AKBLG RESOLUTIONS 2016
1.SUPPORT FOR PRIORITIZING RESOLUTIONSAKBLG EXECUTIVE
2. FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLANS GRAND FORKS
3.PROTECTION OF WATERGRANDFORKS
4.INCOME ASSISTANCENELSON
5. WATER CONSERVATION RDCK
6.ALLOWABLE ANNUAL CUTGRAND FORKS
7. ELECTORAL AREA DIRECTOR NAME CHANGE RDKB
8.MARIJUANA REGULATIONSNELSON
9.MARIJUANA REVENUESNELSON
10.REGIONAL HOSPITAL DISTRICTSNELSON
11.CHILD CARE DELIVERY, REGULATION AND FUNDINGRDEK
12.MUNICIPAL TAX COLLECTION AND TAX SALEGRAND FORKS
13. FISH STOCKS IN KOOTENAY LAKE RDCK
14. GILPIN GRASSLANDS GRAND FORKS
15. EXCESSIVE MOTORCYCLE NOISE RDCK
16.NELSON HOSPITAL LAUNDRY FACILITIESNELSON
SPECIAL RESOLUTION #1 - SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTAL ACCOMODATIONS
RADIUM
SPECIAL RESOLUTION #2 - HIGHWAYS MAINTENANCEFERNIE
LIST OF TOP 5 PRIORITIZED RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION #1 - CARRIED
SUPPORT FOR PRIORITZING RESOLUTIONS
AKBLG
WHEREAS there are hundreds of resolutions being debated and voted on at the annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities Convention, and in the absence of a prioritization approach significant resolutions are both (a) ignored by the provincial government, and (b) a challenge for the UBCM executive to take action on;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the UBCM executive identify and present a set of options for inclusion of a resolution prioritising process to the 2017 UBCM conference,
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each Area Association be encouraged to implement a prioritising process for their member resolutions.
RESOLUTION #2 – DEFEATED
FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLANS
CITY OF GRAND FORKS
WHEREAS forestry activities surrounding local governments can have direct and deleterious impact on local government watersheds by accelerating spring runoff, increasing erosion and sediment from forest service roads and clear cutting, increasing risk of flooding downstream, reducing summer water levels in lakes and rivers and directly impacting water supply and water quality in local governments;
AND WHEREAS communities and regional district citizens often are not aware of proposed logging plans in their watershed, and there is no legal requirement for forest licensees (including BC Timber Sales) to consult with or seek approval from local governments prior to implementing their annual road building and harvesting operations:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations require all licensees to advertise widely in print and online, all of their forest stewardship plans, and actively solicit public and local government input so that all parties have an opportunity to bring forth their concerns, before specific forest harvesting planning and layout begin, and that no less than 60 days be given for the consultation process.
RESOLUTION #3 - CARRIED
PROTECTION OF WATER
CITY OF GRAND FORKS
WHEREAS the privatization of water resources and infrastructure is becoming commonplace worldwide;
AND WHEREAS privatization can lead to decreased access for the public, increased prices and decreased product and service quality:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial and federal governments take steps to protect the aquifers, surface water, public water and waste water infrastructure of BC from purchase by private corporate interests.
RESOLUTION #4– CARRIED
INCOME ASSISTANCE
NELSON
WHEREAS in recent years the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation has changed its service delivery model such that in-person, direct services have been dramatically reduced and income assistance services are now primarily provided remotely by centralized telephone line and over the internet;
AND WHEREAS these service delivery changes have introduced significant barriers to people on or seeking income assistance and made it excessively difficult for many individuals to receive the support they require:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM be requested to work with the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation to ensure that people requiring help to access income assistance receive such help appropriate to their needs and abilities (in-person where required) in a timely manner, and in a way that does not place additional economic burden on that person (e.g. repeatedly using pay as you go cell phone minutes waiting on hold for excessive lengths of time, paying for computer/internet usage, travelling long distances to Ministry offices from surrounding areas due to local office closures, etc.) and further, in a manner that does not download the responsibility for this assistance to other service providers without compensation for such additional work.
RESOLUTION #5 – DEFEATED
WATER CONSERVATION
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL KOOTENAY
WHEREAS the summer of 2015 challenged water levels in many streams, creeks and rivers in the province and affected water availability in rural areas and required water restrictions in many communities;
AND WHEREAS the effect of climate change is likely to cause an increase in water instability thereby affecting rural and municipal communities in the Kootenay Boundary Regions:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM be requested to work with the provincial government to create policies and strategies to conserve water availability and the quantity and flow for domestic and agricultural use.
RESOLUTION #6 – CARRIED
ALLOWABLE ANNUAL CUT
CITY OF GRAND FORKS
WHEREAS the forestry industry provides important employment throughout the province, and long term employment stability is essential, and requires a long term plan for timber harvesting in order to create stable employment;
AND WHEREAS the allowable annual cut may be too high over the long term, and at the current rate, forests are being logged too quickly:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the methodology by which allowable annual cut is determined and approved by the Chief Forester under the Forest Act, be re-evaluated so that stable, long term employment be assured and watershed and wildlife spaces be protected.
RESOLUTION #7 – DEFEATED
ELECTORAL AREA DIRECTOR NAME CHANGE
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF KOOTENAY BOUNDARY
WHEREAS the understanding and inclusion of elected officials in electoral area government in British Columbia is limited;
AND WHEREAS the title “Electoral Area Director” at best fails to clarify to this lack of understanding, and at worst actively contributes to incorrect interpretation of the role and responsibilities of elected officials in electoral areas of the province:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM propose a new title for local government officials elected to serve the electoral areas of the province, and that a proposed and recommended name change be brought to the Electoral Area Directors Forum in 2017.
RESOLUTION #8 – CARRIED AS AMENDED
MARIJUANA REGULATIONS
NELSON
WHEREAS the Liberal Government of Canada has publicly declared its intention to legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana with creation of a federal/provincial/territorial task force with input from experts in public health, substance abuse and law enforcement to design a new system of marijuana sales and distribution with appropriate federal and provincial excise taxes applied;
AND WHEREAS the Liberal Government of Canada Standing Policy Committee has committed to working with the provinces and local governments of Canada on a coordinated regulatory approach to marijuana, respecting provincial health jurisdiction and particular regional concerns and practices:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM should solicit the provincial government for UBCM to be involved in the process of legalization of marijuana as a representative for local government, and lobby pertinent parties to include local government consultation and ensure adequate time to align and integrate regional and local regulations and practices with new federal laws.
RESOLUTION #9 – CARRIED
MARIJUANA REVENUES
NELSON
WHEREAS the Liberal Government of Canada has publicly declared its intention to legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana with creation of a new system of marijuana sales and distribution with appropriate federal and provincial excise taxes applied;
AND WHEREAS the new legal framework will not completely eliminate the costs associated with enforcement initiatives related to drugs in Canada, it is expected they will be significantly reduced, providing the federal government opportunities to redirect savings and invest in youth engagement and prevention programs and initiatives that include community partnerships with provincial and local governments:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM petition the Government of Canada to share a portion of revenues realized from the legalization and regulation of marijuana together with a share of savings realized from reduced enforcement costs with provincial and local governments given the marked impact that marijuana sales and distribution will have upon Canadian communities and the need for direct investments to youth engagement initiatives not limited to recreation, health care programs, employment, community and cultural programs.
RESOLUTION #10 – CARRIED AS AMENDED
REGIONAL HOSPITAL DISTRICTS
CITY OF NELSON, CITY OF TRAIL
WHEREAS regional hospital districts were created by provincial legislation to raise a ‘local share’ of capital costs for hospital equipment and building through property taxation with the ‘local share’ historically held at 40% for regional hospital capital projects with the Province contributing 60%;
AND WHEREAS local governments have limited ways to generate funding to pay for local services and infrastructure since property taxes are the primary source of revenue and are being stretched to meet the diverse demands local governments already face and cannot sustain the increased load in meeting hospital board expenditures:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM petition the provincial government to acknowledge that property tax revenue is an unsuitable avenue to fund hospital infrastructure renewal projects, and prioritize the urgent review of the historic cost sharing ratio.
RESOLUTION #11 - CARRIED
CHILD CARE DELIVERY REGULATION AND FUNDING
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY
WHEREAS there is immediate need for more child care spaces and increased number of people working as early childhood educators in the East Kootenay and British Columbia;
AND WHEREAS the main barriers to the creation of new spaces and maintaining existing spaces is not within local government control but is related to provincial funding, licensing and health requirements, educational requirements, increasingly unaffordable childcare costs for parents, and unacceptably low rate of pay for most early childhood educators:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia, the provincial health authorities, and relevant post-secondary institutions work to solve the immediate and long term needs and gaps in child care delivery, regulation, fee structure and provincial funding;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that UBCM and interested local governments be invited to collaborate and participate in developing solutions but that it is understood that child care is not a core mandate or service for local government and interest in participation in solutions is not an invitation for further downloading of responsibility or funding for child care from the Province.
RESOLUTION #12 – CARRIED AS AMENDED
MUNICIPAL TAX COLLECTION AND TAX SALE
CITY OF GRAND FORKS
WHEREAS in 1988, the Province surveyed municipal tax collectors to obtain information on the effectiveness of tax sale and comments on the process,
AND WHEREAS the tax sale process is both onerous and costly to municipalities:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia be requested to conduct a survey of municipal tax collectors immediately to obtain current information on the effectiveness of tax sale and their comments in the process.
RESOLUTION #13 – DEFEATED
FISH STOCKS IN KOOTENAY LAKE
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL KOOTENAY
WHEREAS the fish stocks, especially Kokanee fish, in Kootenay Lake have continued to decline and exhibit signs of stress beyond a rate which could be considered a normal cycle:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that AKBLG and UBCM ask the provincial government to increase resources and reporting to correct the imbalance as quickly as possible.
RESOLUTION #14 – DEFEATED
GILPIN GRASSLANDS
CITY OF GRAND FORKS
WHEREAS the Class A Gilpin Grasslands Provincial Park has two roles: the primary role being to protect a remnant grassland and ecosystem and an uncommon riparian area along the Kettle River; and a secondary role to maintain low impact recreation and interpretive opportunities within a scenic area of the Kettle River Valley;
AND WHEREAS the BC Parks document titled Gilpin Grasslands Provincial Park: Management Direction Statement 2009 provides that ongoing consultation with the City of Grand Forks is required to ensure local community needs are considered, and where appropriate, addressed within the management of Gilpin Grasslands Provincial Park, however such consultation has never occurred:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM encourage BC Parks to follow their own mandate and engage in consultations with the City of Grand Forks, and other communities throughout BC as needed, relative to community needs being considered and appropriately addressed within the management of Gilpin Grasslands Provincial Park and similar areas throughout the province that need protecting from livestock.
RESOLUTION #15 - DEFEATED
EXCESSIVE MOTORCYCLE NOISE
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL KOOTENAY
WHEREAS excessive motorcycle noise routinely disturbs the enjoyment of peace and quiet in countless British Columbia neighborhoods;
AND WHEREAS BC Motor Vehicle Act Regulations 7.03 and 22 provides for regulating the excessive noise levels produced by motorcycles:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM write a letter to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Honorable Suzanne Anton, encouraging her to take appropriate action for enforcement of BC Motor Vehicle Act Regulations 7.03 and 22 to provide British Columbians the enjoyment of peace and quiet in their neighborhoods free from excessive motorcycle noise.
RESOLUTION #16 – CARRIED
KOOTENAY LAKE HOSPITAL LAUNDRY SERVICES
CITY OF NELSON
WHEREAS 17 fulltime jobs in the City of Nelson could be lost if Interior Health privatizes the regional laundry service at Kootenay Lake Hospital;
AND WHEREAS the laundry machinery at Kootenay Lake Hospital has 10-12 years of operating life and is operating efficiently;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Kootenay & Boundary Local Governments petition Interior Health to consider the economic impact of the loss of 17 jobs if this service is privatized;
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Kootenay & Boundary Local Government draft resolutions requesting support for keeping the regional laundry service at Kootenay Lake Hospital and present these resolutions to the members of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and the Board of Directors of the West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District;
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that a letter be written to the Minister of Health, Terry Lake, urging him to cancel Interior Health Authority plans to contract out laundry services and lay off 17 workers at Kootenay Lake Hospital.
SPECIAL RESOLUTION #1 – CARRIED
SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTAL ACCOMODATIONS
RADIUM
WHEREAS the use of residential properties for short term accommodation rentals is becoming more prevalent across BC, especially within communities having a tourism based economy, and;
WHEREAS short term accommodation rentals is a commercial activity, which is not properly captured by the residential property tax classification, and;
WHEREAS the differential in property tax revenues creates operational inequities between commercially assessed accommodators and residentially assessed accommodators;
WE THEREFORE REQUEST that the Provincial Government work with BC Assessment and UBCM to remove these operational inequities by seeking resolution to the issue, perhaps with the development of a new property tax classification that would allow municipalities to capture lost tax revenues and to “level the playing field” between commercial accommodators and those competing with them from within the residential property class.
SPECIAL RESOLUTION #2 – CARRIED
HIGHWAYS MAINTENANCE
FERNIE
WHEREAS providing safe and well-maintained highways, roads and bridges is the responsibility of the Province of BC;
AND WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia has privatized the maintenance of BC’s highways, roads and bridges;
AND WHEREAS the request for proposals is open to the current companies that hold contracts and new bidders who are under no obligation to retain the current contractor’s professional, skilled, and trained employees or maintain successorship rights;
AND WHEREAS loss of jobs in local communities will have negative impacts on those economies;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government retains these skilled jobs by awarding maintenance contracts for highways, roads and bridges to companies that will maintain the employment and successorship rights which will benefit local economies.
2016 AKBLG Resolutionsakblg@shaw.ca
April 29, 2016250 688-0650