A complete revitalization of the 200 and 300 blocks of St. Laurent Avenue under the Quesnel Works: Capital Reinvestment Program will require a second look by staff before it proceeds.
The project, originally estimated to cost $890,000, would see complete repaving, new curb, gutter and sidewalk, drainage improvements and a new storm sewer system.
The low bidder on the job was Jacob Brothers Construction Ltd. for $1,098,371. This total includes all taxes, plus two additional items: paving stones along the length of the project’s sidewalks; and enhanced electrical systems to support additional holiday season decorations. Council tabled a motion to proceed and requested that staff identify potential savings and report back for further consideration.
Truck parking
Truckers in Quesnel could soon have access to several downtown parking spots, allowing them to stop for up to two hours for business reasons or breaks during their working day.
Council approved dedicating six new spots. One, on the west side of the 300 block of Kinchant Street, will be put in place soon.
The other five require approval from the Ministry of Transportation. They are: the south side of the 200 block of Carson Avenue; the parking lot on Front Street directly south of the Water Wheel (two spots); and two spots on Front Street under the Moffat Bridge, one northbound, one southbound.
Council also approved making Milburn Avenue between Hartley Street and Milborn Lane a no-parking zone.
The decisions come on the heels of a request from local truckers to implement truck parking, supporting a vital component of the local economy.
They also address safety concerns raised by several West Quesnel residents.
Finances presented
Council received the annual Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) report, a requirement of the Community Charter.
The report lists items such as council pay, expenses and contracts. Council’s SOFI expenses in 2010 were $25,313, down from $31,179 in 2009.
All city employees earning more than $75,000 are also included in the report, as is a list of suppliers who received more than $25,000 for goods and services.
Quesnel Transit on TAP
City council approved entering a Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) with the United Way that will see the city provide 150 free transit tickets per month to individuals for emergency or critical situations that require transit use.
The United Way will distribute the tickets to appropriate local service agencies, who will then provide them to their clients.
The tickets provide a way to access appointments dealing with needs such as employment services, medical aid, counselling or safe housing. The TAP will run for a one-year trial period.
Council also received a report outlining the net cost to the city of its contract with BC Transit (versus forecasts in brackets). In 2008-09, the net cost was $140,151 ($111,412).
In 2009-2010 the cost was $182,492 ($203,528) while in 2010-2011 the cost was $185,247 ($248,810). The 2011-2012 forecast is $251,571.
Other news
• Council received a report regarding funding received through the Small Communities Grant (SCG) and Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Grant (TFRSG) programs. The city received $112,015 from the SCG, using it to fund Quesnel Works: Capital Reinvestment Program projects. The city received $85,120 from the TFRSG, used to help offset local policing costs.
• Council approved the city entering a new, long-term licence of occupation with the Quesnel and District Heritage Association for the Antique Machinery Park.
The Association requested a longer-term agreement to provide a stable sense of commitment while allowing greater opportunity for grant applications.