to coordinate where others play a role through partnerships.

2549
03:03:52,104 --> 03:03:54,864
To this end, we routinely collaborate with key public safety

2550
03:03:54,864 --> 03:03:59,839
agencies, the nonprofit sector, and the business community. On joint

2551
03:03:59,839 --> 03:04:05,460
initiatives in promotion of public safety. Currently, the department consists

2552
03:04:05,460 --> 03:04:09,220
of approximately 20 staff, two in the social development department,

2553
03:04:09,220 --> 03:04:12,780
and a complement of 17 in bylaw services. That's also

2554
03:04:12,780 --> 03:04:18,802
supplemented by casual or relief work. By law enforcement and

2555
03:04:18,802 --> 03:04:21,442
social development can really be seen as two sides of

2556
03:04:21,442 --> 03:04:25,202
the same coin. Both are essential for enhancing community safety

2557
03:04:25,202 --> 03:04:31,242
and wellbeing. By law enforcement, maintains order and community safety

2558
03:04:31,242 --> 03:04:36,628
by. Ensuring compliance with local bylaws addressing social issues like

2559
03:04:36,628 --> 03:04:41,348
overnight sheltering and public spaces encampment responses, noise and property

2560
03:04:41,348 --> 03:04:45,108
compliance, parking enforcement and animal control, to name a few.

2561
03:04:46,703 --> 03:04:50,143
Meanwhile, the Social development department focuses on improving the quality

2562
03:04:50,143 --> 03:04:53,783
of life of community members by tackling social challenges such

2563
03:04:53,783 --> 03:04:58,183
as poverty, housing affordability, mental health, substance use and addiction,

2564
03:04:58,183 --> 03:05:02,383
childcare and food security. Together they create a balanced approach

2565
03:05:02,383 --> 03:05:06,543
of enforcement and non enforcement strategies that not only uphold.

2566
03:05:06,987 --> 03:05:10,187
Community standards but also address the root causes of social

2567
03:05:10,187 --> 03:05:15,270
challenges, fostering a safer and more cohesive community. In the

2568
03:05:15,270 --> 03:05:20,154
next few slides, I'll share a few notable. Achievements of

2569
03:05:20,154 --> 03:05:24,394
this division. The Social Development department collaborated very closely with

2570
03:05:24,394 --> 03:05:28,274
community partners to develop a comprehensive framework that outlines key

2571
03:05:28,274 --> 03:05:32,706
priorities for enhancing community health and well being. Actions are

2572
03:05:32,706 --> 03:05:35,786
organized under six key domains as shown in the visual

2573
03:05:35,786 --> 03:05:39,361
on the slide. And include actions under housing, mental health

2574
03:05:39,361 --> 03:05:43,521
and wellness, homelessness, supports for people using substances, childcare and

2575
03:05:43,521 --> 03:05:49,228
food security. As an example, this framework includes Activ. Activities.

2576
03:05:49,228 --> 03:05:52,718
Over 50 activities. To be more specific, and some of

2577
03:05:52,718 --> 03:05:57,358
these activities include the establishment of an extreme weather response

2578
03:05:57,358 --> 03:06:00,958
or winter shelter, foreign housed residents, the creation of an

2579
03:06:00,958 --> 03:06:06,238
affordable housing reserve to support nonprofits in developing affordable housing

2580
03:06:06,238 --> 03:06:10,118
and the opening of over 116 new affordable childcare spaces

2581
03:06:10,118 --> 03:06:14,969
through partnerships with. Provincial and community organizations. As a result

2582
03:06:14,969 --> 03:06:18,009
of these initiatives, other municipalities are reaching out to learn

2583
03:06:18,009 --> 03:06:21,049
more about our approach as they seek to develop their

2584
03:06:21,049 --> 03:06:26,024
own social development frameworks. Achievements of this small and mighty

2585
03:06:26,024 --> 03:06:28,624
team are making a real difference for our community by

2586
03:06:28,624 --> 03:06:32,864
expanding access. To childcare, improving inclusivity with the city's first

2587
03:06:32,864 --> 03:06:36,784
accessibility plan, and addressing food security with an enhanced local

2588
03:06:36,784 --> 03:06:43,114
infrastructure. Additionally, partnerships with indigenous groups are fostering reconciliation while

2589
03:06:43,114 --> 03:06:47,445
over a million dollars has been secured. Through federal grants

2590
03:06:47,445 --> 03:06:50,925
to support youth crime prevention, all contributing to a safer,

2591
03:06:50,925 --> 03:06:56,013
more resilient and equitable community. Bylaw services have also seen

2592
03:06:56,013 --> 03:07:01,874
some notable achievements. In this last quarter, we've extended our

2593
03:07:01,874 --> 03:07:04,834
operating hours from 06:00 a.m.. To 10:00 p.m. And introduced

2594
03:07:04,834 --> 03:07:08,834
an integrated model that improves efficiency and allows for cross

2595
03:07:08,834 --> 03:07:14,288
training in both byline enforcement and social disorder issues. Additionally,

2596
03:07:14,288 --> 03:07:17,768
provincial funding has been secured through a grant to reestablish

2597
03:07:17,768 --> 03:07:21,848
the Penticton situation. Table this is a collaborative initiative that

2598
03:07:21,848 --> 03:07:26,208
will bring together social services, law enforcement, healthcare, and community

2599
03:07:26,208 --> 03:07:30,549
organizations to support individuals at high risk of harm. Or

2600
03:07:30,549 --> 03:07:34,149
at risk of involvement in crime. This approach will enable

2601
03:07:34,149 --> 03:07:38,069
a quicker response to safety concerns, improve access to services

2602
03:07:38,069 --> 03:07:43,010
and ultimately enhance community safety. A comprehensive service review of

2603
03:07:43,010 --> 03:07:46,490
bylaw services is almost complete, and it will serve to

2604
03:07:46,490 --> 03:07:51,890
further optimize operations and strengthen our community, our community's commitments

2605
03:07:51,890 --> 03:07:59,404
to public safety. Collaborative initiatives are improving community safety. Through

2606
03:07:59,404 --> 03:08:03,204
strategic partnerships with organizations like the RCMP and the fire

2607
03:08:03,204 --> 03:08:06,924
department. Historically, many of these initiatives were led solely by

2608
03:08:06,924 --> 03:08:12,602
the RCMP, but through enhanced partnership with bylaw officers. We

2609
03:08:12,602 --> 03:08:15,962
are now supporting the RCMP through some of these shared

2610
03:08:15,962 --> 03:08:21,157
initiatives. Superintendent McCandy spoke to our shared vision of seeing

2611
03:08:21,157 --> 03:08:23,757
a further integration of bylaw with the RCMP, through the

2612
03:08:23,757 --> 03:08:27,037
community safety unit, and in the coming months and years.

2613
03:08:29,687 --> 03:08:33,447
We are looking forward to really shading out the nuances

2614
03:08:33,447 --> 03:08:35,527
of what this new model or approach will look like.

2615
03:08:36,740 --> 03:08:40,460
Looking ahead. The collaborative planning for the 2024 25 temporary

2616
03:08:40,460 --> 03:08:43,300
winter shelter is also a testament to the commitment of

2617
03:08:43,300 --> 03:08:48,940
multiple organizations working together for comprehensive 24/7 oversight or safety

2618
03:08:48,940 --> 03:08:53,380
plan in and around the shelter. Additionally, the revamp of

2619
03:08:53,380 --> 03:08:57,505
the community youth liaison program emphasizes. Outreach to at risk

2620
03:08:57,505 --> 03:09:00,825
use, reinforcing the community's dedication to fostering a safe and

2621
03:09:00,825 --> 03:09:05,945
inclusive environment and taking a prevention focus. Through these initiatives,

2622
03:09:05,945 --> 03:09:09,545
the community is making significant strides to enhancing safety and

2623
03:09:09,545 --> 03:09:14,621
support for all residents. Traditionally, in bylaw services, the key

2624
03:09:14,621 --> 03:09:20,021
performance indicators, or the KPIs, focused on calls for service

2625
03:09:20,021 --> 03:09:23,821
while the KPIs reflect a dip in historical averages. This

2626
03:09:23,821 --> 03:09:26,381
is due to changes in how data is collected in

2627
03:09:26,381 --> 03:09:30,461
track as well as a period of staffing transition earlier

2628
03:09:30,461 --> 03:09:36,675
this. Year that reflected a reduced level of service. Additionally,

2629
03:09:36,675 --> 03:09:40,075
as our work is increasing with the RCMP and fire

2630
03:09:40,075 --> 03:09:43,075
department, we will begin to track the number of assists

2631
03:09:43,075 --> 03:09:46,684
to other agencies as well as. Unique efforts that we

2632
03:09:46,684 --> 03:09:50,924
undertake jointly with the social sector. As noted previously, the

2633
03:09:50,924 --> 03:09:55,463
bylaw services department is currently. Completing a services review, and

2634
03:09:55,463 --> 03:09:58,543
one of our recommendations of this review will likely have

2635
03:09:58,543 --> 03:10:02,343
a focus on performance measurement. That is, to identify what

2636
03:10:02,343 --> 03:10:06,401
the measures of success will be. Identified the appropriate data

2637
03:10:06,401 --> 03:10:09,921
that we will collect and also the needed infrastructure to

2638
03:10:09,921 --> 03:10:13,881
enable modernized response to how we're tracking and reporting out

2639
03:10:13,881 --> 03:10:17,843
on data. Further budget processes. We'll see subsequent updates to

2640
03:10:17,843 --> 03:10:20,923
these KPIs based on the findings of this review which

2641
03:10:20,923 --> 03:10:24,561
will bring forward in the coming weeks. Continuing with our

2642
03:10:24,561 --> 03:10:28,561
key performance indicators, I also want to highlight several areas

2643
03:10:28,561 --> 03:10:32,561
of interest within social development. That emphasize partnership and strategic

2644
03:10:32,561 --> 03:10:37,508
policy. To support this focus, staff will continue to monitor

2645
03:10:37,508 --> 03:10:40,108
the city's policies and projects. To make sure that they

2646
03:10:40,108 --> 03:10:43,948
align with accessibility requirements as outlined in our accessibility plan.

2647
03:10:45,164 --> 03:10:48,644
Additionally, we'll report on progress related to the actions outlined

2648
03:10:48,644 --> 03:10:53,310
in the social development framework. And report out on grant

2649
03:10:53,310 --> 03:10:56,910
funding that's secured for social development opportunities in the community.

2650
03:10:58,346 --> 03:11:00,386
One thing I'd like to note is of the 57

2651
03:11:00,386 --> 03:11:03,626
or so actions of the social development framework. We've seen

2652
03:11:03,626 --> 03:11:09,639
significant. Progress in over 30 of those actions. Public safety

2653
03:11:09,639 --> 03:11:13,679
and partnership efforts, as I noted, are centered on partnerships,

2654
03:11:13,679 --> 03:11:17,599
maintaining and building them with a specific focus on relationships

2655
03:11:17,599 --> 03:11:21,759
with the business community, provincial government, and regional partners. In

2656
03:11:21,759 --> 03:11:24,639
this vein, this year includes a proposal to expand the

2657
03:11:24,639 --> 03:11:31,628
remote guard DPbia camera. Program, which Superintendent McCandy spoke briefly

2658
03:11:31,628 --> 03:11:35,288
in her presentation as well. The business community has seen

2659
03:11:35,288 --> 03:11:39,208
great success in reducing vandalism, property crime and graffiti or

2660
03:11:39,208 --> 03:11:42,328
social nuisance in the areas where cameras have traditionally been

2661
03:11:42,328 --> 03:11:45,768
deployed and if approved, staff would work with the Chamber

2662
03:11:45,768 --> 03:11:49,368
of Commerce, the BIA and other business leaders, the RCmp

2663
03:11:49,368 --> 03:11:53,048
and bylaw to extend the service beyond the downtown area

2664
03:11:53,048 --> 03:11:55,315
to include other area. Areas of the city, like the

2665
03:11:55,315 --> 03:11:59,122
industrial area and the south side of the city. Staff

2666
03:11:59,122 --> 03:12:02,602
are also proposing developing a community safety and well being

2667
03:12:02,602 --> 03:12:07,482
plan, which Miss Melnick spoke to during her engagement update.

2668
03:12:07,482 --> 03:12:11,642
Many municipalities across Canada are developing and implementing these types

2669
03:12:11,642 --> 03:12:15,082
of plans in response to provincial directives and a growing

2670
03:12:15,082 --> 03:12:19,287
recognition that public safety goes beyond policing. And law enforcement

2671
03:12:19,287 --> 03:12:22,687
and must take a multidisciplinary, systems based approach in order

2672
03:12:22,687 --> 03:12:27,687
to be effective. Municipalities like Vancouver and Victoria are incorporating

2673
03:12:27,687 --> 03:12:31,287
community safety and wellbeing plans into their overall planning and

2674
03:12:31,287 --> 03:12:34,287
focusing their efforts on mental health, homelessness, and harm reduction

2675
03:12:34,287 --> 03:12:39,847
as key elements of their strategies. Through extensive consultation, including

2676
03:12:39,847 --> 03:12:42,927
with the public, this plan would clearly define the community's

2677
03:12:42,927 --> 03:12:48,529
priorities and actionable steps to promote safety and wellbeing. In

2678
03:12:48,529 --> 03:12:50,929
other words, what it would aim to do is integrate

2679
03:12:50,929 --> 03:12:54,609
the efforts of all of our agencies. Social development bylaw

2680
03:12:54,609 --> 03:12:58,089
services, the RCMP, and fire into a comprehensive public safety

2681
03:12:58,089 --> 03:13:02,310
framework or a master plan of sorts. Looking ahead to

2682
03:13:02,310 --> 03:13:07,310
2025. The bylaw services department also plans to conduct or

2683
03:13:07,310 --> 03:13:10,844
do some analysis on our current data collection. And file

2684
03:13:10,844 --> 03:13:14,044
documentation, as I've alluded to in the previous slide, and

2685
03:13:14,044 --> 03:13:17,324
this review will compare our practices with other platforms and

2686
03:13:17,324 --> 03:13:22,256
programs softwares to improve our data collection and methodology. Develop

2687
03:13:22,256 --> 03:13:26,336
social disorder or heat maps, target repeat nuisance files and

2688
03:13:26,336 --> 03:13:31,553
facilitate better lawful information sharing with RCMP. These initiatives collectively

2689
03:13:31,553 --> 03:13:34,473
will advance our goals of fostering a safe and resilient

2690
03:13:34,473 --> 03:13:39,195
community. We're also dedicated to advancing the implementation of the

2691
03:13:39,195 --> 03:13:44,155
Councillor endorsed accessibility plan, working closely and collaboratively with all

2692
03:13:44,155 --> 03:13:48,435
city divisions and departments to create a more accessible community,

2693
03:13:48,435 --> 03:13:53,538
a key objective for 2025 is to enhance. Our internal

2694
03:13:53,538 --> 03:13:57,538
processes by reviewing city projects at the outset of their

2695
03:13:57,538 --> 03:14:01,778
implementation, ensuring that accessibility is prioritized from the very beginning.

2696
03:14:02,888 --> 03:14:05,968
This initiative is essential to our vision of livable and

2697
03:14:05,968 --> 03:14:10,334
accessible city. Additionally, we continue to focus on the priorities

2698
03:14:10,334 --> 03:14:14,094
outlining the social development framework. Our dedication to these actions

2699
03:14:14,094 --> 03:14:16,334
are vital as we strive to build a healthy, safe

2700
03:14:16,334 --> 03:14:20,694
and resilient community by making progress across all these domains,

2701
03:14:20,694 --> 03:14:23,654
we reinforce our commitment to creating an environment that is

2702
03:14:23,654 --> 03:14:29,433
both livable. And accessible to all residents. We are implementing

2703
03:14:29,433 --> 03:14:32,633
several key changes to improve how we deliver services and

2704
03:14:32,633 --> 03:14:36,553
operate more efficiently within the broader public safety ecosystem. And

2705
03:14:36,553 --> 03:14:40,433
Superintendent McCandy gave a very thorough example of how that's

2706
03:14:40,433 --> 03:14:44,873
being done. In bylaw services. As an example, we now

2707
03:14:44,873 --> 03:14:48,833
have daily shift overlaps that allow for better training, collaboration,

2708
03:14:48,833 --> 03:14:53,353
and proactive efforts like joint patrols with the RCmp. Scheduled

2709
03:14:53,353 --> 03:14:56,513
team overlaps and cross training also helps us to manage

2710
03:14:56,513 --> 03:15:00,673
our staffing challenges and improve interoperability within the team, which

2711
03:15:00,673 --> 03:15:04,324
was also a key recommendation of the. 2022. Community safety

2712
03:15:04,324 --> 03:15:08,958
resource review. Joint initiatives like hot spot patrols and joint

2713
03:15:08,958 --> 03:15:12,998
investment in crime prevention strategies like septed will continue to

2714
03:15:12,998 --> 03:15:16,118
reduce the pressure on law enforcement, allowing us to address

2715
03:15:16,118 --> 03:15:20,838
issues more effectively and proactively. In keeping our community safe.

2716
03:15:20,838 --> 03:15:24,078
Additionally, the social development team continues to bring in provincial

2717
03:15:24,078 --> 03:15:27,834
and federal investment. Minimizing the. Impact of municipal budgets while

2718
03:15:27,834 --> 03:15:33,377
supporting important community initiatives. The public safety and partnership division.

2719
03:15:33,377 --> 03:15:36,697
Total net budgets for 2025 are 1.9 million an increase

2720
03:15:36,697 --> 03:15:41,377
of 277,000 from the 2024 budget. Revenues from this department

2721
03:15:41,377 --> 03:15:43,657
consists of parking and fine revenues, as well as dog

2722
03:15:43,657 --> 03:15:46,177
licensing and fines, which have all remained consistent with the

2723
03:15:46,177 --> 03:15:49,817
2024 budget. The main expenses included in this division are

2724
03:15:49,817 --> 03:15:53,248
contract cost. Costs for animal control as well as staffing

2725
03:15:53,248 --> 03:15:56,888
costs for bylaw, social development and the director the 2025

2726
03:15:56,888 --> 03:15:59,728
budgeted expenses have increased over the prior year for contractual

2727
03:15:59,728 --> 03:16:02,448
inflationary increases and initiatives that will be reviewed in the

2728
03:16:02,448 --> 03:16:05,870
coming slides. The first initiative is the development of the

2729
03:16:05,870 --> 03:16:08,950
community safety and wellbeing plan, a strategic initiative. Designed to

2730
03:16:08,950 --> 03:16:12,430
enhance the quality, safety and quality of life for residents

2731
03:16:12,430 --> 03:16:15,270
within our community by addressing complex social issues with longer

2732
03:16:15,270 --> 03:16:18,910
term solutions. The budget request for this project is $75,000

2733
03:16:18,910 --> 03:16:21,310
and is proposed to be funded out of reserves. I

2734
03:16:21,310 --> 03:16:23,190
will turn it back to Ms. Chek to discuss this

2735
03:16:23,190 --> 03:16:25,911
project in a bit more detail. As noted, the community

2736
03:16:25,911 --> 03:16:32,969
safety and well being plan. Many municipalities in Ontario are

2737
03:16:32,969 --> 03:16:36,529
now legislated to develop these plans. That's not quite the

2738
03:16:36,529 --> 03:16:39,569
case here in BC. However, many municipalities are moving in

2739
03:16:39,569 --> 03:16:44,053
this direction. As a way of creating a roadmap for

2740
03:16:44,053 --> 03:16:48,952
long term systemic solutions. So the project would look at

2741
03:16:48,952 --> 03:16:53,552
including key elements such as community and partner engagements, data

2742
03:16:53,552 --> 03:16:57,632
collection and analysis across the system. So removing the silos

2743
03:16:57,632 --> 03:17:02,592
to really understand how those trends. Work across the ecosystem

2744
03:17:02,592 --> 03:17:07,689
of public safety. Development of strategic objectives, implementation of crime

2745
03:17:07,689 --> 03:17:12,318
prevention initiatives, and monitoring and evaluation. This plan is a

2746
03:17:12,318 --> 03:17:16,918
collaborative initiative that will engage residents, community organizations, and partners

2747
03:17:16,918 --> 03:17:20,358
to enhance the safety and well being of Penticton residents.

2748
03:17:20,358 --> 03:17:24,198
It also will provide counsel with opportunities for strategic advocacy.

2749
03:17:24,198 --> 03:17:27,398
As it will identify what those gaps could be and

2750
03:17:27,398 --> 03:17:30,038
where the municipality plays a role, where our sector plays

2751
03:17:30,038 --> 03:17:32,675
a role and where the province. And the federal government

2752
03:17:32,675 --> 03:17:35,750
plays a role. I will now turn it over to.

2753
03:17:38,135 --> 03:17:41,154
There you go. One more initiative. In 2021, the city

2754
03:17:41,154 --> 03:17:43,794
partnered with the DPVIA on a pilot project to improve

2755
03:17:43,794 --> 03:17:46,634
community safety. And livability in the downtown area through the

2756
03:17:46,634 --> 03:17:49,954
security camera program. This project was further invested in by

2757
03:17:49,954 --> 03:17:53,434
the city in 2023, with a further $100,000 contributed to

2758
03:17:53,434 --> 03:17:56,154
the program in August of this year, the chamber and

2759
03:17:56,154 --> 03:17:58,394
the DPA attended a committee of the whole meeting and

2760
03:17:58,394 --> 03:18:01,088
provided details on their pond expansion. Of the program, looking

2761
03:18:01,088 --> 03:18:03,848
for the city to consider supporting it again. At that

2762
03:18:03,848 --> 03:18:06,528
meeting, Councillor passed a resolution to support the program from

2763
03:18:06,528 --> 03:18:10,328
April 2025 to September 2026 and to consider the funding

2764
03:18:10,328 --> 03:18:14,488
request during budget. This $94,000 is the contribution requested for

2765
03:18:14,488 --> 03:18:18,648
2025 with the remaining 56,000 being put into the 2026

2766
03:18:18,648 --> 03:18:22,262
budget year. That brings us to the recommendation that Councillor

2767
03:18:22,262 --> 03:18:25,182
approve in principle the public safety and partnership 2025. To

2768
03:18:25,182 --> 03:18:30,136
2029 budget subject to final review. Thank you very much.

2769
03:18:30,136 --> 03:18:38,106
And Councillor Conan. Yes, thanks. Through the chair.

2770
03:18:40,293 --> 03:18:42,653
Can you explain? Are we going to be repeating a

2771
03:18:42,653 --> 03:18:45,333
lot of things that were in the safety report that

2772
03:18:45,333 --> 03:18:47,813
we already paid for a couple of years ago that

2773
03:18:47,813 --> 03:18:50,853
was very extensive and gave lots of ideas. I think

2774
03:18:50,853 --> 03:18:54,733
it cost us $75,000 also, is it something that we've

2775
03:18:54,733 --> 03:18:58,623
already done. Through the report that we paid for a

2776
03:18:58,623 --> 03:19:03,575
couple of years ago. Thank you. Through the chair to

2777
03:19:03,575 --> 03:19:06,775
Councillor Conan's. The intention is really to bring an update.

2778
03:19:06,775 --> 03:19:09,615
Many of the recommendations that have been made that were

2779
03:19:09,615 --> 03:19:13,535
actionable at the municipal level are being implemented and have

2780
03:19:13,535 --> 03:19:18,555
been implemented. I think the other element. Of the community

2781
03:19:18,555 --> 03:19:22,696
safety. Well being plan is actually one of the recommendations

2782
03:19:22,696 --> 03:19:27,502
that were outlined in that report. For further actioning. So

2783
03:19:27,502 --> 03:19:29,702
this would really seek to really take it to the

2784
03:19:29,702 --> 03:19:31,982
next level. I think there's been a lot of work

2785
03:19:31,982 --> 03:19:35,302
that's been done both in the RCMP. And bylaw services

2786
03:19:35,302 --> 03:19:39,542
to eliminate redundancies in the areas where there is need

2787
03:19:39,542 --> 03:19:43,262
for joint response. It's to complement each other's authorities and

2788
03:19:43,262 --> 03:19:46,918
every effort. Will be made through the development of this

2789
03:19:46,918 --> 03:19:51,075
plan. To identify what those opportunities moving into the future

2790
03:19:51,075 --> 03:19:53,715
could look like. We also know that the provincial government.

2791
03:19:55,294 --> 03:19:59,422
Has just recently reformed. As part of that new mandate.

2792
03:20:01,140 --> 03:20:05,380
Provincial minister of state, responsible for community safety and integration

2793
03:20:05,380 --> 03:20:11,014
of services. And so this would really look. At. Leveraging

2794
03:20:11,014 --> 03:20:13,494
and building on the momentum that is happening provincially to

2795
03:20:13,494 --> 03:20:17,294
bring us into an updated plan that reflects the key

2796
03:20:17,294 --> 03:20:23,141
priorities and the gaps in our community. The other piece

2797
03:20:23,141 --> 03:20:27,328
that I would add would be. New and enhanced is

2798
03:20:27,328 --> 03:20:31,908
really a focus on. When we identified those shared priorities,

2799
03:20:31,908 --> 03:20:35,884
identifying the way that we're going to measure success. And

2800
03:20:35,884 --> 03:20:39,364
reporting it out on a routine basis so that Councillor

2801
03:20:39,364 --> 03:20:46,470
and the community. Have that information. Reported in. A more

2802
03:20:46,470 --> 03:20:49,551
deliberate way rather than ad hoc. At the request of

2803
03:20:49,551 --> 03:20:56,611
other reports. So. Those would be what I envision. Being

2804
03:20:56,611 --> 03:20:59,629
the benefit of. This community safety and well being plan.

2805
03:21:01,469 --> 03:21:06,758
Thank you. Councilor Grime? Yes. Thank you. The chair. I

2806
03:21:06,758 --> 03:21:09,838
have two questions. First one, could you speak? A little

2807
03:21:09,838 --> 03:21:12,478
bit more to the detail of these cameras at our

2808
03:21:12,478 --> 03:21:14,958
last open house. I got inundated. With a lot of

2809
03:21:14,958 --> 03:21:18,038
questions regarding the camera program and the reinvestment to that.

2810
03:21:20,421 --> 03:21:22,941
And briefly talking them about the fact that these are

2811
03:21:22,941 --> 03:21:27,301
24/7 monitored cameras, it seemed that the community bought in

2812
03:21:27,301 --> 03:21:28,861
a lot more. Could you speak to the fact that

2813
03:21:28,861 --> 03:21:31,846
there's a big difference between. Normal security cameras, let's say

2814
03:21:31,846 --> 03:21:33,646
your business or in your home to the pole is

2815
03:21:33,646 --> 03:21:36,326
the ones that we are reinvesting in throughout the community.

2816
03:21:36,326 --> 03:21:39,527
That's my first question. Thank you. Through the chair to

2817
03:21:39,527 --> 03:21:49,329
Councillor Graham. I'm not as familiar on the

2818
03:21:49,329 --> 03:21:52,769
technology of the cameras, but what I can say is.

2819
03:21:52,769 --> 03:21:54,976
That some of the cameras. Do have technology. That's remote

2820
03:21:54,976 --> 03:22:00,485
guard that would deploy. Public safety agencies. When they're monitored

2821
03:22:00,485 --> 03:22:04,085
and others are just static and collect the information. But

2822
03:22:04,085 --> 03:22:06,765
that is information. I'd be happy to source for you

2823
03:22:06,765 --> 03:22:11,686
through the DPPIA on the exact technology. Thank you. My

2824
03:22:11,686 --> 03:22:15,326
second one, when you're opening here, you discussed that with

2825
03:22:15,326 --> 03:22:17,766
the framework that. We've created in house with our senior

2826
03:22:17,766 --> 03:22:21,806
team here that other communities are asking for your advice,

2827
03:22:21,806 --> 03:22:25,966
your help, or essentially trying to copy what we've created.

2828
03:22:25,966 --> 03:22:31,698
We currently at our RCMP detachment. We have one forensic

2829
03:22:31,698 --> 03:22:36,618
employee that we lease out for $5,000 around the Okinawan

2830
03:22:36,618 --> 03:22:39,178
which we're all for now, if other communities are coming

2831
03:22:39,178 --> 03:22:43,054
forward, to the city of Penticton. And specifically this. Asking

2832
03:22:43,054 --> 03:22:45,294
now, are we looking to charge these other communities? Is

2833
03:22:45,294 --> 03:22:49,300
that something that's coming down? The pipeline. Thank you. Through

2834
03:22:49,300 --> 03:22:52,340
the charit of Councillor Graham. Some of the conversations have

2835
03:22:52,340 --> 03:22:54,900
been in relation to. The social development framework and the

2836
03:22:54,900 --> 03:22:59,660
accessibility framework as gold Star templates that other communities are

2837
03:22:59,660 --> 03:23:05,413
looking. To adopt. We have not explored charging other municipalities

2838
03:23:05,413 --> 03:23:09,783
for our advice. However, what I will say, there is

2839
03:23:09,783 --> 03:23:13,023
a high level of reciprocity in the partnerships that we've

2840
03:23:13,023 --> 03:23:17,739
developed with other agencies. And that highway goes both ways.

2841
03:23:17,739 --> 03:23:20,779
And we also seek out our colleagues in advice when

2842
03:23:20,779 --> 03:23:26,217
we're implementing our own. Strategies and solutions. I see a

2843
03:23:26,217 --> 03:23:33,257
consultancy job just developed right there. Council. Any further questions?

2844
03:23:33,257 --> 03:23:36,857
Any comments? Councillor Gilbert? Yeah, thank you. The chair. I

2845
03:23:36,857 --> 03:23:39,137
like to move the staff recommendation. Do you have a

2846
03:23:39,137 --> 03:23:46,957
second? We seconded. And I've got one question. The community

2847
03:23:46,957 --> 03:23:52,415
safety wellness plan. That's a $75,000 line item, but that's

2848
03:23:52,415 --> 03:23:54,335
coming out of reserve. So that's not going to affect

2849
03:23:54,335 --> 03:23:57,985
the budget. Per se. Is that correct, Ms. Campbell? That's

2850
03:23:57,985 --> 03:24:01,225
correct, your worship. We're funding that. Through the financial stabilization

2851
03:24:01,225 --> 03:24:06,160
reserve. Yeah. So I would say to Ms. Check. Obviously,

2852
03:24:06,160 --> 03:24:11,104
reserves are limited. And. Obviously, you put some thought into

2853
03:24:11,104 --> 03:24:15,304
this, but is this the best use of $75,000? For

2854
03:24:15,304 --> 03:24:21,220
your department. Is there anything else that. You thought about,

2855
03:24:21,220 --> 03:24:28,322
but put aside. Thank you. Through the chair. Mayor Bloomfield,

2856
03:24:28,322 --> 03:24:30,642
I do believe this is the best investment of the

2857
03:24:30,642 --> 03:24:33,842
resources, as I've mentioned. We have a whole new lineup

2858
03:24:33,842 --> 03:24:38,880
of public safety agency leaders. A lot of new staff

2859
03:24:38,880 --> 03:24:42,426
and new key players in the community. And I think

2860
03:24:42,426 --> 03:24:46,146
operational excellence is driven by good strategy, and this allows

2861
03:24:46,146 --> 03:24:50,290
us to develop that strategy. And long term game that

2862
03:24:50,290 --> 03:24:54,958
we can follow. That would see future budget asks really

2863
03:24:54,958 --> 03:25:00,278
be thoughtfully considered around how we prioritize and sequence further

2864
03:25:00,278 --> 03:25:04,078
investments that are required in the public safety role. Thank

2865
03:25:04,078 --> 03:25:10,079
you. Councilor. Any further questions? Comments? None. I'll call a

2866
03:25:10,079 --> 03:25:16,101
question. All in favor? And Councillor Conan. Says yes. And

2867
03:25:16,101 --> 03:25:19,421
so that is a unanimous decision. And thank you very

2868
03:25:19,421 --> 03:25:21,821
much. Thank you. So we are going to take a

2869
03:25:21,821 --> 03:25:26,791
break for lunch. And we'll cut it down a little

2870
03:25:26,791 --> 03:25:30,148
bit. Cancel. 45 minutes. 115.

2871
03:25:37,715 --> 03:25:44,722
For November 19 and moving straight into. Section 7.4, development

2872
03:25:44,722 --> 03:25:50,895
services. And starting off 7.41, development services with Mr. Levin,

2873
03:25:50,895 --> 03:25:54,763
Director of development services, and Ms Campbell. Good afternoon, your

2874
03:25:54,763 --> 03:25:57,443
worship and Councillor. I'm privileged to be here today to

2875
03:25:57,443 --> 03:26:01,483
present the development. Services 2025 operating budget to you with

2876
03:26:01,483 --> 03:26:07,134
Mrs. Campbell. Development services assist the community by creating a

2877
03:26:07,134 --> 03:26:11,174
positive environment for community growth. We work with the public

2878
03:26:11,174 --> 03:26:15,174
the business and development community, governmental and nongovernmental organizations to

2879
03:26:15,174 --> 03:26:19,355
guide growth, according to the city's official community plan. Led

2880
03:26:19,355 --> 03:26:22,755
by myself, the director of development services. Our division consists

2881
03:26:22,755 --> 03:26:25,795
of 24 and a half full time equivalent staffs. Our

2882
03:26:25,795 --> 03:26:29,555
division leads work to advance council's strategic priority around livable

2883
03:26:29,555 --> 03:26:33,715
and accessible, focusing on housing, deliberate growth and working towards

2884
03:26:33,715 --> 03:26:36,875
a community that is healthy, safe and desirable for residents

2885
03:26:36,875 --> 03:26:40,256
to call home. As a summary of what we do.

2886
03:26:42,753 --> 03:26:45,473
We do land use and planning approvals, so that establishes

2887
03:26:45,473 --> 03:26:48,233
a growth vision for the city and ensures alignment to

2888
03:26:48,233 --> 03:26:52,703
that vision through construction and development. We do building and

2889
03:26:52,703 --> 03:26:55,663
permitting and inspections, ensuring a safe and well built community.

2890
03:26:57,075 --> 03:27:01,155
We do development engineering, ensuring that subdivision development and building

2891
03:27:01,155 --> 03:27:05,715
processes integrate with the city's transportation water, electrical and sewer

2892
03:27:05,715 --> 03:27:09,835
infrastructure and our parks and urban forest. Our division also

2893
03:27:09,835 --> 03:27:13,795
manages the city's. Business liquor and cannabis licensing program licensing

2894
03:27:13,795 --> 03:27:19,042
over 3700 businesses 150. Registered not for profit organizations and

2895
03:27:19,042 --> 03:27:22,642
340 short term rental businesses. And finally, we oversee the

2896
03:27:22,642 --> 03:27:26,962
city's. Economic development function, which involves multiple city departments ensuring

2897
03:27:26,962 --> 03:27:30,877
the economic vitality of the community. Over the past year,

2898
03:27:30,877 --> 03:27:34,117
our division has seen several successes aligned with the livable

2899
03:27:34,117 --> 03:27:38,357
and accessible community priority. We've seen strong development statistics this

2900
03:27:38,357 --> 03:27:44,133
year, particularly on housing. What we assume. Councilor Conan is

2901
03:27:44,133 --> 03:27:50,142
having trouble getting the audio through. It just started for

2902
03:27:50,142 --> 03:27:54,142
me. Thank you. Okay. Sorry. Carry on then, please. Sure,

2903
03:27:54,142 --> 03:27:58,742
no problem. What we assumed going into 2024 would be

2904
03:27:58,742 --> 03:28:02,382
a slow year on par with 2023. We've actually surpassed

2905
03:28:02,382 --> 03:28:06,422
the housing unit targets for the year and are seeing

2906
03:28:06,422 --> 03:28:09,022
continued growth in that area. Part of the success is.

2907
03:28:09,378 --> 03:28:12,578
Through the partnerships that we have cultivated with the building

2908
03:28:12,578 --> 03:28:16,458
industry and building organizations to ensure continued investment. In the

2909
03:28:16,458 --> 03:28:19,058
community and ensuring that Penticton remains a great place to

2910
03:28:19,058 --> 03:28:22,730
build. Specifically on the policy side, we've had a number

2911
03:28:22,730 --> 03:28:25,970
of accomplishments, including amendments to the city's. Official community plan

2912
03:28:25,970 --> 03:28:30,010
and zoning bylaw stemming from recommendations from the city's official

2913
03:28:30,010 --> 03:28:33,770
community plan task force, which ran all throughout 2023 and

2914
03:28:33,770 --> 03:28:39,170
from the new provincial housing initiatives passed in 2023. The

2915
03:28:39,170 --> 03:28:43,632
process improvements that. Have resulted from these changes will serve

2916
03:28:43,632 --> 03:28:46,642
the community well into the future. Beyond those, though, we've

2917
03:28:46,642 --> 03:28:49,442
also made great strides towards having the city's first social

2918
03:28:49,442 --> 03:28:53,082
housing plan, which will categorize and prioritize social housing projects

2919
03:28:53,082 --> 03:28:56,042
to ensure housing needs as outlined by our housing needs

2920
03:28:56,042 --> 03:28:59,162
assessment are being met and address housing for the most

2921
03:28:59,162 --> 03:29:02,761
vulnerable in the community. Coming out of other recommendations from

2922
03:29:02,761 --> 03:29:05,961
the OCP Housing Task Force, we've made progress on. Unlocking

2923
03:29:05,961 --> 03:29:09,761
three city owned sites for social housing projects for workers,

2924
03:29:09,761 --> 03:29:13,794
youth and seniors. From the economic development function. We've put

2925
03:29:13,794 --> 03:29:18,883
the community's best foot forward. Through. Strategic media buys earned

2926
03:29:18,883 --> 03:29:21,803
media and continue to market the community as a desirable

2927
03:29:21,803 --> 03:29:24,394
place to live, work and do business. All of the

2928
03:29:24,394 --> 03:29:26,674
work we do in economic development is dependent on the

2929
03:29:26,674 --> 03:29:31,394
partnerships we maintain with other internal departments and outside organizations

2930
03:29:31,394 --> 03:29:34,874
like the Chamber of Commerce, travel Pentictin, the Industrial Development

2931
03:29:34,874 --> 03:29:39,692
Association, Downtown association and others. I'd like to take this

2932
03:29:39,692 --> 03:29:43,772
opportunity to highlight a few key performance indicators for the

2933
03:29:43,772 --> 03:29:48,332
development. Services division. We've issued for construction 260 units of

2934
03:29:48,332 --> 03:29:51,012
housing through Q three in 2024. And this is well

2935
03:29:51,012 --> 03:29:55,052
beyond the minimum needs for the community per year, which

2936
03:29:55,052 --> 03:29:57,692
is determined by our housing needs assessment at 200 and.

2937
03:29:58,856 --> 03:30:02,896
18. We've processed 490 building permits, which is slightly lower

2938
03:30:02,896 --> 03:30:05,336
than our five year average, but. Quite a bit higher

2939
03:30:05,336 --> 03:30:09,300
than last year. We're seeing high construction value or higher

2940
03:30:09,300 --> 03:30:13,260
than our five year average we've processed. Close to $160,000,000

2941
03:30:13,260 --> 03:30:16,740
in construction value so far this year. And on the

2942
03:30:16,740 --> 03:30:22,423
inspection side. We've completed over. 300. 600 inspections this year

2943
03:30:22,423 --> 03:30:26,703
and closed over 560 development files. And for licensing, as

2944
03:30:26,703 --> 03:30:30,983
mentioned before, we maintain over 3700 business licenses and 340

2945
03:30:30,983 --> 03:30:35,707
short term rental licenses. This side gives a snapshot of

2946
03:30:35,707 --> 03:30:38,947
housing numbers, and these are numbers of units that were

2947
03:30:38,947 --> 03:30:41,827
approved. For construction over the past ten years. Just showing

2948
03:30:41,827 --> 03:30:47,811
how strong 2024 was. A year keeping us above. That

2949
03:30:47,811 --> 03:30:50,211
what we need to achieve for a medium growth scenario?

2950
03:30:51,758 --> 03:30:54,358
There are a total of three initiatives proposed for our

2951
03:30:54,358 --> 03:30:57,478
division in this year's budget, which are outlined on page

2952
03:30:57,478 --> 03:31:00,718
83 of the plan. The ones with financial impacts will

2953
03:31:00,718 --> 03:31:03,318
be discussed later on in the presentation, but I'll just

2954
03:31:03,318 --> 03:31:06,198
give a quick overview of the three initiatives here. The

2955
03:31:06,198 --> 03:31:12,099
first is advancing housing affordability and this initiative support. Supports

2956
03:31:12,099 --> 03:31:15,059
and provides funding for four main projects, the first of

2957
03:31:15,059 --> 03:31:19,339
which is development of an affordable housing incentive policy. So

2958
03:31:19,339 --> 03:31:24,019
looking at tax incentives, development cost charge reductions, other fee

2959
03:31:24,019 --> 03:31:29,608
charges, density bonusing, And using funds to help develop that

2960
03:31:29,608 --> 03:31:32,608
policy. The second is developing housing on city own land

2961
03:31:32,608 --> 03:31:36,408
work that we've already started, but will continue in 2025.

2962
03:31:36,408 --> 03:31:41,358
The trends are oriented areas. This is something that. Was

2963
03:31:41,358 --> 03:31:44,158
imposed upon us by the province, and we have three

2964
03:31:44,158 --> 03:31:47,438
areas that we've identified as transit oriented areas in the

2965
03:31:47,438 --> 03:31:50,758
community. These funds will go towards doing some very minor

2966
03:31:50,758 --> 03:31:54,718
area planning and creating some vision around how development of

2967
03:31:54,718 --> 03:31:58,830
those three transit oriented areas can occur. And then implementing

2968
03:31:58,830 --> 03:32:03,070
the social, housing and infrastructure plan once it is presented

2969
03:32:03,070 --> 03:32:06,670
to Councillor and received by Councillor early in the new

2970
03:32:06,670 --> 03:32:09,590
year. We have funds for the implementation to ensure that

2971
03:32:09,590 --> 03:32:13,994
the initiatives that are highlighted in that plan. Can proceed.

2972
03:32:14,682 --> 03:32:17,682
The second initiative that we're proposing through the budget is

2973
03:32:17,682 --> 03:32:20,882
Okanagan lakeshore and Esplanade plan, which is intended to create

2974
03:32:20,882 --> 03:32:23,922
a vision for this unique area of the community. And

2975
03:32:23,922 --> 03:32:27,562
the budget request for this is $140,000. And then the

2976
03:32:27,562 --> 03:32:32,810
north gateway. Work. We also have funds in this plan.

2977
03:32:34,615 --> 03:32:37,575
Or initiatives in this plan that continue the work to

2978
03:32:37,575 --> 03:32:41,495
develop the north gateway area of the city. Speaking now

2979
03:32:41,495 --> 03:32:47,457
to the operational. Efficiencies of our division. The biggest efficiency

2980
03:32:47,457 --> 03:32:49,537
over the past year has been the amendments. To the

2981
03:32:49,537 --> 03:32:53,017
OCP zoning bylaw and development procedures bylaw that I spoke

2982
03:32:53,017 --> 03:32:57,235
about earlier. This is really eliminated many of the processes

2983
03:32:57,235 --> 03:33:00,675
that slowed down development and now allows projects that are

2984
03:33:00,675 --> 03:33:03,115
aligned with the vision in the OCP to move quickly

2985
03:33:03,115 --> 03:33:08,128
from idea to construction much more quickly. Than previous. We're

2986
03:33:08,128 --> 03:33:11,968
also seeing the positive impacts of council's investment in digitization.

2987
03:33:11,968 --> 03:33:15,808
Over the past few years with almost complete online application

2988
03:33:15,808 --> 03:33:18,168
processes set up, and this saves massive amounts of time

2989
03:33:18,168 --> 03:33:20,768
and money for the builders who we do business with,

2990
03:33:20,768 --> 03:33:22,488
who used to have to show up at city hall

2991
03:33:22,488 --> 03:33:25,928
with multiple roles of building plans and now can upload

2992
03:33:25,928 --> 03:33:29,597
plans into. Our digital online application review portal and communicate

2993
03:33:29,597 --> 03:33:33,517
with the inspectors that way. So huge efficiencies there and

2994
03:33:33,517 --> 03:33:36,157
based on investments made by Councillor over the past few

2995
03:33:36,157 --> 03:33:41,894
years. And on the digitization. We're actually going back now

2996
03:33:41,894 --> 03:33:45,134
and digitizing a lot of our historic files so that

2997
03:33:45,134 --> 03:33:48,414
plan retrieval and record retrieval happens in a much more

2998
03:33:48,414 --> 03:33:53,134
streamlined and accurate focus, which helps when real estate professionals

2999
03:33:53,134 --> 03:33:55,894
want to access city files or builders need to access

3000
03:33:55,894 --> 03:34:01,558
building plans or other. Reasons to access city files. Development

3001
03:34:01,558 --> 03:34:05,558
Services also subscribes to an ethos of continuing incremental. Improvement

3002
03:34:05,558 --> 03:34:07,958
which has served us serve to keep us as one

3003
03:34:07,958 --> 03:34:12,125
of the most desirable. For developers and design professionals to

3004
03:34:12,125 --> 03:34:16,265
work within the province. The net budget for the development

3005
03:34:16,265 --> 03:34:21,545
services division for 2025 totals $1.6 million a $269,000 increase

3006
03:34:21,545 --> 03:34:25,225
from the 2024 budget. Revenue from this division consists of

3007
03:34:25,225 --> 03:34:29,785
building permits licensing fees, inspection fees, and planning application fees.

3008
03:34:29,785 --> 03:34:32,745
2025 has a budgeted overall increase for revenues of just

3009
03:34:32,745 --> 03:34:38,462
under 100,000. Relating specifically to building permits and licensing expenses

3010
03:34:38,462 --> 03:34:40,862
for the division consists of all costs associated with the

3011
03:34:40,862 --> 03:34:45,582
building planning and development departments, including economic development. Included in

3012
03:34:45,582 --> 03:34:49,702
development services expenses is $314,000 for the local government housing

3013
03:34:49,702 --> 03:34:52,102
initiatives, which is funded by a provincial grant which we

3014
03:34:52,102 --> 03:34:56,118
received in 2024. For reporting purposes. This revenue is included

3015
03:34:56,118 --> 03:34:59,998
in the general government revenues and not within development services.

3016
03:34:59,998 --> 03:35:02,598
Through further reviews of grant funded projects in preparation of

3017
03:35:02,598 --> 03:35:05,038
these budget deliberations. It was noted that some of these

3018
03:35:05,038 --> 03:35:08,398
revenues were intended to be spent during 2024, however, have

3019
03:35:08,398 --> 03:35:10,758
not been expended yet, and are not planned to be

3020
03:35:10,758 --> 03:35:13,798
expended by year end. As a result, staff is proposing

3021
03:35:13,798 --> 03:35:17,382
to amend the 2025 Dra. Draft budget by 138,000 in

3022
03:35:17,382 --> 03:35:20,542
recognition of bringing that deferred revenue forward, which will offset

3023
03:35:20,542 --> 03:35:23,462
some expenses in 2025 and reduce the tax increase by

3024
03:35:23,462 --> 03:35:27,260
0.3 of a percent. Otherwise, overall expenses have increased for

3025
03:35:27,260 --> 03:35:29,900
specific one time initiatives, which will be detailed separately over

3026
03:35:29,900 --> 03:35:33,905
the next few slides. The first initiative is advancing housing

3027
03:35:33,905 --> 03:35:37,985
affordability. The budget request for these projects is $130,000 and

3028
03:35:37,985 --> 03:35:41,145
has been funded through the online accommodation platform reserve, so

3029
03:35:41,145 --> 03:35:43,745
has no impact on taxation. I'll turn it back to

3030
03:35:43,745 --> 03:35:47,308
Mr. Laven to discuss this initiative in more detail. So,

3031
03:35:47,308 --> 03:35:50,988
led by our housing and policy initiatives manager, this initiative

3032
03:35:50,988 --> 03:35:54,388
supports and provides funding for four main projects. The first

3033
03:35:54,388 --> 03:35:57,708
two are continuation of work that was started in 2023

3034
03:35:57,708 --> 03:36:01,828
as recommendations from the official community plan task force and

3035
03:36:01,828 --> 03:36:07,947
involve the development of an affordable housing incentive. Policy, which

3036
03:36:07,947 --> 03:36:11,027
I spoke about a bit earlier, and developing housing on

3037
03:36:11,027 --> 03:36:13,907
city owned lands. So we have put one of the

3038
03:36:13,907 --> 03:36:17,206
city owned lands into the BC builds project. The other

3039
03:36:17,206 --> 03:36:19,766
land. We do need to use some funds to create

3040
03:36:19,766 --> 03:36:23,359
a vision for. How that parcel of land is going

3041
03:36:23,359 --> 03:36:26,479
to be built out and how we can maximize the

3042
03:36:26,479 --> 03:36:29,921
use of that really important site in the downtown. The

3043
03:36:29,921 --> 03:36:32,921
other two projects are for the development of our transit

3044
03:36:32,921 --> 03:36:36,761
oriented areas and the implementation of the social housing and

3045
03:36:36,761 --> 03:36:41,415
infrastructure plan. The second initiative is for the Okanagan, lakeshore

3046
03:36:41,415 --> 03:36:44,295
and Esplanade plan. The budget request for this project is

3047
03:36:44,295 --> 03:36:47,215
140,000 and is proposed to be funded through the financial

3048
03:36:47,215 --> 03:36:50,735
stabilization reserve. So again, no impact on taxation. Again, I'll

3049
03:36:50,735 --> 03:36:55,162
let Mr. Lee and provide some. Further details. This plan

3050
03:36:55,162 --> 03:36:58,122
will create comprehensive vision for this unique area of the

3051
03:36:58,122 --> 03:37:01,482
community. From Marinaway north up to the KBR right of

3052
03:37:01,482 --> 03:37:04,882
way. Several important decisions need to be made in regard

3053
03:37:04,882 --> 03:37:08,482
to this area by the city with regard to some

3054
03:37:08,482 --> 03:37:13,010
buildings that we own in the area. Park space that

3055
03:37:13,010 --> 03:37:16,260
we manage. As well as other groups like the Penticton

3056
03:37:16,260 --> 03:37:19,340
Marina and the Penticton Tennis Club. Both of which are

3057
03:37:19,340 --> 03:37:22,260
organizations who want to make investments in their facilities and

3058
03:37:22,260 --> 03:37:25,500
the services they provide. To the community in that area.

3059
03:37:25,500 --> 03:37:28,140
But first need to understand the vision of the city

3060
03:37:28,140 --> 03:37:31,423
for the area before they can make those investments. The

3061
03:37:31,423 --> 03:37:35,943
funds being requested will be a year long engagement and

3062
03:37:35,943 --> 03:37:39,714
planning process to establish a vision for this area. And

3063
03:37:39,714 --> 03:37:41,834
will help us to make decisions the funds will go

3064
03:37:41,834 --> 03:37:49,669
towards. Professional reports qualified environmental professional review. Technical review as

3065
03:37:49,669 --> 03:37:53,669
well as the engagement materials and the plan development process.

3066
03:37:55,237 --> 03:37:57,517
So with that, the recommendation is that Councillor approve in

3067
03:37:57,517 --> 03:38:01,117
principle the development services 2025 to 2029. Budget with an

3068
03:38:01,117 --> 03:38:05,197
amendment to increase revenues by $138,000 for the local government.

3069
03:38:05,197 --> 03:38:08,757
Housing initiatives grant subject to council's final review and again,

3070
03:38:08,757 --> 03:38:11,477
that increase of revenues, as noted in the recommendation is

3071
03:38:11,477 --> 03:38:16,081
for the grant funding, not. Noted earlier that will be

3072
03:38:16,081 --> 03:38:20,321
forwarded from 2024 into 2025, offsetting some planned expenditures and

3073
03:38:20,321 --> 03:38:22,601
reducing the proposed tax increase by 0.3 of a percent.

3074
03:38:24,246 --> 03:38:31,263
Thank you. And, councillor, any questions? Development services. Councillor Gilbert.

3075
03:38:31,263 --> 03:38:33,063
Yeah. Thank you. To the chair. I like to move

3076
03:38:33,063 --> 03:38:39,317
the staff recommendation. And second. Seconded. And further comments. Any

3077
03:38:39,317 --> 03:38:48,108
questions? Sorry. And Councillor Conan. Thank you.

3078
03:38:49,950 --> 03:38:59,404
Through the chair. For the $130,000 advancing housing portability. Is

3079
03:38:59,404 --> 03:39:02,958
that going to be? Four different reports that come to

3080
03:39:02,958 --> 03:39:08,009
us. With those targeted projects, because I feel like a

3081
03:39:08,009 --> 03:39:11,369
lot of that is something we're already doing? Our staff

3082
03:39:11,369 --> 03:39:16,164
is already doing. Or are you hiring consultants? So why

3083
03:39:16,164 --> 03:39:23,611
would it cost? 130,000 is what I'm. Asking. Mr. Legging.

3084
03:39:24,338 --> 03:39:27,818
Yeah. Through your worship, there will be some consultancies that

3085
03:39:27,818 --> 03:39:30,785
we will be relying on. We have cost it out.

3086
03:39:33,295 --> 03:39:36,175
Each individual of the four projects have different costs to

3087
03:39:36,175 --> 03:39:40,895
them, so that 130,000 is cumulative. Of the four projects,

3088
03:39:40,895 --> 03:39:44,131
and I don't have the exact breakdown, but. There are

3089
03:39:44,131 --> 03:39:48,731
some consultations that will occur. There will be some architectural

3090
03:39:48,731 --> 03:39:55,236
consultations that we'll. Be getting there's some various engagement. Initiatives

3091
03:39:55,236 --> 03:39:57,276
that we'll be doing, but all of that work will

3092
03:39:57,276 --> 03:40:00,069
be led by staff. These aren't reports that we're going

3093
03:40:00,069 --> 03:40:04,134
to be turning over to consultants to develop. Reports. This

3094
03:40:04,134 --> 03:40:06,574
is money that will be used to develop those plans

3095
03:40:06,574 --> 03:40:11,614
internally, relying on consultants to feed into that process, but

3096
03:40:11,614 --> 03:40:13,614
the majority of that work will be done at the

3097
03:40:13,614 --> 03:40:16,214
staff level, and I should mention, and I think it

3098
03:40:16,214 --> 03:40:25,830
was mentioned. The money that we're using, the 130,000

3099
03:40:25,830 --> 03:40:30,750
is coming out of the short term. Rental online accommodation

3100
03:40:30,750 --> 03:40:29,651
platform. Tax that we collect from the short term rentals

3101
03:40:29,651 --> 03:40:33,011
that goes into an affordable housing reserve and I think

3102
03:40:33,011 --> 03:40:35,771
in reviewing what we wanted to do around affordable housing

3103
03:40:35,771 --> 03:40:38,091
from a policy perspective, we felt these were the best

3104
03:40:38,091 --> 03:40:41,531
way to move the needle. And using that money for

3105
03:40:41,531 --> 03:40:44,291
what it's intended for, we felt, was a good use

3106
03:40:44,291 --> 03:40:50,268
of those funds. Thank you. Thank you. And any further

3107
03:40:50,268 --> 03:40:55,594
questions? And hearing none. And I'm going to call the

3108
03:40:55,594 --> 03:41:01,228
question. All in favor? Councilor Conan says in favor as

3109
03:41:01,228 --> 03:41:03,628
well. So that's unanimous. Thank you very much, Mr. Label.

3110
03:41:11,121 --> 03:41:18,286
Moving on to 7.5. Corporate administration 7.51 corporate admin. Manager

3111
03:41:18,286 --> 03:41:22,126
of Councillor and executive operations, Cheryl Hardisty. And Ms. Campbell,

3112
03:41:22,126 --> 03:41:26,042
please. Thank you, mayor and Councillor. I will just jump

3113
03:41:26,042 --> 03:41:31,784
right in. So the corporate administration division addresses citywide organizational

3114
03:41:31,784 --> 03:41:36,224
needs, ensuring council's decisions are implemented effectively. And providing strategic

3115
03:41:36,224 --> 03:41:40,904
advice. Key responsibilities include providing advice to Councillor to support

3116
03:41:40,904 --> 03:41:45,064
informed decision making, managing government relationships, including with appendicated indian

3117
03:41:45,064 --> 03:41:50,455
band supporting the senior leadership team. Facilitating council's priority setting,

3118
03:41:50,455 --> 03:41:54,255
training and orientation programs, and advocacy initiatives, as well as

3119
03:41:54,255 --> 03:41:57,335
providing comprehensive administrative support to Councillor and the city manager.

3120
03:41:58,699 --> 03:42:01,019
So corporate men consists of mayor and Councillor who are

3121
03:42:01,019 --> 03:42:03,899
supported by the city manager, Anthony Hadad. Myself, Councillor and

3122
03:42:03,899 --> 03:42:09,139
executive operations manager, and Claire McLean, the confidential admin assistant

3123
03:42:09,139 --> 03:42:12,791
who has joined us. In the gallery. So Councillor serves

3124
03:42:12,791 --> 03:42:15,871
as Penticton's elected body, governing the city and promoting its

3125
03:42:15,871 --> 03:42:19,911
economic social and environmental well being. You provide strategic direction

3126
03:42:19,911 --> 03:42:22,431
to the city manager, and he ensures services align. With

3127
03:42:22,431 --> 03:42:26,551
the community needs and priorities. The city manager's leadership extends

3128
03:42:26,551 --> 03:42:30,711
across the entire organization, overseeing eight direct reports making up

3129
03:42:30,711 --> 03:42:33,732
the senior leadership team of the. City. Together we drive

3130
03:42:33,732 --> 03:42:38,772
cross divisional. Coordination, ensuring cohesive leadership and strategic alignment across

3131
03:42:38,772 --> 03:42:43,197
all city departments and operations. As highlighted in the overview,

3132
03:42:43,197 --> 03:42:46,317
corporate Min leaves the broad operational and strategic functions required

3133
03:42:46,317 --> 03:42:50,877
to support the city's objective. This encompasses everything from coordinating

3134
03:42:50,877 --> 03:42:54,557
city council's orientation and priority setting to strategic direction that

3135
03:42:54,557 --> 03:42:58,637
ensures organizational efficiency and alignment with community needs and Councillor

3136
03:42:58,637 --> 03:43:02,826
priorities. In addition to our core administ. Administrative roles. Corporate

3137
03:43:02,826 --> 03:43:05,226
Min serves as the city's primary contact for government to

3138
03:43:05,226 --> 03:43:09,026
government relationships. Our goal is to establish and nurture collaborative

3139
03:43:09,026 --> 03:43:12,426
partnerships with other levels of government, including the Penticton indian

3140
03:43:12,426 --> 03:43:15,626
band regional district Okanagan, Samuelkamine and other local governments in

3141
03:43:15,626 --> 03:43:19,203
the valley and beyond. We aim to create lasting partnerships

3142
03:43:19,203 --> 03:43:21,843
that benefit not only our municipality, but the broader region

3143
03:43:21,843 --> 03:43:24,643
as well. Through these relationships, we are better equipped to

3144
03:43:24,643 --> 03:43:28,043
advocate for our community's needs, respond to shared challenges and

3145
03:43:28,043 --> 03:43:31,643
work collaboratively on solutions that have meaningful and positive impacts

3146
03:43:31,643 --> 03:43:36,326
on our residents and partners. Alike. So in 2024, council's

3147
03:43:36,326 --> 03:43:40,526
attendance at key conferences, including UBCM, Silga and FCM demonstrated

3148
03:43:40,526 --> 03:43:43,966
a commitment to ongoing learning and regional collaboration. These events

3149
03:43:43,966 --> 03:43:47,486
facilitated strategic networking and enabled Councillor to gather insights on

3150
03:43:47,486 --> 03:43:51,926
emerging municipal challenges and best practices. Outcomes from these engagements

3151
03:43:51,926 --> 03:43:56,027
continue to inform city initiatives and strength. Strengthen partnerships, benefiting

3152
03:43:56,027 --> 03:43:59,535
both the organization and the wider community. This year, Councillor

3153
03:43:59,535 --> 03:44:03,375
attended several conferences, including the UBCM Housing Summit, which focused

3154
03:44:03,375 --> 03:44:06,855
on the continuing crisis and housing affordability and attainability. Mayor

3155
03:44:06,855 --> 03:44:10,095
Bloomfield presented to the delegation about short term rentals alongside

3156
03:44:10,095 --> 03:44:13,175
Sarah Kirby Young of Vancouver city Councillor Amir Doug O'Brien

3157
03:44:13,175 --> 03:44:18,650
from Parksville. The local government leadership academy, or LGLE, which

3158
03:44:18,650 --> 03:44:20,890
deals with the regular course of business items that keeps

3159
03:44:20,890 --> 03:44:24,910
everything moving along. Things like Budget 101, fair value accounting

3160
03:44:24,910 --> 03:44:29,150
concepts, BC assessment, natural asset management, integration of land use

3161
03:44:29,150 --> 03:44:33,994
planning, and climate action. SiLga, the Southern Interior Local Government

3162
03:44:33,994 --> 03:44:37,874
association, passed both resolutions. The city put forward this year

3163
03:44:37,874 --> 03:44:40,474
one about the need for a complex care services and

3164
03:44:40,474 --> 03:44:42,994
the other about upgrading the 201 as it's relied on

3165
03:44:42,994 --> 03:44:48,008
more and more regularly. At Penwor, the Pacific North Pacific

3166
03:44:48,008 --> 03:44:51,768
Northwest economic region summit. We heard about hydrogen infrastructure and

3167
03:44:51,768 --> 03:44:55,688
opportunities achieving energy transition and have the opportunity to tour

3168
03:44:55,688 --> 03:45:00,128
many of the Whistler housing authorities, many projects with Whistler

3169
03:45:00,128 --> 03:45:03,728
Mayor Jack Crompton and the UBCM, and finally the UBCM

3170
03:45:03,728 --> 03:45:06,718
annual convention. This year, Councillor met. With Minister Kalon to

3171
03:45:06,718 --> 03:45:10,038
discuss progress of the Skah Assembly. Minister Fleming, regarding the

3172
03:45:10,038 --> 03:45:12,518
201 and we were honored to have PIb join us

3173
03:45:12,518 --> 03:45:15,718
to speak with Minister Cullen and municipal affairs staff. About

3174
03:45:15,718 --> 03:45:20,670
water partnership opportunities. Council has also participated in tours of

3175
03:45:20,670 --> 03:45:23,750
city facilities, which has been mentioned today, which we aim

3176
03:45:23,750 --> 03:45:27,030
to offer valuable insights into our key infrastructure and service

3177
03:45:27,030 --> 03:45:33,417
areas. We've conducted the 2025 priorities setting, aligning our focus

3178
03:45:33,417 --> 03:45:37,264
with community needs and long term goals. We've held regular

3179
03:45:37,264 --> 03:45:40,984
intermunicipal advisory committee or IMAC meetings, which have strengthened our

3180
03:45:40,984 --> 03:45:44,304
partnerships with neighboring municipalities. We also held a Councillor to

3181
03:45:44,304 --> 03:45:47,544
Councillor meeting with Penticton indian band, furthering our shared commitment

3182
03:45:47,544 --> 03:45:51,681
to collaboration and close government to government relations. In particular.

3183
03:45:52,834 --> 03:45:56,937
We've also seen some great successes with RDos. With the

3184
03:45:56,937 --> 03:46:00,417
partnership on the shelter funding and Councillor Watt appointed as

3185
03:46:00,417 --> 03:46:05,642
vice chair. So corporate Amin is proposing one new initiative

3186
03:46:05,642 --> 03:46:09,162
for council's consideration, which is the advocacy planning. And intergovernmental

3187
03:46:09,162 --> 03:46:13,042
relations that aims to establish a proactive and sophisticated strategy

3188
03:46:13,042 --> 03:46:16,602
for engaging local, provincial, federal and indigenous governments and other

3189
03:46:16,602 --> 03:46:19,402
key partners. We'll talk a little bit more. About that

3190
03:46:19,402 --> 03:46:24,690
on a later slide. For efficiencies. Part of the city

3191
03:46:24,690 --> 03:46:28,970
manager's role is about creating and supporting efficiencies that enhance

3192
03:46:28,970 --> 03:46:32,530
the performance of all departments, ensuring we work together cohesively.

3193
03:46:32,530 --> 03:46:38,130
To meet citywide goals, prioritizing organizationwide systems, shared resources, and

3194
03:46:38,130 --> 03:46:41,610
collaborative processes. Empowers each department to operate at its best.

3195
03:46:43,158 --> 03:46:47,718
This approach reduces redundancy and builds a strong, adaptable workforce.

3196
03:46:47,718 --> 03:46:54,700
Specifically. Interdivisional collaboration, which. Aims to strengthen cooperation across divisions

3197
03:46:54,700 --> 03:47:00,140
to optimize optimize resource use and improve service. Delivery overall

3198
03:47:00,140 --> 03:47:04,540
organizational review regular assessments of the organizational structure and operations

3199
03:47:04,540 --> 03:47:08,540
to ensure efficiency and alignment with council's priorities and core

3200
03:47:08,540 --> 03:47:12,736
values link to operations. Communicating and integrating core values. Into

3201
03:47:12,736 --> 03:47:15,896
operations to foster accountability and drive a culture of continuous

3202
03:47:15,896 --> 03:47:19,909
improvement. The detailed budget for corporate admin can be found

3203
03:47:19,909 --> 03:47:22,989
on pages 148 to 149 of the plan and reflects

3204
03:47:22,989 --> 03:47:27,829
the total cost of $842,000 for 2025. Expenses are made

3205
03:47:27,829 --> 03:47:31,029
up of Councillor wages, staff wages, public relations conferences and

3206
03:47:31,029 --> 03:47:34,509
training. Increases over the 2024 budget are related. To conferences

3207
03:47:34,509 --> 03:47:37,349
and memberships for events such as Silga and the UBCM.

3208
03:47:37,908 --> 03:47:40,228
Council wages, which are based on the council's remuneration bylaw.

3209
03:47:40,228 --> 03:47:42,548
An additional cost for the initiative that will be discussed

3210
03:47:42,548 --> 03:47:45,986
on the next few slides. Proposed in the plan is

3211
03:47:45,986 --> 03:47:49,546
the incremental cost of $25,000 for the advocacy and intergovernmental

3212
03:47:49,546 --> 03:47:52,746
relation planning to enable the city to advance priority issues,

3213
03:47:52,746 --> 03:47:56,266
secure funding, and influence policies that directly benefit Penticton. I'll

3214
03:47:56,266 --> 03:47:57,706
turn it back to Ms. Hard as you discuss that

3215
03:47:57,706 --> 03:48:02,739
initiative further? Thank you. So as mentioned earlier, the advocacy,

3216
03:48:02,739 --> 03:48:07,259
planning and intergovernment, intergovernmental relations initiative aims to establish a

3217
03:48:07,259 --> 03:48:10,539
proactive and strategic approach to engaging local, provincial, federal and

3218
03:48:10,539 --> 03:48:13,979
indigenous governments, along with other key partners, it will position

3219
03:48:13,979 --> 03:48:17,179
the city to advance priorities and influence policies that directly

3220
03:48:17,179 --> 03:48:21,601
benefit Pentictin. This initia. Initiative will consider items, including formalizing

3221
03:48:21,601 --> 03:48:27,681
a coordinated advocacy calendar, conducting organizational needs assessment, improving alignment

3222
03:48:27,681 --> 03:48:31,921
between Councillor priorities and external funding programs and enhancing relationship

3223
03:48:31,921 --> 03:48:35,780
management with partner and senior government officials and agencies. Key

3224
03:48:35,780 --> 03:48:39,540
components of this initiative include the development of a comprehensive.

3225
03:48:40,528 --> 03:48:44,808
Centralized strategy for engaging senior and cross border government partners.

3226
03:48:44,808 --> 03:48:49,208
Leverage efficacy needs like Silga networks like Silga, UBCM, FCM,

3227
03:48:49,208 --> 03:48:54,582
penwork amplify the city's advocacy efforts. Formalize a calendar, as

3228
03:48:54,582 --> 03:48:59,022
I mentioned, identify organizational needs and develop reports to support

3229
03:48:59,022 --> 03:49:03,622
funding applications and policy alignment. Create professional advocacy materials, including

3230
03:49:03,622 --> 03:49:07,782
briefing notes, brochures, and visual presentations. Strengthen partnerships by hosting

3231
03:49:07,782 --> 03:49:10,942
dignitaries and key partners to showcase priority projects and foster

3232
03:49:10,942 --> 03:49:15,565
collaboration. And integrate Councillor priorities with evolving external opportunities to

3233
03:49:15,565 --> 03:49:20,475
maximize financial support. So without your worship, council's recommendation or

3234
03:49:20,475 --> 03:49:22,715
staff's recommendation, to Councillor is to approve. In principle to

3235
03:49:22,715 --> 03:49:27,155
corporate admin. 2025 to 2029 budget subject to final review.

3236
03:49:30,699 --> 03:49:36,984
Thank you. And Councillor. Any questions? Any comments? Getting a

3237
03:49:36,984 --> 03:49:40,344
negative from Councillor Conan. Councillor Gilbert. Yeah. Thank you. To

3238
03:49:40,344 --> 03:49:44,225
the chair. I like to move. The staff recommendation. Move.

3239
03:49:44,225 --> 03:49:52,259
Seconded. Seconded. And any questions? Discussion hearing? None. I'll call

3240
03:49:52,259 --> 03:49:57,821
the question. All in favor? And Councillor Conan in favor?

3241
03:49:57,821 --> 03:50:07,096
Yes. And so that's unanimous. Thank you very much. Moving

3242
03:50:07,096 --> 03:50:16,173
on. 7.6. Finance and administration. Ms. Campbell, you're on your

3243
03:50:16,173 --> 03:50:21,255
own. Thank you, your worship. You finance an administration division

3244
03:50:21,255 --> 03:50:23,935
works as a strategic partner with departments throughout the city

3245
03:50:23,935 --> 03:50:27,295
to ensure effective delivery of services and programs by providing

3246
03:50:27,295 --> 03:50:33,335
financial, human resources, information technology, legislative, procurement, and communication services.

3247
03:50:33,335 --> 03:50:36,175
We are also responsible for the overall financial administration and

3248
03:50:36,175 --> 03:50:40,384
collection of all city revenues. Led by myself. This division

3249
03:50:40,384 --> 03:50:43,384
consists of 77 FTE and leads work to support the

3250
03:50:43,384 --> 03:50:47,144
organization with a focus on organizational excellence, partnerships, and the

3251
03:50:47,144 --> 03:50:51,925
provision of effective and community focused services as. The support

3252
03:50:51,925 --> 03:50:54,085
division for the city. We are engaged, adaptable to the

3253
03:50:54,085 --> 03:50:57,365
changing organizational needs and pressures. And strive for modern delivery

3254
03:50:57,365 --> 03:51:02,137
of city services. Our division includes financial services providing accounting,

3255
03:51:02,137 --> 03:51:05,177
budgeting, financial analysis, and revenue and collection services for the

3256
03:51:05,177 --> 03:51:09,137
city procurement and inventory provides centralized purchasing services for the

3257
03:51:09,137 --> 03:51:12,097
acquisition of goods and services, including management of the city's

3258
03:51:12,097 --> 03:51:15,836
inventory and disposal of city assets. It, and GIS is

3259
03:51:15,836 --> 03:51:19,196
responsible for providing technical support to all city departments. This

3260
03:51:19,196 --> 03:51:21,356
department plays a crucial role in helping us to innovate

3261
03:51:21,356 --> 03:51:25,236
and focus on modernization, human resources and occupational health. And

3262
03:51:25,236 --> 03:51:29,356
safety is responsible for recruitment and retention, compensation, safety and

3263
03:51:29,356 --> 03:51:32,836
employee well being, training and development benefits and payroll and

3264
03:51:32,836 --> 03:51:35,702
develops and manages corporate programs related to. Employee and labor

3265
03:51:35,702 --> 03:51:39,934
relations. Legislative services carries out a wide variety of statutory

3266
03:51:39,934 --> 03:51:44,934
responsibilities and ensures city decision making processes maintain transparency accountability,

3267
03:51:44,934 --> 03:51:48,200
integrity and accessibility. They are also responsible for the city's

3268
03:51:48,200 --> 03:51:53,679
election processes. Communications and engagement provide strategic communications services that

3269
03:51:53,679 --> 03:51:57,399
are essential to achieving the city's business objectives. As well.

3270
03:51:57,399 --> 03:52:00,399
The municipal RCMP provide an integral service to the RCMP

3271
03:52:00,399 --> 03:52:04,399
members through electronic file management and disclosure victim services programs

3272
03:52:04,399 --> 03:52:09,359
exhibit management crime analysis digital forensics community policing custodial guards

3273
03:52:09,359 --> 03:52:13,294
and restorative justice. Programs. Although structurally the municipal employees belong

3274
03:52:13,294 --> 03:52:16,214
in this division, for operational purposes, they were represented in

3275
03:52:16,214 --> 03:52:22,534
the RCMP presentation earlier. So if achievements throughout 2024 include

3276
03:52:22,534 --> 03:52:25,454
procurement staff working with other local governments for group purchases

3277
03:52:25,454 --> 03:52:28,294
to gain economies of scale in the past year, they

3278
03:52:28,294 --> 03:52:30,414
took the lead on a very complex project for waste

3279
03:52:30,414 --> 03:52:34,134
collection for five municipalities in the regional district. The finance

3280
03:52:34,134 --> 03:52:37,054
team successfully implemented a change in property tax due dates

3281
03:52:37,054 --> 03:52:39,984
from July 31 to the first business day in. July.

3282
03:52:39,984 --> 03:52:41,504
This change was the first step in ensuring that the

3283
03:52:41,504 --> 03:52:44,264
city is able to meet updated legislative requirements under the

3284
03:52:44,264 --> 03:52:48,104
Local Government act. In addition, they also implemented overthecounter credit

3285
03:52:48,104 --> 03:52:51,024
card acceptance at city hall to provide residents with additional

3286
03:52:51,024 --> 03:52:55,433
options for making payments. The business continuity plan for city

3287
03:52:55,433 --> 03:52:58,793
hall was updated to reflect new legislative requirements. Items highlighted

3288
03:52:58,793 --> 03:53:01,273
from that plan have been earmarked for continued improvement into

3289
03:53:01,273 --> 03:53:06,033
2025. The human resources team successfully led bargaining negotiations with

3290
03:53:06,033 --> 03:53:09,313
two of the city's unionized workforces on the legislative services

3291
03:53:09,313 --> 03:53:12,153
team. Implemented the EScrib system, which has improved Councillor and

3292
03:53:12,153 --> 03:53:16,214
committee meeting processes. While increasing accessibility to public meeting information.

3293
03:53:17,748 --> 03:53:20,948
The IT department continues to leave the city's digital transformation

3294
03:53:20,948 --> 03:53:25,468
and during 2024 started the implementation of Microsoft 365, leveraging

3295
03:53:25,468 --> 03:53:29,468
operational communication tools such as teams. The communications team, along

3296
03:53:29,468 --> 03:53:32,948
with our sustainability department was recognized by the IABC with

3297
03:53:32,948 --> 03:53:35,708
winning the Gold Quill award for our books recycling turns

3298
03:53:35,708 --> 03:53:39,477
a new page campaign. And finally, City of Centigton was

3299
03:53:39,477 --> 03:53:43,837
again awarded the Organizational Safety Excellence Award for 2024. In

3300
03:53:43,837 --> 03:53:46,117
addition, one of our safety staff members was named an

3301
03:53:46,117 --> 03:53:49,037
Excellence awardee for safety leader of the year in the

3302
03:53:49,037 --> 03:53:54,855
2024, Canada's safest employers Awards. Some KPIs from this division

3303
03:53:54,855 --> 03:53:57,695
that I'd like to highlight include maintaining performance measures on

3304
03:53:57,695 --> 03:54:00,455
financial stability ratios, which is an important aspect of the

3305
03:54:00,455 --> 03:54:04,295
city's financial management. The city continues to sustain stable ratios

3306
03:54:04,295 --> 03:54:06,895
for financial assets to liabilities as well as debt to

3307
03:54:06,895 --> 03:54:10,815
operating revenues. The IT team completed 25 software improvements in

3308
03:54:10,815 --> 03:54:13,775
eight projects. HR offered a number of internal courses. And

3309
03:54:13,775 --> 03:54:17,175
workshops, both online and in person, and procurement issued 23

3310
03:54:17,175 --> 03:54:20,375
contracts valued at over $14 million and issued over 400

3311
03:54:20,375 --> 03:54:24,375
purchase orders totaling just under $6 million. There are a

3312
03:54:24,375 --> 03:54:27,695
total of four initiatives proposed for 2025 for safe and

3313
03:54:27,695 --> 03:54:30,495
resilient. We have the implementation of the updated City hall

3314
03:54:30,495 --> 03:54:34,055
business continuity Plan, as well as advancing digital transformation and

3315
03:54:34,055 --> 03:54:38,015
innovation, which includes leveraging available technologies to focus on increasing

3316
03:54:38,015 --> 03:54:42,535
operational efficiencies, collaboration and new communication tools available within Microsoft

3317
03:54:42,535 --> 03:54:46,980
360. Five also included in the focus work for 2025.

3318
03:54:46,980 --> 03:54:48,980
For it will be a review of the existing phone

3319
03:54:48,980 --> 03:54:52,420
network system and planning for transition to a digital system.

3320
03:54:52,420 --> 03:54:54,940
The city has experienced several phone outages over the past

3321
03:54:54,940 --> 03:54:57,740
year, which is in relation to our former provider. We've

3322
03:54:57,740 --> 03:54:59,900
switched switched over to a new provider while we work

3323
03:54:59,900 --> 03:55:03,511
through the transition plan for the digital system. Under the

3324
03:55:03,511 --> 03:55:06,471
vision, mission and culture. There's a planned expansion of strategic

3325
03:55:06,471 --> 03:55:11,071
communication programs, including transition. From strictly tactical communications and marketing

3326
03:55:11,071 --> 03:55:14,711
activities to a focus on strategic planning and delivery. Creating

3327
03:55:14,711 --> 03:55:17,391
a process to monitor and collect citizen data and sentiment

3328
03:55:17,391 --> 03:55:20,791
to be used to inform strategic communication decisions and developing

3329
03:55:20,791 --> 03:55:24,853
a proactive corporate communications. Framework and strategy for the organization,

3330
03:55:24,853 --> 03:55:28,933
including both internal and external communications. Additionally, the city will

3331
03:55:28,933 --> 03:55:31,413
conduct the request for proposal process for procurement of an

3332
03:55:31,413 --> 03:55:33,693
external auditor to ensure that Councillor is able to make

3333
03:55:33,693 --> 03:55:38,397
an informed decision when appointing the new auditor. Operational efficiencies

3334
03:55:38,397 --> 03:55:42,117
for 2024 include implementation of Escribe, as previously mentioned, which

3335
03:55:42,117 --> 03:55:45,637
has improved counsel and committee meeting processes internally, making the

3336
03:55:45,637 --> 03:55:49,477
process of organizing these meetings more efficient. Implementation of Microsoft

3337
03:55:49,477 --> 03:55:54,914
365 allowed staff to start utilizing operational. Communication tools such

3338
03:55:54,914 --> 03:55:57,554
as teams. We also shifted away from Zoom meetings, which

3339
03:55:57,554 --> 03:56:01,434
has decreased expenses as we reduce these licensing fees. By

3340
03:56:01,434 --> 03:56:04,314
entering into an operating agreement with the community foundation, city

3341
03:56:04,314 --> 03:56:07,034
staff were able to reallocate staff time to other functions,

3342
03:56:07,034 --> 03:56:11,274
allowing greater capacity to support internal departments with financial analysis

3343
03:56:11,274 --> 03:56:14,512
and lastly, through these efficiencies, noted internal cap. Capacity has

3344
03:56:14,512 --> 03:56:17,072
also been utilized to assist other departments within the divisions

3345
03:56:17,072 --> 03:56:20,232
that were oversubscribed. Ensuring our teams are cross coordinating to

3346
03:56:20,232 --> 03:56:22,832
provide support where needed. Work capacity and skill sets allow.

3347
03:56:24,896 --> 03:56:27,296
Moving into the financial details. The net budget for the

3348
03:56:27,296 --> 03:56:31,656
financial and Administration division for 2025 totals $4.5 million, a

3349
03:56:31,656 --> 03:56:36,896
$306,000 decrease from 2024 revenue for this division. Consists of

3350
03:56:36,896 --> 03:56:40,296
gaming revenue, the municipal portion of traffic fines, and miscellaneous

3351
03:56:40,296 --> 03:56:43,536
collection recoveries. With the 2025 budget remaining similar to the

3352
03:56:43,536 --> 03:56:46,963
previous year. Expenses for the division consists of all costs

3353
03:56:46,963 --> 03:56:51,603
associated with communications and public engagement. Citywide information technology support,

3354
03:56:51,603 --> 03:56:56,203
including cybersecurity HR support, including hiring of all employees, legislative

3355
03:56:56,203 --> 03:56:59,843
and regulatory requirements, and all finance functions, including insurance and

3356
03:56:59,843 --> 03:57:03,443
debt servicing costs as well as procurement. Overall expenses have

3357
03:57:03,443 --> 03:57:06,099
decreased, mainly with the introduc. Introduction of budgeting for staffing

3358
03:57:06,099 --> 03:57:11,219
vacancies and RCMP contract offsets additional expenses in 2025 include

3359
03:57:11,219 --> 03:57:15,179
racking for newly established inventory area, higher insurance premiums. The

3360
03:57:15,179 --> 03:57:19,539
new communications system to inform strategic communications and a new

3361
03:57:19,539 --> 03:57:22,219
buyer position that we will discuss in the incremental initiatives.

3362
03:57:24,101 --> 03:57:27,181
Simkey drivers from this division include the increases for contractual,

3363
03:57:27,181 --> 03:57:30,741
labor and software licensing and maintenance. These costs are nondiscretionary

3364
03:57:30,741 --> 03:57:34,261
and often rise at rates above inflation. Additionally, the city

3365
03:57:34,261 --> 03:57:37,141
continues to see a rise in its insurance premiums. However,

3366
03:57:37,141 --> 03:57:39,941
this year, in order to mitigate against the significant costs,

3367
03:57:39,941 --> 03:57:43,181
the city has reevaluated its methodology on certain assets in

3368
03:57:43,181 --> 03:57:45,326
an effort to bring. Premiums down as we work on

3369
03:57:45,326 --> 03:57:48,686
reinsuring by the end of the calendar year. Original estimated

3370
03:57:48,686 --> 03:57:51,526
increases for insurance over 2024 budget were just shy of

3371
03:57:51,526 --> 03:57:55,766
$200,000. However, using this revised method, the increase was adjusted

3372
03:57:55,766 --> 03:58:00,086
to 85,000. Although interest rates have more recently stabilized, the

3373
03:58:00,086 --> 03:58:02,846
city has been impacted by several debt issues being refinanced

3374
03:58:02,846 --> 03:58:06,159
at significantly higher rates than. Previous debt terms, many of

3375
03:58:06,159 --> 03:58:08,679
our issues had previously seen rates decreased to less than

3376
03:58:08,679 --> 03:58:13,239
2%. However recent refinancing rates are closer to 4%. Interest

3377
03:58:13,239 --> 03:58:15,759
rates also impact the amount of interest paid on deposits

3378
03:58:15,759 --> 03:58:18,119
the city holds and pays interest on, such as landscape

3379
03:58:18,119 --> 03:58:21,319
deposits or prepaid taxes. As interest rates have gone up,

3380
03:58:21,319 --> 03:58:23,919
so has the city's cost in holding these funds. For

3381
03:58:23,919 --> 03:58:26,784
example, with previously. Low interest rates. The cost was zero

3382
03:58:26,784 --> 03:58:30,104
in 2021 for these and has risen to over $250,000.

3383
03:58:30,104 --> 03:58:34,078
In 2024. And as mentioned on the previous slide, a

3384
03:58:34,078 --> 03:58:37,078
few incremental expenses have been included in this year. The

3385
03:58:37,078 --> 03:58:39,678
first is to provide for racking within an outdoor inventory

3386
03:58:39,678 --> 03:58:42,758
building at a one time cost of $40,000. Without this

3387
03:58:42,758 --> 03:58:45,078
racking, the area cannot be set up effectively to house

3388
03:58:45,078 --> 03:58:48,558
as many products as possible, allowing for consolidation and working

3389
03:58:48,558 --> 03:58:51,918
to lessen the city's inventory outages. The second item is

3390
03:58:51,918 --> 03:58:55,656
immediate monitoring service. That public affairs and communication departments utilize,

3391
03:58:55,656 --> 03:58:59,586
which includes. Social listening, media management, and a variety of

3392
03:58:59,586 --> 03:59:02,466
influencer and consumer intelligence. The cost of the system would

3393
03:59:02,466 --> 03:59:05,786
be $16,000 annually, with the data available to use on

3394
03:59:05,786 --> 03:59:08,266
a customized dashboard that can be used to create reports

3395
03:59:08,266 --> 03:59:11,306
based on their analysis of online news, broadcast news, social

3396
03:59:11,306 --> 03:59:14,186
media comments and print media. The data would be used

3397
03:59:14,186 --> 03:59:16,906
to assist in making communication decisions and allowing staff to

3398
03:59:16,906 --> 03:59:21,030
have a more data. Datadriven approach. For the 2025 budget,

3399
03:59:21,030 --> 03:59:24,190
the division is requesting an increase in staffing resources within

3400
03:59:24,190 --> 03:59:27,990
the procurement and inventory department for a buyer position. With

3401
03:59:27,990 --> 03:59:30,710
the significant increase in the city's capital program, over the

3402
03:59:30,710 --> 03:59:33,750
past several years and the increasing technical details required in

3403
03:59:33,750 --> 03:59:36,550
those projects, such as the LS four dam the procurement

3404
03:59:36,550 --> 03:59:40,200
department requires an additional resource in order to provide. The

3405
03:59:40,200 --> 03:59:42,960
support needed to produce rfps, rfqs and tender documents in

3406
03:59:42,960 --> 03:59:46,360
a more timely manner. With over $80 million of capital

3407
03:59:46,360 --> 03:59:49,320
projects in 2024 and preceding years, the department has had

3408
03:59:49,320 --> 03:59:52,680
to prioritize projects, leaving lower priority ones, waiting extended periods

3409
03:59:52,680 --> 03:59:55,320
of time as the team focuses on the more complex

3410
03:59:55,320 --> 03:59:58,960
and costly initiatives we are currently unable to provide. The

3411
03:59:58,960 --> 04:00:01,716
level of service. Requested by other departments to deliver on

3412
04:00:01,716 --> 04:00:03,956
the number of extensive projects that the city is trying

3413
04:00:03,956 --> 04:00:07,153
to complete. This additional resource would provide the needed capacity

3414
04:00:07,153 --> 04:00:09,553
to support the various teams throughout the city that require

3415
04:00:09,553 --> 04:00:12,753
procurement services. Without this resource, the procurement team will have

3416
04:00:12,753 --> 04:00:15,233
to continue to prioritize projects based on a variety of

3417
04:00:15,233 --> 04:00:19,842
factors, with the remaining waiting until capacity allows. Based on

3418
04:00:19,842 --> 04:00:22,122
the previous years of annual capital budgets as well as

3419
04:00:22,122 --> 04:00:25,042
carry forward projects. The total budgeted capital work to be

3420
04:00:25,042 --> 04:00:27,842
completed has grown from 22 million in 2017 up to

3421
04:00:27,842 --> 04:00:31,642
an estimated 90 million for 2025. This is largely due

3422
04:00:31,642 --> 04:00:34,922
to some significant projects, such as Ellis Fordham. The upgrades

3423
04:00:34,922 --> 04:00:38,002
to the wastewater treatment plant and the PRV project, in

3424
04:00:38,002 --> 04:00:40,492
addition to other inflationary impacts. That we've seen over the

3425
04:00:40,492 --> 04:00:44,012
years in themselves, these large projects can take anywhere between

3426
04:00:44,012 --> 04:00:48,012
40 to 100 hours of dedicated procurement time to complete

3427
04:00:48,012 --> 04:00:50,692
the procurement staff that produced the documents to tender these

3428
04:00:50,692 --> 04:00:53,612
projects has remained at two since 2018. However, over that

3429
04:00:53,612 --> 04:00:56,492
same time frame, the capital program has grown over three

3430
04:00:56,492 --> 04:01:00,271
times from what it was in 2024. Procurement had. 75

3431
04:01:00,271 --> 04:01:02,631
projects included in their work plan for both capital and

3432
04:01:02,631 --> 04:01:05,511
operating. Of those to date, they've been able to complete

3433
04:01:05,511 --> 04:01:08,871
32. They have nine in progress and another 34 that

3434
04:01:08,871 --> 04:01:12,266
have not yet been started. Projects often have windows of

3435
04:01:12,266 --> 04:01:14,466
completion due to a variety of factors, such as weather

3436
04:01:14,466 --> 04:01:17,226
or, say, the fish window. If procurement is unable to

3437
04:01:17,226 --> 04:01:19,826
move these projects forward during those time frames, they may

3438
04:01:19,826 --> 04:01:22,866
end up being significantly delayed, and additionally, we're seeing cost

3439
04:01:22,866 --> 04:01:24,866
escalations by the time we're able to start the project.

3440
04:01:26,065 --> 04:01:28,305
Adding this additional buyer position would allow the purchasing team

3441
04:01:28,305 --> 04:01:30,585
the capacity to complete the annual work that is being

3442
04:01:30,585 --> 04:01:33,185
allocated to them based on departmental needs within the time

3443
04:01:33,185 --> 04:01:36,737
frames needed. So it brings us to the recommendation that

3444
04:01:36,737 --> 04:01:39,977
Councillor approve, in principle, the finance and admin Division's. 2025

3445
04:01:39,977 --> 04:01:43,417
to 2029 budget, subject to final review. I'm happy to

3446
04:01:43,417 --> 04:01:46,857
take any questions Councillor may have. Thank you, Ms. Campbell.

3447
04:01:48,282 --> 04:01:54,635
Council questions? Comments? Councillor comments. Yes, thank you. Through the

3448
04:01:54,635 --> 04:02:00,141
chair. Did I miss it or is there an it

3449
04:02:00,141 --> 04:02:06,590
position also that was added or was set? In a

3450
04:02:06,590 --> 04:02:09,768
different presentation. Thank you for the question through your worship.

3451
04:02:09,768 --> 04:02:13,208
So there is an it position being proposed. However, it

3452
04:02:13,208 --> 04:02:16,528
was being internally funded, so it's not an incremental ask

3453
04:02:16,528 --> 04:02:20,488
we repurposed. Existing internal funds that would otherwise have to

3454
04:02:20,488 --> 04:02:24,676
be expended so there is no cost saving. So should

3455
04:02:24,676 --> 04:02:27,596
Councillor decide not to approve that FTE position, the budget

3456
04:02:27,596 --> 04:02:30,236
would not change because those expenses would still have to

3457
04:02:30,236 --> 04:02:34,556
be incurred. We're simply reallocating existing funding to hire an

3458
04:02:34,556 --> 04:02:37,756
FTE to do that work and create other internal efficiencies.

3459
04:02:43,913 --> 04:02:48,233
And then, so that's sustainable through the chair, that sustainable

3460
04:02:48,233 --> 04:02:48,266
year after year, that position. Through this funding through your

3461
04:02:48,266 --> 04:02:51,986
worship. Actually, we anticipate that we might be able to

3462
04:02:51,986 --> 04:02:55,826
see further reductions to the budget based on this new

3463
04:02:55,826 --> 04:02:58,266
position and what they're able to do. The conversations I've

3464
04:02:58,266 --> 04:03:02,426
had with the IT managers looking at reducing further costs

3465
04:03:02,426 --> 04:03:04,466
for some of our other consulting fees that we're hoping

3466
04:03:04,466 --> 04:03:06,937
that this position would be able to take on. As

3467
04:03:06,937 --> 04:03:11,222
well. Okay. Thank you. Unless someone has something else to

3468
04:03:11,222 --> 04:03:18,146
say, I had a motion to make. Carry on, carry

3469
04:03:18,146 --> 04:03:22,295
on. So just with the expenses that we have this

3470
04:03:22,295 --> 04:03:28,562
year, including the deferred taxes, And the. Multiple new staff

3471
04:03:28,562 --> 04:03:32,722
required, especially for safety, RCMP, et cetera. I think that.

3472
04:03:34,815 --> 04:03:38,468
We should delay. Hiring the buyer this year, and so

3473
04:03:38,468 --> 04:03:43,463
I'd like to remove the buyer position. From the budget

3474
04:03:43,463 --> 04:03:47,611
for this year. That's my motion. Do we have a

3475
04:03:47,611 --> 04:03:57,463
second for that motion? Seconded. And so would you

3476
04:03:57,463 --> 04:04:01,063
like to speak further on that, Councillor Conetz? Well, just.

3477
04:04:03,919 --> 04:04:06,809
What I said again is that. I think these are

3478
04:04:06,809 --> 04:04:10,688
all. Staff has done a great job of paring down.

3479
04:04:12,304 --> 04:04:15,188
A lot of what they felt was needed. And I'm

3480
04:04:15,188 --> 04:04:17,668
sure that this is a very important position, but I'm

3481
04:04:17,668 --> 04:04:22,111
thinking. That. There has to be some give and take.

3482
04:04:23,883 --> 04:04:27,323
Especially when we're asking for this many positions at once.

3483
04:04:28,880 --> 04:04:34,263
There needs to be. Some. I believe that this is

3484
04:04:34,263 --> 04:04:38,335
probably a position. That would have the least impact if

3485
04:04:38,335 --> 04:04:41,494
we can delay it. For a year until next budget,

3486
04:04:41,494 --> 04:04:50,752
possibly. Councilor Gilbert. Yeah, thanks. Through the chair. I appreciate

3487
04:04:50,752 --> 04:04:53,832
Councillor Conan is trying to look at this budget with

3488
04:04:53,832 --> 04:04:57,774
a fine tooth comb and look. For those savings. I

3489
04:04:57,774 --> 04:04:59,654
will be voting against this motion solely for the fact

3490
04:04:59,654 --> 04:05:02,774
of after doing the facilities tour and hearing how much

3491
04:05:02,774 --> 04:05:05,454
some of these capital projects are not being done. We

3492
04:05:05,454 --> 04:05:08,614
need to start moving on. A lot of capital we've

3493
04:05:08,614 --> 04:05:11,694
seen, I think, across this whole country, especially if you

3494
04:05:11,694 --> 04:05:13,974
look at the city of Calgary, where they've had a

3495
04:05:13,974 --> 04:05:15,814
water main break and they're still dealing with that problem.

3496
04:05:15,814 --> 04:05:18,442
We have a lot of capital. Projects that have not

3497
04:05:18,442 --> 04:05:21,762
been attended to over the years and throughout the two

3498
04:05:21,762 --> 04:05:26,202
years of being on councillor, we have dealt with pain

3499
04:05:26,202 --> 04:05:29,156
for a roof. For the sports plex and realizing it

3500
04:05:29,156 --> 04:05:33,116
wasn't procured properly or done properly before. And so we

3501
04:05:33,116 --> 04:05:35,116
had to buy a brand new roof to install it.

3502
04:05:36,833 --> 04:05:39,673
Our fire halls have pipes on the outside of their

3503
04:05:39,673 --> 04:05:42,433
walls. They've reached the end of life. McLaren and memorial

3504
04:05:42,433 --> 04:05:44,913
have reached their end of the life we've had to

3505
04:05:44,913 --> 04:05:47,953
dip into. Our emergency funds to pay to make sure

3506
04:05:47,953 --> 04:05:51,433
that our community center was operational for the people. So

3507
04:05:51,433 --> 04:05:55,088
I understand. Trying to me, the cost savings are going

3508
04:05:55,088 --> 04:05:58,248
to be getting these projects done at a time when

3509
04:05:58,248 --> 04:06:00,928
we can start affording them instead of having the cost

3510
04:06:00,928 --> 04:06:03,688
keep going up over time and seeing the state of

3511
04:06:03,688 --> 04:06:05,928
some of our infrastructure. I think it's time that we

3512
04:06:05,928 --> 04:06:08,128
need to be able to put a position in to

3513
04:06:08,128 --> 04:06:11,448
get these projects going and to ensure that we're not

3514
04:06:11,448 --> 04:06:13,896
paying for it or having to decommission. A whole clubhouse

3515
04:06:13,896 --> 04:06:16,816
because our roof fell, that we thought King's park, that

3516
04:06:16,816 --> 04:06:20,599
now we lose. An amenity for our community. So I

3517
04:06:20,599 --> 04:06:23,239
will be voting against this and be voting for moving.

3518
04:06:24,878 --> 04:06:29,900
The recommendation to hire that staff member. Councilor Watt. Thank

3519
04:06:29,900 --> 04:06:33,100
you. The chair. I also will be voting against it.

3520
04:06:33,100 --> 04:06:39,425
Seconded for the opportunity to speak to it. We are

3521
04:06:39,425 --> 04:06:43,945
ultimately victim of what we've created, and ultimately, that is

3522
04:06:43,945 --> 04:06:46,625
what I'm suggesting is staffed as such an amazing job

3523
04:06:46,625 --> 04:06:52,281
vetting this budget. That we find almost as an obligation.

3524
04:06:53,743 --> 04:06:56,383
Reasons to say no to everything. It's our job. And

3525
04:06:56,383 --> 04:07:00,891
I'm sorry we're. Doing it. I would like to give

3526
04:07:00,891 --> 04:07:03,527
you a chance, if I may, because. I believe this

3527
04:07:03,527 --> 04:07:07,227
position. Is absolutely, fully justified. But if you could speak

3528
04:07:07,227 --> 04:07:09,507
just a little bit more in depth as to the

3529
04:07:09,507 --> 04:07:12,227
additional cost savings. I think that that helps us understand.

3530
04:07:13,623 --> 04:07:17,303
The budgetary 104,000. Again, I know that we put you

3531
04:07:17,303 --> 04:07:20,705
in this position because ultimately. And I'm not even sure

3532
04:07:20,705 --> 04:07:24,882
the community understands. How intensely this budget gets vetted before

3533
04:07:24,882 --> 04:07:28,369
it comes to this desk. But then we obviously feel

3534
04:07:28,369 --> 04:07:33,064
a real big obligation to say no. Ms. Campbell. Yes,

3535
04:07:33,064 --> 04:07:36,704
through your worship. And I appreciate Councillor Watts comments. Staff

3536
04:07:36,704 --> 04:07:39,144
does really do an incredibly thorough job of going through

3537
04:07:39,144 --> 04:07:41,584
the budget to bring Councillor the best budget that we

3538
04:07:41,584 --> 04:07:45,519
possibly can. So that Councillor isn't looking to reduce service

3539
04:07:45,519 --> 04:07:48,119
levels. That Councillor is able to accept the budget that

3540
04:07:48,119 --> 04:07:51,479
is presented before them. In terms of this particular position,

3541
04:07:51,479 --> 04:07:53,999
I think the challenge that Councillor will have is that

3542
04:07:53,999 --> 04:07:57,439
this position will likely save the city hundreds of thousands

3543
04:07:57,439 --> 04:08:02,399
of dollars in capital. For the small incremental tax increase

3544
04:08:02,399 --> 04:08:04,683
that will be needed to fund it. Because like I

3545
04:08:04,683 --> 04:08:07,083
mentioned before, the delay in some of these projects could

3546
04:08:07,083 --> 04:08:10,603
cost us 20% to 30% in incremental costs for inflation,

3547
04:08:10,603 --> 04:08:12,603
which is what we are seeing in the delay. Of

3548
04:08:12,603 --> 04:08:15,923
projects, and what the procurement department is doing right now

3549
04:08:15,923 --> 04:08:19,323
is prioritizing their work, but unfortunately, there is far too

3550
04:08:19,323 --> 04:08:21,803
much capital work that the city needs to do. And

3551
04:08:21,803 --> 04:08:24,178
when Councillor looks forward into their future at things. Like

3552
04:08:24,178 --> 04:08:27,658
the Community Safety Building, which potentially is a $40 million

3553
04:08:27,658 --> 04:08:30,178
building for those new fire halls. That is going to

3554
04:08:30,178 --> 04:08:32,618
need an excessive amount of procurement time in order to

3555
04:08:32,618 --> 04:08:35,698
get that contract off. The ground, which means something else

3556
04:08:35,698 --> 04:08:38,378
will not be done in between, and that is a

3557
04:08:38,378 --> 04:08:40,938
significant risk. That the city takes in terms of other

3558
04:08:40,938 --> 04:08:44,565
things not being done and costing the taxpayers increment. Incrementally

3559
04:08:44,565 --> 04:08:46,805
more money, even if it's on the capital side. That

3560
04:08:46,805 --> 04:08:49,285
means we're able to do less capital work than we

3561
04:08:49,285 --> 04:08:52,591
otherwise would be able to do. Thank you. And follow

3562
04:08:52,591 --> 04:08:57,511
up. Thank you. And again, if this wasn't a capital

3563
04:08:57,511 --> 04:08:59,391
budget, I think what we'd be seeing is probably a

3564
04:08:59,391 --> 04:09:03,031
net savings, and that gets lost in this. And so,

3565
04:09:03,031 --> 04:09:07,843
again, thank you very much for explaining it. Council. Any

3566
04:09:07,843 --> 04:09:10,883
more comments? Councillor Connes, do you have a reply? Councillor

3567
04:09:10,883 --> 04:09:17,491
Conan? Yes. Yeah. I understand. I'm sure it's a very

3568
04:09:17,491 --> 04:09:20,691
important position. I do want to say. That staff has

3569
04:09:20,691 --> 04:09:24,990
done an amazing job. In paring down this budget before

3570
04:09:24,990 --> 04:09:27,550
it gets to us, and I really appreciate that, but

3571
04:09:27,550 --> 04:09:31,907
I do want to say that. I haven't seen. Everyone

3572
04:09:31,907 --> 04:09:37,441
turning down everything. I've only made two motions, and I'm

3573
04:09:37,441 --> 04:09:39,681
sure this one's going to. Be defeated too. No one

3574
04:09:39,681 --> 04:09:41,921
else has made any other motion if they don't want

3575
04:09:41,921 --> 04:09:44,001
to. That's fine. And if they don't feel it's necessary,

3576
04:09:44,001 --> 04:09:48,220
but. I don't think that as a Councillor, we're turning

3577
04:09:48,220 --> 04:09:52,356
down everything. So far in this budget. And I hope

3578
04:09:52,356 --> 04:09:55,236
that, Councillor, even though staff has done such a great.

3579
04:09:55,236 --> 04:09:58,407
Job. Through the chair. I hope that Councillor continues to

3580
04:09:58,407 --> 04:10:03,112
look at this critically because that's our job. Thank you,

3581
04:10:03,112 --> 04:10:07,392
Councillor Conan and I agree that is our job. And

3582
04:10:07,392 --> 04:10:13,862
Councillor, what stated as well. I think we're here. We

3583
04:10:13,862 --> 04:10:18,136
have been doing our job over the previous months. And.

3584
04:10:19,127 --> 04:10:21,978
Staff have reacted to that. And come in with a

3585
04:10:21,978 --> 04:10:25,712
budget. That on the face of it looks like it's

3586
04:10:25,712 --> 04:10:30,336
been a very thorough and well thought. Out process. Any

3587
04:10:30,336 --> 04:10:36,696
further questions, council? Hearing? None. I'll call the question on

3588
04:10:36,696 --> 04:10:44,677
that motion. To. Remove. The procurement position. All in favor?

3589
04:10:46,958 --> 04:10:53,958
That's Councillor Conan in favor and opposed. And as Councillor

3590
04:10:53,958 --> 04:10:58,158
Gilbert Graham, Councillor Watt and myself opposed. So that motion

3591
04:10:58,158 --> 04:11:04,148
is defeated. Do we have. Another motion. Councilor Gilbert. Yeah.

3592
04:11:04,148 --> 04:11:08,603
Thank you. The chair. I'll move to staff recommendation. Second.

3593
04:11:09,493 --> 04:11:16,740
Seconded. Any further discussion? Any comments? Councilor Gilbert. Yeah. Thanks

3594
04:11:16,740 --> 04:11:18,500
for the chair. I wanted to make him before, but

3595
04:11:18,500 --> 04:11:19,780
I think I. Want to make it. Now, I do

3596
04:11:19,780 --> 04:11:23,580
want to say that I do appreciate Councillor Conez's. Outlook

3597
04:11:23,580 --> 04:11:25,860
and to bring up some of these things and what

3598
04:11:25,860 --> 04:11:28,660
her views are, because she does represent the community. And

3599
04:11:28,660 --> 04:11:30,980
I do want to say that I do appreciate that

3600
04:11:30,980 --> 04:11:36,465
Councillor Conez does. Bring up these motions. Any further comments?

3601
04:11:36,465 --> 04:11:43,820
Questions? None. I'll call a question. All in favor? And

3602
04:11:43,820 --> 04:11:49,752
opposed. Councilor Conan is opposed. The motion carries. Thank you

3603
04:11:49,752 --> 04:11:58,934
very much. And 7.62.

3604
04:12:00,373 --> 04:12:04,632
Civic grants and partnerships. Ms. Campbell, please. Thank you, your

3605
04:12:04,632 --> 04:12:09,072
worship. The grant program for 2025 is significantly different than

3606
04:12:09,072 --> 04:12:12,312
in previous years, due to the municipal grant operating agreement

3607
04:12:12,312 --> 04:12:15,232
with the community foundation that Councillor approved at the September

3608
04:12:15,232 --> 04:12:19,072
10, 2024 regular Councillor meeting the agreement is in effect

3609
04:12:19,072 --> 04:12:24,884
from January 1, 2025 until December 31. 2030, with an

3610
04:12:24,884 --> 04:12:27,924
option to extend for five additional years, provided both parties

3611
04:12:27,924 --> 04:12:30,884
agree to the renewal. This year. The grant presentation will

3612
04:12:30,884 --> 04:12:33,604
provide Councillor with an overview of the current civic partnerships

3613
04:12:33,604 --> 04:12:36,924
and operating agreements previously approved, as well as the allocation

3614
04:12:36,924 --> 04:12:39,724
to the foundation and one additional event agreement that's being

3615
04:12:39,724 --> 04:12:44,122
proposed. There are three Councillor policies related to municipal grants

3616
04:12:44,122 --> 04:12:47,602
and special events. The municipal grants policy municipal special events

3617
04:12:47,602 --> 04:12:51,162
grants policy and the city manager Grant approval policy, the

3618
04:12:51,162 --> 04:12:54,482
municipal grants and municipal special event grants. Policies provide the

3619
04:12:54,482 --> 04:12:57,042
structure for the two year pilot program, for operating and

3620
04:12:57,042 --> 04:13:00,522
event agreements. For consistency, they've also been incorporated into the

3621
04:13:00,522 --> 04:13:03,851
grant. Administration agreement with the foundation in order to guide

3622
04:13:03,851 --> 04:13:08,251
the administrator in determining eligibility and categorizing and evaluating applications

3623
04:13:08,251 --> 04:13:11,611
to allocate the funding. The city manager grant approval policy

3624
04:13:11,611 --> 04:13:14,251
allows the city manager to approve requests along as existing

3625
04:13:14,251 --> 04:13:18,938
budgets are not impacted. For 2025, the overall grant budget

3626
04:13:18,938 --> 04:13:21,498
has been reduced to just under $1 million, which is

3627
04:13:21,498 --> 04:13:23,778
largely due to the final year of Ironman taking place

3628
04:13:23,778 --> 04:13:26,418
in 2024. As seen in the civic partnerships line in

3629
04:13:26,418 --> 04:13:30,592
this table. Council approves multi year and Oneoff agreements for

3630
04:13:30,592 --> 04:13:33,192
specific events when they are brought forward, which generally occurs

3631
04:13:33,192 --> 04:13:35,912
in advance of a budget year. There are currently three

3632
04:13:35,912 --> 04:13:39,232
events with previously approved agreements for grants and partnerships spanning

3633
04:13:39,232 --> 04:13:43,472
various lengths of time. The 2025 agreements include the CSSHL,

3634
04:13:43,472 --> 04:13:48,999
Okanagan Grand Fondo and Hudo Adventures. Following the June 2023

3635
04:13:48,999 --> 04:13:51,559
update to the grant policies, the city began the pilot

3636
04:13:51,559 --> 04:13:54,079
program for operating in event agreements which were approved by

3637
04:13:54,079 --> 04:13:58,039
Councillor at the November 7, 2023 regular meeting. The operating

3638
04:13:58,039 --> 04:14:01,479
agreements are with not for profit organizations occupying and providing

3639
04:14:01,479 --> 04:14:04,679
maintenance to city owned facilities or property. Two year funding

3640
04:14:04,679 --> 04:14:07,996
agreements were entered into with the organizations list. Listed in

3641
04:14:07,996 --> 04:14:10,276
this table as part of the pilot project totaling just

3642
04:14:10,276 --> 04:14:14,552
under $300,000. The event agreements are also with not for

3643
04:14:14,552 --> 04:14:18,112
profit organizations providing economic benefit and social vibrancy to the

3644
04:14:18,112 --> 04:14:21,592
city through the organization of community events. Two year funding

3645
04:14:21,592 --> 04:14:23,992
agreements were entered into with the organizations listed in this

3646
04:14:23,992 --> 04:14:27,272
table as part of the pilot project and total $118,000.

3647
04:14:29,595 --> 04:14:31,835
In 2025, the pilot program will be evaluated and the

3648
04:14:31,835 --> 04:14:35,555
policies will return to Councillor to consider. Continuing longer term

3649
04:14:35,555 --> 04:14:38,937
funding agreements into the future. Due to the timing of

3650
04:14:38,937 --> 04:14:41,657
the change of the city's grant administration to the foundation

3651
04:14:41,657 --> 04:14:44,417
and the timing of this specific event. The city worked

3652
04:14:44,417 --> 04:14:46,897
with the Penticton Art gallery to accommodate a request for

3653
04:14:46,897 --> 04:14:49,657
the Ignite, the arts festival scheduled for March 21 to

3654
04:14:49,657 --> 04:14:55,525
30th of 2025. In 2024, Councillor approved a combined cash

3655
04:14:55,525 --> 04:14:57,405
and in kind grant to the event in the amount.

3656
04:14:57,405 --> 04:15:03,005
Of $20,450 for 2025. The art gallery requested 25,000, and

3657
04:15:03,005 --> 04:15:06,485
staff is proposing an inflationary increase to 21,000. This would

3658
04:15:06,485 --> 04:15:08,605
be a one year event agreement which would expire at

3659
04:15:08,605 --> 04:15:10,845
the same time as the others within the pilot program.

3660
04:15:12,005 --> 04:15:14,805
This leaves the remaining grant allocation to the community foundation,

3661
04:15:14,805 --> 04:15:17,405
as well as for transition purposes, keeping a small portion

3662
04:15:17,405 --> 04:15:20,085
of grant funding available for minor requests through the year

3663
04:15:20,085 --> 04:15:22,285
for in kind that could be approved through the city

3664
04:15:22,285 --> 04:15:25,885
manager. And that brings us to the recommendation that Councillor

3665
04:15:25,885 --> 04:15:29,005
approve in principle, the Civic grant and partnerships 2025 to

3666
04:15:29,005 --> 04:15:33,773
2029 budget subject to final review. Councilor Gilbert. Yeah. Thank

3667
04:15:33,773 --> 04:15:35,533
you. Through the chair. So I just want to clarify.

3668
04:15:38,318 --> 04:15:41,095
With the ignite the arts festival. Is that what we're

3669
04:15:41,095 --> 04:15:45,348
saying here is including when it comes. Up next year.

3670
04:15:45,348 --> 04:15:47,348
Like, if they come to us, is it going to

3671
04:15:47,348 --> 04:15:52,574
be included with the two? Year program pilot. Festivals that

3672
04:15:52,574 --> 04:15:56,700
we have on there or. Would that agreement go back

3673
04:15:56,700 --> 04:16:00,677
to them applying to the community foundation? Through your worship.

3674
04:16:00,677 --> 04:16:03,797
That would depend on council's appetite to include further agreement.

3675
04:16:03,797 --> 04:16:06,637
So part of when staff brings the pilot project back

3676
04:16:06,637 --> 04:16:08,837
to Councillor, we will be looking for some direction. If

3677
04:16:08,837 --> 04:16:12,117
Councillor. Wishes to proceed with the existing agreements, or if

3678
04:16:12,117 --> 04:16:14,357
Councillor would like to open it up to other organizations,

3679
04:16:14,357 --> 04:16:23,660
so that would be at council's discretion. Any

3680
04:16:23,660 --> 04:16:31,904
further questions? Comments? Councilor Conan. Yes.

3681
04:16:34,516 --> 04:16:37,596
Through the chair. Are we, as a Councillor, not going

3682
04:16:37,596 --> 04:16:42,564
to see the grants that were turned down? Ms. Campbell.

3683
04:16:42,564 --> 04:16:44,804
Through your worship, there are no grants anymore that are

3684
04:16:44,804 --> 04:16:47,564
turned down. The grant program will be administered through the

3685
04:16:47,564 --> 04:16:50,644
foundation, and we will be able to report back to

3686
04:16:50,644 --> 04:16:54,164
Councillor on the applications. That were approved through the foundation.

3687
04:16:54,164 --> 04:16:57,884
If Councillor wishes further information about the foundation process, I'm

3688
04:16:57,884 --> 04:17:01,730
sure staff can bring that back to council. I think

3689
04:17:01,730 --> 04:17:04,890
what Councillor Connes was asking. Will we get a report

3690
04:17:04,890 --> 04:17:08,050
back from the community foundation? Showing which grants were successful

3691
04:17:08,050 --> 04:17:10,370
and which were not. Yeah. Through your worship, I believe

3692
04:17:10,370 --> 04:17:12,770
the intention was. We would be providing counsel with a

3693
04:17:12,770 --> 04:17:15,370
listing of the approved ones if Councillor wishes to see

3694
04:17:15,370 --> 04:17:17,650
what wasn't approved. We can ask the foundation for that

3695
04:17:17,650 --> 04:17:21,987
as well and bring it back to. Council. Councilor Conan.

3696
04:17:21,987 --> 04:17:25,718
Do you want to follow up on that? Yeah. I

3697
04:17:25,718 --> 04:17:27,238
think it would be just good information to have in

3698
04:17:27,238 --> 04:17:30,078
case someone walks up on the street. To me and

3699
04:17:30,078 --> 04:17:32,238
says that they were turned down. Just so I have

3700
04:17:32,238 --> 04:17:36,764
a heads up, I'm sure. The community foundation. Did a

3701
04:17:36,764 --> 04:17:42,001
stellar job, but just good for information purposes. I actually

3702
04:17:42,001 --> 04:17:44,441
concur with Councillor Conan on that one. I'd like to

3703
04:17:44,441 --> 04:17:47,576
know. The full details. Do you need a motion for

3704
04:17:47,576 --> 04:17:50,056
that, Ms. Campbell? Three year worship we were planning. To

3705
04:17:50,056 --> 04:17:52,336
bring that information back to Councillor anyway on the approved

3706
04:17:52,336 --> 04:17:54,616
we will just ensure that the foundation gives us the

3707
04:17:54,616 --> 04:17:57,256
full report of who applied and who was funded. Okay,

3708
04:17:57,256 --> 04:18:02,068
thank you. Any further questions from Councillor? Are we looking

3709
04:18:02,068 --> 04:18:09,176
for staff recommendation? Or do we have further questions?

3710
04:18:11,925 --> 04:18:16,560
Councilor graham. Can you explain how the art gallery with

3711
04:18:16,560 --> 04:18:20,840
ignite the arts has parachuted in and asked for some

3712
04:18:20,840 --> 04:18:26,297
more money. Through your worship. So because of the timing

3713
04:18:26,297 --> 04:18:28,857
of the change of the grant program, typically speaking, the

3714
04:18:28,857 --> 04:18:31,417
foundation will be running its grant program at the same

3715
04:18:31,417 --> 04:18:33,457
time that the city used to run there. So around

3716
04:18:33,457 --> 04:18:37,497
the September October time frame because of the transition between

3717
04:18:37,497 --> 04:18:40,097
the city moving its administration over to the foundation. They're

3718
04:18:40,097 --> 04:18:42,577
actually going to run their grant program starting, I believe,

3719
04:18:42,577 --> 04:18:47,371
in. January and award them later in the year. The

3720
04:18:47,371 --> 04:18:50,893
Art gallery. Approached both the foundation and the city to

3721
04:18:50,893 --> 04:18:53,413
talk about the timing because their event happens in March.

3722
04:18:53,413 --> 04:18:56,293
And they were looking for the security of the funding.

3723
04:18:56,293 --> 04:18:58,733
They asked if we would consider doing a one year

3724
04:18:58,733 --> 04:19:02,173
exception and including them through this process in order to

3725
04:19:02,173 --> 04:19:04,093
ensure that they knew the funding that they had was

3726
04:19:04,093 --> 04:19:09,407
secure before they planned out their entire event. Councilor Gilbert.

3727
04:19:09,407 --> 04:19:14,333
Thank you. Through the chair. I guess I somewhat struggle

3728
04:19:14,333 --> 04:19:16,613
with this because it's not that I do not want

3729
04:19:16,613 --> 04:19:19,773
to. Not support the ignite Yards festival. The issue is

3730
04:19:19,773 --> 04:19:22,173
we, as Councillor, have decided to go ahead. With a

3731
04:19:22,173 --> 04:19:27,175
different model. And to have an exemption right off the

3732
04:19:27,175 --> 04:19:30,335
bat sets the presidents of basically being, well, if I

3733
04:19:30,335 --> 04:19:33,255
don't like what the community foundation's timing or I don't

3734
04:19:33,255 --> 04:19:35,615
like the decision by the community foundation. I can just

3735
04:19:35,615 --> 04:19:38,575
go to councillor and get money from them instead. When

3736
04:19:38,575 --> 04:19:41,495
we have decided that we want the administration to come

3737
04:19:41,495 --> 04:19:46,024
to the community foundation, so. I'm struggling with this because.

3738
04:19:46,381 --> 04:19:49,130
I think. I want to see and ignite the arts

3739
04:19:49,130 --> 04:19:53,878
festival funded. To me. There's a process that we have

3740
04:19:53,878 --> 04:19:57,238
agreed upon and all the other groups that get funding

3741
04:19:57,238 --> 04:20:01,794
through $240,000. Are also adhering to that process that we

3742
04:20:01,794 --> 04:20:05,074
have put forward and are modifying probably a lot. Of

3743
04:20:05,074 --> 04:20:08,394
their scheduling and how they do it because of that.

3744
04:20:08,394 --> 04:20:12,034
And the community foundation has also been willing to do

3745
04:20:12,034 --> 04:20:15,954
earlier submissions in January to accommodate some of that, so

3746
04:20:15,954 --> 04:20:18,754
I am struggling a bit. With this just because we

3747
04:20:18,754 --> 04:20:22,477
passed a process. And now I don't want to see

3748
04:20:22,477 --> 04:20:26,077
this go through and then next year have another. Organization

3749
04:20:26,077 --> 04:20:27,797
come out and say, well, we didn't like what happened,

3750
04:20:27,797 --> 04:20:33,746
so we want money from Councillor instead. Through your worship.

3751
04:20:33,746 --> 04:20:35,906
I think Ms. Johnson would like to speak. She spoke

3752
04:20:35,906 --> 04:20:38,386
with them directly on the request. Thank you. Through the

3753
04:20:38,386 --> 04:20:44,839
chair. So. This very clearly not precedent setting. What's very

3754
04:20:44,839 --> 04:20:47,959
unique is the timing. As Ms. Campbell alluded to. I

3755
04:20:47,959 --> 04:20:51,479
just want to clarify, though, that this is the only

3756
04:20:51,479 --> 04:20:55,239
returning event that actually occurs. Within Q one of this

3757
04:20:55,239 --> 04:20:59,510
upcoming year. That does not have secured funding, so we'd

3758
04:20:59,510 --> 04:21:01,790
be looking at all of our event rosters. This was

3759
04:21:01,790 --> 04:21:04,390
the only one that fits within that, and very clearly.

3760
04:21:06,407 --> 04:21:10,087
One time exception, not precedent setting, and moving them to

3761
04:21:10,087 --> 04:21:14,310
the regular process. Once we complete this. But it is

3762
04:21:14,310 --> 04:21:20,296
the only event occurring within the Q one. So just

3763
04:21:20,296 --> 04:21:24,615
clarifying that. I actually have a question from this Johnson

3764
04:21:24,615 --> 04:21:29,036
on a follow up to that. So the art gallery.

3765
04:21:30,770 --> 04:21:34,890
They've started advertising there, ignite the Arts festival. And so

3766
04:21:34,890 --> 04:21:39,538
they're advertising an event that they haven't got funding. Approved

3767
04:21:39,538 --> 04:21:44,250
from Councillor yet. Do they have other funding that has

3768
04:21:44,250 --> 04:21:48,948
been approved? How are they advertising an event that they

3769
04:21:48,948 --> 04:21:54,085
haven't secured the funding for yet? I'm just trying to

3770
04:21:54,085 --> 04:21:58,244
square the circle here. Yes, through the chair. Sir. I

3771
04:21:58,244 --> 04:21:59,724
was just trying to pull up the budget that they

3772
04:21:59,724 --> 04:22:05,677
provided us. Without seeing it directly. If it's not confirmed,

3773
04:22:05,677 --> 04:22:09,820
they are certainly making assumptions. Of other revenue streams, whether

3774
04:22:09,820 --> 04:22:13,580
it's grants, sponsorships and ticket sales. So they did provide

3775
04:22:13,580 --> 04:22:18,131
us with. The budget expectation within that, as we noted,

3776
04:22:18,131 --> 04:22:22,411
they have requested 25,000. We're proposing 21 to reflect the

3777
04:22:22,411 --> 04:22:26,757
inflationary increase. I can go back and seek that information

3778
04:22:26,757 --> 04:22:32,293
about. What? Of those revenue assumptions have been confirmed. But

3779
04:22:32,293 --> 04:22:34,613
within their budget, they did have a few assumptions on

3780
04:22:34,613 --> 04:22:39,597
revenue expectations. And through your worship, if I might add,

3781
04:22:39,597 --> 04:22:42,917
their typical budget is, I think, around $190,000. To host

3782
04:22:42,917 --> 04:22:45,877
the event. So the 25,000 is a small portion of

3783
04:22:45,877 --> 04:22:54,589
the overall cost. Of the event. Another point. Was if

3784
04:22:54,589 --> 04:22:59,836
this was granted. Would the community foundation be taking that

3785
04:22:59,836 --> 04:23:02,476
into account in their grant application for the rest of

3786
04:23:02,476 --> 04:23:06,758
the year. Through your worship. Yes. The community foundation is

3787
04:23:06,758 --> 04:23:09,238
aware that we are proposing this and that their funding

3788
04:23:09,238 --> 04:23:12,158
is decreased because of this request, and so they would

3789
04:23:12,158 --> 04:23:15,278
not be considering using the city fund for this further,

3790
04:23:15,278 --> 04:23:17,958
Councillor Grant? Yeah. Can we circle back to that? So

3791
04:23:17,958 --> 04:23:20,838
if we approve this today, we. Are taking funds from

3792
04:23:20,838 --> 04:23:23,638
the other groups that have gone through the proper channels.

3793
04:23:24,281 --> 04:23:27,361
With respect to the community grants. That's correct. We approve

3794
04:23:27,361 --> 04:23:30,801
this. We're taking from other groups through your worship. So

3795
04:23:30,801 --> 04:23:33,081
on the screen here, I've got the allocation for the.

3796
04:23:33,081 --> 04:23:38,517
Community foundation, it would have been $21,000 higher. Had we

3797
04:23:38,517 --> 04:23:42,637
not incorporated this request. So the actual budget for events

3798
04:23:42,637 --> 04:23:45,797
and grants itself was already set. From the previous year.

3799
04:23:45,797 --> 04:23:48,917
We just increase it for inflation. We just removed that

3800
04:23:48,917 --> 04:23:50,837
portion from what would go to the foundation to be

3801
04:23:50,837 --> 04:23:58,900
allocated to all the other requests. Okay. Another question, if

3802
04:23:58,900 --> 04:24:08,025
I may. Any decision that's made at this moment. Would

3803
04:24:08,025 --> 04:24:10,265
that still be subject to approval of the final budget?

3804
04:24:11,601 --> 04:24:14,561
Through your worship? Yes. If Councillor wish to. I mean,

3805
04:24:14,561 --> 04:24:17,961
Councillor could defer this decision until the. End of budget

3806
04:24:17,961 --> 04:24:21,361
deliberations. Should they wish, they can approve the other grant

3807
04:24:21,361 --> 04:24:25,761
information as presented. And refer the special event request to

3808
04:24:25,761 --> 04:24:27,761
the final if you would like more time to consider

3809
04:24:27,761 --> 04:24:32,853
the request, Councillor lock. Thank you. Chair. I'm just curious,

3810
04:24:32,853 --> 04:24:37,605
Ms. Johnson, because you had mentioned that this is. The

3811
04:24:37,605 --> 04:24:41,525
only repeat organization. That's q one. Do we have any

3812
04:24:41,525 --> 04:24:44,845
new organizations applying for Q? One that probably should be

3813
04:24:44,845 --> 04:24:48,488
addressed during these meetings as well, then. Through the chair.

3814
04:24:51,834 --> 04:24:54,754
So we have not been informed or alerted of new

3815
04:24:54,754 --> 04:24:58,634
events that would be applying, requesting funding if we were

3816
04:24:58,634 --> 04:25:02,274
to see that we would likely direct them to the

3817
04:25:02,274 --> 04:25:05,968
especially now. That we are at budgeted liberations, we'd refer

3818
04:25:05,968 --> 04:25:10,078
them to the CFSos. To go to the program in

3819
04:25:10,078 --> 04:25:17,083
that avenue. I didn't answer your question. To the chair.

3820
04:25:17,083 --> 04:25:21,510
Not really. But. I guess I'm curious if it's going

3821
04:25:21,510 --> 04:25:27,068
to be. An ask for January 15. They can't really

3822
04:25:27,068 --> 04:25:29,548
be referred to the process that the community foundation is

3823
04:25:29,548 --> 04:25:32,108
going to do. Because they'll miss the opportunity. So in

3824
04:25:32,108 --> 04:25:34,748
this particular case, I have to admit, I know. This

3825
04:25:34,748 --> 04:25:36,988
is a transition year, and we're just getting used to

3826
04:25:36,988 --> 04:25:40,348
the new grants. I very much understand that we've all

3827
04:25:40,348 --> 04:25:43,778
agreed in the past. What's beneficial to the community is

3828
04:25:43,778 --> 04:25:45,698
something we'll look at for a grant than aid. And

3829
04:25:45,698 --> 04:25:48,338
I'm certainly supportive of this, to be very honest. But

3830
04:25:48,338 --> 04:25:51,138
I am also curious. If this is going to happen

3831
04:25:51,138 --> 04:25:54,698
for five or six more events, shouldn't we have been

3832
04:25:54,698 --> 04:25:59,720
addressing that already. So through the chair, if I may.

3833
04:25:59,720 --> 04:26:01,240
On the screen here, you do see that there is

3834
04:26:01,240 --> 04:26:04,600
another. Opportunities line. So say an event were to come

3835
04:26:04,600 --> 04:26:08,280
up. Ms. Campbell, you can confirm this? They can. Be

3836
04:26:08,280 --> 04:26:12,053
brought forward to Councillor, and we could potentially use. That

3837
04:26:12,053 --> 04:26:15,093
again, from my sense in the event world at this

3838
04:26:15,093 --> 04:26:18,173
point in time to bring forward an event that we

3839
04:26:18,173 --> 04:26:20,893
are not aware of that would be occurring. January, February,

3840
04:26:20,893 --> 04:26:24,493
March is very low likelihood. But it is possible that

3841
04:26:24,493 --> 04:26:26,733
we could utilize that if the timing didn't work out

3842
04:26:26,733 --> 04:26:29,767
for that group. Yeah, through your worship. If I can

3843
04:26:29,767 --> 04:26:32,447
just add, being involved in the grant administration here for

3844
04:26:32,447 --> 04:26:35,207
many. Years. We typically don't see a lot of new

3845
04:26:35,207 --> 04:26:38,647
events come forward to, Councillor, especially not in the off

3846
04:26:38,647 --> 04:26:42,647
season of January, February, November, December. So, as Ms. Johnson

3847
04:26:42,647 --> 04:26:44,367
said, I think the risk would be pretty minimal, that

3848
04:26:44,367 --> 04:26:46,567
there would be any groups that would still come forward.

3849
04:26:46,567 --> 04:26:49,379
But as she mentioned. Yes, there is that 34,000. Dollars

3850
04:26:49,379 --> 04:26:51,739
of grant money that's existing that it can either be

3851
04:26:51,739 --> 04:26:54,979
approved by Mr. Hadad. Through the city manager approval policy

3852
04:26:54,979 --> 04:26:57,819
or come forward to Councillor. So there is money. We

3853
04:26:57,819 --> 04:27:00,459
did allow for money. Given that the transition this year

3854
04:27:00,459 --> 04:27:04,163
was awkward. And not every agency might realize that we

3855
04:27:04,163 --> 04:27:07,363
changed if they weren't a returning grant applicant. But we

3856
04:27:07,363 --> 04:27:09,723
wanted to allow opportunity that no one was going to

3857
04:27:09,723 --> 04:27:15,482
be turned away without a conversation. And available funding. And

3858
04:27:15,482 --> 04:27:20,336
my understanding is that the community foundation. Is sitting to

3859
04:27:20,336 --> 04:27:24,592
assess the grants and award the grants. In January. And

3860
04:27:24,592 --> 04:27:27,632
in future years, they'll be doing that at the end

3861
04:27:27,632 --> 04:27:29,592
of the year rather than the beginning of the next

3862
04:27:29,592 --> 04:27:31,992
year. Is that correct? Yes. Through your worship. So they

3863
04:27:31,992 --> 04:27:34,952
accommodated us this. Year. They've already run their regular grant

3864
04:27:34,952 --> 04:27:37,712
programming time frame they ran very similar to the opening

3865
04:27:37,712 --> 04:27:39,752
time frame that the city did itself. Where we ran

3866
04:27:39,752 --> 04:27:43,192
like August through September, they had a very similar timeline,

3867
04:27:43,192 --> 04:27:47,231
but because. We've transitioned. They're actually doing a special grant

3868
04:27:47,231 --> 04:27:50,711
program starting in January, so it's just this one year

3869
04:27:50,711 --> 04:27:53,151
where the timing is off. Next year, all the applicants

3870
04:27:53,151 --> 04:27:56,231
will run. At the same time in the fall, just

3871
04:27:56,231 --> 04:27:59,674
like the city's grant program would have been. Councilor. What?

3872
04:28:03,786 --> 04:28:06,826
Thank you, chair. I would chalk this up to transition,

3873
04:28:06,826 --> 04:28:10,483
and I'd move the staff recommendation. Do we have a

3874
04:28:10,483 --> 04:28:17,432
second? Seconded. Do we have any further discussion? Councillor Gilbert?

3875
04:28:17,432 --> 04:28:20,354
Yeah. Thanks for the chair. So. I am going to

3876
04:28:20,354 --> 04:28:23,034
support this motion going forward. I understand that this transition,

3877
04:28:23,034 --> 04:28:27,194
I do appreciate staff going over the detail of it

3878
04:28:27,194 --> 04:28:30,639
and really being clear that. I understand that as a

3879
04:28:30,639 --> 04:28:33,919
transition that we're doing this, and I appreciate the explanation

3880
04:28:33,919 --> 04:28:38,241
of the other opportunities as well. And I'm hoping that

3881
04:28:38,241 --> 04:28:42,871
next year. I do not want to see exceptions coming

3882
04:28:42,871 --> 04:28:47,352
forward. This is the process that. I wanted to see

3883
04:28:47,352 --> 04:28:51,345
going forward, which is going through a community foundation. But

3884
04:28:51,345 --> 04:28:55,470
I will do it for this year. Further comments and

3885
04:28:55,470 --> 04:29:00,777
questions. I'm going to call a question. All in favor?

3886
04:29:04,047 --> 04:29:07,367
And Councillor Conan is in favor, and so that is

3887
04:29:07,367 --> 04:29:15,444
a unanimous decision. Thank you. Moving on. Actually, we're moving

3888
04:29:15,444 --> 04:29:25,233
on to. Actually. Bring.

3889
04:29:27,010 --> 04:29:30,410
Some of tomorrow's agenda items into today's agenda. So we're

3890
04:29:30,410 --> 04:29:35,429
going to need. An agenda. Motion to amend the agenda.

3891
04:29:37,198 --> 04:29:43,154
And we're going to start with. The section 3.1 for

3892
04:29:43,154 --> 04:29:48,748
tomorrow infrastructure. And so I'd like to make a motion

3893
04:29:48,748 --> 04:29:54,580
to amend the agenda. To include 3.1 from tomorrow.

3894
04:29:58,059 --> 04:30:01,499
And do we have a seconder for that?

3895
04:30:08,626 --> 04:30:13,031
Copies are available for tomorrow's agenda as well. So we're

3896
04:30:13,031 --> 04:30:17,564
dealing with the Councillor vote right now. So we can

3897
04:30:17,564 --> 04:30:20,764
see about getting your copies of tomorrow's agenda. For sure.

3898
04:30:20,764 --> 04:30:24,327
They were online. So we have a seconder to that

3899
04:30:24,327 --> 04:30:29,014
second it. Yes.

3900
04:30:34,850 --> 04:30:42,282
And any questions from council. And hearing none, so I'll

3901
04:30:42,282 --> 04:30:47,027
call the motion. Call the question. All in favor?

3902
04:31:24,573 --> 04:31:28,813
Like to reconvene the Councillor meeting for budget deliberations and.

3903
04:31:31,630 --> 04:31:36,380
Just to update. We are moving into the agenda for

3904
04:31:36,380 --> 04:31:44,129
tomorrow. And we are starting with section 3.1. With the

3905
04:31:44,129 --> 04:31:49,577
infrastructure. It's a three point eleven. General manager of infrastructure,

3906
04:31:49,577 --> 04:31:53,420
Ms. Dixon and Ms. Campbell, please. Thank you, your worship.

3907
04:31:56,376 --> 04:32:00,016
So the infrastructure division is responsible for planning, designing, constructing,

3908
04:32:00,016 --> 04:32:04,336
operating, and maintaining city infrastructure assets, including the electrical distribution

3909
04:32:04,336 --> 04:32:08,336
system, roads, bridges, parks, beaches, water treatment and distribution networks,

3910
04:32:08,336 --> 04:32:11,336
and sewer collection and treatment systems. We also collect garbage

3911
04:32:11,336 --> 04:32:14,456
and recycling, set utility rates and manage the city's contract

3912
04:32:14,456 --> 04:32:18,707
with BC. Transit. The infrastructure division is led by myself

3913
04:32:18,707 --> 04:32:23,347
and includes 123 FTE providing engineering, public works, utility and

3914
04:32:23,347 --> 04:32:26,187
energy and environmental services for the city of Penticton, and

3915
04:32:26,187 --> 04:32:28,827
the members of my team are here with me today

3916
04:32:28,827 --> 04:32:33,339
and listed on the screen. So the infrastructure division is

3917
04:32:33,339 --> 04:32:36,459
responsible for overseeing many of the city's operations that enable

3918
04:32:36,459 --> 04:32:39,499
our residents to go about their daily lives, ensuring taps

3919
04:32:39,499 --> 04:32:43,499
flow, toilets flush, lights turn on. Transportation network is maintained

3920
04:32:43,499 --> 04:32:48,861
and everything in between is beautiful and accessible. Engineering is

3921
04:32:48,861 --> 04:32:52,541
responsible for planning, designing and executing construction contracts for any

3922
04:32:52,541 --> 04:32:55,781
planned upgrades, expansions or changes to the city's transportation network

3923
04:32:55,781 --> 04:32:59,701
and underground utility systems. Public works manages the roads, sidewalks,

3924
04:32:59,701 --> 04:33:02,541
lanes bridges transit compost site and sign maintenance in the

3925
04:33:02,541 --> 04:33:05,901
community, as well as the parks and cemeteries utilities keeps

3926
04:33:05,901 --> 04:33:08,906
the community safe by providing clean drinking water. And reliable

3927
04:33:08,906 --> 04:33:13,146
sanitary sewer system and stormwater drainage system. They also provide

3928
04:33:13,146 --> 04:33:16,266
raw water to the agricultural areas and operate and maintain

3929
04:33:16,266 --> 04:33:19,986
our city owned dams. The energy and environment area is

3930
04:33:19,986 --> 04:33:23,226
responsible for overseeing operations, maintenance, and ongoing improvements at the

3931
04:33:23,226 --> 04:33:26,706
electrical distribution system, as well as sustainability, solid waste and

3932
04:33:26,706 --> 04:33:31,489
recycling. Collection. 2024 has been a very busy year for

3933
04:33:31,489 --> 04:33:33,529
the division, and I'm pleased to highlight a number of

3934
04:33:33,529 --> 04:33:36,769
achievements over the next few slides on council's priority of

3935
04:33:36,769 --> 04:33:40,129
safe and resilient. We introduce the Friendly Streets Initiative, which

3936
04:33:40,129 --> 04:33:43,809
involves community collaboration, Ashwald Art and other creative elements to

3937
04:33:43,809 --> 04:33:46,809
build friendlier spaces for everyone to move, play, and grow.

3938
04:33:46,809 --> 04:33:49,562
Two locations were completed in 2000 and. 24, including Ellis,

3939
04:33:49,562 --> 04:33:53,162
Nanaimo and Jermaine Avenue and KVR middle. We continued the

3940
04:33:53,162 --> 04:33:56,242
saferds to school program that was launched in 2023 intended

3941
04:33:56,242 --> 04:33:58,562
to create a safe environment for students to walk, wheel

3942
04:33:58,562 --> 04:34:01,602
and roll to school wherever possible, with plans for Columbia

3943
04:34:01,602 --> 04:34:05,042
elementary and the new Skaha Elementary School well underway in

3944
04:34:05,042 --> 04:34:08,322
2025, engineering will be focused on delivering recommendations from the.

3945
04:34:09,130 --> 04:34:11,770
Skaha elementary plan with specific attention to the safety of

3946
04:34:11,770 --> 04:34:14,490
the intersection at Scaha Lake road. And Green Avenue, which

3947
04:34:14,490 --> 04:34:16,450
is a key corridor for students who will be attending

3948
04:34:16,450 --> 04:34:20,465
the new elementary school. The engineering department also introduced a

3949
04:34:20,465 --> 04:34:25,225
streamlined neighborhood traffic management policy to facilitate more responsive action

3950
04:34:25,225 --> 04:34:28,425
to citizen concerns related to transportation network and the safety

3951
04:34:28,425 --> 04:34:30,505
of all road users. And I'll speak more about the

3952
04:34:30,505 --> 04:34:37,058
implementation of this policy during the capital deliberations. 2024 also

3953
04:34:37,058 --> 04:34:38,938
saw the completion of reach three a, three B of

3954
04:34:38,938 --> 04:34:42,178
the Pendicton Creek restoration, which was a multi year project

3955
04:34:42,178 --> 04:34:46,298
that involved extensive partnerships and stakeholders. Stantec, the consulting Engineer

3956
04:34:46,298 --> 04:34:48,778
on the project also receives a 2024 award from the

3957
04:34:48,778 --> 04:34:51,618
association of Consulting engineers of BC for best project in

3958
04:34:51,618 --> 04:34:55,174
the natural resource and habitat category. City staff are currently

3959
04:34:55,174 --> 04:34:58,534
preparing the tender documents to procure the next consulting engineer

3960
04:34:58,534 --> 04:35:02,054
for reach. Two of Penticton Creek lS four dam is

3961
04:35:02,054 --> 04:35:05,174
also currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed

3962
04:35:05,174 --> 04:35:07,414
this winter, and the city is also in the process

3963
04:35:07,414 --> 04:35:09,534
of updating a number of our dam safety reviews to

3964
04:35:09,534 --> 04:35:14,822
meet our regulatory obligations. Switching to the advancing, livable and

3965
04:35:14,822 --> 04:35:17,342
accessible priority. There are a number of achievements worth noting,

3966
04:35:17,342 --> 04:35:20,782
including improved accessibility at Scaha beach with the Mobi Mat

3967
04:35:20,782 --> 04:35:23,662
installation. This has been very well received. And staff will

3968
04:35:23,662 --> 04:35:27,342
be reporting back following council's recent resolution to explore options

3969
04:35:27,342 --> 04:35:30,462
to expand this program and increase accessibility at our beaches.

3970
04:35:32,791 --> 04:35:35,471
The Offleash pilot project was completed for five designated public

3971
04:35:35,471 --> 04:35:37,671
spaces and is set to come back to Councillor for

3972
04:35:37,671 --> 04:35:40,391
further direction before the end of the year. We also

3973
04:35:40,391 --> 04:35:42,631
completed the refresh. Of some of our dog parks to

3974
04:35:42,631 --> 04:35:47,588
improve experience and enhance accessibility. The city has now largely

3975
04:35:47,588 --> 04:35:50,308
completed the point intersection grouping of projects and work is

3976
04:35:50,308 --> 04:35:52,908
underway to complete the final section. Section one of the

3977
04:35:52,908 --> 04:35:55,988
all ages and abilities lake to Lake route we have

3978
04:35:55,988 --> 04:35:59,588
seen. Roughly 115,000 active transportation trips through the Eckert and

3979
04:35:59,588 --> 04:36:02,828
Martin intersection in 2024. To date up from just under

3980
04:36:02,828 --> 04:36:07,860
100,000 in 2023. Since the project was started, we've seen

3981
04:36:07,860 --> 04:36:11,300
roughly 20% to 30% annual increase each year, and we

3982
04:36:11,300 --> 04:36:14,180
expect this to continue as the route is completed. I

3983
04:36:14,180 --> 04:36:17,060
had the opportunity to co present with travel. Penticton's Tom

3984
04:36:17,060 --> 04:36:20,140
Tishick at the BC act of Transportation summit to showcase

3985
04:36:20,140 --> 04:36:22,140
the work and success that Penticton is seeing in the

3986
04:36:22,140 --> 04:36:25,100
act of transportation. Front and showcasing how that could be

3987
04:36:25,100 --> 04:36:28,914
leveraged to support tourism. In the city. We also took

3988
04:36:28,914 --> 04:36:31,754
measures to improve walkability in the city, including implementing a

3989
04:36:31,754 --> 04:36:35,394
pedestrian safety guide for construction sites within the city, installation

3990
04:36:35,394 --> 04:36:37,594
of sidewalk on middle bench road and we will have

3991
04:36:37,594 --> 04:36:40,674
upgraded eleven of 42 intersections to the audible standard by

3992
04:36:40,674 --> 04:36:43,314
the end of the year, all signalized intersections in the

3993
04:36:43,314 --> 04:36:45,794
city have been upgraded to include a leading pedestrian interval.

3994
04:36:47,478 --> 04:36:50,078
This fall, we had the opportunity to officially reveal the

3995
04:36:50,078 --> 04:36:53,038
new lighting at Riverside park skate park and basketball court

3996
04:36:53,038 --> 04:36:56,198
and saw tremendous support in attendance from the community. The

3997
04:36:56,198 --> 04:36:58,478
completion of this lighting will allow this community asset to

3998
04:36:58,478 --> 04:37:02,999
be used year round maximizing utilization. We also took the

3999
04:37:02,999 --> 04:37:05,799
opportunity to enhance the entrance to this facility, including the

4000
04:37:05,799 --> 04:37:08,519
addition of a waterfill station and repair station, and the

4001
04:37:08,519 --> 04:37:10,679
upgraded walkway, which connects to the washroom in the area.

4002
04:37:12,610 --> 04:37:15,450
The city recently adopted its first urban forest management plan,

4003
04:37:15,450 --> 04:37:18,850
which was developed with a comprehensive community engagement program and

4004
04:37:18,850 --> 04:37:21,730
sets an aggressive plan to achieve an 18% canopy coverage

4005
04:37:21,730 --> 04:37:25,610
by 2045. We also developed a parks application to enhance

4006
04:37:25,610 --> 04:37:28,650
asset management capabilities for the city's parks and amenities to

4007
04:37:28,650 --> 04:37:33,534
proactively plan for renewal, growth and replacement. And finally, we

4008
04:37:33,534 --> 04:37:36,934
saw the continuation of an award winning book recycling, our

4009
04:37:36,934 --> 04:37:46,194
award winning book recycling program. Since inception in January 2023,

4010
04:37:46,194 --> 04:37:49,954
the program has successfully diverted 36,000 book waste from the

4011
04:37:49,954 --> 04:37:53,034
landfill. The city took over operation of the Bike Valley

4012
04:37:53,034 --> 04:37:55,874
program in 2024, and from April to August, the program

4013
04:37:55,874 --> 04:38:00,234
parked over 1600 bikes, including 700 ebikes. The new electric

4014
04:38:00,234 --> 04:38:03,274
utility building opens in November 2024, which will host critical.

4015
04:38:03,708 --> 04:38:06,748
Pieces of equipment and supplies for the electrical utility, and

4016
04:38:06,748 --> 04:38:09,708
the building is the city's first ever solar ready build.

4017
04:38:09,708 --> 04:38:12,388
We also hosted our second annual public works open house,

4018
04:38:12,388 --> 04:38:15,308
and despite what can only be described as some challenging

4019
04:38:15,308 --> 04:38:20,302
weather. We welcomed over 1000 attendees from eight schools. Switching

4020
04:38:20,302 --> 04:38:23,422
gears from achievements to some key performance indicators, I would

4021
04:38:23,422 --> 04:38:25,582
like to take this opportunity to highlight a few for

4022
04:38:25,582 --> 04:38:27,622
the division that may be of interest to Councillor on

4023
04:38:27,622 --> 04:38:31,302
the public. Starting with public. Works. I would note roadway

4024
04:38:31,302 --> 04:38:33,862
line painting. This was down in 2024 due to the

4025
04:38:33,862 --> 04:38:36,422
large volume of capital projects that are underway, so we

4026
04:38:36,422 --> 04:38:38,462
generally don't pay to refresh the lines. That will be.

4027
04:38:40,169 --> 04:38:42,609
Removed through construction. So it is expected that we'll return

4028
04:38:42,609 --> 04:38:46,970
to normal in 2025. New tree installation, roughly 88 planned

4029
04:38:46,970 --> 04:38:50,570
for 2024, proposed to increase to 130 in 2025 and

4030
04:38:50,570 --> 04:38:52,970
will be discussed in the initiative section related to the

4031
04:38:52,970 --> 04:38:56,855
Urban forestry master plan. One KPI that is a bit

4032
04:38:56,855 --> 04:38:59,215
more of a long term indicator is the hectors of

4033
04:38:59,215 --> 04:39:01,975
active parkland, and this is an important indicator that is

4034
04:39:01,975 --> 04:39:04,535
particularly influenced by infill, where it can be more difficult

4035
04:39:04,535 --> 04:39:07,535
to add parkland relative to new development areas when these

4036
04:39:07,535 --> 04:39:10,775
amenities are added, where these amenities are typically added as

4037
04:39:10,775 --> 04:39:12,055
part of a build out. And we'll talk a bit

4038
04:39:12,055 --> 04:39:15,441
more about that later as well. On the transit side

4039
04:39:15,441 --> 04:39:19,201
of things. BC transit utilizes an April to march fiscal,

4040
04:39:19,201 --> 04:39:20,921
so that is what is presented on the screen, and

4041
04:39:20,921 --> 04:39:24,481
we saw an increase to roughly 436,000 trips for the

4042
04:39:24,481 --> 04:39:30,458
23 24 fiscal compared to 385,000 the prior year. Ridership

4043
04:39:30,458 --> 04:39:32,258
on the route five continues to be the backbone of

4044
04:39:32,258 --> 04:39:34,858
the system, and the proposed initiatives speak to the expansion

4045
04:39:34,858 --> 04:39:38,883
plans targeted for this route in particular. For the utilities

4046
04:39:38,883 --> 04:39:40,963
department, I would like to highlight a higher than usual

4047
04:39:40,963 --> 04:39:43,363
number of water main breaks. With a number occurring in

4048
04:39:43,363 --> 04:39:46,043
the summer which are more reflective of aging infrastructure as

4049
04:39:46,043 --> 04:39:48,603
opposed to winter. Breaks, which often are reflective of ground

4050
04:39:48,603 --> 04:39:52,243
shifting from cold weather. The 2024 data also includes a

4051
04:39:52,243 --> 04:39:54,883
larger one on the raw water main on Lakeshore Drive,

4052
04:39:54,883 --> 04:39:58,546
which we were able to repair in a timely. Fashion,

4053
04:39:58,546 --> 04:40:01,637
utilizing storage in the system. And Councillor will see a

4054
04:40:01,637 --> 04:40:04,597
project in the capital budget aimed at improving resiliency of

4055
04:40:04,597 --> 04:40:08,677
this important pipe. We also treated 7.5 billion leaders in

4056
04:40:08,677 --> 04:40:11,517
2023 and just over 6 billion leaders to date in

4057
04:40:11,517 --> 04:40:15,517
2024. In addition, we delivered 2.2 billion liters of raw

4058
04:40:15,517 --> 04:40:19,077
water to the irrigation systems in 2023 and 1.6 billion

4059
04:40:19,077 --> 04:40:22,206
leaders to date in 2024. On the wastewater side, we've

4060
04:40:22,206 --> 04:40:24,926
treated roughly 3 billion leaders to date and reused roughly

4061
04:40:24,926 --> 04:40:27,886
1.1 billion liters of treated effluent through our irrigation system.

4062
04:40:29,188 --> 04:40:31,148
From the energy and environment department. I would like to

4063
04:40:31,148 --> 04:40:33,668
highlight the growing number of EV charging stations. And note

4064
04:40:33,668 --> 04:40:35,508
that there's a typo in the number of chargers in

4065
04:40:35,508 --> 04:40:38,428
this table, and it should state that through 2025, we

4066
04:40:38,428 --> 04:40:41,308
actually anticipate having 18 level two and four. Level three

4067
04:40:41,308 --> 04:40:44,468
fast chargers for a total of 22 public chargers and

4068
04:40:44,468 --> 04:40:49,697
twelve fleet. With more stations, we're expecting more. Hours. And

4069
04:40:49,697 --> 04:40:51,657
I would note that we will be before Councillor in

4070
04:40:51,657 --> 04:40:54,097
the near future with a review. Of the charging rates,

4071
04:40:54,097 --> 04:40:56,217
as we have not yet established a rate structure for

4072
04:40:56,217 --> 04:40:58,137
the level three fast chargers that will need to be

4073
04:40:58,137 --> 04:41:00,217
set prior to these units coming online before the end

4074
04:41:00,217 --> 04:41:03,249
of the year. Lastly, I want to highlight Sadie and

4075
04:41:03,249 --> 04:41:06,089
safety, our metrics that measure our power outage frequency. And

4076
04:41:06,089 --> 04:41:08,649
duration. We have had a couple of really great years,

4077
04:41:08,649 --> 04:41:12,169
making us the third best overall in Canada in 2023.

4078
04:41:12,169 --> 04:41:14,489
But 2024 will not be quite as strong due to

4079
04:41:14,489 --> 04:41:17,929
two Fordis BC main outages at the Westminster substation, which

4080
04:41:17,929 --> 04:41:21,089
resulted in thousands of customers out as a result. This

4081
04:41:21,089 --> 04:41:23,796
highlights. The imperfectness of the measure. Given that Fortis would

4082
04:41:23,796 --> 04:41:26,196
only have counted as one customer out. Despite being a

4083
04:41:26,196 --> 04:41:29,276
bullet customer where we had to report thousands. However, despite

4084
04:41:29,276 --> 04:41:33,234
these two incidents, we're. Still a highly reliable utility. The

4085
04:41:33,234 --> 04:41:37,434
infrastructure division is proposing 13 initiatives for council's consideration in

4086
04:41:37,434 --> 04:41:41,154
the draft budget, starting with safe and resilient. The ongoing

4087
04:41:41,154 --> 04:41:44,994
wastewater treatment plant project has specific goals for 2025, including

4088
04:41:44,994 --> 04:41:47,514
the continuation of works associated with the installation of the

4089
04:41:47,514 --> 04:41:51,154
new secondary clarifier nitrified mixed liquor pump and remediation of

4090
04:41:51,154 --> 04:41:55,596
the headworks. Concrete and slidegate, as highlighted in the capital

4091
04:41:55,596 --> 04:41:59,356
slides. Additional works are budgeted in 2025. To replace MCCs

4092
04:41:59,356 --> 04:42:01,676
and to begin design of a twin fermenter plan for

4093
04:42:01,676 --> 04:42:07,012
2027. To advance council's priority of a livable and accessible

4094
04:42:07,012 --> 04:42:10,012
community, the following initiatives are presented for council's review and

4095
04:42:10,012 --> 04:42:13,852
consideration. The electoral utility will lead to demand side management

4096
04:42:13,852 --> 04:42:19,409
pilot project to manager. Demand for electrical service in a

4097
04:42:19,409 --> 04:42:21,969
concerted effort to decrease the peak energy use for the

4098
04:42:21,969 --> 04:42:24,409
city. All in an effort to reduce our bulk electrical

4099
04:42:24,409 --> 04:42:26,969
charges and defer capacity, upgrades that will be required to

4100
04:42:26,969 --> 04:42:31,369
support electrification. The electrical modern metering program will investigate and

4101
04:42:31,369 --> 04:42:34,409
create a plan to replace our current meters with modern

4102
04:42:34,409 --> 04:42:39,906
advanced metering infrastructure. Advanced. Modern metering infrastructure enables a collection

4103
04:42:39,906 --> 04:42:43,266
of detailed and accurate energy usage, which is then transmitted

4104
04:42:43,266 --> 04:42:47,306
automatically. Eliminated the need for manual meter reading. The department

4105
04:42:47,306 --> 04:42:50,746
will also assess the opportunities and challenges associated with converting

4106
04:42:50,746 --> 04:42:52,466
from a twelve and a half kilovolt system to a

4107
04:42:52,466 --> 04:42:56,386
25 kilowatt system. Through a voltage conversion study. The project

4108
04:42:56,386 --> 04:43:01,114
scope includes evaluating. The existing infrastructure, including substations, identifying necessary

4109
04:43:01,114 --> 04:43:05,594
equipment upgrades, and estimating cost and capacity gains next, the

4110
04:43:05,594 --> 04:43:08,194
city will be working with facilities to conduct a feasibility

4111
04:43:08,194 --> 04:43:11,154
study to identify appropriate rooftops. To have solar panels added

4112
04:43:11,154 --> 04:43:14,594
to offset energy costs and reduce peak energy demand separately

4113
04:43:14,594 --> 04:43:16,554
in the capital budget. Later, you will also see a

4114
04:43:16,554 --> 04:43:19,225
proposal to install solar panels. On the water treatment plant

4115
04:43:19,225 --> 04:43:23,076
roof. In addition, the regional collection contract is set to

4116
04:43:23,076 --> 04:43:26,956
become effective July 1, 2025, for the new regional waste

4117
04:43:26,956 --> 04:43:29,156
collection agreement to serve the city of Penticton in the

4118
04:43:29,156 --> 04:43:33,799
Soth Okanagan. And smelkamine communities. Improved single packer collection vehicles

4119
04:43:33,799 --> 04:43:37,079
are proposed to utilize smart truck technology to reduce contamination

4120
04:43:37,079 --> 04:43:39,559
rates for recycling yard waste and future mixed food and

4121
04:43:39,559 --> 04:43:43,329
yard waste. The first initiative on this slide is a

4122
04:43:43,329 --> 04:43:46,889
bundle of capital projects, including the Penticton Ave. PRV project

4123
04:43:46,889 --> 04:43:50,369
Ridgedale reservoir Predesign worked uv feasibility study for the water

4124
04:43:50,369 --> 04:43:53,169
treatment plant. And Lakeshore Drive in Martin street. Raw water

4125
04:43:53,169 --> 04:43:56,089
main replacement, all aimed at increasing water service quality. And

4126
04:43:56,089 --> 04:44:02,146
reliability. We have also included the Eckert Avenue Quarter reconstruction

4127
04:44:02,146 --> 04:44:05,666
project, which is a continuation of work. Started in 2024.

4128
04:44:05,666 --> 04:44:07,866
An RFP for construction will be issued over the winter,

4129
04:44:07,866 --> 04:44:10,626
and the design is currently being finalized following an ICBC

4130
04:44:10,626 --> 04:44:14,475
road safety review of the draft design. The KBR master

4131
04:44:14,475 --> 04:44:17,275
plan and green corridor strategy seeks to create a comprehensive

4132
04:44:17,275 --> 04:44:20,675
green network by integrating existing green corridors, parks, trails and

4133
04:44:20,675 --> 04:44:23,475
open areas throughout the city. The project will also include

4134
04:44:23,475 --> 04:44:25,955
a review of the trail standards, amenities and branding along

4135
04:44:25,955 --> 04:44:29,644
the trail. The department will also lead upgrades and replacement

4136
04:44:29,644 --> 04:44:32,644
of Lakawana park to improve accessibility and health. And safety

4137
04:44:32,644 --> 04:44:36,804
requirements. With the initial public engagement already underway to support

4138
04:44:36,804 --> 04:44:39,124
the continued work on the Urban Forest Management Plan, a

4139
04:44:39,124 --> 04:44:42,324
dedicated parks technician and additional tree planting is being recommended

4140
04:44:42,324 --> 04:44:46,594
for 2025. On this slide. We have a continued focus

4141
04:44:46,594 --> 04:44:49,674
on transportation safety through the traffic calming crosswalk improvement. And

4142
04:44:49,674 --> 04:44:52,154
sidewalk programs, all of which will be discussed further during

4143
04:44:52,154 --> 04:44:55,754
capital deliberations. And lastly, is the preparation for the transit

4144
04:44:55,754 --> 04:44:59,594
network expansion plans. To support these expansion plans, this work

4145
04:44:59,594 --> 04:45:02,234
will include a review of bus stops along affected routes

4146
04:45:02,234 --> 04:45:05,551
and planning for future infrastructure upgrades. To support the revised

4147
04:45:05,551 --> 04:45:08,631
routing and for increased frequencies. This will be a multiyear

4148
04:45:08,631 --> 04:45:11,511
project starting in 2025 in anticipation of the expanded service.

4149
04:45:13,039 --> 04:45:15,399
While preparing the draft budgets, staff are acutely aware of

4150
04:45:15,399 --> 04:45:18,439
the financial pressure the city is facing. Staff are constantly

4151
04:45:18,439 --> 04:45:22,439
evaluating opportunities to create operational efficiencies to offset increasing costs,

4152
04:45:22,439 --> 04:45:23,919
and I will speak to a few of the ways

4153
04:45:23,919 --> 04:45:26,559
we try to do this. One way do we do

4154
04:45:26,559 --> 04:45:32,176
this is by repurposing, where possible. So, for example, Given

4155
04:45:32,176 --> 04:45:34,096
that there will be no Iron man in 2025, we

4156
04:45:34,096 --> 04:45:37,096
were able to reduce our parks. Event support budget. Another

4157
04:45:37,096 --> 04:45:38,896
way we seek to do this is through automation of

4158
04:45:38,896 --> 04:45:41,736
tasks. For example, the parks line painter or the smart

4159
04:45:41,736 --> 04:45:44,136
technology for waste collection that we'll be speaking about shortly.

4160
04:45:45,755 --> 04:45:47,355
We also look at our external costs, such as the

4161
04:45:47,355 --> 04:45:50,155
bulk electricity bill from Fortis, and create initiatives aimed at

4162
04:45:50,155 --> 04:45:53,435
reducing those external costs. The demand side management pilot is

4163
04:45:53,435 --> 04:45:56,835
a good example of this. Type of initiative. Similarly, we

4164
04:45:56,835 --> 04:45:59,555
look at our contracting costs and consider bringing work in

4165
04:45:59,555 --> 04:46:01,995
house when it can be done more cost effectively. A

4166
04:46:01,995 --> 04:46:04,795
good example of this is the proposed CCTV camera equipment.

4167
04:46:04,795 --> 04:46:08,030
For inspections of. Our sanitary storm lines. We also look

4168
04:46:08,030 --> 04:46:10,470
to leverage grant funding to reduce the burden on Pentictin

4169
04:46:10,470 --> 04:46:13,070
residents and businesses, and we've been successful on a number

4170
04:46:13,070 --> 04:46:15,710
of these, including the flood. Mitigation efforts on the creek,

4171
04:46:15,710 --> 04:46:18,870
the dam, and through active transportation programs and most recently

4172
04:46:18,870 --> 04:46:22,308
for the Gyro park cooling station project. So just to

4173
04:46:22,308 --> 04:46:25,028
note that the infrastructure budget has been presented to Councillor

4174
04:46:25,028 --> 04:46:26,988
just a little bit differently. Than all the other divisions

4175
04:46:26,988 --> 04:46:29,188
just because of the breadth of the department. So the

4176
04:46:29,188 --> 04:46:30,868
first one that we're going to look at is a

4177
04:46:30,868 --> 04:46:33,788
summary of the public works with the 2025 proposed net

4178
04:46:33,788 --> 04:46:38,148
cost being 8.7 million, an increase of 871,000 over the

4179
04:46:38,148 --> 04:46:44,744
2024 budget. Revenues for these departments include internal and external

4180
04:46:44,744 --> 04:46:48,024
cost recoveries for the fleet department, transit revenue, and fees

4181
04:46:48,024 --> 04:46:51,664
for stormwater and cemetery, which have increased 492,000 over the

4182
04:46:51,664 --> 04:46:55,904
2024 Amenda budget for inflationary increases. Stormwater revenue was the

4183
04:46:55,904 --> 04:46:58,464
largest contributor with the incorporation of rates that were approved

4184
04:46:58,464 --> 04:47:02,614
by Councillor in September of 2024. Expenses are for all

4185
04:47:02,614 --> 04:47:04,934
the costs relating to maintaining the current service levels for

4186
04:47:04,934 --> 04:47:08,374
parks, cemetery, roads, and stormwater, as well as incorporating additional

4187
04:47:08,374 --> 04:47:11,094
costs for new green spaces and the urban forest management

4188
04:47:11,094 --> 04:47:14,694
plan transit expenses have increased for the contractual inflation as

4189
04:47:14,694 --> 04:47:17,974
well as Councillor directed transit expansions that will be discussed

4190
04:47:17,974 --> 04:47:21,585
in future slides. Key budget drivers in the public works

4191
04:47:21,585 --> 04:47:24,585
area include contractual labor, proposed ftes, which will be discussed

4192
04:47:24,585 --> 04:47:28,585
in a few upcoming slides. Operational increases, including 65,000 for

4193
04:47:28,585 --> 04:47:32,985
pavement condition assessments and 40,000 for sign sanitization. Further impacts

4194
04:47:32,985 --> 04:47:35,345
include past Councillor decisions relating to the implementation of the

4195
04:47:35,345 --> 04:47:39,952
Urban forest Management Plan and transit expansion. Stormwater is operated

4196
04:47:39,952 --> 04:47:42,192
as its own self funded utility within the general fund,

4197
04:47:42,192 --> 04:47:44,032
and as such, the total balance for any given year

4198
04:47:44,032 --> 04:47:46,712
should balance to zero. This table takes into account total

4199
04:47:46,712 --> 04:47:50,632
revenues operating expenses, allocations, capital spending and any transfers to

4200
04:47:50,632 --> 04:47:53,272
or from the reserves when the rate structure for storm

4201
04:47:53,272 --> 04:47:55,792
was developed, asset replacement costs were built into the user

4202
04:47:55,792 --> 04:47:58,192
fees, and as a result, any excess of revenue over

4203
04:47:58,192 --> 04:48:01,017
expend. Expenditures for the year is transferred into the stormwater

4204
04:48:01,017 --> 04:48:03,497
reserves to fund future capital needs, which is proposed to

4205
04:48:03,497 --> 04:48:07,607
be a transfer of $1 million for 2025. The first

4206
04:48:07,607 --> 04:48:09,687
two initiatives for the parks department are connected to the

4207
04:48:09,687 --> 04:48:12,367
advancement of the urban forest management plan. This is the

4208
04:48:12,367 --> 04:48:14,807
first year of a ten year implementation plan estimated to

4209
04:48:14,807 --> 04:48:17,887
have a total financial impact of roughly 1.3 million annually

4210
04:48:17,887 --> 04:48:20,927
above 2024 service levels through a combination of operating and

4211
04:48:20,927 --> 04:48:23,607
capital funding. The first is an increase to the operating

4212
04:48:23,607 --> 04:48:26,447
budget of 30,000 to increase tree planting requirements. And the

4213
04:48:26,447 --> 04:48:29,835
second is. 116,000 for a parks technician to lead the

4214
04:48:29,835 --> 04:48:33,866
implementation of the urban forest management plan. The third initiative

4215
04:48:33,866 --> 04:48:36,146
for the parks department proposes to create a second full

4216
04:48:36,146 --> 04:48:38,986
time gardener role to meet service level expectations and maintain

4217
04:48:38,986 --> 04:48:42,546
city gardens, hanging baskets, and landscaped areas to note. This

4218
04:48:42,546 --> 04:48:46,549
was a deferred position from the last year's budget. The

4219
04:48:46,549 --> 04:48:48,749
cost for this position are partially offset by the replacement

4220
04:48:48,749 --> 04:48:51,229
of a six month seasonal labor position. For a total

4221
04:48:51,229 --> 04:48:54,549
additional request of 70,000. This position will allow the city

4222
04:48:54,549 --> 04:48:57,709
to address the growing inventory of horticultural assets, including newly

4223
04:48:57,709 --> 04:49:01,309
or planned planted boulevards. These amenities both assist with stormwater

4224
04:49:01,309 --> 04:49:03,829
management, but also beautify the city's infrastructure. And I'll let

4225
04:49:03,829 --> 04:49:06,911
mistakes and discuss those park requests a bit further. So

4226
04:49:06,911 --> 04:49:09,311
the city gains assets in two ways. They are either

4227
04:49:09,311 --> 04:49:11,911
constructed through city initiatives such as capital projects. So here

4228
04:49:11,911 --> 04:49:14,591
are just a couple of areas from the point intersection

4229
04:49:14,591 --> 04:49:21,148
project or through development contributions. It's not typically one individual

4230
04:49:21,148 --> 04:49:24,028
item that triggers the need to necessarily expand resources, but

4231
04:49:24,028 --> 04:49:26,908
a number of additions over time, while there are generally

4232
04:49:26,908 --> 04:49:29,068
less large projects turned over to the city like this

4233
04:49:29,068 --> 04:49:31,828
picture of the ridge park, or, for example, Sundero park.

4234
04:49:31,828 --> 04:49:34,028
The city continues to try and add green space through

4235
04:49:34,028 --> 04:49:36,868
development and capital projects to both improve storm drainage and

4236
04:49:36,868 --> 04:49:41,192
enhance both community aesthetic experience. As well as improve ecosystem

4237
04:49:41,192 --> 04:49:43,952
services. Thinking back to early in the presentation, when we

4238
04:49:43,952 --> 04:49:46,872
reviewed KPIs, these initiatives are directly reflected in some of

4239
04:49:46,872 --> 04:49:49,032
the measures, such as active parkland per capita and the

4240
04:49:49,032 --> 04:49:51,912
number of trees proposed to be planted. Ridge park is

4241
04:49:51,912 --> 04:49:54,272
a large new amenity that influences a variety of the

4242
04:49:54,272 --> 04:49:56,472
incremental changes to the park's operating budget, and I just.

4243
04:49:56,472 --> 04:49:58,472
Wanted to highlight a few of those for you with

4244
04:49:58,472 --> 04:50:01,940
a collective combined impact of roughly. $30,000 annually just in

4245
04:50:01,940 --> 04:50:04,900
the parks area for items such as irrigation, mowing, playground

4246
04:50:04,900 --> 04:50:09,061
maintenance, horticulture and tree management. The final initiative for the

4247
04:50:09,061 --> 04:50:11,701
public works areas related to the plan, transit expansion and

4248
04:50:11,701 --> 04:50:14,661
costs associated with the service additions to the 2025 budget,

4249
04:50:14,661 --> 04:50:18,021
which are estimated at 205,000. These costs have been prorated

4250
04:50:18,021 --> 04:50:20,421
based on the forecasted timing of the expansion taking place

4251
04:50:20,421 --> 04:50:24,261
with additional costs impacting 2026. Once the service comes online,

4252
04:50:24,261 --> 04:50:31,386
Ms. Dixon will provide some additional. Details on this. Earlier

4253
04:50:31,386 --> 04:50:33,666
this year, Councillor received an update from BC Transit on

4254
04:50:33,666 --> 04:50:37,386
their annual operations and options for network expansion these network

4255
04:50:37,386 --> 04:50:39,826
expansion plans aligned with the planning work that was completed

4256
04:50:39,826 --> 04:50:41,866
over the last couple of years to create the city's

4257
04:50:41,866 --> 04:50:45,426
network. Restructure plan the first expansion initiative recommended in the

4258
04:50:45,426 --> 04:50:47,946
network restructure plan is to increase the frequency of route

4259
04:50:47,946 --> 04:50:51,708
five to 15 minutes, which meets. A frequent transit service

4260
04:50:51,708 --> 04:50:55,748
definition with revised streamline routing. The second will introduce evening

4261
04:50:55,748 --> 04:50:58,228
service to all local routes, which will replace the current

4262
04:50:58,228 --> 04:51:01,748
route 15, which is the designated night route. These expansion

4263
04:51:01,748 --> 04:51:04,548
plans are also subject to provincial funding and prioritization by

4264
04:51:04,548 --> 04:51:07,468
BC transit, as the province contributes almost 50% of the

4265
04:51:07,468 --> 04:51:10,548
cost for transit services. The costs have also been spread

4266
04:51:10,548 --> 04:51:13,761
out to reflect. The expected implementation, which is largely contingent

4267
04:51:13,761 --> 04:51:17,134
on the bus procurement process. So at this point, we

4268
04:51:17,134 --> 04:51:19,854
just want to stop very briefly to see if Councillor

4269
04:51:19,854 --> 04:51:22,454
has any questions. Specifically on the public works area before

4270
04:51:22,454 --> 04:51:30,657
we move into water in sewer. Council, Councillor Gilbert. Thank

4271
04:51:30,657 --> 04:51:35,524
you. Thank you. To the chair in regards to the

4272
04:51:35,524 --> 04:51:39,884
transit network expansion plans. One when is the contract up

4273
04:51:39,884 --> 04:51:45,044
for the bus stops. And is there an advertisement policy

4274
04:51:45,044 --> 04:51:48,889
in regards to. What can be shown on those bus

4275
04:51:48,889 --> 04:51:57,122
stops. Through the chair. We recently renewed our contract. For

4276
04:51:57,122 --> 04:52:00,922
transit shelters, and Patterson does have an advertising policy relating

4277
04:52:00,922 --> 04:52:03,442
to both the transit shelters and the bus benches, if

4278
04:52:03,442 --> 04:52:06,116
that's what you're asking. I'll have to double check the

4279
04:52:06,116 --> 04:52:08,636
time frame. Mr. Boyco may know off the top. Of

4280
04:52:08,636 --> 04:52:09,956
his head. But I think we have at least another

4281
04:52:09,956 --> 04:52:12,436
15 years to go because I think it was a

4282
04:52:12,436 --> 04:52:14,876
20 year contract, and we're only probably roughly five years

4283
04:52:14,876 --> 04:52:16,916
in. I don't know if you want to answer the

4284
04:52:16,916 --> 04:52:23,831
question. 2035. That doesn't stop the city. If I could

4285
04:52:23,831 --> 04:52:25,351
just add it where I think you might. Be going.

4286
04:52:25,351 --> 04:52:29,191
It doesn't stop us from adding additional shelters at locations

4287
04:52:29,191 --> 04:52:30,991
where we may want to pursue them in the future.

4288
04:52:30,991 --> 04:52:33,511
And that is one thing we've been exploring there's. Grant

4289
04:52:33,511 --> 04:52:36,551
funding through the province in BC transit and other ways

4290
04:52:36,551 --> 04:52:39,871
of doing that. So we're not necessarily restricted to just

4291
04:52:39,871 --> 04:52:45,316
the patterson shelters, but. It is one mechanism for cities

4292
04:52:45,316 --> 04:52:46,878
to see those put in place. Follow up. Yeah. Thank

4293
04:52:46,878 --> 04:52:49,798
you. Chair. There's two things with it. One I want

4294
04:52:49,798 --> 04:52:53,539
to see. They're only going to put bus stops up

4295
04:52:53,539 --> 04:52:56,819
in shelters where they seem fit, and I think we

4296
04:52:56,819 --> 04:52:58,539
need to encourage people to take the bus more, so

4297
04:52:58,539 --> 04:53:01,059
it'd be nice to see more shelters go up. And

4298
04:53:01,059 --> 04:53:02,339
I guess the reason why I asked for about the

4299
04:53:02,339 --> 04:53:05,019
advertisement policy. I'm not really impressed when the advertisement on

4300
04:53:05,019 --> 04:53:08,419
the bus stop is promoting not taking the bus, as

4301
04:53:08,419 --> 04:53:12,032
we saw with the. U share ride car share, saying

4302
04:53:12,032 --> 04:53:15,536
that it would get there faster. Like traffic problems in

4303
04:53:15,536 --> 04:53:18,610
the city. Or if we're anticipating more density, we're going

4304
04:53:18,610 --> 04:53:21,810
to have to utilize transit car sharing is not going

4305
04:53:21,810 --> 04:53:24,750
to solve that problem. We need to look at all

4306
04:53:24,750 --> 04:53:27,230
aspects. I'm not really appreciative of that. Type of advertisement

4307
04:53:27,230 --> 04:53:33,906
on our bus stops. Fair enough. I can provide that

4308
04:53:33,906 --> 04:53:38,911
feedback back to them. Councilor Conan. Thank you. Through the

4309
04:53:38,911 --> 04:53:48,507
chair. Chairman. The transit expansion. Is based

4310
04:53:48,507 --> 04:53:54,660
on the procurement of the buses. So if we don't

4311
04:53:54,660 --> 04:54:00,148
get the buses in 2000, And 15 if we're not

4312
04:54:00,148 --> 04:54:06,733
able to. Will that 205,000 go into general surplus? Through

4313
04:54:06,733 --> 04:54:10,653
your worship. So because we're actually forecasting a deficit for

4314
04:54:10,653 --> 04:54:14,053
2025, it would actually reduce the deficit that we're planning,

4315
04:54:14,053 --> 04:54:22,064
as opposed to flowing into surplus. Okay. What I'm saying

4316
04:54:22,064 --> 04:54:24,864
is that what would happen if we did not put

4317
04:54:24,864 --> 04:54:31,081
that 200,000 towards. The bus buses this year, and then

4318
04:54:31,081 --> 04:54:35,401
if we are able to procure the buses, then. We

4319
04:54:35,401 --> 04:54:39,172
make an amendment to the budget. Whatever time during the

4320
04:54:39,172 --> 04:54:42,865
year that's to happen. So through your worship. That is

4321
04:54:42,865 --> 04:54:45,745
obviously a Councillor decision to make. If we had to

4322
04:54:45,745 --> 04:54:47,945
amend the budget later next year. We probably have to

4323
04:54:47,945 --> 04:54:50,385
draw from surplus to able to be able to amend

4324
04:54:50,385 --> 04:54:53,025
that contract. I think the bigger decision for Councillor to

4325
04:54:53,025 --> 04:55:02,928
make is just because the phase one. Of the

4326
04:55:02,928 --> 04:55:06,208
transit. We've actually already split the cost between 2025 and

4327
04:55:06,208 --> 04:55:12,128
2026, so. There's already 267,000 going into 2026. Plus there's

4328
04:55:12,128 --> 04:55:11,569
an additional 348,000. For the evening service. So Councillor would

4329
04:55:11,569 --> 04:55:15,929
just be pushing that further cost into 2026. So we're

4330
04:55:15,929 --> 04:55:20,289
already forecasting. A 1.35% increase related to transit in 2026,

4331
04:55:20,289 --> 04:55:23,809
we would be pushing that additional 205,000, which would be

4332
04:55:23,809 --> 04:55:27,289
somewhere around a .6% tax increase into that year. As

4333
04:55:27,289 --> 04:55:29,649
well. So it's just a decision on where do you

4334
04:55:29,649 --> 04:55:34,188
want to see that tax? Incre. Increase hit. 2025, matching

4335
04:55:34,188 --> 04:55:36,748
where we're anticipating the service to take place or pushing

4336
04:55:36,748 --> 04:55:38,882
it all into 2026, which. Will obviously have a higher

4337
04:55:38,882 --> 04:55:42,426
tax increase that year. But can I ask again? I'm

4338
04:55:42,426 --> 04:55:46,977
sorry. If we aren't able to get the buses this

4339
04:55:46,977 --> 04:55:54,750
year, that 200,000. Wouldn't go immediately into 2026 towards the

4340
04:55:54,750 --> 04:55:59,367
buses. It would go into general surplus. Through worship. That

4341
04:55:59,367 --> 04:56:03,087
is correct. The money cannot be reallocated into another year.

4342
04:56:03,087 --> 04:56:07,152
It has to. Be budgeted separately into that year. Thank

4343
04:56:07,152 --> 04:56:14,011
you. Councilor Gilbert. Yeah. Thank you to the chair. I

4344
04:56:14,011 --> 04:56:16,451
appreciate Councillor Conan bringing up this kind of. Like the

4345
04:56:16,451 --> 04:56:18,811
timing of it. I'm just kind of curious. What would

4346
04:56:18,811 --> 04:56:25,748
the timing be? Because there's the provincial share to this.

4347
04:56:25,748 --> 04:56:28,967
So let's say if we didn't. Do that. Would that

4348
04:56:28,967 --> 04:56:32,167
make it harder for us to get the province to

4349
04:56:32,167 --> 04:56:36,454
fund that extra step for us? Let's say, for example,

4350
04:56:36,454 --> 04:56:38,374
we decided not to do it here at this budget

4351
04:56:38,374 --> 04:56:39,894
and decide to do it when we found out about

4352
04:56:39,894 --> 04:56:43,334
the buses. Would that hinder our position with the province

4353
04:56:43,334 --> 04:56:48,967
to get them to fund. The share of our bus

4354
04:56:48,967 --> 04:56:51,647
services. Thank you. So through the chair? No, we have

4355
04:56:51,647 --> 04:56:55,907
made the commitment. So the province in BC transit. Aren't

4356
04:56:55,907 --> 04:56:59,107
concerned with how we facilitate that on our side through

4357
04:56:59,107 --> 04:57:02,507
the budget process when we signed off on that expansion

4358
04:57:02,507 --> 04:57:05,427
plan back earlier in the year. That was their confirmation

4359
04:57:05,427 --> 04:57:08,027
that we're in the queue. We've committed to paying our

4360
04:57:08,027 --> 04:57:10,267
share of the cost when they're. Able to deliver that

4361
04:57:10,267 --> 04:57:13,147
service expansion so it wouldn't have any influence on when

4362
04:57:13,147 --> 04:57:15,972
they do or don't approve that expansion. It's going to

4363
04:57:15,972 --> 04:57:20,429
be my question. Councilor connets.

4364
04:57:28,288 --> 04:57:32,347
Sorry. Yeah. I think this would be a good time

4365
04:57:32,347 --> 04:57:40,805
to make a motion. To remove that 200,000 from the

4366
04:57:40,805 --> 04:57:44,539
budget, but. I am definitely supportive of the expansion. And

4367
04:57:44,539 --> 04:57:47,059
if we do get the buses, I'd like to see

4368
04:57:47,059 --> 04:57:51,868
us. Start the program right away. It's just that I

4369
04:57:51,868 --> 04:57:54,308
know this takes a long time and. I don't want

4370
04:57:54,308 --> 04:57:59,808
more money going to general surplus. I'd rather. Have it

4371
04:57:59,808 --> 04:58:04,500
ready for the bus. Buses when we get them. Which

4372
04:58:04,500 --> 04:58:08,860
could be not until 2026. So my motion would be

4373
04:58:08,860 --> 04:58:13,882
to. Remove that from the budget. I think we got

4374
04:58:13,882 --> 04:58:16,922
the motion to remove the item from the budget, but

4375
04:58:16,922 --> 04:58:21,402
your audio is fading. Councillor Conan, so not sure if

4376
04:58:21,402 --> 04:58:23,282
we can do anything about that at this end or

4377
04:58:23,282 --> 04:58:25,842
whether you need to just get a little closer to

4378
04:58:25,842 --> 04:58:30,053
your microphone at your end. Okay, so we got a

4379
04:58:30,053 --> 04:58:33,693
motion to remove that item from the budget. Do we

4380
04:58:33,693 --> 04:58:42,859
have a second? Seconded. Discussion. Questions. Councilor Gilbert. Yeah. Thank

4381
04:58:42,859 --> 04:58:46,700
you, chair. So. Just to be clear. I understand where

4382
04:58:46,700 --> 04:58:50,989
it's going. What would be the impact on the budget?

4383
04:58:50,989 --> 04:58:55,629
Removing it and not removing it. So, through your worship,

4384
04:58:55,629 --> 04:58:58,429
the total cost of the service for both phase one

4385
04:58:58,429 --> 04:59:02,909
and the evening service. In 2026 would be $820,000. So

4386
04:59:02,909 --> 04:59:07,850
it'd be just shy of a 2% tax increase. No,

4387
04:59:07,850 --> 04:59:12,249
sorry. I wasn't worried about that. Oh, the reduction to

4388
04:59:12,249 --> 04:59:15,009
2025 would be about. No, not even a reduction. Like,

4389
04:59:15,009 --> 04:59:18,124
what would happen? I guess. I just want to be

4390
04:59:18,124 --> 04:59:19,484
clear on where this money is going. So if we

4391
04:59:19,484 --> 04:59:22,644
don't. Do the two. If we do the 205 and

4392
04:59:22,644 --> 04:59:24,804
we don't get a bus, what happens? To that money.

4393
04:59:24,804 --> 04:59:28,745
And if we don't do, if we wait later. Until

4394
04:59:28,745 --> 04:59:31,705
we get guaranteed the buses and then do the 205.

4395
04:59:31,705 --> 04:59:34,604
That's where I'm kind of like wondering. Is it the

4396
04:59:34,604 --> 04:59:38,022
same thing? Is the process different? But we still get

4397
04:59:38,022 --> 04:59:41,582
the same outcome. So. Through your worship. So if Councillor.

4398
04:59:41,582 --> 04:59:44,622
Keeps the 205 in the budget and we don't realize

4399
04:59:44,622 --> 04:59:49,182
that cost. It will decrease the deficit for 2025 if

4400
04:59:49,182 --> 04:59:52,182
Councillor removes it from the budget and then the service

4401
04:59:52,182 --> 04:59:54,142
comes online and. We have to add the money to

4402
04:59:54,142 --> 04:59:56,462
the budget. We will then draw from surplus to pay.

4403
04:59:56,945 --> 04:59:59,385
For it in 2025 and add it to the 2026

4404
04:59:59,385 --> 05:00:03,475
tax base. So we'll either reduce the deficit in 2025

4405
05:00:03,475 --> 05:00:05,275
if it doesn't happen, or you'll have to pull from

4406
05:00:05,275 --> 05:00:12,504
surplus if it does happen. Good. You're going to follow

4407
05:00:12,504 --> 05:00:20,297
up. So I do appreciate. Trying to. Maybe change the

4408
05:00:20,297 --> 05:00:23,177
process to try to find cost savings in it. However,

4409
05:00:23,177 --> 05:00:24,977
I'm going to vote against it just for the fact

4410
05:00:24,977 --> 05:00:27,377
that I really want the city to commit to this,

4411
05:00:27,377 --> 05:00:30,257
that. We are going to expand the transit network and

4412
05:00:30,257 --> 05:00:33,937
if anything, we are going to decrease the deficit. Of

4413
05:00:33,937 --> 05:00:37,495
the bus system if it doesn't. I'm going to vote

4414
05:00:37,495 --> 05:00:40,055
against this motion just because I believe, and we need

4415
05:00:40,055 --> 05:00:44,675
to put money into our transit system. Any further comments?

4416
05:00:48,429 --> 05:00:55,505
Questions. Councilor Watt. Thank you, chair. Because I think we

4417
05:00:55,505 --> 05:00:57,825
can still put back into the transit. I don't think.

4418
05:01:01,142 --> 05:01:04,462
This is a non investment into transit. It's because we

4419
05:01:04,462 --> 05:01:06,222
don't have it. We don't necessarily need to allocate the

4420
05:01:06,222 --> 05:01:08,102
funds. We will fund the funds when we need it.

4421
05:01:08,102 --> 05:01:15,404
So I'm actually going to support this. Yeah. This is

4422
05:01:15,404 --> 05:01:21,170
a difficult one. On the one hand, we had a

4423
05:01:21,170 --> 05:01:23,610
motion earlier in this year to direct staff to include

4424
05:01:23,610 --> 05:01:29,933
this in the financial. Report and the budget. If I'm

4425
05:01:29,933 --> 05:01:33,970
remembering that correctly. And it's okay to say we'll pull

4426
05:01:33,970 --> 05:01:37,690
from surplus, but that's providing we get a surplus or

4427
05:01:37,690 --> 05:01:45,265
we have a surplus. And I'm just wondering what removing

4428
05:01:45,265 --> 05:01:48,785
it from our actual budget? What message that sends to

4429
05:01:48,785 --> 05:01:54,089
BC transit. I know. Okay. Maybe they'll carry on with

4430
05:01:54,089 --> 05:01:58,758
the supply of the bus and the service. Knowing that

4431
05:01:58,758 --> 05:02:01,118
we will have to make a motion later on in

4432
05:02:01,118 --> 05:02:04,915
the year to pull that. From surplus. Is there any

4433
05:02:04,915 --> 05:02:10,599
reserve that could come from if there's no surplus? Through

4434
05:02:10,599 --> 05:02:12,639
your worship. So there would be other opportunities, perhaps, for

4435
05:02:12,639 --> 05:02:14,799
Councillor to pay for it in 2025. We could give

4436
05:02:14,799 --> 05:02:17,719
Councillor options. I think the bigger consideration for councillor is

4437
05:02:17,719 --> 05:02:19,559
that the money will have to then be added to

4438
05:02:19,559 --> 05:02:22,559
the 2026 budget, so it will have to be a

4439
05:02:22,559 --> 05:02:25,359
tax. Increase. It's just when Councillor puts that tax increase

4440
05:02:25,359 --> 05:02:29,372
in in 2025 or 2026. So let's talk about that

4441
05:02:29,372 --> 05:02:33,503
a little bit now and. It's on topic, I think.

4442
05:02:33,503 --> 05:02:39,460
For what we're deferring to 2026. So I think the

4443
05:02:39,460 --> 05:02:43,260
tax increase that we've deferred with the RCMP, the 2026.

4444
05:02:45,436 --> 05:02:48,756
Is that somewhere around 1%? That's right, your worship. Approximately

4445
05:02:48,756 --> 05:02:53,157
1%. We got 1%. With the presentations we've had today,

4446
05:02:53,157 --> 05:02:56,557
we've got a 1% budget increase for 2026 because of

4447
05:02:56,557 --> 05:03:02,897
the extra RCMP positions. And now we're going, okay? We're

4448
05:03:02,897 --> 05:03:06,457
going to have a tax increase in 2026. Of what

4449
05:03:06,457 --> 05:03:11,897
percentage for transit under the current numbers about 1.8%. So

4450
05:03:11,897 --> 05:03:18,521
1.8. And so. If we defer the bus, then it's

4451
05:03:18,521 --> 05:03:23,467
1.9. Is that right? About half. It'd be two point.

4452
05:03:24,989 --> 05:03:27,629
Three, right? It'd be 1% for the RCMP and 1.8

4453
05:03:27,629 --> 05:03:31,389
for the. Transit, so you'd be looking at a 2.8%

4454
05:03:31,389 --> 05:03:34,098
impact. We're already saying we're going to have a 2.8%

4455
05:03:34,098 --> 05:03:38,908
increase in 2026 with what we've had presented today. So.

4456
05:03:40,351 --> 05:03:44,204
That's something to consider as well. I prefer an incremental

4457
05:03:44,204 --> 05:03:47,924
approach, and I prefer living up to what we promised

4458
05:03:47,924 --> 05:03:49,604
earlier on. In the year, so I think I'll vote

4459
05:03:49,604 --> 05:03:54,420
against this one. But we'll see how it goes. Councillor

4460
05:03:54,420 --> 05:03:59,290
Watt. Thank you. The chair. Well, then, it appears we

4461
05:03:59,290 --> 05:04:02,578
are doing a reverse deferral. We're putting money in so

4462
05:04:02,578 --> 05:04:05,560
that it's there when we need it. And is this

4463
05:04:05,560 --> 05:04:10,495
a guaranteed happening this year? Through the chair. We have

4464
05:04:10,495 --> 05:04:12,895
no crystal ball on whether or not pc transit will

4465
05:04:12,895 --> 05:04:15,655
be able to deliver the expansion. We have approved our

4466
05:04:15,655 --> 05:04:18,055
share and we wait for approval from the province and

4467
05:04:18,055 --> 05:04:22,189
prioritization. From BC transit. Thank you, Chairman. Thank you for

4468
05:04:22,189 --> 05:04:24,949
the answer. That's sort of getting at is this is

4469
05:04:24,949 --> 05:04:28,229
extremely hopeful, and I would suspect extremely likely. But until

4470
05:04:28,229 --> 05:04:31,789
it's a yes, it's. Happening? I'm not sure that it's

4471
05:04:31,789 --> 05:04:34,589
something I think we budget for. Because, again, reverse deferral

4472
05:04:34,589 --> 05:04:37,109
is wonderful. Put cash away for when you need it,

4473
05:04:37,109 --> 05:04:41,754
but not when someone's paying for it. Thank you. Any

4474
05:04:41,754 --> 05:04:49,773
further comments? Questions? So the motion is.

4475
05:04:52,813 --> 05:04:57,119
To remove. The budget request for the bus for the

4476
05:04:57,119 --> 05:05:02,868
$205,000. Remove that from the budget. And I would say

4477
05:05:02,868 --> 05:05:10,827
all those in favor? And opposed. And that's Councillor Gilbert

4478
05:05:10,827 --> 05:05:13,827
and myself opposed. So the motion carries. And that is?

4479
05:05:13,827 --> 05:05:19,447
Removed from the budget. Okay. Thank you. Continue, please. Thank

4480
05:05:19,447 --> 05:05:26,560
you. So the total proposed 2025 overall net expenses for

4481
05:05:26,560 --> 05:05:28,400
the water and sewer utilities are a credit of seven

4482
05:05:28,400 --> 05:05:30,960
and a half million before transfers to capital and reserves,

4483
05:05:30,960 --> 05:05:35,120
which is $440,000. Higher than the 2024 budget. The water

4484
05:05:35,120 --> 05:05:38,240
utility consists of all associated costs with collection, treatment, and

4485
05:05:38,240 --> 05:05:41,880
the distribution of portable and irrigation water. Water revenue is

4486
05:05:41,880 --> 05:05:45,477
budgeted to increase 410,000 based. On the Councillor approved 2025

4487
05:05:45,477 --> 05:05:49,077
rate increases. Expenses for the water utility include increased debt,

4488
05:05:49,077 --> 05:05:51,637
interest costs for the renewal of previous debt, a water

4489
05:05:51,637 --> 05:05:55,797
optimization and corrosion study, and contractual inflationary increases. The sewer

4490
05:05:55,797 --> 05:05:58,197
utility consists of all costs related to the collection and

4491
05:05:58,197 --> 05:06:01,357
treatment of all sanitary sewer. Revenue is budgeted at 1

4492
05:06:01,357 --> 05:06:04,279
million higher than the 2024 budget incorporating the council. Approved

4493
05:06:04,279 --> 05:06:08,839
2025 rate increases sewer expenses increased for inflation, in particular

4494
05:06:08,839 --> 05:06:12,639
around items such as chemical costs key budget drivers for

4495
05:06:12,639 --> 05:06:15,519
water and sewer include the contractual labor and various operational

4496
05:06:15,519 --> 05:06:19,159
increases for screening, irrigation intakes, the water optimization and corrosion

4497
05:06:19,159 --> 05:06:22,999
study of 140,000 lab supplies and required uv bulb replacements.

4498
05:06:24,603 --> 05:06:26,963
The detailed budget for the entire water utility can be

4499
05:06:26,963 --> 05:06:29,923
found on pages 217 to 224 of the pond, including

4500
05:06:29,923 --> 05:06:32,843
supplemental schedules, breaking down water treatment plant and water distribution.

4501
05:06:34,192 --> 05:06:35,952
As its own distinct fund. The water utility balance for

4502
05:06:35,952 --> 05:06:38,592
any given year should be zero. This table takes into

4503
05:06:38,592 --> 05:06:42,392
account total revenues, operating expenses, allocations, capital spending and any

4504
05:06:42,392 --> 05:06:45,832
transfers to or from reserves. The summary provides a holistic

4505
05:06:45,832 --> 05:06:48,352
view of how the overall revenues and expenses and transfers

4506
05:06:48,352 --> 05:06:51,072
to long term capital infrastructure contribute to a net operating

4507
05:06:51,072 --> 05:06:54,996
surplus or deficit. Allocations are related to the. Administration overhead

4508
05:06:54,996 --> 05:06:57,796
credit from the general fund, which allocates expenses to each

4509
05:06:57,796 --> 05:07:00,436
utility based on the services provided by departments such as

4510
05:07:00,436 --> 05:07:04,996
corporate administration, legislative services, it, HR, and finance. In addition

4511
05:07:04,996 --> 05:07:08,890
to the debt servicing costs. Transfers include DCC revenues being

4512
05:07:08,890 --> 05:07:11,570
moved to or from reserves and transfers to fund capital

4513
05:07:11,570 --> 05:07:14,610
with any residual excess of revenues over expenses for any

4514
05:07:14,610 --> 05:07:17,770
given year being transferred into or drawn from reserves. The

4515
05:07:17,770 --> 05:07:20,570
total plan draw from the water reserve for 2025 is

4516
05:07:20,570 --> 05:07:24,848
1.2 million. The detailed budget for the entire sewer utility

4517
05:07:24,848 --> 05:07:27,488
can be found on pages 225 to 231 of the

4518
05:07:27,488 --> 05:07:30,408
financial plan, including supplemental schedules for the treatment plant and

4519
05:07:30,408 --> 05:07:33,888
sewer collection. Similar to the water utility, the sewer utility

4520
05:07:33,888 --> 05:07:36,128
has its own fund, needs to have a balance in

4521
05:07:36,128 --> 05:07:38,848
any given year of zero. This table takes into account

4522
05:07:38,848 --> 05:07:43,124
all the revenues, expenses, allocations, capital spending, and transfers. To

4523
05:07:43,124 --> 05:07:47,004
or from reserves. Allocations include debt servicing and utility overhead

4524
05:07:47,004 --> 05:07:50,484
allocation. Transfers include DCC revenues being moved to or from

4525
05:07:50,484 --> 05:07:54,484
reserves and transfers to fund capital with the residual excess

4526
05:07:54,484 --> 05:07:57,124
either being transferred into reserves or pulled out of reserves

4527
05:07:57,124 --> 05:07:59,924
for 2025. The draw from sewer will be 1.1 million.

4528
05:08:01,061 --> 05:08:03,021
If it's okay with your worship, I'll just pause here.

4529
05:08:03,021 --> 05:08:06,181
If there's. Any questions on the utilities before we move

4530
05:08:06,181 --> 05:08:13,470
into energy and environment? Cancelled. Any questions? And hearing nothing

4531
05:08:13,470 --> 05:08:18,830
from Councillor Conan, please continue. Thank you, worship. The energy

4532
05:08:18,830 --> 05:08:22,790
and environmental departments overall 2025 proposed net expense budgets total

4533
05:08:22,790 --> 05:08:27,790
accredit of 5.8 million, an increase of 185,000 over 2024.

4534
05:08:27,790 --> 05:08:32,570
Revenue for these departments are fees for solid. Waste and

4535
05:08:32,570 --> 05:08:36,650
recycling collection, climate action grants and electric user fees. Electric

4536
05:08:36,650 --> 05:08:39,650
revenue has increased 2.9 million for Councillor approved rate increases,

4537
05:08:39,650 --> 05:08:42,570
which is offset by increased expenses for power purchases of

4538
05:08:42,570 --> 05:08:46,238
1.2 million. Expenses for these departments are for all collection

4539
05:08:46,238 --> 05:08:50,078
of solid waste and recycling materials, sustainability programs, street lights

4540
05:08:50,078 --> 05:08:52,558
and traffic control upkeep and all costs related to the

4541
05:08:52,558 --> 05:08:55,398
electric department costs have been increased. For the new waste

4542
05:08:55,398 --> 05:08:57,878
collection contract that was approved by Councillor and the smart

4543
05:08:57,878 --> 05:09:01,707
truck technology, which will be discussed in future slides. Key

4544
05:09:01,707 --> 05:09:04,827
budget drivers for this area include contractual labor, the increase

4545
05:09:04,827 --> 05:09:08,587
for the recently negotiated waste collection contract increase in electricity

4546
05:09:08,587 --> 05:09:11,107
cost and the receipt of three years of the local

4547
05:09:11,107 --> 05:09:14,827
government climate action program funding. Upfront that funding will be

4548
05:09:14,827 --> 05:09:16,547
used over the next few years as it's been put

4549
05:09:16,547 --> 05:09:18,707
into the climate reserve. However, this will now show in

4550
05:09:18,707 --> 05:09:21,989
the financial plan as a reserve transfer. As opposed to

4551
05:09:21,989 --> 05:09:25,230
revenue as it was in previous years. A significant portion

4552
05:09:25,230 --> 05:09:27,630
of the electric utility operating expenses is for the cost

4553
05:09:27,630 --> 05:09:30,630
of purchasing energy from Fortis which makes up 87% of

4554
05:09:30,630 --> 05:09:34,356
our costs. The detailed budget for electric utility can be

4555
05:09:34,356 --> 05:09:37,036
found on pages 213 to 216 of the plan and

4556
05:09:37,036 --> 05:09:39,316
as with water and sewer, the utility balance for any

4557
05:09:39,316 --> 05:09:42,996
given year should be zero. Allocations include the utility overhead

4558
05:09:42,996 --> 05:09:45,796
allocation as well as transfers in from other departments for

4559
05:09:45,796 --> 05:09:50,476
direct costs such as engineering facilities, information technology and fleet

4560
05:09:50,476 --> 05:09:54,257
transfers include the electric. Dividend transfer to the General Capital

4561
05:09:54,257 --> 05:09:57,097
Fund, a transfer to electric capital to fund current and

4562
05:09:57,097 --> 05:10:00,537
long term capital infrastructure, the repayment for internal borrowing from

4563
05:10:00,537 --> 05:10:03,697
the general fund, amortization, and a transfer from surplus to

4564
05:10:03,697 --> 05:10:08,072
offset the deficiency in revenues over expenses. The Electrical dividend

4565
05:10:08,072 --> 05:10:10,312
is a transfer from the Electric fund to general capital

4566
05:10:10,312 --> 05:10:12,872
and funds a significant portion of the general capital budget

4567
05:10:12,872 --> 05:10:16,112
annually. The dividend formed part of the 2023 rate review

4568
05:10:16,112 --> 05:10:18,192
project, and as a result, the financial plan reflects the

4569
05:10:18,192 --> 05:10:21,152
calculation as outlined in the Councillor approved electrical dividend policy.

4570
05:10:22,548 --> 05:10:24,028
As detailed in this table, a draw from the electric

4571
05:10:24,028 --> 05:10:27,628
surplus of 4.7 million is required. To balance the 2025

4572
05:10:27,628 --> 05:10:31,839
electric operating budget. The energy and environment department is seeking

4573
05:10:31,839 --> 05:10:35,439
approval to utilize $45,000 from the multimaterial BC reserve to

4574
05:10:35,439 --> 05:10:39,919
procure advanced technology for recycling collection vehicles to reduce contamination.

4575
05:10:39,919 --> 05:10:42,239
This reserve is funded through the recycled BC revenues, which

4576
05:10:42,239 --> 05:10:45,599
are transferred directly to this reserve to fund recycling initiatives.

4577
05:10:45,599 --> 05:10:48,559
This technology is proven to reduce contamination rates for recycling,

4578
05:10:48,559 --> 05:10:52,641
which will assist with meeting. The city's contamination targets. Implementing

4579
05:10:52,641 --> 05:10:55,921
a smart onboard truck technology reduces the risk of facing

4580
05:10:55,921 --> 05:10:59,041
service level failure credits and reducing the financial incentives provided

4581
05:10:59,041 --> 05:11:03,041
by recycled BC by $120,000 per year. Is there anything

4582
05:11:03,041 --> 05:11:05,717
you wanted to add to that? No. Well, it brings

4583
05:11:05,717 --> 05:11:11,114
us to the resolution which I will quickly change. To

4584
05:11:11,114 --> 05:11:11,154
say.

4585
05:11:34,206 --> 05:11:37,246
Okay. The Councillor approve and principle the infrastructure Division budget

4586
05:11:37,246 --> 05:11:41,046
for 2025 to 2029 with the removal of 205,000 for

4587
05:11:41,046 --> 05:11:48,854
transit expansion, subject to final review. Councilor. What? Moved. Seconded.

4588
05:11:50,968 --> 05:11:56,882
And any questions? Comments? Councillor Conan. Yeah, I was going

4589
05:11:56,882 --> 05:12:00,924
to make a motion. Did somebody just make a motion?

4590
05:12:02,914 --> 05:12:09,994
To approve this. I'm sorry. The motion is to approve

4591
05:12:09,994 --> 05:12:15,594
the staff recommendation with the removal of the $2,005 $205,000

4592
05:12:15,594 --> 05:12:21,115
for transit expansion. Subject to final review and approval during

4593
05:12:21,115 --> 05:12:24,675
the budget roundup. Okay, I'll wait till budget. Roundup, then.

4594
05:12:24,675 --> 05:12:33,145
Thank you. Thank you. Any further comments? Questions? Council. Conan.

4595
05:12:33,145 --> 05:12:38,832
Still got your hand up? Are you okay? And hearing

4596
05:12:38,832 --> 05:12:40,392
none. I'm going to call the question. All in favor?

4597
05:12:42,706 --> 05:12:49,448
And opposed. Council. Conan supposed. The motion carries. Thank you.

4598
05:12:56,551 --> 05:13:02,411
And so. Moving on.

4599
05:13:05,747 --> 05:13:11,267
And we've got 3.22 community services. But do we want

4600
05:13:11,267 --> 05:13:18,367
to move on? I'm going to leave. To 3.23. Finance

4601
05:13:18,367 --> 05:13:21,936
and admin. Through your worship. If Councillor is wanting to

4602
05:13:21,936 --> 05:13:24,656
move into the capital, I do have an overview presentation.

4603
05:13:24,656 --> 05:13:27,776
That I would like to provide first, and then we

4604
05:13:27,776 --> 05:13:29,696
could move into some of the presentations. Oh. Sorry. Yes.

4605
05:13:37,233 --> 05:13:41,353
Thanks to the chair. Just. My personal opinion is that

4606
05:13:41,353 --> 05:13:43,033
we've gone through a lot today. I was just kind

4607
05:13:43,033 --> 05:13:45,393
of. Wondering if we can get how Councillor Conan is

4608
05:13:45,393 --> 05:13:48,033
doing as someone being sick, we're asking. Her to stay.

4609
05:13:48,033 --> 05:13:49,833
I've been asking her all through the day, which is

4610
05:13:49,833 --> 05:13:53,873
good. She's. Good. Yes. She shows me she's okay. We

4611
05:13:53,873 --> 05:13:56,593
got a thumbs up. There we go. Thanks for the

4612
05:13:56,593 --> 05:14:06,015
thought. So. Yeah, sorry. Capital budgets. So. 3.21.

4613
05:14:07,619 --> 05:14:10,059
The capital overview, Ms. Campbell, please. Thank you, your worship.

4614
05:14:11,770 --> 05:14:14,170
So before we review the capital budget through each division

4615
05:14:14,170 --> 05:14:16,130
and department, I would like to give an overview of

4616
05:14:16,130 --> 05:14:19,450
the plan, including what's new for 2025, the presentation approach

4617
05:14:19,450 --> 05:14:23,165
and a summary. So, as noted earlier today, capital budgets

4618
05:14:23,165 --> 05:14:25,045
have been separated out from operating, with the focus of

4619
05:14:25,045 --> 05:14:28,965
the capital budgets being on year's 2025 through 2027. Similar

4620
05:14:28,965 --> 05:14:31,405
to the operating presentation, senior staff members will co present

4621
05:14:31,405 --> 05:14:33,925
with myself for their respective areas with time for Councillor

4622
05:14:33,925 --> 05:14:37,085
to ask questions. And deliberate over each divisional or departmental

4623
05:14:37,085 --> 05:14:39,485
budget. Councillor is welcome to comment at any stage of

4624
05:14:39,485 --> 05:14:42,704
the presentations. And can make motions to amend what's being

4625
05:14:42,704 --> 05:14:45,784
presented throughout each division at the end of each presentation,

4626
05:14:45,784 --> 05:14:47,904
a motion to approve in principle will be made subject

4627
05:14:47,904 --> 05:14:51,632
to the final budget. Of review. After Councillor is deliberated

4628
05:14:51,632 --> 05:14:53,792
over, each area staff will provide the final recap to

4629
05:14:53,792 --> 05:14:55,792
review any set aside items and present the final motions.

4630
05:14:57,665 --> 05:14:59,985
This year, capital budget introduction has been added to the

4631
05:14:59,985 --> 05:15:02,505
beginning of the capital section to provide additional information on

4632
05:15:02,505 --> 05:15:05,785
the capital budget process, how capital requests are evaluated and

4633
05:15:05,785 --> 05:15:10,510
funded. In addition to the added information on capital versus

4634
05:15:10,510 --> 05:15:13,270
operating, the detailed information on how capital is funded the

4635
05:15:13,270 --> 05:15:15,910
sources of funding utilized, as well as project highlights and

4636
05:15:15,910 --> 05:15:18,910
information on asset management and capital. Boring has been refined

4637
05:15:18,910 --> 05:15:24,213
to provide added clarity. For 2025. The capital budget information

4638
05:15:24,213 --> 05:15:26,893
has been expanded to include the 2024 budget as well.

4639
05:15:26,893 --> 05:15:29,413
As the projects that were carried forward into the 2024

4640
05:15:29,413 --> 05:15:33,253
year. Combined, these total just under $85 million of capital

4641
05:15:33,253 --> 05:15:37,000
projects for the year. In addition, the firm capital budget

4642
05:15:37,000 --> 05:15:39,080
this year has been expanded to include three years. So

4643
05:15:39,080 --> 05:15:42,640
Councillor will be reviewing the 2025 to 2027 capital projects.

4644
05:15:44,812 --> 05:15:46,772
A frequent comment we get from the public during budget

4645
05:15:46,772 --> 05:15:50,532
period is understanding capital versus operating budgets. Capital budgets cover

4646
05:15:50,532 --> 05:15:53,332
the cost of creating, renewing, or growth of an asset.

4647
05:15:53,332 --> 05:15:55,812
Projects like replacing playground equipment adding new lighting to the

4648
05:15:55,812 --> 05:15:58,652
riverside park or putting a roundabout in an existing intersection

4649
05:15:58,652 --> 05:16:01,252
would be capital. Projects. These costs are added to the

4650
05:16:01,252 --> 05:16:03,932
city's tangible capital assets and written off, or amortized over.

4651
05:16:05,185 --> 05:16:07,425
Their useful life and may also have different funding sources

4652
05:16:07,425 --> 05:16:10,705
on our operational budgets. Do the majority of the general

4653
05:16:10,705 --> 05:16:13,465
fund capital program is not funded through taxation, so changing

4654
05:16:13,465 --> 05:16:15,585
a capital budget will not impact the tax rate for

4655
05:16:15,585 --> 05:16:19,465
the year. However, it may impact any associated operational costs.

4656
05:16:19,465 --> 05:16:21,705
For example, changing a capital budget for creation of a

4657
05:16:21,705 --> 05:16:24,105
new park will have associated labor and supply costs to

4658
05:16:24,105 --> 05:16:27,152
ensure they are proper. Properly maintained. Adding more amenities to

4659
05:16:27,152 --> 05:16:30,272
the project may increase operational expenses relating to the costs

4660
05:16:30,272 --> 05:16:32,872
or, conversely if the project was canceled or scaled back,

4661
05:16:32,872 --> 05:16:36,112
operational costs would reduce. To note the majority of funding

4662
05:16:36,112 --> 05:16:39,032
within the general capital funding envelope cannot be repurposed for

4663
05:16:39,032 --> 05:16:42,032
operating uses. Its use is strictly related to funding capital.

4664
05:16:43,422 --> 05:16:46,422
In the utility funds. Operational and capital projects are mostly

4665
05:16:46,422 --> 05:16:49,622
funded through the same sources, utility user fees changing the

4666
05:16:49,622 --> 05:16:52,222
capital program may impact rates in future years as the

4667
05:16:52,222 --> 05:16:55,062
rates are designed to incorporate capital needs now and into

4668
05:16:55,062 --> 05:16:59,121
the future. As opposed to capital operating costs, cover maintenance

4669
05:16:59,121 --> 05:17:01,401
to use an asset. So things like labor, utilities and

4670
05:17:01,401 --> 05:17:04,401
day to day repairs. Other costs for operations would include

4671
05:17:04,401 --> 05:17:07,401
things like interest on debt payments, snow clearing landscaping, mowing

4672
05:17:07,401 --> 05:17:10,121
or trail maintenance changes to service levels to operate the

4673
05:17:10,121 --> 05:17:13,641
city's assets impact taxation directly. The more assets the city

4674
05:17:13,641 --> 05:17:17,231
owns, the more assets we have to maintain. If an

4675
05:17:17,231 --> 05:17:19,551
asset has maintenance expenses associated with it, there may be

4676
05:17:19,551 --> 05:17:22,231
an impact to operating budgets. However, if asset renewal work

4677
05:17:22,231 --> 05:17:24,831
is not done, this can also increase operating costs as

4678
05:17:24,831 --> 05:17:27,711
the asset fails. A recent example of an added asset

4679
05:17:27,711 --> 05:17:29,871
is the completion of the Ridge park, a park designed

4680
05:17:29,871 --> 05:17:32,191
as part of a development which is now the responsibility

4681
05:17:32,191 --> 05:17:34,991
of the city to maintain. Many budget line items are

4682
05:17:34,991 --> 05:17:37,457
impacted by new parks or garden space. Such as flower

4683
05:17:37,457 --> 05:17:40,897
beds, mowing, snow clearing and weed control, adding new areas

4684
05:17:40,897 --> 05:17:42,897
one at a time. May not have an incremental impact

4685
05:17:42,897 --> 05:17:45,177
at that moment. However, over the course of years, as

4686
05:17:45,177 --> 05:17:48,777
amenities are continually added, the capacity to maintain more and

4687
05:17:48,777 --> 05:17:52,737
more spaces becomes challenging. The capital schedules in the financial

4688
05:17:52,737 --> 05:17:55,937
plan are presented by project instead of department, ensuring all

4689
05:17:55,937 --> 05:17:58,337
project costs are included together, even if funded by different

4690
05:17:58,337 --> 05:18:01,817
sources or funds. Project highlights are included for some significant

4691
05:18:01,817 --> 05:18:04,937
items to provide additional details to Councillor onto the public.

4692
05:18:04,937 --> 05:18:07,337
These project areas are earmarked throughout the plan with an

4693
05:18:07,337 --> 05:18:11,711
asterisk to identify when this additional information is present. These

4694
05:18:11,711 --> 05:18:13,951
highlight pages form part of the financial plan package as

4695
05:18:13,951 --> 05:18:17,111
supplementary information and can be found on pages 253 to

4696
05:18:17,111 --> 05:18:20,471
267 of the plan. In addition, these projects will be

4697
05:18:20,471 --> 05:18:25,282
highlighted throughout the divisional presentations. Moving into the budget summary.

4698
05:18:25,282 --> 05:18:28,362
The capital program for 2025 is being proposed at 31.3.

4699
05:18:28,362 --> 05:18:31,442
Million between all of the funds, 27.7 million for 2026

4700
05:18:31,442 --> 05:18:36,042
and 35.1 million. For 2027. The remaining years include a

4701
05:18:36,042 --> 05:18:39,442
further 72 million of capital projects. The detailed breakdowns of

4702
05:18:39,442 --> 05:18:42,499
projects for each department will be provided. In each individual

4703
05:18:42,499 --> 05:18:47,294
divisional presentation. Of the $31.3 million of projects in 2020,

4704
05:18:47,294 --> 05:18:50,494
515.8 million are for water, sewer, electric or storm projects,

4705
05:18:50,494 --> 05:18:54,094
with the remaining 15.5 million being for general, some capital

4706
05:18:54,094 --> 05:18:57,494
highlights for 2025 include community center upgrades for fire suppression

4707
05:18:57,494 --> 05:19:00,534
and energy and emission reductions. The Power Street Childcare center,

4708
05:19:00,534 --> 05:19:04,915
sidewalk network improvements, expansion upgrades of the advanced wastewater. Treatment

4709
05:19:04,915 --> 05:19:07,435
plant and renewal of aging water and sanitary sewer infrastructure.

4710
05:19:09,177 --> 05:19:11,617
From the latest asset management investment plan. The breakdown of

4711
05:19:11,617 --> 05:19:15,137
the replacement cost of city assets now totals 1.4 billion,

4712
05:19:15,137 --> 05:19:18,257
which breaks down to 713,000,000 of assets for the utilities

4713
05:19:18,257 --> 05:19:22,017
and 688,000,000 of general assets. When we talk about funding

4714
05:19:22,017 --> 05:19:24,177
assets and setting aside funds into reserves. It's to ensure

4715
05:19:24,177 --> 05:19:26,697
we have adequate resources to replace these assets. Now into

4716
05:19:26,697 --> 05:19:29,741
the future. The work done in. The utility rate review

4717
05:19:29,741 --> 05:19:32,541
highlighted that the city has historically been under investing in

4718
05:19:32,541 --> 05:19:35,061
its assets with the new rate structures being designed to

4719
05:19:35,061 --> 05:19:37,421
set aside appropriate levels of reserves in order to start

4720
05:19:37,421 --> 05:19:41,845
addressing that shortfall. The city utilizes many different sources to

4721
05:19:41,845 --> 05:19:44,925
fund our capital program. Each capital fund has distinct funding

4722
05:19:44,925 --> 05:19:47,325
sources. Available to it. Some of these are restricted to

4723
05:19:47,325 --> 05:19:49,805
their own funds, such as water, sewer and general capital

4724
05:19:49,805 --> 05:19:53,165
reserves through legislation such as the community charter. The water,

4725
05:19:53,165 --> 05:19:55,565
sewer and electrical reserves are funded through user rates. As

4726
05:19:55,565 --> 05:19:58,885
mentioned previously, the rate review recommended investing more funds into

4727
05:19:58,885 --> 05:20:02,367
these. Reserves to fund our future capital needs. These funds

4728
05:20:02,367 --> 05:20:04,727
must ultimately be used for the purpose they were collected,

4729
05:20:04,727 --> 05:20:08,727
so water reserves must ultimately be used for water projects.

4730
05:20:08,727 --> 05:20:11,647
The general water and sewer funds also have DCC or

4731
05:20:11,647 --> 05:20:14,167
development cost charges available to them that can be utilized

4732
05:20:14,167 --> 05:20:17,807
for growth projects along with city contributed funds. Contributions to

4733
05:20:17,807 --> 05:20:20,557
DCC reserves are made through developer contribution. Contributions and the

4734
05:20:20,557 --> 05:20:22,637
projects that they can be used for are identified within

4735
05:20:22,637 --> 05:20:26,317
the DCC bylaws. Other reserves, such as the Canada Community

4736
05:20:26,317 --> 05:20:28,597
Building Fund or Climate Action, which are both funded by

4737
05:20:28,597 --> 05:20:31,077
the province can be used for any of the funds.

4738
05:20:31,077 --> 05:20:33,837
However, only certain projects qualify as they are limited per

4739
05:20:33,837 --> 05:20:36,677
our agreements. More details on how each reserve is funded

4740
05:20:36,677 --> 05:20:39,717
was provided during the reserve presentation that Miss Jones made

4741
05:20:39,717 --> 05:20:42,994
this morning. When funding capital projects staff, review all available

4742
05:20:42,994 --> 05:20:45,914
sources to determine the optimal funding we'll take. A closer

4743
05:20:45,914 --> 05:20:48,274
look at how the 2025 draft capital plan is being

4744
05:20:48,274 --> 05:20:52,831
funded on the next slide. Capital. Funding sources for 2025

4745
05:20:52,831 --> 05:20:55,911
include the utility funds, grant funding reserves such as equipment

4746
05:20:55,911 --> 05:20:59,991
replacement, asset sustainability and the Canada Community building funds, so

4747
05:20:59,991 --> 05:21:02,871
projects may be funded for multiple sources. For example, engineering

4748
05:21:02,871 --> 05:21:05,831
projects are often multi funded, including things like DCC's water,

4749
05:21:05,831 --> 05:21:09,071
sewer, electric and general funding. As I spoke to earlier,

4750
05:21:09,071 --> 05:21:11,999
capital and operating expenses. Are distinctly different. Some of these

4751
05:21:11,999 --> 05:21:14,519
sources are restricted for use either by the community charter

4752
05:21:14,519 --> 05:21:17,079
or through city bylaws and cannot be used for purposes

4753
05:21:17,079 --> 05:21:21,160
such as offsetting operations. As presented by Ms. Jones in

4754
05:21:21,160 --> 05:21:23,320
the debt and borrowing presentation. This graph shows the city's

4755
05:21:23,320 --> 05:21:26,360
forecasted debt to 2028, with no new borrowing being proposed

4756
05:21:26,360 --> 05:21:29,240
for 2025. The PRV borrowing is noted in the table

4757
05:21:29,240 --> 05:21:33,720
was approved by Councillor in 2022. Proposed future debt financing

4758
05:21:33,720 --> 05:21:36,960
includes standard projects for LS two Dom in 2027 and

4759
05:21:36,960 --> 05:21:41,550
further expansion. And upgrades to the advanced wastewater treatment plant

4760
05:21:41,550 --> 05:21:45,150
in 2028. Those project costs are purely estimates at this

4761
05:21:45,150 --> 05:21:47,350
point and may vary when further costing is done closer

4762
05:21:47,350 --> 05:21:51,494
to the project timelines. Included in the financial plan on

4763
05:21:51,494 --> 05:21:55,054
page 273 is the schedule of capital projects without identified

4764
05:21:55,054 --> 05:21:57,814
funding to provide visibility to additional capital needs that have

4765
05:21:57,814 --> 05:22:00,094
been noted beyond those included in the pond, which are

4766
05:22:00,094 --> 05:22:04,574
now estimated at $161,000,000. This list is not exhaustive and

4767
05:22:04,574 --> 05:22:07,054
does not include all the projects that may exist, including

4768
05:22:07,054 --> 05:22:11,413
those within existing master plans. Nor have they been fully

4769
05:22:11,413 --> 05:22:14,293
scoped or coded when these projects have been fully scoped

4770
05:22:14,293 --> 05:22:16,493
and costed funding options will be brought back to Councillor

4771
05:22:16,493 --> 05:22:19,533
for discussion, approval and funding decisions. Should the cost for

4772
05:22:19,533 --> 05:22:21,893
these projects become prohibitive. They may be deferred or the

4773
05:22:21,893 --> 05:22:26,603
scope may be redefined. In summary, the 2025 to 2029

4774
05:22:26,603 --> 05:22:29,443
draft capital pond is focused on the continued advancement of

4775
05:22:29,443 --> 05:22:33,003
council's refocus strategic priorities, including projects such as the advanced

4776
05:22:33,003 --> 05:22:36,443
wastewater treatment plant expansion upgrades, Power Street Childcare center, safe

4777
05:22:36,443 --> 05:22:40,694
roots to school and the connected community capital program. Any

4778
05:22:40,694 --> 05:22:42,774
questions from Councillor at this point before we move into

4779
05:22:42,774 --> 05:22:51,039
the divisional presentations? Council. Any questions? Overall. Capital projects.

4780
05:22:52,589 --> 05:22:57,957
30,000 foot view. No questions. Please continue.

4781
05:23:09,731 --> 05:23:11,651
Thank you, worship. If it's okay with Councillor, we'll start

4782
05:23:11,651 --> 05:23:18,472
with the finance and. Administration program. In this division. Included

4783
05:23:18,472 --> 05:23:21,592
capital projects are related to the Information Technology department, with

4784
05:23:21,592 --> 05:23:24,472
projects including hardware such as servers, computers, and phones, as

4785
05:23:24,472 --> 05:23:27,912
well as infrastructure such as the local area network capital

4786
05:23:27,912 --> 05:23:30,672
projects for the IT departments are detailed on page 242

4787
05:23:30,672 --> 05:23:33,032
of the financial plan. A summary of the five year

4788
05:23:33,032 --> 05:23:36,472
cost is provided on this slide for 2025 capital projects.

4789
05:23:36,472 --> 05:23:42,221
Total 595. Thousand, 746,000 pound for 2026 and 826,000 for

4790
05:23:42,221 --> 05:23:46,221
2027 with remaining years, including projects estimated at approximately $2

4791
05:23:46,221 --> 05:23:51,295
million. Annual budget. Items for regularly scheduled replacement include hardware,

4792
05:23:51,295 --> 05:23:54,575
software, and av capital needs. A significant project for 2025

4793
05:23:54,575 --> 05:23:58,055
and ongoing years, includes upgrades to the city facility network

4794
05:23:58,055 --> 05:24:01,255
wiring to ensure reliability in our communications network in each

4795
05:24:01,255 --> 05:24:04,615
city facility. The city currently has 300 desktop phones and

4796
05:24:04,615 --> 05:24:07,335
180 cellular phones, which are scheduled to be replaced on

4797
05:24:07,335 --> 05:24:10,308
three year cycles, which. Is reflected in the 2027 budget

4798
05:24:10,308 --> 05:24:14,707
figure. Other annual capital costs include printers, infrastructure and system

4799
05:24:14,707 --> 05:24:17,747
reconfiguration costs, which are upgraded on a cyclical basis throughout

4800
05:24:17,747 --> 05:24:22,748
the organization. That brings us to the recommendation that Councillor

4801
05:24:22,748 --> 05:24:26,668
approve in principle the finance administration 2025. 2029. Capital plan

4802
05:24:26,668 --> 05:24:32,600
budget subject to final review. Council. Any questions? Councillor Gilbert?

4803
05:24:32,600 --> 05:24:33,800
Yeah. Thank you to the chair. I'd like to move

4804
05:24:33,800 --> 05:24:41,663
the. Staff recommendation. Seconded. Comments questions. Councilor Grime.

4805
05:24:44,289 --> 05:24:45,009
Yeah. Thank you. Chair. Can you go back to one

4806
05:24:45,009 --> 05:24:51,958
slide there? The 100,000 2025, 26 and 27 for SOEC

4807
05:24:51,958 --> 05:24:56,911
hardware. Is that just maintaining or is that updating? Software.

4808
05:24:57,968 --> 05:25:00,168
Is that? What exactly is that? With respect to the

4809
05:25:00,168 --> 05:25:02,888
event center hardware? Sure. So that's. The upgrade and replacement

4810
05:25:02,888 --> 05:25:05,888
of their IT and audiovisual equipment as required. So it

4811
05:25:05,888 --> 05:25:08,888
is just an annual cyclical replacement based on their asset

4812
05:25:08,888 --> 05:25:16,897
values. And any questions?

4813
05:25:22,788 --> 05:25:31,942
Do we move? In second. So further questions? Comments. Councilor

4814
05:25:31,942 --> 05:25:36,733
gunnance, we. Okay, no comments, no questions. Call the question.

4815
05:25:36,733 --> 05:25:40,432
All in favor? And that is unanimous. Thank you.

4816
05:25:47,049 --> 05:25:54,601
And where to next? Ms. Campbell 3.24. Apartment, your worship?

4817
05:25:54,601 --> 05:25:59,485
Certainly. So fire services capital includes equipment replacements and improvements

4818
05:25:59,485 --> 05:26:03,005
to the emergency training center, fire fleet or facilities capital

4819
05:26:03,005 --> 05:26:05,765
are included in those areas, respectively, and not in this

4820
05:26:05,765 --> 05:26:11,007
presentation. The capital budget for the years 2025 to 2029

4821
05:26:11,007 --> 05:26:13,407
is in the range of $65,000. Annually and can be

4822
05:26:13,407 --> 05:26:17,553
seen on page 244 of the financial plan. Capital cost

4823
05:26:17,553 --> 05:26:20,993
for 2025 through 2027 include regular upgrades to the Emergency

4824
05:26:20,993 --> 05:26:24,153
Training center and scheduled replacement for equipment and fire hoses.

4825
05:26:26,124 --> 05:26:28,404
The recommendation is that Councillor approve in principle the fire

4826
05:26:28,404 --> 05:26:32,895
department. 2025 2029 capital plan subject. To final review. Any

4827
05:26:32,895 --> 05:26:36,015
questions? Any comments? Councillor Graham? Yeah, I like to move

4828
05:26:36,015 --> 05:26:38,735
the stock recommendation, please. We got to. Move. Do we

4829
05:26:38,735 --> 05:26:47,409
have second? Seconded. Questions. Any questions? No comments.

4830
05:26:49,950 --> 05:26:54,237
Call the question then. All in favor? And Councillor Conan

4831
05:26:54,237 --> 05:27:04,212
is in favor, and so that's unanimous. Thank you. 3.25.

4832
05:27:05,844 --> 05:27:08,204
Going through all the quick ones first, your worship. Yes,

4833
05:27:08,204 --> 05:27:14,139
I see that. For public safety and partnerships. Included in

4834
05:27:14,139 --> 05:27:16,659
this division's capital program would be items such as parking

4835
05:27:16,659 --> 05:27:20,139
meters and machines. The capital budget for the year's 2025

4836
05:27:20,139 --> 05:27:22,979
to 2029 is in the range of $15,000 annually and

4837
05:27:22,979 --> 05:27:26,579
can be found on page 244 of the financial plan.

4838
05:27:26,579 --> 05:27:29,899
The ongoing capital program consists of downtown parking, paystation additions

4839
05:27:29,899 --> 05:27:32,963
aiming to increase the number of electronic. Pay stations in

4840
05:27:32,963 --> 05:27:36,643
downtown. In the downtown area is existing paid parking area

4841
05:27:36,643 --> 05:27:39,923
on Main street. The city and the Downtown Penticton Business

4842
05:27:39,923 --> 05:27:43,283
Improvement association have received complaints from seniors and frequent downtown

4843
05:27:43,283 --> 05:27:46,163
visitors who find the current distance between pay stations is

4844
05:27:46,163 --> 05:27:49,043
too far. Currently, there are two pay stations on each

4845
05:27:49,043 --> 05:27:52,243
of the 2345 and 600 blocks with three on the

4846
05:27:52,243 --> 05:28:01,869
one. Flock in

4847
05:28:01,869 --> 05:28:04,869
2025 due to its length, high concentration of businesses and

4848
05:28:04,869 --> 05:28:07,509
heavily used paystations. The 300 block will be the first

4849
05:28:07,509 --> 05:28:10,801
to see these changes. And the recommendation is Councillor. Approve

4850
05:28:10,801 --> 05:28:14,001
in principle the public safety and partnerships 2025 to 2029.

4851
05:28:14,001 --> 05:28:18,387
Capital plan subject to a final review. Council. Any questions?

4852
05:28:18,387 --> 05:28:25,874
Comments? Pretty straightforward. Councilor grime like to move the stock

4853
05:28:25,874 --> 05:28:32,358
recommendation, please? Do have a second. Seconded. Questions? Comments Councillor

4854
05:28:32,358 --> 05:28:37,648
Connie. No comments, no questions. On the poll of question.

4855
05:28:37,648 --> 05:28:43,375
All in favor? And that is unanimous. Thank you. So

4856
05:28:43,375 --> 05:28:47,455
I think we're moving on to 3.22, is that correct?

4857
05:28:50,724 --> 05:28:54,813
Community services. Your worship. Yes. Council before we go into

4858
05:28:54,813 --> 05:28:57,693
community services. Community service is going to be rather longer

4859
05:28:57,693 --> 05:29:05,336
and more detailed. Is that correct? And then we've got

4860
05:29:05,336 --> 05:29:09,456
infrastructure, which is going to be equally long and complicated,

4861
05:29:09,456 --> 05:29:13,561
is that. Correct. No. Do we have appetite to do

4862
05:29:13,561 --> 05:29:18,442
this today? Do we want to defer to tomorrow? Councilor

4863
05:29:18,442 --> 05:29:26,324
Conans. How are you feeling? How much longer? Does the

4864
05:29:26,324 --> 05:29:29,666
rest of the Councillor want to go for? I'm in

4865
05:29:29,666 --> 05:29:32,917
if you all are. Are you planning on going till

4866
05:29:32,917 --> 05:29:37,743
five? No, we certainly won't be going to five, I

4867
05:29:37,743 --> 05:29:41,927
don't think. I'm looking at Councillor here. I'm looking for

4868
05:29:41,927 --> 05:29:46,756
direction and input. Well, I'm not sure we'll get it

4869
05:29:46,756 --> 05:29:56,397
all done today. But move forward. Doing five minute break.

4870
05:29:56,397 --> 05:30:04,218
Yes. Okay, we call a five minute break. We give

4871
05:30:04,218 --> 05:30:10,012
everybody a chance to refresh. Back in five minutes. Thank

4872
05:30:10,012 --> 05:30:10,052
you.

4873
05:39:29,821 --> 05:39:33,581
To reconvene the Councillor meeting and we're going to go

4874
05:39:33,581 --> 05:39:43,153
straight into. 3.22 of tomorrow's agenda. Now today's agenda with

4875
05:39:43,153 --> 05:39:47,953
community services. Ms Johnson. And Ms. Campbell, please. Thank you,

4876
05:39:47,953 --> 05:39:52,233
your worship. The community services capital program consists of facilities,

4877
05:39:52,233 --> 05:39:55,153
projects which include things such as building envelope works, internal

4878
05:39:55,153 --> 05:39:59,198
building systems such as HVAC or plumbing major. Refurbishments, upgrades

4879
05:39:59,198 --> 05:40:02,838
or renovations in new construction. In 2024, the facilities department

4880
05:40:02,838 --> 05:40:05,758
undertook delivery of a total of 82 capital works projects

4881
05:40:05,758 --> 05:40:08,798
with a budgeted value of 17 million, consisting of 22

4882
05:40:08,798 --> 05:40:12,918
carryover projects from 20 23, 43 plawn projects and 17

4883
05:40:12,918 --> 05:40:18,010
unplanned capital works projects. The 2025 capital budget is $5.5

4884
05:40:18,010 --> 05:40:21,810
million, with 2026 at 3,000,020 27 at 2 million, which

4885
05:40:21,810 --> 05:40:26,925
are detailed on pages 240 to 200. Sorry, Councillor Conan

4886
05:40:26,925 --> 05:40:30,172
doesn't have any sound. She has no audio at the

4887
05:40:30,172 --> 05:40:32,092
moment. And I get a thumbs up from it and

4888
05:40:32,092 --> 05:40:34,892
I get a thumbs up from Councillor Conan, so please

4889
05:40:34,892 --> 05:40:40,031
continue. The financial plan pages for the community services budget

4890
05:40:40,031 --> 05:40:43,511
are detailed on pages 240 to 242 of the plan.

4891
05:40:43,511 --> 05:40:45,911
It's important to note that the 2025 figures do not

4892
05:40:45,911 --> 05:40:48,071
include any of the unfunded projects or the 15 and

4893
05:40:48,071 --> 05:40:50,511
a half million of works in process from 2024. And

4894
05:40:50,511 --> 05:40:53,991
earlier, 2028 to 2029. Figures are based on known work

4895
05:40:53,991 --> 05:40:57,176
and will be compiled in more detail. In future budget

4896
05:40:57,176 --> 05:40:59,976
years, but are currently included in the plan at 1.75

4897
05:40:59,976 --> 05:41:05,254
million per year. So the 2025 through 2027 facilities capital

4898
05:41:05,254 --> 05:41:07,774
program is comprised of a number of individual projects a

4899
05:41:07,774 --> 05:41:09,614
few of which I will speak to and highlight in

4900
05:41:09,614 --> 05:41:12,534
greater detail as we progress through the presentation. So for

4901
05:41:12,534 --> 05:41:14,414
this first group, I want to note the replacement of

4902
05:41:14,414 --> 05:41:17,054
the BMS controls throughout. A number of our city facilities,

4903
05:41:17,054 --> 05:41:22,836
which include city hall, city. Yards, the Hub Building and

4904
05:41:22,836 --> 05:41:26,231
the library Museum. This, basically. So a BMS is a

4905
05:41:26,231 --> 05:41:29,831
building management system, and it monitors and manages technical equipment.

4906
05:41:29,831 --> 05:41:33,384
Within a facility. The existing BMS controls are nearing their

4907
05:41:33,384 --> 05:41:35,744
end of life and are limited in ability to control

4908
05:41:35,744 --> 05:41:38,864
building functions. This project is expected to span over two

4909
05:41:38,864 --> 05:41:41,424
years, beginning in 2026, and will consist of replacing the

4910
05:41:41,424 --> 05:41:45,584
BMS controls and also adding new control sensors to increase

4911
05:41:45,584 --> 05:41:49,144
the overall capability of the system. Overall, this will improve

4912
05:41:49,144 --> 05:41:51,944
energy efficiency and increase productivity as staff are able to

4913
05:41:51,944 --> 05:41:56,458
better. Leverage technology to maintain and troubleshoot mechanical systems. Elsa

4914
05:41:56,458 --> 05:41:59,258
was noted as one of our major initiatives for the

4915
05:41:59,258 --> 05:42:01,578
division staff will be proceeding with the work associated with

4916
05:42:01,578 --> 05:42:04,018
the city yard's main building upgrades, which is an ongoing

4917
05:42:04,018 --> 05:42:07,018
multi year project staff has been providing updates on this

4918
05:42:07,018 --> 05:42:10,578
during the quarterly capital reports this year. I believe the

4919
05:42:10,578 --> 05:42:13,698
last Q three really wowed people with the time lapse,

4920
05:42:13,698 --> 05:42:16,645
and for 2025, work consists of the design. And construction

4921
05:42:16,645 --> 05:42:18,485
of a new fleet shot building, which will then free

4922
05:42:18,485 --> 05:42:22,317
up much needed space in the main building. And the

4923
05:42:22,317 --> 05:42:24,637
last item on the slide that I'd like to highlight

4924
05:42:24,637 --> 05:42:27,837
is the Cleveland theater. Lighting. So the existing lights are

4925
05:42:27,837 --> 05:42:31,397
original to the facility, which was installed in 1981, and

4926
05:42:31,397 --> 05:42:34,157
a number of the components have become completely obsolete, making

4927
05:42:34,157 --> 05:42:37,357
it increasingly difficult to repair and replace items such as

4928
05:42:37,357 --> 05:42:40,357
bulbs and dimmers for the current fixtures, just to provide

4929
05:42:40,357 --> 05:42:41,817
a little bit of reference for the age. Of this

4930
05:42:41,817 --> 05:42:44,937
technology. The board that runs the lighting actually requires a

4931
05:42:44,937 --> 05:42:48,937
floppy disk in order to save shows or lighting sequences.

4932
05:42:48,937 --> 05:42:51,617
In addition to the antiquated equipment, the cables from the

4933
05:42:51,617 --> 05:42:54,137
tails of the existing lighting fixtures have become brittle with

4934
05:42:54,137 --> 05:42:57,537
age, which is increasing the risk of potential electrical fire.

4935
05:42:57,537 --> 05:43:00,377
Or electrical shock to individuals working on the system so

4936
05:43:00,377 --> 05:43:03,403
the lighting upgrade will see. Updated led fixtures, lighting consoles

4937
05:43:03,403 --> 05:43:06,323
and dimmer racks with all the necessary cabling and staff

4938
05:43:06,323 --> 05:43:08,483
will be seeking grants and rebates to offset some of

4939
05:43:08,483 --> 05:43:12,275
these associated costs with the project. Next, we have a

4940
05:43:12,275 --> 05:43:13,915
few projects lined up for the community center that will

4941
05:43:13,915 --> 05:43:16,915
provide a bit more. Detail on in an upcoming slide

4942
05:43:16,915 --> 05:43:19,195
and for the community safety building project. This is in

4943
05:43:19,195 --> 05:43:21,315
reference to the first priority project coming out of the

4944
05:43:21,315 --> 05:43:24,635
civic places and spaces plan earlier this year. Councillor. Endorses

4945
05:43:24,635 --> 05:43:26,595
the sites for this project, which would see a newly

4946
05:43:26,595 --> 05:43:32,887
constructed firewall headquarters built. At the site. Firehall number two

4947
05:43:32,887 --> 05:43:35,727
on Dawson and the refurbishment of hall one into a

4948
05:43:35,727 --> 05:43:39,007
satellite. Hall at Nanaimo Avenue. Further, the bylaw and community

4949
05:43:39,007 --> 05:43:43,247
policing services would be colocated in a strategic downtown location.

4950
05:43:43,247 --> 05:43:47,567
The 2025 costs include 45,000 for professional services associated with

4951
05:43:47,567 --> 05:43:52,115
the bylaw community. Policing services building and 500,000 to complete

4952
05:43:52,115 --> 05:43:55,595
the integrated project delivery, or IPDE, validation phase for the

4953
05:43:55,595 --> 05:43:59,269
new fire hall headquarters. Is there a slide for that?

4954
05:44:01,185 --> 05:44:04,880
Here we go. Okay, there we go. So, yes. What

4955
05:44:04,880 --> 05:44:08,960
is IPD? IPD is a collaborative project delivery method designed

4956
05:44:08,960 --> 05:44:12,920
to maximize value. Efficiency and project quality. By involving all

4957
05:44:12,920 --> 05:44:17,360
stakeholders from the beginning, IPD encourages teamwork and early collaboration

4958
05:44:17,360 --> 05:44:21,560
among the owner, architect, contractor and key partners aiming for

4959
05:44:21,560 --> 05:44:25,760
aligned goals and shared. Accountability. Core principles include shared risk

4960
05:44:25,760 --> 05:44:29,080
and reward early involvement in collaboration from design right through

4961
05:44:29,080 --> 05:44:33,360
to construction joint decision making and transparency. So the traditional

4962
05:44:33,360 --> 05:44:36,520
project delivery of design bid build often sees the project

4963
05:44:36,520 --> 05:44:39,840
being delivered in silos through three very distinct phases, that

4964
05:44:39,840 --> 05:44:43,674
being design, bidding and building. The owner will contract an

4965
05:44:43,674 --> 05:44:46,554
architect or engineer to design the project. Once the design

4966
05:44:46,554 --> 05:44:50,194
is complete, contractors then bid on it, and then the

4967
05:44:50,194 --> 05:44:55,489
owner selects the contractor. And essentially, the owner holds separate

4968
05:44:55,489 --> 05:44:58,769
contracts. Risks are transferred as much as possible, and rewards

4969
05:44:58,769 --> 05:45:04,979
are individually. Pursued. The process overall is very sequential, so

4970
05:45:04,979 --> 05:45:07,059
best used when the project scope is well defined and

4971
05:45:07,059 --> 05:45:10,819
unlikely to change with IPD. The project team has established

4972
05:45:10,819 --> 05:45:14,059
early on in the process and includes the owner, architect,

4973
05:45:14,059 --> 05:45:17,859
general contractor and trade partners. The team merges into a

4974
05:45:17,859 --> 05:45:19,939
single, shared, multi party contract so that's one of the

4975
05:45:19,939 --> 05:45:23,625
very distinct components of this process. And has mutual goals

4976
05:45:23,625 --> 05:45:27,819
and shared risk and reward. Once the project team is

4977
05:45:27,819 --> 05:45:31,339
established, we begin the validation phase, which is conducted over

4978
05:45:31,339 --> 05:45:35,299
approximately four months. During the validation phase, the project partners

4979
05:45:35,299 --> 05:45:39,539
together perform preliminary design and intensive cost estimating to confirm

4980
05:45:39,539 --> 05:45:42,459
that they can build what is expected within the maximum

4981
05:45:42,459 --> 05:45:46,299
allowable budget in the time allowed and within other constraining

4982
05:45:46,299 --> 05:45:49,838
require. Requirements. Once the validation is approved by the owner,

4983
05:45:49,838 --> 05:45:52,638
the IPD team can proceed to manage the project, jointly

4984
05:45:52,638 --> 05:45:56,398
working through detailed design and construction to achieve the base

4985
05:45:56,398 --> 05:46:00,552
program. We've seen the IPD process being adopted for an

4986
05:46:00,552 --> 05:46:03,832
increasing number of public sector projects. So. Examples include the

4987
05:46:03,832 --> 05:46:06,632
construction of two new fire halls in Burnaby, the renovation

4988
05:46:06,632 --> 05:46:09,192
of the Canada Games Aquatic center in Kamloops, as well

4989
05:46:09,192 --> 05:46:12,432
as the active living center project in Vernon. The canadian

4990
05:46:12,432 --> 05:46:18,386
construction industry has been developing considerable capacity and valuable. Experience

4991
05:46:18,386 --> 05:46:21,506
applying IPD for a wide range of major projects and

4992
05:46:21,506 --> 05:46:26,933
has proven to lead. To improved project outcomes, including reduced

4993
05:46:26,933 --> 05:46:31,653
costs, shorter delivery times, enhanced quality, and added value incentives.

4994
05:46:31,653 --> 05:46:33,853
So now that the space programming and general floor plan

4995
05:46:33,853 --> 05:46:37,053
has been completed for the fire hall. Headquarters staff are

4996
05:46:37,053 --> 05:46:40,173
recommending that Councillor endorsed the IPd process to advance this

4997
05:46:40,173 --> 05:46:44,358
project. Another group of programs that I briefly alluded to

4998
05:46:44,358 --> 05:46:48,558
in a previous slide is the energy and emissions Retrofit

4999
05:46:48,558 --> 05:46:50,758
project, which is funded by a substantial grant from the

5000
05:46:50,758 --> 05:46:55,078
Government of Canada. This aims to increase energy efficiency and

5001
05:46:55,078 --> 05:47:03,397
slash emissions. At the community center. And this comprehensive initiative

5002
05:47:03,397 --> 05:47:07,277
includes upgrading HVAC equipment, implementing advanced heat recovery systems, and

5003
05:47:07,277 --> 05:47:16,141
enhancing pool retention. Techniques. Specifically in 2025. Staff plan to

5004
05:47:16,141 --> 05:47:19,141
address the fire suppression system. So this encompasses the sprinkler

5005
05:47:19,141 --> 05:47:24,313
lion heads. And panels. We'll undergo a completed refurbishment, enhancing

5006
05:47:24,313 --> 05:47:28,394
safety and bringing the facility up to current standards. You

5007
05:47:28,394 --> 05:47:30,354
may know, in the past few months, we've had two

5008
05:47:30,354 --> 05:47:33,274
heads break due to corrosion. Which has underscore the importance

5009
05:47:33,274 --> 05:47:36,194
of proceeding with this project in 2025 and then in

5010
05:47:36,194 --> 05:47:39,034
2026. This includes the replacement of the boiler system, which

5011
05:47:39,034 --> 05:47:42,394
will boost energy efficiency and ensure system reliability. And I

5012
05:47:42,394 --> 05:47:44,234
just want to note that staff are going to continue

5013
05:47:44,234 --> 05:47:48,603
to look for other grant opportunities. As we look to

5014
05:47:48,603 --> 05:47:55,297
increase the energy and emissions. Savings here. Next, we have

5015
05:47:55,297 --> 05:47:58,297
three of the six connected community grant projects that Councillor

5016
05:47:58,297 --> 05:48:01,217
approved earlier this year. I'm going to chat about details

5017
05:48:01,217 --> 05:48:03,137
of three of them, and then the other three projects

5018
05:48:03,137 --> 05:48:10,936
will be included within Miss Dixon's infrastructure presentation. I also

5019
05:48:10,936 --> 05:48:14,056
want to note on this slide that the Edmonton Ave

5020
05:48:14,056 --> 05:48:17,616
fire suppression retrofits slated for 2027 is for the old

5021
05:48:17,616 --> 05:48:21,248
building portion at that site, not the new building. And

5022
05:48:21,248 --> 05:48:23,128
another one I want to note here is over at

5023
05:48:23,128 --> 05:48:27,008
the Kings Park Sports Complex, the temporary washrooms that were

5024
05:48:27,008 --> 05:48:29,728
placed on site two years ago are at the end

5025
05:48:29,728 --> 05:48:32,688
of their serviceable life and staff are proposing a more

5026
05:48:32,688 --> 05:48:37,568
permanent solution be provided. So the $550,000 allocated to this

5027
05:48:37,568 --> 05:48:40,488
project would see a renovation at the Sportslex facility to

5028
05:48:40,488 --> 05:48:44,698
ensure. That their adequate washroom facilities available and directly accessible

5029
05:48:44,698 --> 05:48:46,498
from the exterior of the building. So this can provide

5030
05:48:46,498 --> 05:48:50,147
an amenity to the field at that site. And the

5031
05:48:50,147 --> 05:48:52,347
last item, actually, I want to highlight in this group

5032
05:48:52,347 --> 05:48:57,948
is the. Washroom accessibility upgrades at Lacawana park. This upgrade

5033
05:48:57,948 --> 05:48:59,548
is in alignment with a larger lack of one of

5034
05:48:59,548 --> 05:49:02,708
playground and splash pad renewal project that Mysticson's team is

5035
05:49:02,708 --> 05:49:05,628
leading and public engagement on the design options is currently

5036
05:49:05,628 --> 05:49:08,108
underway, and accessibility is a key priority as we look

5037
05:49:08,108 --> 05:49:10,308
to invest at this site. You'll be hearing more about

5038
05:49:10,308 --> 05:49:14,936
that larger project tomorrow. So again, as I mentioned, I

5039
05:49:14,936 --> 05:49:17,216
wanted to highlight the three of these six connected community

5040
05:49:17,216 --> 05:49:21,096
grant projects. So over at the outdoor rink. Activate centigan.

5041
05:49:27,572 --> 05:49:29,772
Aims to enhance the outdoor rank by upgrading the public

5042
05:49:29,772 --> 05:49:33,532
skating facility to improve inclusivity and safety, so the project

5043
05:49:33,532 --> 05:49:37,252
includes installing long term netting and perimeter glass. Additional province

5044
05:49:37,252 --> 05:49:41,292
include radiant heat for a warming hut, rubber mats, benches,

5045
05:49:41,292 --> 05:49:46,252
waist receptacles, and bike rocks. The project cost is $188,000

5046
05:49:46,252 --> 05:49:50,773
with. Activate pinticton. Contributing $15,000 towards it. Over at the

5047
05:49:50,773 --> 05:49:54,773
Learhouse, the Pinticton and district. Community Arts Councillor project enhances

5048
05:49:54,773 --> 05:49:57,533
the safety and security of the Learhouse site. Its tenants

5049
05:49:57,533 --> 05:50:01,133
and visitors. The project involves upgrading the upstairs flooring to

5050
05:50:01,133 --> 05:50:04,453
durable vinyl to address trip and asbestos hazards. As well

5051
05:50:04,453 --> 05:50:06,773
as the supply and installation of an intrusion alarm and

5052
05:50:06,773 --> 05:50:10,162
CCTV system. To ensure security for all user groups at

5053
05:50:10,162 --> 05:50:15,996
that facility. The project cost is just over 84,000. With

5054
05:50:15,996 --> 05:50:19,516
the PDCAC contributing 2000 towards it. And last but not

5055
05:50:19,516 --> 05:50:22,316
least, the Penticton. Lawn bowling club project includes replacing the

5056
05:50:22,316 --> 05:50:25,836
roof shingles of both the clubhouse and the garage as

5057
05:50:25,836 --> 05:50:27,996
well as installing new floors in the clubhouse and supplying

5058
05:50:27,996 --> 05:50:30,476
a new set of lockers. Both the roof and flooring

5059
05:50:30,476 --> 05:50:33,596
have exceeded their useful life and require replacement to maintain

5060
05:50:33,596 --> 05:50:37,042
the building's integrity this project. Cost is a little over

5061
05:50:37,042 --> 05:50:42,472
$62,000, with the club contributing 25,000 towards it. On this

5062
05:50:42,472 --> 05:50:45,352
slide. We have a number of major equipment replacements due

5063
05:50:45,352 --> 05:50:49,632
for the library museum complex in 2024. We had a

5064
05:50:49,632 --> 05:50:52,872
mechanical systems condition review conducted on the site, which identified

5065
05:50:52,872 --> 05:50:55,152
a number of items that needed to be addressed, and

5066
05:50:55,152 --> 05:50:57,792
it also provided us with the condition information needed to

5067
05:50:57,792 --> 05:51:05,725
ident. Identify and prioritize the individual projects. I'll note that

5068
05:51:05,725 --> 05:51:08,605
the majority of these equipment replacements provide an opportunity to

5069
05:51:08,605 --> 05:51:11,685
reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and staff will

5070
05:51:11,685 --> 05:51:14,125
be seeking grants that support this type of capital project

5071
05:51:14,125 --> 05:51:18,254
to help offset these costs as well. This slide highlights

5072
05:51:18,254 --> 05:51:20,974
a number of projects identified for the RCMP building. And

5073
05:51:20,974 --> 05:51:23,854
this is a combination of scheduled lifecycle replacements, as well

5074
05:51:23,854 --> 05:51:26,734
as required safety improvements that were identified in a recent

5075
05:51:26,734 --> 05:51:36,465
safety audit. So, under facility improvements for 2025, we are

5076
05:51:36,465 --> 05:51:40,345
looking to make enhancements to the cell book. Encounter area,

5077
05:51:40,345 --> 05:51:43,745
as well as improvements to address the need for secure

5078
05:51:43,745 --> 05:51:46,985
parking in a new vestibule. For prisoner relief and then

5079
05:51:46,985 --> 05:51:49,705
the other line items noted here are just general lifecycle

5080
05:51:49,705 --> 05:51:59,432
replacements required. And for the final facilities capital

5081
05:51:59,432 --> 05:52:01,952
projects slide here. I want to note that Councillor has

5082
05:52:01,952 --> 05:52:05,832
already approved. The $580,000 for the roof bubble recover project.

5083
05:52:05,832 --> 05:52:08,792
And this project is completely committed. This is not a

5084
05:52:08,792 --> 05:52:11,632
new ask. It is just being reflected in the 2025

5085
05:52:11,632 --> 05:52:15,826
capital budget. And also want to note that the Ssycamus

5086
05:52:15,826 --> 05:52:18,986
repair is an abatement. It's for a required abatement of

5087
05:52:18,986 --> 05:52:22,786
peeling lead paint and asbestos that is located inside. Of

5088
05:52:22,786 --> 05:52:25,882
the ship and in a public area. This is separate

5089
05:52:25,882 --> 05:52:28,922
from the exterior lead paint abatement project that I've mentioned

5090
05:52:28,922 --> 05:52:32,322
in previous councillor meetings, and that project is still estimated

5091
05:52:32,322 --> 05:52:42,249
at approximately 1 million and is currently unfunded. So

5092
05:52:42,249 --> 05:52:45,009
with that, the staff recommendation is that Councillor approve in

5093
05:52:45,009 --> 05:52:48,889
principle the community services 2025 to 2029 capital plan proposed

5094
05:52:48,889 --> 05:52:53,180
projects and budgets subject to final review. Council. Any questions?

5095
05:52:56,629 --> 05:53:03,789
Comments. Do we have nothing from Councillor Conan? Do we

5096
05:53:03,789 --> 05:53:07,283
have a recommendation moving? Second? Do we have a second?

5097
05:53:07,259 --> 05:53:16,177
Seconded. Any questions? Hearing? None. I will call the question.

5098
05:53:16,177 --> 05:53:21,174
All in favor? And Councillor Conan in favor? Yes. And

5099
05:53:21,174 --> 05:53:24,454
so that's unanimous. Thank you very much. Thank you. Ms.

5100
05:53:24,454 --> 05:53:34,041
Johnson. And. Scaha Lake lacrosse box

5101
05:53:34,041 --> 05:53:37,812
design work. We want to move to that. Next on

5102
05:53:37,812 --> 05:53:42,580
the list. Right. Well, I'm here. Okay, so just following

5103
05:53:42,580 --> 05:53:44,500
up on the direction from Councillor that was received at

5104
05:53:44,500 --> 05:53:47,220
the November 5 regular. Councillor meeting with respect to the

5105
05:53:47,220 --> 05:53:52,006
Scaha sport box. So the direction was to present these

5106
05:53:52,006 --> 05:53:55,366
estimated costs and what we've been able to gather. Is

5107
05:53:55,366 --> 05:53:57,606
that estimated costs associated with the design work is going

5108
05:53:57,606 --> 05:54:00,566
to be approximately $20,000. And I just want to note

5109
05:54:00,566 --> 05:54:03,246
that prior to commencing the design process, staff would need

5110
05:54:03,246 --> 05:54:06,846
to undertake a bit of an engagement. Process and utilization

5111
05:54:06,846 --> 05:54:10,658
analysis to determine which dry. Land sports would need to

5112
05:54:10,658 --> 05:54:13,498
be involved and considered with the design, especially if we

5113
05:54:13,498 --> 05:54:18,119
are opening it. Up beyond lacrosse. So just consideration on.

5114
05:54:19,696 --> 05:54:23,647
That design cost will be about 20,000. Dollars. I also

5115
05:54:23,647 --> 05:54:25,727
do want to provide a little bit more background on

5116
05:54:25,727 --> 05:54:31,606
this specifically. The pendictive Minor Lacrosse association had submitted an

5117
05:54:31,606 --> 05:54:35,126
application to the connected Communities grant program with the request

5118
05:54:35,126 --> 05:54:39,917
for funding to upgrade. The box to a regulation size

5119
05:54:39,917 --> 05:54:44,557
covered the crossbox. At that time, the estimated project cost

5120
05:54:44,557 --> 05:54:48,088
outlined in their application was 1 million. With the request

5121
05:54:48,088 --> 05:54:52,728
of the city to fund 975,000. Of that this request

5122
05:54:52,728 --> 05:54:55,888
ultimately exceeded. The amount allocated to the full grant program,

5123
05:54:55,888 --> 05:54:59,736
and the project did not advance to phase two. It's

5124
05:54:59,736 --> 05:55:02,096
also worth noting that there were a number of other

5125
05:55:02,096 --> 05:55:06,176
applications received for recreation related facilities and amenities that also

5126
05:55:06,176 --> 05:55:08,456
did not proceed. And this kind of helps paint the

5127
05:55:08,456 --> 05:55:10,256
picture of the wider scope of the needs in our

5128
05:55:10,256 --> 05:55:14,056
community. The Paddle Sports association is seeking funds to replace

5129
05:55:14,056 --> 05:55:17,456
their boathouse, the Penticton Tennis Club requested funding to improve

5130
05:55:17,456 --> 05:55:20,398
lighting and resurface their courts. And the people for Pendict

5131
05:55:20,398 --> 05:55:23,038
and pets requested funding to enhance dog park facilities in

5132
05:55:23,038 --> 05:55:27,133
two locations. Other applications came from the fintech and track

5133
05:55:27,133 --> 05:55:30,013
and field Club, Kisu Swimming Club. However, these did not

5134
05:55:30,013 --> 05:55:34,695
meet the eligibility requirements set for the grant program. I'll

5135
05:55:34,695 --> 05:55:37,255
note that. And I've touched on this before, a major

5136
05:55:37,255 --> 05:55:42,242
initiative. Of our division is currently undertaking the sport and

5137
05:55:42,242 --> 05:55:45,842
REC needs assessment, which is intended to inform responsible asset

5138
05:55:45,842 --> 05:55:50,242
management and guide decisions on facility utilization and investments to

5139
05:55:50,242 --> 05:55:52,562
best meet the needs of our community. So the final

5140
05:55:52,562 --> 05:55:55,162
assessment report will be delivered to councillor in the spring

5141
05:55:55,162 --> 05:55:58,162
of 2025 and with that we expect a number of

5142
05:55:58,162 --> 05:56:02,070
prioritized recommendations. Given this, staff are recommending that the decision

5143
05:56:02,070 --> 05:56:04,470
to invest in design work to update the box be

5144
05:56:04,470 --> 05:56:10,378
delayed until the findings of the assessment are presented. And

5145
05:56:10,378 --> 05:56:13,298
should that be the decision? I've left a recommendation here

5146
05:56:13,298 --> 05:56:21,039
for council's consideration. Council. Questions. Comments.

5147
05:56:23,477 --> 05:56:33,427
Motions. Maybe. Ms. Johnson, do you want

5148
05:56:33,427 --> 05:56:42,180
to. Councillor Conan has a question. I think that. Sounds

5149
05:56:42,180 --> 05:56:46,238
like a legitimate request to. Wait to get beneath this

5150
05:56:46,238 --> 05:56:49,841
assessment. We do know there is a need. For an

5151
05:56:49,841 --> 05:56:53,001
indoor facility for multiple dry line sports. And if you

5152
05:56:53,001 --> 05:56:58,580
think that that's coming. In. In early spring. I think

5153
05:56:58,580 --> 05:57:03,257
that's fine to wait until. That. To follow through with

5154
05:57:03,257 --> 05:57:08,428
the report. So I'll make that motion. Seconded. And so

5155
05:57:08,428 --> 05:57:15,159
the motion. Is. The staff recommendation. Is that your motion,

5156
05:57:15,159 --> 05:57:25,073
Councillor Garnetz? The motion

5157
05:57:25,073 --> 05:57:30,038
is to wait until that comes out. And then. I'm

5158
05:57:30,038 --> 05:57:34,438
sorry, Kelsey. Is it to wait until that report comes

5159
05:57:34,438 --> 05:57:39,859
out before we do the. Report for the box. Can

5160
05:57:39,859 --> 05:57:44,339
you clarify your motion? Is that, in effect, deferring it

5161
05:57:44,339 --> 05:57:48,099
until early spring when the other reports. Come in. Yes,

5162
05:57:48,099 --> 05:57:52,409
thank you. To the chair. Yes. That's. What recommendation is

5163
05:57:52,409 --> 05:57:57,848
that, Councillor? Direct us to include consideration. Of the Scaha

5164
05:57:57,848 --> 05:58:02,757
Lake lacrosse box upgrade, design and construction alongside. Us, providing

5165
05:58:02,757 --> 05:58:07,416
you all of the. Identified priorities in the sport and

5166
05:58:07,416 --> 05:58:10,016
reck needs assessment, which is expected to be coming to

5167
05:58:10,016 --> 05:58:15,706
Councillor. Early spring. So, Councillor Conan. That's effectively the staff

5168
05:58:15,706 --> 05:58:20,179
recommendation. The staff recommendation, right. Yes. I do make that

5169
05:58:20,179 --> 05:58:23,299
motion, and it looks as if that will help with

5170
05:58:23,299 --> 05:58:29,746
the design. Eventually, if we have that report first. It

5171
05:58:29,746 --> 05:58:31,986
identifies the needs before we do the design. Right. Yeah.

5172
05:58:31,986 --> 05:58:36,666
Okay. Yeah, it sounds good. Yes, I'd like that motion.

5173
05:58:36,666 --> 05:58:42,331
I make that motion. Seconded. And. Do we have any

5174
05:58:42,331 --> 05:58:47,420
further questions? Any further comments? And hearing? None. I'll call

5175
05:58:47,420 --> 05:58:53,495
a question. All in favor? And Councillor Conan is in

5176
05:58:53,495 --> 05:58:56,735
favor as well, so that's unanimous. Thank you. Thank you,

5177
05:58:56,735 --> 05:58:59,921
Ms. Johnson. At this point.

5178
05:59:08,141 --> 05:59:15,116
We call an end to these submissions by staff. And

5179
05:59:15,116 --> 05:59:17,676
we move on to section eight, which is a public

5180
05:59:17,676 --> 05:59:23,738
question, period. And so now is the time to ask

5181
05:59:23,738 --> 05:59:26,738
Councillor questions with respect to items that are on today's.

5182
05:59:26,738 --> 05:59:32,590
Agenda. Each question must be limited to two minutes. For

5183
05:59:32,590 --> 05:59:35,750
the total of 15 minutes for the public question period.

5184
05:59:35,750 --> 05:59:40,311
If you're on zoom, then you need to. Raise your

5185
05:59:40,311 --> 05:59:43,071
hand on zoom in order for you to be heard.

5186
05:59:44,817 --> 05:59:48,092
And question to be heard. And do we have any

5187
05:59:48,092 --> 05:59:53,469
questions from the public? Regarding the agenda items to today.

5188
06:00:12,519 --> 06:00:15,919
Do you want to fight me for it? Okay. Lindelfield

5189
06:00:15,919 --> 06:00:23,887
Street. He keeps trying to turn me off. Long day.

5190
06:00:25,183 --> 06:00:31,033
A lot of information. And. Definitely. Congratulations to the finance

5191
06:00:31,033 --> 06:00:39,473
committee and the staff for what they've done today. A

5192
06:00:39,473 --> 06:00:41,873
couple of things sort of confused me in terms of.

5193
06:00:44,290 --> 06:00:48,429
What Councillor was asking. One of them was. The $205

5194
06:00:48,429 --> 06:00:53,820
for the bus. I think it felt like a shell

5195
06:00:53,820 --> 06:00:56,900
game to me. Do we put it into 2025 to.

5196
06:00:58,809 --> 06:01:04,240
2026. So. I get what has happened. I guess I

5197
06:01:04,240 --> 06:01:07,480
get it's a difficult decision, but sometimes I think?

5198
06:01:14,774 --> 06:01:19,414
We don't see the immediacy, but we look forward to

5199
06:01:19,414 --> 06:01:22,667
pushing. You push something. Away. It's definitely going to cost

5200
06:01:22,667 --> 06:01:25,255
you more. I appreciate the way the budget has been

5201
06:01:25,255 --> 06:01:27,966
put together. I've got all the pages. Eventually. Well, I

5202
06:01:27,966 --> 06:01:29,446
think I've got most of the pages. I haven't got

5203
06:01:29,446 --> 06:01:33,930
as many. Scamble as. I'd like to thank Councillor for.

5204
06:01:36,051 --> 06:01:44,905
Their. Trepidance. In staying through all this and trying to

5205
06:01:44,905 --> 06:01:47,206
keep. The information.

5206
06:01:56,474 --> 06:01:59,874
That is for the staff that we're presenting, including Miss

5207
06:01:59,874 --> 06:02:04,073
Gamble. Sorted. I have one question. And. How much did

5208
06:02:04,073 --> 06:02:07,713
it cost for the course for you to take to

5209
06:02:07,713 --> 06:02:11,196
learn how to talk so. Damn fast because. Every single

5210
06:02:11,196 --> 06:02:14,636
one of the presenters spoke so fast that sometimes I

5211
06:02:14,636 --> 06:02:19,636
was having difficulty keeping up, so. Maybe I can ask

5212
06:02:19,636 --> 06:02:23,999
you to slow it down a little bit. And Mr.

5213
06:02:23,999 --> 06:02:26,519
Mayor, I'd like to ask you to speak up a

5214
06:02:26,519 --> 06:02:30,392
little bit. I was having difficulty hearing. You okay? Thanks.

5215
06:02:31,898 --> 06:02:38,144
Have any more questions from the gallery. Any more questions

5216
06:02:38,144 --> 06:02:43,431
from zoom? There are no raised hands in zoom, your

5217
06:02:43,431 --> 06:02:48,118
worship. Do. One last call from the gallery. Any questions?

5218
06:02:49,999 --> 06:02:54,907
And hearing none. I recall the question period to an

5219
06:02:54,907 --> 06:02:57,747
end and motion to adjourn moved, seconded. All in favor.

5220
06:02:59,313 --> 06:03:02,153
And we are adjourned for today. And we'll see everybody

5221
06:03:02,153 --> 06:03:03,353
back here at 09:00. A.m.. Tomorrow.