Minutes

Special Council Meeting

-
Council Chambers/Video Conference
10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road
Lake Country, British Columbia V4V 2M1
Council Present:
  • Mayor Blair Ireland
  • Councillor Tricia Brett
  • Councillor Heather Irvine
  • Councillor Michael Lewis
  • Councillor Todd McKenzie
  • Councillor Bib Patel
  • Councillor Cara Reed
Staff Present:
  • Tanya Garost, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
  • Greg Buchholz, Director of Utilities
  • Trevor James, Chief Financial Officer
  • Jared Kassel, Director of Planning and Development
  • Darren Lee, Fire Chief
  • Matthew Salmon, Director of Engineering & Environmental Services
  • Reyna Seabrook, Director of Corporate Services
  • Matt Vader, Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture
  • Shaun Lesowski, Parks and Facilities Manager
  • Scott Unser, Public Works Manager
  • Richard Wagner, Manager of Finance
  • Kiel Wilkie, Utility Manager
  • Steven Gubbels, Manager of Development
  • Caroline Barnhart, HR & Safety Manager
  • Brent Penner, Deputy Fire Chief
  • Kynan O'Rourke, Deputy Fire Chief
  • Ruth Sulentich, Economic Development and Public Engagement Specialist
  • Steve Petryshyn, Parks and Landscape Planner
  • Stacia O'Brien, Legislative Technical Clerk
  • Ryan Donn, Cultural Development Coordinator
Others Present
  •  Youth Councillor Michelle Haji

    Youth Councillor Sophia McLean

     

     


We acknowledge that we are conducting our business today on the unceded territory of squilx”/syilx (Okanagan) peoples. As a Council, we recognize the importance of doing our best to build respectful relationships that contribute to stewarding the land and waters in the community with integrity and consideration for future generations.

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. 

The Mayor announced a hockey game between the Lake Country Fire Department and the Big White Fire Department on Sunday January 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

  • 2023-01-012 It was moved and seconded.

    THAT the Special Council Meeting Agenda of January 26, 2023 be adopted with the following amendment:

    Item 6. Public Comment; 

    AND THAT the Agenda be renumbered accordingly.

    Carried.

Seeking Council Direction for Proposed Water Rate Increases

  • 2023-01-013 It was moved and seconded.

    THAT consideration of an amendment to the Water Regulation and Rates Bylaw be deferred pending review of the Draft Water Master Plan by the Water Services Advisory Commission and Council;

    AND THAT review of the Draft Water Master Plan take place at the earliest possible date.

     

    Carried.

Council authorization for members to attend various conferences and training in 2023

2023-2027 Draft Financial Plan

The Mayor declared a recess at 7:40 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 8:00 p.m. 

Councillor Reed declared a conflict of interest due to a personal relationship and left the meeting at 9:21 p.m. She returned at 9:28 p.m.

Councillor Lewis declared a conflict of interest due to a business relationship and left the meeting at 9:37 p.m. He returned at 9:45 p.m.

The Mayor declared a recess at 9:40 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 9:45 p.m.

  • 2023-01-014 It was moved and seconded

    THAT the Special Council Meeting of January 26, 2023 continue past 9:00 p.m. 

    Carried.
  • 2023-01-015 It was moved and seconded

    THAT staff be directed to report back with recommendations on applying the remaining COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant to the additional 2023 requests, to reduce taxation.

    Carried.
  • 2023-01-016 It was moved and seconded.

    THAT item 5.1 RFCD 2023-2027 Draft Financial Plan be deferred to a Special Council Meeting on January 31, 2023.

    Carried.

Ken Stocks,  Bernau Court 
Mr. Stocks expressed concerns with the rising tax rate. He expressed his belief that Council could be more creative with earning and raising money to pay for services. He suggested a change in the Homeowner Grant entitlement and becoming a part of greater Kelowna.   

Sharon McCoubrey, Camp Road
Ms. McCoubrey inquired about processes that guide Council decision making. She inquired about the impact on the budget and service levels when the population increases.

Sol Bueno, Lodge Road
Mr. Bueno inquired about what the approximate tax increase would be for each residence with the rates currently before Council. He inquired about the need for increased policing and the portion of policing paid by the Federal Government. Mr. Bueno asked about the Development Cost Charges and the increased services being paid for by developers and residents. He asked if the District works with businesses to keep them operating within Lake Country. 

Bob McCoubrey, Camp Road
Mr. McCoubrey expressed by his opinion that there seems to be too much focus on the size of the percentage increase versus making sure tax-payers receive good value for their money. During the election, he did not consider voting for the people that would make taxes lower, he voted for Councillors that would make responsible decisions. He asked why taxes be expected to go down or stay level when all other expenses have gone up.

The Mayor asked if there were any further comments from the gallery a first, second and third time. There were none.

 

 

 

The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 11:17 p.m.