District of Summerland
FINANCE COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
Monday, October 1st, 2012 - 1:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Municipal Hall, 13211 Henry Ave.
Summerland, BC
Page
1.
Call to Order
2.
Adoption of Minutes
2.1
Adoption of Minutes
Recommendation:
THAT the Finance Committee meeting minutes dated July 23rd, 2012 be
adopted.
3.
Adoption of Agenda
4.
Communications from Council
5.
New Business
5.1
Permissive Tax Exemptions - Review
5.2
Summerland Bluegrass Group
Parks and Recreation Fee Increase - Request for Reduced Costs
6.
Unfinished Business
6.1
Provincial Business Tax Rate Report 2012
Committee discussion7.
Next Meeting Date & Agenda
8.
Resolution to Close Meeting to the Public
3-5
8.
Resolution to Close Meeting to the Public
8.1
Resolution to Close Meeting to the Public
Recommendation:
THAT this meeting now return to a Regular meeting and be closed to the
public pursuant to Section 90(1)(e) of the Community Charter for
committee members to discuss the disposition of land and/or
improvements.
Finance Committee July 23, 2012
A meeting of the Finance Committee of the District of Summerland was held in Council Chambers, 13211 Henry Ave, Summerland, B.C. on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Finance Committee members in attendance were: Chairman B. Hallquist, R. Hacking, D. Knorr, K. Marshall, O. Robson and M. Syrnyk.
Member absent: None.
Staff members in attendance were: Acting CAO/Director of Finance K. Ostraat and Corporate Officer M. Fugeta.
(* denotes partial attendance)
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Bruce Hallquist called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m.
2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Moved by K. Marshall, Seconded by M. Syrnyk,
THAT the Finance Committee meeting minutes dated July 3rd, 2012 be adopted. Carried.
3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
By consensus, members adopted the Agenda.
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4.1 Hotel Room Tax Bylaw
The Acting CAO/Director of Finance provided members with a ‘draft’ Additional Hotel Room Tax Bylaw and a copy of the Ministry of Finance – Municipal and Regional District Tax Information regulations for Municipalities, for their review and consideration.
Members discussed preparing a list of all establishments that would fall under the umbrella of this bylaw (eg bed and breakfasts; motels, hotels), generation of revenue for the District and having an open house and consultation process with the motel/hotel owners. Members also discussed forming a committee to determine how the funds should be spent in the community.
The Acting CAO/Director of Finance advised that he would establish a list of all rental accommodation places and will then meet with the Manager of SCEDT to discuss holding a joint meeting and inviting the owners of all rental accommodation places in Summerland, for their input.
4.2 Business Tax Rate Comparisons with Provincial List
The Acting CAO/Director of Finance stated that he has not received the Provincial Business Tax Rate report for 2012 as yet. The Chairman advised that this matter will be deferred to the next Finance Committee meeting.
4.3 2013 Budget Process
The Acting CAO/Director of Finance discussed the process for the upcoming 2013 Budget process. He advised that department heads are to provide him with their anticipated budget by the end of September.
Members discussed the following: 0 based budget
Unexpected infrastructure costs (eg water breaks) Cemetery internments
Providing guidelines to Management staff; goal of achieving a 5% reduction Reduction in services
Managers to meet together to potentially accomplish more by being efficient
4.4 Long Range Capital Plan Committee discussion
The Acting CAO/Director of Finance advised that the Public Works department is currently putting a report together on their Long Range Capital Plan and will be reporting to the Finance Committee in due course. He added this presentation may coincide with the 2013 budget process.
4.5 Summerland Power Electric Distribution Utility Discussion re Ownership
The Acting CAO/Director of Finance referred members to his previous memo which was discussed at the last meeting, outlining the benefits that the Municipality and the residents derive from owning the electric distribution utility. He further added that the City of Kelowna currently leases their electric utility with Fortis and currently going through continued discussions with Fortis, possibly about selling their electric utility. He stated that he will be calling the Electrical Manager in Kelowna and will find out more information.
5. NEW BUSINESS
5.1 2012 Tax Collection Report
The Acting CAO/Director of Finance advised that the 2012 tax collection went very smoothly, adding that there was about 93% to 95% of property taxes collected. He added there is approximately $90,000.00 in taxes that were not paid by the July 5th
Finance Committee July 23, 2012
deadline, which is not unusual. Penalties will amount to approximately $90,000.00. He further stated that because property tax assessments had not changed dramatically from last year, most people were reasonably satisfied with what they were paying.
Members discussed interim billing and pre-authorized monthly payments.
5.2 Water Rates
Discussion/Information
The Acting CAO/Director of Finance and members discussed the proposed ‘mock’ billings, water allocation per lot size, water consumption and pricing.
The Chairman of the committee requested that the recording secretary provide a copy of the Agua Consulting Inc. report which provides detailed and technical information in developing a fair metered water rate for the various customer classes.
6. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC
Moved by O. Robson, Seconded by K. Marshall,
THAT this meeting now return to a Regular meeting and be closed to the public pursuant to Section 90(1)(c) and (e) of the Community Charter for committee members to deal with labour relations and the disposition of land and/or improvements.
Carried.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.
Certified Correct:
Chairman Corporate Officer
