Council Briefs August 29 2012

City of Powell River council passed a motion to consult with residents affected by a proposed new bistro in Townsite.

The business, located at 6275 Marine Avenue, has applied for a food primary liquor licence with lounge and entertainment and late hour liquor service to 1 am.

City staff will undertake the public consultation process, which includes a mailout to landowners and occupants of properties within 60 metres of the proposed business to gather community views.

The proponents, who cover all costs associated with issuing public notice, are proposing a 65-seat indoor, licensed restaurant facility, with a separate internal area for a lounge, as well as a 34-seat outdoor patio area.

Council rescinded a motion it passed in March to approve the construction of a second washroom in the upper field at Sunset Park, because funding sources were not identified. It passed a new motion to approve the proposal from the Sports Field User Groups to construct the second washroom at a cost not to exceed $26,000, including hydro connection to the building. Of the total, $9,000 for the sewer service connection will be added to the 2012 sewer capital budget, $2,000 for water service connection will be added to the 2012 water capital budget and the remaining $15,000 will be funded from the sports field user fee reserve account.

Council issued a development permit for 4548 Marine Avenue to allow façade improvements to the building and to vary the zoning bylaw by waiving parking requirements from 11 spaces to two.

Council received a letter from a Marine restaurant owner opposing the permit because of limited parking on the street. Councillor Debbie Dee pointed out that the city’s planner was undertaking a review of parking on Marine and more spaces may become available in the future.

Council authorized increasing the budget for the occupational health and safety program risk assessment and safe work procedures project budget from $12,000 to $19,000. The additional funding will come from the 2011-2012 WorkSafeBC premium refund.

Council passed a motion to amend its service agreement with Tourism Powell River to authorize the agency to administer the recommendations in the Powell River Sports and Recreation Tourism Strategy report and the Powell River Arts and Culture Initiative report. The city will transfer $20,000 to Tourism Powell River to cover administration costs.