Merritt public meetings in 2022

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council will consider a grant application for airport fencing and taxiway paving, and discuss a sustainability certification process. They will also receive updates on the Mount Mabel wind projects, Endeavour To Be Better, and Ukrainian refugees, plus review the 2022 election.

• BC Air Access Program grant application for airport fencing and taxiway paving, total cost $823,673.46, with up to $556,940.95 in BCAAP funding and $266,732.50 municipal share
• Direct staff to begin gathering ISO 37120 Sustainable Cities statistics, defer certification decision to 2024 budget
• Decline participation in UNDRR-WCCD pilot for ISO 37123 Resilient Cities standard
• Receive 2022 General Local Election Review report
• Adopt minutes from October 11 and November 22, 2022 council meetings

Council directed staff to apply for BC Air Access Program funding for airport fencing and taxiway paving. The city also deferred a decision on sustainable city certification to the 2024 budget and declined a resilient communities pilot program.

• Approved application for BC Air Access Program funding for airport fencing and taxiway paving totaling $823,673.46 (excluding GST)
• Directed staff to gather statistics for ISO 37120 (Sustainable Cities) standard and deferred certification decision to 2024 budget
• Directed staff to decline participation in the UNDRR-WCCD pilot program for ISO 37123 (Resilient Cities) standard
• Adopted Regular Council Meeting Minutes from October 11, 2022
• Adopted Regular Council Meeting Minutes from November 22, 2022
• Received 2022 General Local Election Review report for information

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council is meeting to decide on several key items, including adopting a Flood Mitigation Plan, giving final approval to zoning and Official Community Plan amendments for 1761 Bann Street, and setting enforcement levels for the Good Neighbour Bylaw in flood-affected areas. The council will also hear presentations on community groups and Ukrainian refugees, and discuss administrative matters like cheque signing authority and snow clearing policy.

• Adoption of Flood Mitigation Plan
• Third reading and adoption of OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 2342 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2343 for 1761 Bann Street
• Public hearing for OCP and zoning amendments at 1761 Bann Street
• Direction on enforcement of Good Neighbour Bylaw in flood zone
• Update on cheque signing authority for newly elected officials

Council adopted the Flood Mitigation Plan and approved both the Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment Bylaws for 1761 Bann Street. The city also updated its cheque signing authorities for newly elected officials and directed selective enforcement of the Good Neighbour Bylaw in flood zones.

• Adopted Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2342 (1761 Bann Street) (6-1)
• Adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2343 (1761 Bann Street) (6-1)
• Adopted the Flood Mitigation Plan (Carried)
• Amended cheque signing authorities to include newly elected and appointed officials (Carried)
• Directed staff to continue selective enforcement of Good Neighbour Bylaw in flood zones until April 30, 2023 (Carried)
• Directed staff to work with the Province to reposition Strengthen Together Grant funds for Endeavour To Be Better (Carried)
• Adopted November 8, 2022 meeting minutes (Carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council's regular meeting on November 8, 2022, includes adopting Bylaw No. 2344, setting the 2022-2023 acting mayor schedule, and discussing revisions to the Code of Conduct. Council will also consider a $1,500 sponsorship request for the Rotary Youth Exchange. The agenda includes routine items like adopting previous meeting minutes and receiving information letters.

• Adoption of Bylaw No. 2344, 2022 (previously read three times and amended)
• Approve $1,500 sponsorship for Rotary Youth Exchange from Council Contingency fund
• Set 2022-2023 Acting Mayor rotation schedule (statutory requirement under Community Charter)
• Discuss revisions to Code of Conduct for Council and Committee Members
• Adopt minutes from November 1 and October 11, 2022 meetings

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

This is the inaugural regular meeting of the newly sworn-in Merritt City Council. Council will consider appointments to the Thompson Nicola Regional District, approve the 2023 meeting schedule, and set the acting mayor rotation for the next year.

• Appoint Mike Goetz as TNRD Municipal Director and Claire Newman as Alternate
• Approve 2023 Council Meeting Schedule
• Adopt Acting Mayor rotation for Nov 2022–Dec 2023

Council appointed Mike Goetz as Municipal Director and Claire Newman as Alternate Municipal Director to the Thompson Nicola Regional District. The 2023 Council Meeting Schedule was approved. A proposal for the 2022-2023 Acting Mayor rotation was deferred to a future meeting.

• Appointed Mike Goetz as Municipal Director to the Thompson Nicola Regional District (Carried)
• Appointed Claire Newman as Alternate Municipal Director to the Thompson Nicola Regional District (Carried)
• Approved the 2023 Council Meeting Schedule (Carried)
• Deferred the 2022-2023 Acting Mayor rotation to a future meeting (Carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council is meeting to consider several funding applications and bylaws. Key items include applying for grants for Coldwater River flood mitigation projects, a temporary borrowing bylaw for water and sewer services to Gateway 286, and a grant application for active transportation on Voght Street. Council will also review a notice of motion on the financial impact of the Permissive Tax Exemptions Bylaw and appoint a deputy election officer.

• Adoption of Water and Sanitary Sewer Services to Gateway 286 Temporary Borrowing Bylaw No. 2341, 2022
• Direct staff to apply for Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program grant for Coldwater River Flood Mitigation – Pine Street Area project; city share $1,542,068.47
• Direct staff to apply for UBCM Disaster Risk Reduction grant for Coldwater River Flood Mitigation – Public Works to Canford Avenue Waterside Dike
• Direct staff to apply for BC Active Transportation Infrastructure grant for Voght Street Phase 2; city share 30% totaling $170,064.77
• Appoint Janna Bradshaw as Deputy Chief Election Officer for 2022 General Local Election

Council adopted the Water and Sanitary Sewer Services to Gateway 286 Temporary Borrowing Bylaw No. 2341, 2022, and directed staff to enter into a cost overage agreement with Spayum Holdings and Palomino Estates. Council also directed staff to apply for two UBCM disaster risk reduction grants for Coldwater River flood mitigation projects and committed to the city's share of costs. Additionally, staff were directed to apply for a BC Active Transportation Infrastructure grant for Voght Street Phase 2, with the city covering 30% of eligible costs. A motion was carried to review the financial impact of the Permissive Tax Exemptions Bylaw.

• Adopted Water and Sanitary Sewer Services to Gateway 286 Temporary Borrowing Bylaw No. 2341, 2022 (carried)
• Directed staff to enter into a cost overage agreement with Spayum Holdings and Palomino Estates for Gateway 286 (carried)
• Amended Road Closure Bylaw No. 2344, 2022 and instructed public notice (carried)
• Appointed Janna Bradshaw as Deputy Chief Election Officer for the 2022 General Local Election (carried)
• Directed staff to apply for UBCM disaster risk reduction grant for Coldwater River flood mitigation – Pine Street Area, committing $1,542,068.47 city share (carried)
• Directed staff to apply for UBCM disaster risk reduction grant for Coldwater River flood mitigation – Public Works to Canford Avenue dike (carried)
• Directed staff to apply for BC Active Transportation Infrastructure grant for Voght Street Phase 2, committing 30% of eligible costs ($170,064.77) (carried)
• Directed staff to review financial impact of Permissive Tax Exemptions Bylaw (carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council will hold public hearings on zoning amendments for 2776 Voght Street and the Middlesboro area, then consider third reading and adoption of related bylaws. Council will also discuss recovery operations, a tourism marketing designation, a possible four-day work week trial at City Hall, and a request to establish a community theatre reserve fund.

• Public hearing on Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2341, 2022 (2776 Voght Street)
• Public hearing on OCP Amendment Bylaw 2339 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2340 (Middlesboro)
• Third reading and final adoption of Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2341, 2022 (2776 Voght Street)
• Third reading of OCP Amendment Bylaw 2339 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2340 (Middlesboro)
• Sponsorship request for Merritt Secondary School for $1,397.81

Council voted to formally abandon Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2338 for the former railway corridor after a motion to abandon was defeated 4-3 and a motion to hold another public hearing was also defeated. A subsequent motion to abandon the bylaw and explore additional housing ideas for the corridor in the future was carried. Council also gave third reading to OCP and zoning amendments for Middlesboro and 2776 Voght Street, and adopted a one-year trial of extended City Hall hours with a compressed work week.

• Abandoned Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2338 (former railway corridor) and directed staff to explore future housing ideas (carried)
• Defeated motion to formally abandon bylaw 2338 (4-3 against)
• Defeated motion to prepare another public hearing (3-2 against, 1 absent)
• Gave third reading to OCP Amendment Bylaw 2339 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2340 (Middlesboro) (carried)
• Gave third reading and adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2341 (2776 Voght Street) (carried)
• Approved $1,397.81 sponsorship request for Merritt Secondary School (carried)
• Adopted one-year trial of extended City Hall hours (8am-5:45pm) with compressed work week (Monday closure) (carried, 1 against)
• Deferred designation of Tourism Nicola Valley as Destination Marketing Organisation, directed staff to develop 5-year plan (carried, 1 against, 1 absent)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council is holding a regular meeting with several land-use items, including a public hearing on a zoning amendment for the former railway corridor, first and second readings for zoning and OCP amendments at three properties, and a proposed increase in funding for the Merritt Curling Club roof project. Council will also consider appointing the CAO as Municipal Approving Officer and deferring the Cemetery Expansion Phase 2 project to the 2023 budget.

• Public hearing on Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2338, 2022 (Former Railway Corridor)
• Increase Merritt Curling Club roof commitment from $40,000 to $80,000, funded from Canada Community-Building Fund
• First and second readings for OCP Amendment Bylaw 2339 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2340 (Middlesboro)
• First and second readings for Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2341, 2022 (2776 Voght Street)
• First and second readings for OCP Amendment Bylaw 2342 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2343 (1761 Bann Street)

Council approved increasing the maximum commitment for the Merritt Curling Club roof project from $40,000 to $80,000, with additional funds from the Canada Community-Building Fund. Council also gave first and second readings to several zoning and OCP amendment bylaws, and directed staff to schedule public hearings. A snow clearing program for winter 2022/23 was continued with $7,000 in additional funding from council contingency.

• Increased Merritt Curling Club roof project commitment from $40,000 to $80,000 (carried)
• Gave first and second readings to OCP Amendment Bylaw 2339 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2340 (Middlesboro) (carried)
• Gave first and second readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2341 (2776 Voght Street) (carried)
• Gave first and second readings to OCP Amendment Bylaw 2342 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2343 (1761 Bann Street) (carried)
• Continued snow clearing program for 2022/23 with $7,000 additional funding from council contingency (carried)
• Appointed Sean Smith as Municipal Approving Officer (carried)
• Directed staff to re-budget Cemetery Expansion Phase 2 for 2023 budget consideration (carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council is meeting to consider several land-use bylaws, including third reading and adoption of the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2336, first readings for OCP and zoning amendments for the Middlesboro area and the former railway corridor, and a temporary borrowing bylaw for water and sewer services to Gateway 286. Council will also hear presentations from the Merritt Curling Club and the Merritt and Nicola Valley Destination Marketing Association, and decide on approving murals at several locations. The meeting includes a late item for mural approvals and information items on flood recovery housing updates and other topics.

• Third reading and adoption of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2336, 2022
• First and second readings of OCP Amendment Bylaw 2339 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2340 (Middlesboro)
• First and second readings of Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2338 (Former Railway Corridor)
• First, second, and third readings of Water and Sanitary Sewer Services to Gateway 286 Temporary Borrowing Bylaw No. 2241
• Approval of murals at Rotary Park, Lions Park, Breathe Bikes (1960 Quilchena Ave), Sinfully Sugar'd (1922 Voght St), and Interior Savings Credit Union (1959 Voght St)

Council gave third reading and adopted the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2336, 2022, after confirming all First Nations were contacted. Council also advanced several other bylaws, including OCP and zoning amendments for Middlesboro and the former railway corridor, and approved a temporary borrowing bylaw for water and sewer services to Gateway 286. Additionally, Council approved mural placements at multiple locations, with one against vote for each motion and one conflict declared for the Breathe Bikes mural.

• Adopted Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2336, 2022 (carried)
• Gave first and second reading to OCP Amendment Bylaw 2339 (Middlesboro) (carried)
• Gave first and second reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2340 (Middlesboro) (carried)
• Directed staff to schedule a public hearing for Middlesboro amendments (carried)
• Gave first and second reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2338 (Former Railway Corridor) (carried)
• Directed staff to schedule a public hearing for railway corridor rezoning (carried)
• Gave first, second, and third reading to Water and Sanitary Sewer Services to Gateway 286 Temporary Borrowing Bylaw 2241 (carried)
• Approved murals at 5 locations (1 against) and at Breathe Bikes (1 against, 1 conflict)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss disaster mitigation and adaptation planning, introduced by Mr. Solecki and the Recovery Operations Centre. No decisions are listed on the agenda; the item is for discussion only.

• Discussion on Disaster Mitigation Adaptation Planning led by Mr. Solecki and the Recovery Operations Centre

The Committee of the Whole received a presentation from Associated Engineering on flood mitigation planning following the November 15, 2021 flood. The Disaster Mitigation Adaptation Fund application process has been postponed, and other funding sources are being sought. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational only.

• Received presentation on flood mitigation options and DMAF application status

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2336, 2022, then consider giving it third reading and adoption. They will also consider adopting an election amendment bylaw, a new economic development strategy, and a fire mutual aid agreement with Logan Lake.

• Public hearing and third reading/adoption of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2336, 2022
• Adoption of Election Amendment Bylaw No. 2337, 2022
• Adoption of Economic Development Strategy 2022–2031
• Fire mutual aid agreement with District of Logan Lake for five years
• Investigation of pedestrian crosswalk lights at Nicola Ave & Cleasby St and Nicola Ave & Blair St

Council deferred third reading of the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2336 to July 19, 2022, with one councillor opposed. They adopted the Election Amendment Bylaw No. 2337, the Economic Development Strategy 2022-2031, and a five-year fire mutual aid agreement with Logan Lake. Council also directed staff to investigate pedestrian crosswalk lights at two intersections.

• Deferred OCP Bylaw No. 2336 third reading to July 19, 2022 (carried, 1 against)
• Adopted Election Amendment Bylaw No. 2337, 2022
• Adopted Economic Development Strategy 2022-2031
• Authorized five-year fire mutual aid agreement with District of Logan Lake
• Authorized Mayor and CAO to sign mutual aid agreement
• Directed staff to investigate pedestrian crosswalk lights at Nicola Ave & Cleasby St and Nicola Ave & Blair St

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council will consider final adoption of an Official Community Plan amendment and zoning amendment for 2320 Hamilton Hill Rd, introduce an election amendments bylaw, and decide on a revitalization tax exemption application for a 75-unit apartment building at 4010 Walters Street. The meeting also includes adoption of minutes from May 24, 2022, and information items on UBCM ministerial meetings and a resolution from District of Barriere.

• Final adoption of OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 2310, 2021 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2311, 2021 for 2320 Hamilton Hill Rd
• First, second, and third reading of Election Amendments Bylaw No. 2337, 2022
• Revitalization Tax Exemption application for 75-unit apartment building at 4010 Walters Street
• Adoption of Regular Council Meeting Minutes from May 24, 2022
• Information item: UBCM Ministerial meetings 2022 and District of Barriere resolution on BC Ambulance

Council gave final adoption to Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2310 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2311 for 2320 Hamilton Hill Rd, supporting a development aimed at boosting the local economy and attracting travelers. Council also approved a revitalization tax exemption for a 75-unit apartment building at 4010 Walters Street, subject to an occupancy permit, and passed an election amendments bylaw. A motion to support a resolution from the District of Barriere regarding ambulance services was carried.

• Adopted OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 2310, 2021 (carried)
• Adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2311, 2021 (carried)
• Gave first, second, and third reading to Election Amendments Bylaw 2337, 2022 (all carried)
• Awarded General Revitalization Area Revitalization Tax Exemption Certificate for 4010 Walters Street, subject to occupancy permit (carried)
• Adopted resolution from District of Barriere and instructed staff to write letters regarding ambulance services (carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review an update regarding a draft economic development strategy. Ms. Moore is scheduled to introduce this item.

• Draft Economic Development Strategy Update

Special Closed Meeting of Council

This is a special closed meeting of Merritt City Council. The agenda is procedural: council will first vote to waive the 24-hour notice requirement, then vote to close the meeting to the public under Section 90(1)(c) of the Community Charter for labour relations or other employee relations matters. The specific item under that section is not identified in the agenda.

• Vote to waive 24-hour notice under Procedure Bylaw s10(c) and (d)
• Vote to close meeting to public under Community Charter Section 90(1)(c) for labour relations or employee relations

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council is meeting to adopt several bylaws, including the Parks Regulations Amendment Bylaw and the Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment Bylaws for the Gateway 286 development. Council will also give first and second reading to a new Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2336, hear an appeal regarding a revitalization tax exemption application for 4010 Walters Street, and consider approving the 2021 Statement of Financial Information and a $5,000 grant to the Nicola Valley Kennel Club.

• Adoption of Parks Regulations Amendment Bylaw No. 2334, 2022
• Final adoption of OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 2327 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2328 (Gateway 286)
• First and second reading of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2336, 2022
• Appeal on Revitalization Tax Exemption application for 4010 Walters Street
• Approval of $5,000 Grant in Aid to Nicola Valley Kennel Club

Council adopted Parks Regulations Amendment Bylaw No. 2334, 2022, and gave final adoption to Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2327 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2328 (Gateway 286). It also gave first and second reading to the new Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2336, 2022, and directed staff to schedule a public hearing. Council accepted a revitalization tax exemption application for 4010 Walters Street, approved the 2021 Statement of Financial Information, and approved a $5,000 grant to the Nicola Valley Kennel Club.

• Adopted Parks Regulations Amendment Bylaw No. 2334, 2022 (against: White)
• Adopted Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2327, 2021
• Adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2328, 2021
• Gave first and second reading to Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2336, 2022
• Directed staff to schedule a public hearing for OCP Bylaw No. 2336
• Accepted Revitalization Tax Exemption application for 4010 Walters Street (against: Fehr)
• Approved Statement of Financial Information for 2021
• Approved $5,000 Grant in Aid to Nicola Valley Kennel Club

Merritt Special Council Meeting

This is a special council meeting with a short agenda. The main substantive item is a recommendation to close the meeting to the press and public to discuss municipal objectives and annual report preparations under section 90(1)(l) of the Community Charter. No other decisions or discussions are listed on the public agenda.

• Closed session under section 90(1)(l) for discussions with municipal officers on annual report
• Public input period of 10 minutes
• Adoption of minutes (date not specified)

Merritt Special Council Meeting

This is a special council meeting focused on adopting two bylaws: the 2022-2026 Five Year Financial Plan (Bylaw 2332) and the 2022 Annual Property Taxes (Bylaw 2333), both of which received three readings on May 10, 2022. Council will also hear a presentation from auditor Mario Piroddi of BDO on the City's audited financial statements and consider adopting them. Public input is scheduled for 10 minutes.

• Adoption of Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2332, 2022 (2022-2026)
• Adoption of Annual Property Taxes Bylaw No. 2333, 2022
• Auditor's presentation by Mario Piroddi (BDO) on audited financial statements
• Public input period (10 minutes)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council adopted the April 19, 2022 minutes and gave three readings to the 2022-2026 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2332 and the 2022 Annual Property Taxes Bylaw No. 2333, as well as to the Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw 2335. Council also gave three readings to the Parks Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 2334, with Councillor White opposed. The Mayor and Corporate Officer were authorized to sign the 2022-23 BC Transit operating agreement.

• Adopted April 19, 2022 minutes (2022RC-09-01)
• Gave first, second, and third reading to Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw 2335 (2022RC-09-02 to 04)
• Gave first, second, and third reading to 2022-2026 Financial Plan Bylaw 2332 (2022RC-09-05 to 07)
• Gave first, second, and third reading to 2022 Property Taxes Bylaw 2333 (2022RC-09-08 to 10)
• Gave first, second, and third reading to Parks Regulation Amendment Bylaw 2334 (2022RC-09-11 to 13, against: White)
• Authorized signing of 2022-23 BC Transit operating agreement (2022RC-09-14)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to adopt minutes from April 25 and to review and discuss the draft 2022-2026 Financial Plan Bylaw, introduced by Mr. Anderson. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Adoption of April 25, 2022 Committee of the Whole minutes
• Review and discussion of Draft 2022-2026 Financial Plan Bylaw

The Committee of the Whole adopted the minutes from the April 25, 2022 meeting. The only substantive item was a review and discussion of the 2022-2026 financial plan, which was accepted for information. No other decisions were made.

• Adopted April 25, 2022 Committee of the Whole minutes (carried)
• Accepted 2022-2026 financial plan for information (carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole met to discuss the 2022 draft budget, with Director Anderson answering questions from Council on proposed income and expenditure. Public input was advertised and welcomed, with any submissions to be presented to Council. No formal decisions were made; the only action was adopting the previous meeting's minutes.

• Adopted Committee of the Whole minutes from April 21, 2022

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss the draft Official Community Plan (OCP), with a presentation and discussion led by Mr. McArthur. The agenda also includes adoption of the March 29, 2022 minutes. No other substantive items are listed.

• Draft Official Community Plan presentation and discussion
• Draft OCP Schedules (April 19, 2022)
• Draft OCP Sections 1-11 (April 19, 2022)
• Draft OCP Section 12 DPAs (April 19, 2022)
• Adoption of Committee of the Whole minutes from March 29, 2022

The Committee of the Whole met and adopted the minutes from March 29, 2022. The main item was a discussion of the draft Official Community Plan, led by Planning Manager Mr. McArthur, with no formal decisions made. The meeting was procedural and informational only.

• Adopted Committee of the Whole minutes from March 29, 2022

Airport Advisory Committee

This agenda for the Merritt Airport Advisory Committee meeting on 2022-04-21 contains only procedural boilerplate and no substantive items. The document lists no specific decisions, discussions, or action items for the committee to consider.

Emergency Executive Committee

The Emergency Executive Committee is meeting to discuss emergency preparedness items, including a proposed emergency measures bylaw, freshet (spring flood) preparations, 2022 training, the community emergency plan, and an update on the Emergency Support Services (ESS) program. Most items are listed without detail; the bylaw is attached as a PDF.

• Review of Emergency Measures Bylaw 1725
• Freshet preparations discussion
• 2022 training plans
• Community emergency plan update
• ESS program verbal update

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council is considering several bylaw adoptions regarding water services and zoning. They are also reviewing a grant request for the Merritt Curling Club and a funding application for Voght Street Phase 2.

• Adoption of Gateway 286 Water and Sanitary Sewer Services Bylaw 2312 and Loan Authorization Bylaw 2307
• Final adoption of Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 2330 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2329
• Proposed $7,500 grant for the Merritt Curling Club from Council Contingency
• Voght Street Phase 2 project application with a $3.7 million city cost share
• Creation of a three-member Remuneration Select Committee

Council adopted several bylaws, including water/sewer servicing and loan authorization for Gateway 286, and final adoption of Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment Bylaws. They also approved a $7,500 grant for the Merritt Curling Club, directed staff to apply for a Strategic Priorities Fund for Voght Street Phase 2, and created a remuneration committee.

• Adopted Water and Sanitary Sewer Services to Gateway 286 Local Area Service Bylaw 2312 (carried)
• Adopted Loan Authorization Bylaw 2307 (carried)
• Adopted Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 2330 (carried)
• Adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2329 (carried)
• Adopted Officer Designation & Delegation of Authority Amendment Bylaw 2331 (carried)
• Approved $7,500 Grant in Aid for Merritt Curling Club from Council Contingency (carried)
• Directed staff to submit application for Voght St. Phase 2 to Strategic Priorities Fund (carried)
• Committed to $3.7 million City share for Voght St. Phase 2 over 2023-2024 budgets (carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council's regular meeting includes a public hearing and third reading for Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 2330 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2329, which propose multiple amendments. Council will also consider first three readings of Bylaw 2331 amending officer designation and delegation of authority, adopt a new Health and Wellness Policy, and make emergency committee and coordinator appointments.

• Public hearing and third reading for OCP Amendment Bylaw 2330 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2329
• First, second, and third reading of Officer Designation and Delegation of Authority Bylaw 2331
• Adoption of Health and Wellness Policy 3-13 and rescinding Fire Rescue and Auxiliary RCMP Wellness Policy 6-01
• Appointment of Councillors Etchart and Christopherson to Emergency Executive Committee
• Appointment of Krista Minar as Emergency Program Coordinator

Council gave third reading to Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 2330 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2329, after amending the Temporary Use Permit (TUP) regime to allow permits for up to 18 months with one possible renewal of up to 18 months. A motion to investigate increased enforcement of unsightly properties was defeated. Council adopted the Health and Wellness Policy 3-13, rescinding Fire Rescue and Auxiliary RCMP Wellness Policy 6-01, and appointed councillors to the Emergency Executive Committee and an Emergency Program Coordinator.

• Third reading of OCP Amendment Bylaw 2330 carried
• Third reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2329 carried, then rescinded and re-read as amended
• Zoning Bylaw 2329 amended to allow TUPs for up to 18 months, extendable once for 18 more months
• Motion to investigate increased unsightly property enforcement defeated (4 against)
• Health and Wellness Policy 3-13 adopted (1 against)
• Fire Rescue and Auxiliary RCMP Wellness Policy 6-01 rescinded
• Councillors Etchart and Christopherson appointed to Emergency Executive Committee
• Krista Minar appointed as Emergency Program Coordinator

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council gave first and second readings to Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 2330 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2329, and directed staff to schedule a public hearing. Council also adopted a revised Strategic Focus Areas document and amended the Conference Attendance Policy to allow the Mayor and up to two Councillors to attend the FCM Conference. A notice of motion from Councillor Luck was postponed to the April 5th meeting.

• Adopted minutes of March 8, 2022 meeting (carried)
• Amended Conference Attendance Policy to allow Mayor and up to two Councillors to attend FCM Conference (carried)
• Adopted revised Strategic Focus Areas document (carried)
• Gave first reading to OCP Amendment Bylaw 2330 (carried)
• Gave second reading to OCP Amendment Bylaw 2330 (carried)
• Gave first reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2329 (carried)
• Gave second reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2329 (carried)
• Directed staff to schedule a public hearing for the bylaws (carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to adopt the minutes from March 3, 2022, and to discuss an update to the city's Strategic Focus Areas. Council will consider directing staff to revise the document based on feedback from this meeting. The agenda contains no other substantive items.

• Adoption of Committee of the Whole minutes from March 3, 2022
• Strategic Focus Areas Update with attached documents (Schedule A, Strategic Plan Worksheet)
• Recommendation to direct staff to update Strategic Focus Areas per Council feedback

The Committee of the Whole met on March 15, 2022, and adopted the minutes from March 3. Council reviewed the Strategic Focus Areas update, declined to add removed projects back, and directed staff to update the document based on feedback. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted Committee of the Whole minutes from March 3, 2022
• Directed staff to update Strategic Focus Areas document per Council feedback
• Declined to add removed projects back to the Strategic Focus Areas plan

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The Merritt City Council is meeting to consider several financial and operational items, including early approval of $1,127,007 in 2022 capital projects, approval of 2022 Grant in Aid applications, and the addition of four new staff positions. Council will also discuss a proposed performing arts centre addition, a Crown land tenure application, a dog park relocation, and a site masterplan for Claybanks RV Park.

• Early approval of $1,127,007 in 2022 capital projects ($1,092,007 from reserves, $35,000 from grants)
• Approval of 2022 Grant in Aid applications (categories A-D)
• Addition of four new staff positions (two temporary, two permanent) in 2022
• Direct staff to explore purchasing NVCTS property at 2102 Coutlee Ave and feasibility of Performing Arts Centre addition
• Direct staff to submit North Bench Crown Land Tenure application to the Province

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole met on March 3, 2022, and adopted the minutes from the February 3, 2022 meeting. Staff presented an update on upcoming Energy Step Code requirements and Building Code changes, but no decisions were made; the item was for discussion only.

• Adopted Committee of the Whole minutes from February 3, 2022 (carried, with Councillor Fehr absent)

Police Committee

The Police Committee is meeting to adopt minutes from September 2021, receive updates from RCMP Sgt. Josh Roda and CPO's Marlene Jones on policing from October 2021 to February 2022, and consider closing the meeting to the public under section 90(1)(d) of the Community Charter for property security matters.

• Adoption of Police Committee minutes from September 24, 2021
• RCMP and CPO update on policing in Merritt (Oct 2021–Feb 2022) by Sgt. Josh Roda and Marlene Jones
• Motion to close meeting to press and public under Community Charter s.90(1)(d)

Finance and Audit Committee

The Finance and Audit Committee is meeting to adopt previous minutes and discuss early approval of the 2022 capital budget and full-time equivalent positions. The item will be introduced by Mr. Anderson. No other substantive business is listed.

• Adoption of November 1, 2021 committee minutes
• Early approval of 2022 Capital and FTEs

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council approved staff proceeding with an RFP for a new condenser tower for the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, estimated at $175,000, funded through general fund reserves. They also directed staff to research ways to protect clay banks on the Coldwater River during the Middlesborough Bridge reconstruction. The minutes of the January 25, 2022 meeting were adopted with corrections.

• Approved RFP for arena condenser tower, $175,000 from reserves
• Directed staff to research clay bank protection during bridge project
• Adopted corrected minutes of January 25, 2022 meeting

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole met on February 3, 2022, and adopted the minutes from the November 8, 2021 meeting. Council also heard a presentation from the BC Economic Development Association about their work with FLNRORD and local businesses following the 2021 flooding. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted Committee of the Whole minutes from November 8, 2021 (carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council will hold a public hearing and consider third reading for Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2327 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2328 (Gateway 286). They will also decide on a utility billing credit for flood-affected residents in zone 4 and a one-year tourism services agreement with the Nicola Valley Heritage Society.

• Public hearing and third reading for OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 2327 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2328 (Gateway 286)
• Utility billing credit for flood-impacted residents in zone 4, estimated total cost $40,242.22
• One-year tourism and visitor information services agreement with Nicola Valley Heritage Society for $52,133.20
• Delegation on diking near Burgess Avenue
• Delegation on business licence fees during 2021 evacuation

Council gave third reading to Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2327 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2328 for the Gateway 286 project. A motion to apply a utility billing credit to all flood-impacted residents was defeated, but a narrower motion to credit only zone 4 residents was approved. Council also approved a one-year tourism services agreement with the Nicola Valley Heritage Society.

• Third reading of OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 2327 (carried)
• Third reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2328 (carried)
• Utility credit for all flood-impacted residents defeated (4 against)
• Utility credit for zone 4 residents approved (1 against)
• 2022 credits for zone 4 based on occupancy changes approved (1 against)
• One-year tourism services agreement with Nicola Valley Heritage Society for $52,133.20 approved

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

This is a regular meeting of Merritt City Council. The main business is addressing the council vacancy left by Mike Bhangu's resignation, including a possible 2022 byelection and reassigning the acting mayor rotation. The agenda is otherwise largely procedural, with adoption of minutes and no public hearing items.

• Potential 2022 byelection due to resignation of Mike Bhangu
• Revised Schedule of Acting Mayors, with Councillor Christopherson proposed for May and June
• Adoption of Special Council Meeting Minutes from December 7, 2021

Council voted not to hold a byelection for the seat vacated by Mike Bhangu's resignation, citing logistical challenges during the active emergency and quorum presence. They also adopted a revised schedule of acting mayors, reassigning the role to Councillor Christopherson for May and June.

• Not to hold a byelection for the seat vacated on December 13, 2021 (carried)
• Adopted revised Schedule of Acting Mayors (carried)