A brief and informal summary of the latest decisions made by Penticton City Council.
Council sets out priorities
Noting they have heard the concerns of the public, City Council has laid out the four priorities that will guide future decisions.
They are:
- Safe and Resilient
- Livable and Accessible
- Vibrant and Connected
- Organizational Excellence
The 2023 – 2026 Council Priorities are intended to support Council’s decision making for future initiatives and projects and provides guidance to City staff, our partners, and our community. For more, visit www.penticton.ca/council-priorities
Next step is public feedback for 2023 Budget
The proposed 2023 budget overview was presented to Council and now the public will have a chance to provide feedback before budget deliberations. As proposed, the budget includes an increase of 3.4 percent to meet operational expectations, inflationary pressures and contractual obligations, as well as a proposed 3.0 percent increase to meet the strategic priorities of Council and enhance operations.
This budget also contains the first year of the tax deferral made by the previous Council that is being phased in at 3.3 percent per year over the next three years. This deferral allowed for an investment in community safety in the last budget. Combined, Council will consider a tax rate increase in the range of 6.7 to 9.7 percent.
For more on the 2023 – 2027 Finance and Corporate Business plan, go to www.penticton.ca/2023-budget
Planning for Community Safety Building
In an update to Council on the Civic Spaces and Plan, Anthony Haddad noted work continues on the Community Safety Building as the top priority.
Haddad, the general manager of community services, said in his report that staff have engaged an architect and are in the early phase of the design process. He expects over the coming weeks a report from the designers on the space needs and requirements of user groups which will be used to begin the process of identifying potential sites.
Committees established, members now to be sought
The establishment of four committees – two advisory and two taskforces – along with the terms of references for each was approved by council.
The Agriculture Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will serve for the duration of council’s term. The two taskforces – Housing and Accessibility – will be given timelines to complete their work.
Following the approval of the term of references for the committees, the call for volunteer members can go out. Applications will be available on the City of Penticton website and will be able to be submitted to committees@penticton.ca or dropped off to City Hall on or before March 24, 2023.
Protecting our assets
As the City of Penticton prepares to begin its utility rate review, the general manager of infrastructure provided an update on the Asset Management Investment Plan to Council.
Kristen Dixon notes the City’s assets are valued at $1.4 billion and the average yearly cost to maintain the infrastructure is around $30 million.
These amounts will be used to forecast user rates to ensure that the replacement cost of the assets is being incorporated into the rates and that funds are appropriately transferred to capital reserves for future infrastructure projects.
Lights, sign, action
Council gave development variance permits for new digital signs at two local malls.
The signs will be located at 2735 Skaha Lake Road and 2210 Main Street.
Changes to liquor consumption in public places official
Council unanimously adopted a bylaw that allows liquor consumption in select parks and beaches along the Okanagan and Skaha lakefronts.
The program will allow consumption from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. year-round.
These highlights are intended to provide a brief summary of recent Council proceedings. The summary is not inclusive of all agenda items. For a detailed account of the full agenda, including staff reports, other supporting documents and official meeting minutes, please consult the City’s website (www.penticton.ca/council) or call the City’s Communication Department at 250-490-2400.