Problem solving
City of Powell River staff will be looking into solutions for a number of complaints from residents that were brought forward at the April 3 committee-of-the-whole meeting.
John and Nia Wegner made a presentation about the proliferation of pigeons on Willow Avenue, which they believe is linked to a neighbour feeding them. They said at times there are over 200 pigeons around their home. They said they were forced to move from their home because of the health issues.
As well as approaching the city, the couple has approached Vancouver Coastal Health and the Conservation Officer Service, both of which said the issue was not their jurisdiction.
Council directed staff to review bylaws which may be able to be amended to address the issue.
The owner of Knight News on Marine Avenue, David Redlon, wrote a letter to council asking for more enforcement of the two five-minute parking spots in front of his store. He described the parking problems in this area of Marine and made a number of suggestions. Councillors referred the letter to staff.
Mark Merlino wrote asking that the city review its outdoor burning regulations. He recently purchased a patio heater and was surprised to learn he would not be allowed to use it except during April and November and he would have to purchase a $25 permit for burning yard waste. Council referred the correspondence to staff and directed they look at the bylaw.
Lastly, three residents in Cranberry wrote to council asking that the city block off the top of Ortona Avenue where it meets Cranberry Street in order to deter speeders who use Ortona as a shortcut to get ahead of other vehicles.
Councillors referred the letter to staff.
Plan review
City of Powell River officials are laying the groundwork to review the OCP (official community plan), which was adopted in 2005 and was due for a review in 2010. Based on a recommendation from Carlos Felip, manager of development services, council has agreed to link the OCP review with the development of a sustainability plan, which would include air quality, greenhouse gas reduction and energy conservation policies and directions. The sustainability plan would either be integrated with the OCP or would complement it.
At the March 15 council meeting, councillors passed a motion directing staff to prepare a request for proposals to develop a review and update of the OCP and to develop a sustainability plan.
As well, council passed another motion that approved using about $35,700 from the community works fund reserve for development services clerical support to the end of 2012 to assist in the administration of the OCP review and update. In a report to council, Felip pointed out the development of the projects would “significantly tax the development services team.”
Felip also estimated the total cost of the project would be around $165,000. The project falls under the eligible project categories for community works funds.
