Question and Answer Period
One (1) submission was received for Question and Answer Period regarding the lighting at the Foster Martin Building.
The following questions were asked in person regarding:
- The 2022-2026 Financial Plan, in particular why funding and expenses in the line items have been changed throughout the process. Further concerns were noted regarding funds for the Tour de White Rock for 2022.
- The City’s Bright Walk in White Rock and whether City staff will consider meeting to discuss the future of this event with the White Rock Lights Society.
Staff’s answer to these questions will be posted on the City website, under the Questions and Answers page.
Delegation
Members from the White Rock Pickleball Association attended to request that Council consider dedicating the North East court at Centennial Park as a court for pickleball use only. Council supported this request including the cost to re-paint the court with the lines required for Pickleball.
Presentations
The White Rock RCMP Staff Sargent provided a presentation on the quarterly report for the period of January to March 2022 with comparative data on the number and types of service calls from 2021 to 2022.
COVID-19 Update
The Fire Chief provided an On-Table update on the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022-2026 Financial Plan and Tax Rate Bylaws
Council discussed the White Rock Financial Plan (2022-2026) Bylaw, together with the Property Tax Rate Bylaw and Annual Utility Rate Bylaws. All bylaws received their first three (3) readings later in the meeting.
Review and discussion on the 2022-2026 Financial Plan began early in 2022 with a series of meetings highlighting operational and departmental budgets. Public feedback was encouraged through an online survey as well as a public input session at the April 4th Finance and Audit Committee meeting. The City is currently sitting at a 5.24% tax increase, or an overall increase of 4.37% if utilities are included.
Council will consider final adoption of these bylaws at a Special Council Meeting on Thursday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m.
Daytime Warming Shelter Debrief
Council received a debrief of the winter 2022 daytime warming shelter operation and budget considerations to provide extreme weather shelter services for November 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023.
Council endorsed to keep the balance on hand for operating the shelter through next year and to contact the City of Surrey to discuss cost sharing opportunities.
Status Update of Council’s 2021-2022 Top Priorities
An updated progress report was provided on Council’s top priorities.
Additional Motions:
The following additional motions were supported by Council:
- Direct the Housing Advisory Committee to focus on partnering with non-profit organizations and utilizing funding and grants as outlined at the White Rock Affordable Housing Partnership Workshop, held in April, 2022, in furtherance of affordable housing for seniors.
- Request staff to provide a report back to Council to consider additional play structures for 8–10-year-old children at the Emerson Park Playground.
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Council endorsed two (2) recommendations:
- Invite Blaine, Washington to enter into a Friendship City Agreement with White Rock.
- Invite both Blaine and LaConnor, Washington to future City events. LaConnor currently is White Rock’s Sister City.
Environmental Advisory Committee
Council endorsed three (3) recommendations:
- Council implement policies and practices that will phase out the City's use of equipment that use fossil fuels where there are effective non-fossil fueled alternatives pending a review of this by staff.
- Adopt bylaws to phase out single-use plastic items in the same, or a similar, way as is being done in other surrounding municipalities (such as the City of Surrey) pending review by staff.
- Review the number, placement and design of recycling bins in public places in White Rock, with the intent of increasing recycling in the City.
Bylaws Receiving Final Reading
The following Bylaws were given final reading:
- White Rock Election Procedure Bylaw No. 2426
- Mail Ballot Authorization and Procedure Bylaw No. 2427
- Automated Vote Counting System Authorization and Procedure Bylaw No. 2430
Upcoming Public Hearing – 15916 Russell Avenue
Council directed staff to schedule a Public Hearing for a Zoning Amendment Bylaw for 15916 Russell Avenue. This amendment would allow for a two-lot subdivision and the construction of two (2) single detached dwellings. The Public Hearing will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 6, 2022, with public participation by written submission, telephone and in-person.
Major Development Permit – 1485 Fir Street
Council issued a Major Development Permit for 1485 Fir Street, which will allow for the development of a six-storey, 80-unit rental building at the southwest corner of Fir Street and Russell Avenue.
Outstanding Canadians on the Peninsula Committee
Councillor Manning was appointed as the Council representative to serve on the Outstanding Canadians on the Peninsula Committee. This Committee is composed of at least one (1) community member, one (1) member of Council and one (1) representative from the White Rock Museum and Archives, and is established to evaluate submissions for the Outstanding Canadians on the Peninsula Award.
For more information, or to submit a nomination visit whiterockcity.ca/awards