Council approved a new travel policy for Council and staff that takes effect Jan. 1, 2010.

A number of areas were updated: local events attended by council as a representative of council will now be reimbursed and tracked through the travel/local events account.

Per diems for staff and council will be increased to $90 due to increased meal costs.

Local meal costs incurred by staff in conducting city business are covered.

The hotel where a conference is held will always be given as an option to the traveller due to safety concerns.

The policy of capping mileage at the cost of a flight is eliminated.

Travellers are to use their judgement as to the most economical/effective use of transportation.

All of the above remain subject to the travel budgets set by council during the budget process.

Finances

Council received a report from the Director of Finance regarding the city’s financial position as of the end of September.

The city appears to be on track in 2009 towards meeting revenue and spending targets.

New tenant

Council approved the monthly rent of a portion of the City Hall basement to the Quesnel Kennel Club on a trial basis.

The club will rent approximately 1,200 square feet for $500 per month.

Maximizing the revenue opportunities and usage of space in City Hall has been a top priority for council for several years.

The Quesnel Kennel Club is a good fit for the space given

its unsuitability for most commercial ventures.

Kennel Club members will have their own access point to the building. Several noise tests were conducted.

No impact was had on the public library.

There will be no renovation costs to the city.

Other News

The city will dispose of a number of vehicles and surplus equipment.

Council approved the disposal of three pick-up trucks (various years and sizes), two one-person garbage trucks, an asphalt mini roller on a trailer, an Olathe sweeper tractor attachment and a 2004 New Holland loader.

The equipment will be sold by the City

in a sealed bid process.

Watch the City’s website and local media for more information about the bidding process.

A notice of bylaw contravention was removed from title of the property located at 672 Racing Road (Lot 1, District Lot 3947, Cariboo District Plan 28156).

The notice had been in place due to building permit expiration and building occupancy without an occupancy permit.

The outstanding conditions on the property have been met by the property owners.

Staff noted that if homeowners have notices on title on their properties, it is good planning to contact the city in an attempt to clear up any issues.

Notices on title can cause significant delays when owners try to renegotiate mortgages or sell their properties.

It is best to deal with these issues proactively.

The new Memorandum of Understanding with the Cariboo Regional District includes a different approach to invasive plant management within the municipal boundaries.

The new contractual agreement allows the CRD and the city to participate in invasive plant management activities.