Kevin Natkinniemi

Council held a meeting to review and discuss the 2026-2030 Financial Plan, focusing on departmental projects, priorities, and budgetary considerations. Key topics included cost-reduction strategies for the Fire Department, including the acquisition of a new fire engine, adjustments to Corporate Services budget allocations, and a defeated motion to remove Victim Services funding from the RCMP operating budget. Furthermore, discussions covered Community Services cost recovery, strategies to maintain a low tax rate, investments in city reserves, staff recognition programs, Infrastructure Department project planning, and the financial implications of water and sewer parcel tax increases and PST impacts. Council ultimately directed staff to prepare the necessary bylaws based on these discussions.

The council discussed the Sister City Program, approved several 2026 grant-in-aid applications, and advanced the Fire Rescue Department Establishment and Operations Amendment Bylaw through its first three readings. New business included directing staff to hold a public hearing for a cannabis retail store application, reviewing feedback from a budget open house, scheduling a special budget review meeting, and authorizing year-end reserve contributions. Additionally, council approved councillor attendance at the BC Economic Summit, adopted a single egress stairway policy, established a procedure for addressing shopping carts, and declined to rescind the city hall Christmas closure policy. The council also addressed letters of support for local festivals and rodeos before moving into a closed session regarding land acquisition.

The council meeting addressed various business items, including a presentation on inclusive housing and the review of the draft 2026-2030 financial plan covering water, sewer, and administrative budgets. The council adopted amendments to official community and zoning plans, discussed the draft 2026-2027 housing budget, approved capital renovations for city hall, and received reports on women in action initiatives, flood mitigation, and facility updates. Several notices of motion were introduced, including proposals regarding city hall closure policies, abandoned shopping carts, and a moratorium on capital expenses. Additionally, council members provided updates on their attendance at various community events, and a closed session was held to discuss labor relations, land acquisition, and confidential government negotiations.

The council adopted amendments to the Water and Sanitary Sewer Services and Building bylaws. The council also approved an Unimproved Road Allowance Policy and authorized a two-year digital sign agreement with the Merritt and Nicola Valley Destination Marketing Society. Additionally, the council approved travel for two councillors to attend the 2026 Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference, resolved to forward 2026 SILGA resolutions, and agreed to sponsor two Centennial's Awards. Mayor Goetz introduced a notice of motion regarding the review of Waterworks and Fees and Charges bylaws.

The committee discussed the issue of wheelchair transport for emergency visits and recommended that staff report back on available options. Additionally, a presentation was provided on the Age and Accessibility Plan, covering public engagement feedback, strategic directions, and implementation. The meeting also included a review of the city's snow clearing procedures, specifically focusing on priority areas and methodology.