REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA TOWN OF CRESTON TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020 COMMENCING AT 4:00 P.M. HELD IN ACCORDANCE WITH MINISTERIAL ORDER NO. M139
CALL TO ORDER
ADOPTION OF AGENDA (and late items, if appropriate)
ADOPTION OF MINUTES a) Regular Council Meeting Minutes – April 14, 2020 b) Regular Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes – April 21, 2020
DELEGATIONS - None
ITEMS OF BUSINESS a) Recommendations from the Regular Committee of the Whole meeting of April 21, 2020, for approval:
RECOMMENDATION NO. 1: THAT the request from the Horse Association of Central Kootenay, for a discretionary grant to assist with expenses related to hosting Youth Horse Camps in the West Kootenay area in June and September 2020, be declined.
RECOMMENDATION NO. 2: THAT the Columbia Basin Trust / Community Initiatives Program grant applications and 2020 grant awards, be deferred to the Special Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for May 26, 2020, for consideration.
RECOMMENDATION NO. 3: THAT the verbal report from the Chief Administrative Officer with regards to the status of the Emergency Operations Centre and the COVID-19 Pandemic, be received. b) Child Find British Columbia, regarding a proclamation for National Missing Children’s Month and Missing Children’s Day. c) The City of North Vancouver, regarding their request to the Province to include a Financial Hardship Program to the Provincial Property Tax Deferment Program. d) The Village of Hazelton, requesting support of their resolution to the Union of BC Municipalities 2020 Conference, with respect to the Community Gaming Grants Program. e) The Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers, regarding their request to the Province to modify cannabis retail regulations in response to COVID-19. f) Shaw Communications, regarding Shaw Communications community initiatives to support residents and businesses during COVID-19. g) Council Report from the Chief Administrative Officer, regarding a financial update on the 2020 Budget and implications of the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Regular Council Meeting Agenda – May 12, 2020 Page 2 h) Request for Decision from the Director of Community Services, regarding the Creston Valley Public Art Connection, 2020 sculpture placement. i) Request for Decision from the Director of Community Services, regarding Summit Peak Brewing Co. Lounge Endorsement Application to Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch. j) Request for Decision from the Chief Administrative Officer, regarding the option to defer the Municipal Property Tax Sale. k) Request for Decision from the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, requesting Council’s authorization to change the employee extended health benefits provider. l) Verbal report from the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Director, regarding the status of the EOC and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
BYLAWS a) Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1913, 2020 ( 1st and 2nd Readings) b) Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1913, 2020 (3rd Reading) c) Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1913, 2020 (Adoption)
NEW BUSINESS
REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES
- Council Member Verbal Reports - Staff Verbal Reports (first meeting of each month)
GIVING OF NOTICES:
- SPECIAL COTW – May 26, 2020 (CBT –CIP/AAP) - SPECIAL COUNCIL – May 26, 2020 (CBT- CIP/AAP) - COUNCIL – June 9, 2020
ACTING MAYORS SCHEDULE – 2020
January Cllr. Unruh February Cllr. Wilson March Cllr. DeBoon April Cllr. Tzakis May Cllr. Comer June Cllr. Elford July Cllr. Unruh August Cllr. Wilson September Cllr. DeBoon October Cllr. Tzakis November Cllr. Comer December Cllr. Elford
QUESTION PERIOD
RECESS AND MOVE TO CLOSED MEETING, pursuant to Sub-section 90(1) (c) labour relations, of the Community Charter.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING RESOLUTIONS FROM CLOSED MEETING ADJOURNMENT MINUTES OF A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING HELD VIRTUALLY VIA TELECONFERENCE IN THE TOWN OF CRESTON ON TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2020 AT 4:04 PM
PRESENT: Mayor Ron Toyota Councillor Jen Comer Councillor Arnold DeBoon Councillor Jim Elford Councillor Ellen Tzakis Councillor Karen Unruh Councillor Joanna Wilson
STAFF: Mike Moore, Chief Administrative Officer Steffan Klassen, Director of Finance & Corporate Services Ferd Schmidt, Director of Infrastructure Services Jared Riel, Fire Chief Bev Caldwell, Corporate Officer
MEDIA: Jensen Shields, Juice FM
GALLERY: This meeting was held via teleconference with all members of Council, Staff and the Media participating in that manner. No members of the public participated in this virtual meeting.
CALL TO ORDER: The Mayor called the Regular Council Meeting to order at 4:04 pm.
AGENDA Moved by Councillor DeBoon, seconded by Councillor Comer 113-20 THAT the Agenda for the Regular Council Meeting of April 14, 2020 be adopted as amended, with the addition of two items under New Business: a) Appointment of Leadership Bursary Review Committee; and, b) Correspondence from the Creston Ramada regarding the Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT). MOTION CARRIED
MINUTES 114-20 Moved by Councillor Elford, seconded by Councillor Wilson ►REGULAR COUNCIL THAT the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held March 10, 2020 MEETING be adopted. MOTION CARRIED
115-20 Moved by Councillor DeBoon, seconded by Councillor Comer ►SPECIAL REGULAR THAT the minutes of the Special Regular Committee of the Whole Meeting COTW MTG held March 10, 2020, be adopted. MOTION CARRIED
116-20 Moved by Councillor Unruh, seconded by Councillor Comer ►REGULAR COTW THAT the minutes of the Regular Committee of the Whole Meeting held MTG March 17, 2020, be adopted. MOTION CARRIED
DELEGATIONS - None
ITEMS OF BUSINESS 117-20 Moved by Councillor DeBoon, seconded by Councillor Wilson ►DEV. PERMIT 02/20 THAT Recommendation Nos. 1 and 2 from the Special Committee of the (1213 CANYON ST.) Whole meeting of March 10, 2020, be adopted as follows: RECOMMENDATION NO. 1: THAT the Council Direction Request from the Director of Community Services, regarding Development Permit 02/20 for 1213 Canyon Street, be received; AND FURTHER, THAT Council directs staff at the Regular Council Meeting of March 10, 2020, to issue Development Permit 02/20 to 1027991 B.C. LTD. INC (the owners) for the property legally described as Lot A, District Lot 891, Kootenay District, Plan 5432, PID: 013-918-125, and located at 1213 Canyon Street, to allow for renovation, façade improvements, and replacement of the northern portion of the existing commercial building.
Regular Council Meeting Minutes – April 14, 2020 Page 2
►DEV. PERMIT 03/20 RECOMMENDATION NO: 2 (1124 NW BLVD) THAT the Council Direction Request from the Director of Community Services, regarding Development Permit 03/20 for 1124 Northwest Boulevard, be received; AND FURTHER, THAT Council directs staff, at the Regular Council Meeting of March 10, 2020, to issue Development Permit 03/20 to George and Lori Longpre (the owners) for the property legally described as Lot 2, District Lot 892, Kootenay District, Plan 6178, PID: 014-158-019, and located at 1124 Northwest Blvd., to allow for an addition to the existing single family residence that would allow for two residential suites and a commercial space. MOTION CARRIED
118-20 Moved by Councillor Unruh, seconded by Councillor Comer ►TRAFFIC CALMING THAT Recommendation Nos. 1 to 7 from the Regular Committee of the (16TH AVE. N. & 20TH Whole meeting held March 17, 2020, be adopted as follows: AVE. S.) RECOMMENDATION NO. 1: THAT the Council Direction Request from the Director of Infrastructure Services, regarding traffic calming measures, be received; THAT staff is authorized to proceed with the proposed traffic calming measure design that includes the use of speed humps on 16th Avenue North; AND FURTHER, THAT staff is authorized to proceed with the proposed traffic calming measure design that includes the combination of speed hump, raised crosswalk and concrete curb extensions on 20th Avenue South.
►CHAMBER OF RECOMMENDATION NO. 2: COMMERCE THAT the Council Direction Request from the Community and Corporate MEMBERSHIP Services Research and Policy Coordinator, regarding membership with the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce, be received; AND FURTHER, THAT Council authorizes staff to purchase a Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce membership for the Town of Creston, for the year 2020, in the amount of $420.00.
►RECYCLING RECOMMENDATION NO. 3: COUNCIL OF BC THAT the invitation from the Recycling Council of British Columbia, to attend the 46th Annual Conference on Circular Economy, in Whistler, BC on June 10 to 12, 2020, be received.
►SAM STEELE DAYS RECOMMENDATION NO. 4: PARADE THAT the invitation from the Sam Steele Society, to participate in the Sam Steele Days Grand Parade in Cranbrook, BC on June 20th, 2020, be received.
►COVID-19 VERBAL RECOMMENTATION NO. 5: UPDATE THAT the verbal update by the Chief Administrative Officer, advising that the Town will not be accepting any open or closed bookings for Town park and public space facilities for the foreseeable future; and the Town’s communications to the public on actions being taken by the Town in ensuring the advice from the Provincial Government, Interior Health Authority and the Regional District of Central Kootenay with respect to the COVID-19 Pandemic are being followed, be received.
►COVID-19 POLICY RECOMMENDATION NO. 6: THAT the Council Direction Request from the Chief Administrative Officer, regarding a draft COVID-19 Policy for the Town of Creston, be received; THAT Council recognizes that with the changing events surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic, specific measures are required to ensure the safety of residents and staff; AND FURTHER, THAT Council adopts Policy No. GOV-001-60, Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19), a copy of which is attached to and forms a part of these minutes as Appendix ‘I’.
►COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION NO. 7: PROCEDURES BYLAW THAT the verbal report by the Chief Administrative Officer, regarding Council Procedures Bylaw No. 1875, 2018 with respect to Council members participating in Council and Committee meetings remotely, be received. MOTION CARRIED
119-20 Moved by Councillor DeBoon, seconded by Councillor Tzakis ►CITY OF PRINCE THAT correspondence from the City of Prince George, requesting support GEORGE RE OPIOID of its resolution to the Union of BC Municipalities 2020 Conference, with LAWSUIT respect to Sharing Payments from the Opioid Class Action Lawsuit, be received. MOTION CARRIED
Regular Council Meeting Minutes – April 14, 2020 Page 3
120-20 Moved by Councillor Unruh, seconded by Councillor Elford ►CFIB RE THAT correspondence from the Canadian Federation of Independent INDEPENDENT Business, requesting Council to provide financial concessions for local BUSINESS independent business owners in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, be received. MOTION CARRIED
121-20 Moved by Councillor Unruh, seconded by Councillor Wilson ►ANTI-IDLING THAT correspondence from Creston Climate Action, expressing SUPPORT appreciation to Council for encouraging anti-idling in Creston, be received. MOTION CARRIED
122-20 Moved by Councillor Elford, seconded by Councillor DeBoon ►CBT/CIP GRANTS THAT correspondence from the Regional District of Central Kootenay, regarding public meetings for the Columbia Basin Trust Affected Areas and Community Initiatives grant programs for 2020, be received. MOTION CARRIED
123-20 Moved by Councillor Elford, seconded by Councillor Unruh ►UBCM GRANT THAT the Request for Decision from the Fire Chief, regarding a grant APPLICATION RE application under UBCM’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, EOC EQUIPMENT be received; AND FURTHER, THAT staff is authorized to submit a grant application to the Union of BC Municipalities, under the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, for the costs of supplies and equipment to operate an Emergency Operations Centre for the Town of Creston. MOTION CARRIED
124-20 Moved by Councillor Unruh, seconded by Councillor DeBoon ►PET LICENCE FEES THAT the Request for Decision from the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, regarding the pet licence fee increase for 2020, be received; THAT Council authorizes staff to draft an amendment to Schedule 2 of Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1763, 2011, to delay increasing pet licence fees paid after March 31, 2020, from March 31, 2020 to March 31, 2021, due to the COVID-19 crisis; AND FURTHER, THAT Council consider giving three readings and adoption to Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 1914, 2020 at the April 14, 2020 Regular Council meeting. MOTION CARRIED
125-20 Moved by Councillor Comer, seconded by Councillor DeBoon ►EQUIPMENT THAT the Request for Decision from the Director of Infrastructure REPLACEMENT Services, regarding equipment replacement purchase, be received; AND PURCHASE FURTHER, THAT Council approves the purchase of a backhoe/loader from Brandt Tractor in the amount of $157,360, as part of the vehicle equipment replacement program and approved within the 2020 budget. MOTION CARRIED
126-20 Moved by Councillor DeBoon, seconded by Councillor Wilson ►LEASE FARM LAND THAT the Request for Decision from the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, regarding the leasing of Town owned property, be received; AND FURTHER, THAT Council authorizes staff to enter into a lease agreement with RixnBee Farms Ltd., for 53 farmable acres of land, being a portion of District Lot 16037, Kootenay District, Except Part Included in Plan NEP82851, in Lister, BC, for a five year term commencing April 15, 2020, in the amount of $165 per acre, per year. MOTION CARRIED
127-20 Moved by Councillor Elford, seconded by Councillor Comer ►HWY 3 THAT correspondence from Ms. Karin Pogreba, requesting Council to REALIGNMENT reconsider the option for Highway 3 realignment through Creston, be received. MOTION CARRIED
128-20 Moved by Councillor Elford, seconded by Councillor Comer ►CV GLEANERS FOOD THAT the discretionary grant request from the Creston Valley Gleaners BANK DONATION Food Bank, be received; AND FURTHER, THAT Council approves a grant to the Creston Valley Gleaners Food Bank, in the amount of $5,000.00, with funds being allocated from the Town of Creston Operational Budget. MOTION CARRIED
Regular Council Meeting Minutes – April 14, 2020 Page 4
129-20 Moved by Councillor Unruh, seconded by Councillor Comer ►APPOINTMENT OF THAT the Request for Decision from the Director of Community Services, TEMPORARY BYLAW regarding the appointment of a temporary Bylaw Enforcement Officer, be ENFORCEMENT received; AND FURTHER, THAT under the Police Act of British Columbia, OFFICER Part 36, Council appoints Tina Lockhart, current Bylaw Enforcement Officer for the Regional District of Central Kootenay, as a temporary Bylaw Enforcement Officer for the Town of Creston and is provided the authority to enforce all municipal bylaws enacted by the Town of Creston. MOTION CARRIED
The Director of Finance and Corporate Services presented the proposed 2020 tax rates for the Town of Creston, based on Council’s 2020 budget.
The Director advised Council that it has the ability to choose the tax multiples for the different assessment classes, which would determine what ratio each classification pays of the tax requisition. Mill rates have been prepared as a basis for discussion and it is Council’s decision to set these rates by changing the multiples.
130-20 Moved by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Elford ►REVIEW TAX RATES THAT the presentation by the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, regarding a review of the proposed 2020 tax rates for the Town of Creston, be received; AND FURTHER, THAT staff is authorized to prepare the 2020 Tax Rates Bylaw, based on the information provided, for Council’s consideration at the May 12th, 2020 Regular Council meeting. MOTION CARRIED
131-20 Moved by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor DeBoon ►COTW & COUNCIL THAT due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic and maintaining self- MTG SCHEDULE distancing practices, Council cancels the regularly scheduled Council and Committee of the Whole meetings for the months of April, May and June 2020, with a Committee of the Whole meeting being scheduled for April 21, a Closed Council meeting being scheduled for April 21, and Council meetings being scheduled for May 12 and June 9, 2020; AND FURTHER, THAT Special Council or Committee of the Whole meetings being scheduled, as needed, with the required notice being issued as per the Community Charter. MOTION CARRIED
132-20 Moved by Councillor DeBoon, seconded by Councillor Wilson ►COUNCIL’S THAT the verbal report by the Chief Administrative Officer, regarding STRATEGIC PLAN Council’s draft Strategic Plan, be received. MOTION CARRIED
BYLAWS 133-20 Moved by Councillor Elford, seconded by Councillor Comer ►ZONING AMEND. THAT Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1885, 2019, be adopted. BYLAW 1885 MOTION CARRIED (ADOPTION)
134-20 Moved by Councillor DeBoon, seconded by Councillor Elford ►OCP AMEND. BYLAW THAT Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1886, 2019, be 1886 (ADOPTION) adopted. MOTION CARRIED
135-20 Moved by Councillor Unruh, seconded by Councillor Comer ►FEES & CHARGES THAT Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 1914, 2020, be read a AMEND. BYLAW 1914 first time by title, a second time by content. MOTION CARRIED (1ST & 2ND READINGS)
136-20 Moved by Councillor DeBoon, seconded by Councillor Elford ►FEES & CHARGES THAT Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 1914, 2020, be read a AMEND. BYLAW 1914 third time by title. MOTION CARRIED (3RD READING)
137-20 Moved by Councillor Unruh, seconded by Councillor Comer ►FEES & CHARGES THAT Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 1914, 2020, be adopted. AMEND. BYLAW 1914 MOTION CARRIED (ADOPTION)
Regular Council Meeting Minutes – April 14, 2020 Page 5
NEW BUSINESS 138-20 Moved by Councillor Elford, seconded by Councillor Wilson ►LEADERSHIP THAT Councillors Comer, DeBoon and Wilson be appointed to review the BURSARY applications for the 2020 Council Leadership Bursary, and bring forward a recommendation to the April 21, 2020 Special Closed Council meeting with respect to awarding of the Bursary. MOTION CARRIED
139-20 Moved by Councillor Unruh, seconded by Councillor Comer ►MRDT TAX THAT correspondence from the Creston Ramada, regarding the Municipal Regional District Tax, be received; AND FURTHER, THAT the Mayor is authorized to respond to Mr. Lionel Gartner of the Creston Ramada, with respect to his comments on the Provincial Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) that will come into effect on June 1, 2020 on accommodations in the Town of Creston and Regional District of Central Kootenay Areas B and C. MOTION CARRIED
REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES 140-20 Moved by Councillor Elford, seconded by Councillor Unruh ►RECEIVE REPORTS THAT the verbal report of Staff (Chief Administrative Officer), be received as presented. MOTION CARRIED
GIVING OF NOTICES COTW – April 21, 2020 SPECIAL CLOSED COUNCIL – April 21, 2020 COUNCIL – May 12, June 9, 2020
QUESTION PERIOD Mr. Jensen Shields of Juice FM asked if the contractor that cleared the land for the new Fire Hall building was local. The Chief Administrative Officer advised that it was a local contractor that completed the concrete removal and that the land needed to be prepared before the project could go to tender.
Mr. Shields asked if property taxes will decrease for those properties that have a reduced assessment for 2020. The Director of Finance and Corporate Services stated that those properties that saw less than a 7% increase will experience a municipal tax that is either flat or reduced from last year, and that this applies to small businesses also.
With respect to the Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT), Mr. Shields stated that he understood that this 2% additional sales tax being imposed effective June 1, 2020 on local accommodations, will assist in promoting tourism in the Creston Valley.
141-20 Moved by Councillor Elford ADJOURNMENT THAT the Regular Council Meeting of April 14, 2020 be adjourned at 6:11 pm. MOTION CARRIED
CERTIFIED CORRECT:
______Ron Toyota Bev Caldwell Mayor Corporate Officer
MINUTES OF A REGULAR COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING HELD VIRTUALLY FROM THE TOWN OF CRESTON, 238-10TH AVENUE NORTH ON TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 AT 4:00 PM.
PRESENT: Mayor Ron Toyota Councillor Jen Comer Councillor Arnold DeBoon Councillor Jim Elford Councillor Ellen Tzakis Councillor Karen Unruh Councillor Joanna Wilson
STAFF: Mike Moore, Chief Administrative Officer Jared Riel, Fire Chief Bev Caldwell, Corporate Officer
MEDIA: Jensen Shields, Juice FM
CALL TO ORDER: The Mayor called the Regular Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
ADOPTION OF Moved by Councillor Tzakis, seconded by Councillor DeBoon AGENDA THAT the Agenda for the Regular Committee of the Whole meeting of April 21, 2020, be adopted. MOTION CARRIED
COUNCIL COMMITTEE
►HORSE ASSOC. OF RECOMMENDATION NO. 1: CENTRAL KOOENAY THAT the request from the Horse Association of Central Kootenay, for RE GRANT REQUEST a discretionary grant to assist with expenses related to hosting Youth Horse Camps in the West Kootenay area in June and September 2020, be declined.
►CBT/CIP 2020 GRANT RECOMMENDATION NO.2: APPLICATIONS THAT the Columbia Basin Trust / Community Initiatives Program grant applications and 2020 grant awards, be deferred to the Special Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for May 26, 2020, for consideration.
►UPDATE FROM CAO RECOMMENDATION NO. 3: RE COVID-19 & EOC THAT the verbal report from the Chief Administrative Officer with STATUS regards to the status of the Emergency Operations Centre and the COVID-19 Pandemic, be received.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2020 Page 2
QUESTION PERIOD Mr. Jensen Shields asked why the Town would not carry out the ►BUDGET / PROJECTS necessary work of replacing playground equipment, while playgrounds are closed.
The Chief Administrative Officer advised that the playground equipment that is scheduled for replacement is not being replaced because it is dangerous, but that it is just scheduled for replacement. The decision not to proceed with the equipment replacement at this time is strictly a budgetary consideration, due to the current health crisis. Several projects are in abeyance pending a review of the budget following the close of the Emergency Operations Centre.
►FIRE HALL Mr. Shields asked about the tendering process for the new fire hall TENDERING PROCESS building.
The Chief Administrative Officer stated that the tendering for the new Creston Emergency Services building would be tendered out as one project, even though there are several stages to the construction. Those tendering on the project will need to identify the three stages in their proposal and include related costs / allowances with respect to each stage (availability of equipment, costs, etc.).
ADJOURNMENT The Regular Committee of the Whole meeting held April 21, 2020, adjourned at 4:57 p.m.
AS TO THE MINUTES OF THIS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING:
______Ron Toyota, Mayor Bev Caldwell, Corporate Officer
Serving British Columbia Since 1984 Provincial Toll Free: 1.888.689.3463 www.childfindbc.com
April 23, 2020 Victoria Office 2722 Fifth Street, 208 Victoria, BC V8T 4B2 Dear Mayor and Councilors, (250) 382-7311 Fax (250) 382-0227 Re: Proclamation for National Missing Children’s Month and Email: Missing Children’s Day [email protected] I write today on behalf of Child Find British Columbia. Child Find BC requests that your local government proclaim May as Missing Children’s Month and May 25th as missing Children’s Day.
Child Find BC provides “ALL ABOUT ME” ID Kits with child finger printing and photos, to at no cost to families and Child Find BC hosts “A charitable non-profit these Child Find ID Clinics throughout BC. Child Find BC provides organization working with education, including public speakers, literature and tips for families to searching families and law assist them in keeping all of our children safe. enforcement to reduce the incidence of missing and We hope that you will raise this proclamation for consideration to your exploited children.” Council and your community at your next meeting.
Most recent reporting from the RCMP show that over 6,800 cases of missing children were reported in British Columbia and over 40,000 cases in Canada. Through the support of municipal governments like yours we are able to educate and bring awareness to thousands of BC families on this important issue. A Missing Child is Everyone’s Thank you so much for your consideration of this request and your Res ponsibility continuing commitment to Community Services in BC and the children and families of BC. If you have any questions regarding this request please contact the Child Find BC office at 1-888-689-3463.
Yours truly,
Crystal Dunahee President, Child Find BC
If you or your organization would like to host an “All About Me” ID clinic, have an idea for an event in your community or would like literature and information on becoming a member and supporter of Child Find BC, please call us at 1-888-689-3463.
Your Letterhead here
National Missing Children’s Month and Missing Children’s Day
WHEREAS Child Find British Columbia, a provincial member of Child Find Canada is a non-profit, registered charitable organization, incorporated in 1984; AND
WHEREAS The Mandate of Child Find British Columbia is to educate children and adults about abduction prevention; to promote awareness of the problem of missing children, and to assist in the location of missing children; AND
WHEREAS Child Find has recognized Green as the colour of Hope, which symbolizes a light in the darkness for all missing children; AND
WHEREAS Child Find’s annual Green Ribbon of Hope Campaign will be held in the month of May and May 25th is National Missing Children’s Day; AND
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, (Mayors Name) of the (city, town, municipality), do hereby proclaim May as Child Find’s Green Ribbon of Hope month and May 25th as National Missing Children’s day. I urge our citizens to wear a green ribbon as a symbol of Hope for the recovery of all missing children; and to remain vigilant in our common desire to protect and nurture the youth of our Province.
______Mayor
Signed at ______this ______day of May, 2020
.
The City of North Vancouver OFFICE OF MAYOR LINDA BUCHANAN
April 30, 2020
Hon. Minister Selina Robinson Room 310 Parliament Buildings 501 Belleville St. Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Dear Minister Robinson:
RE: Supporting British Columbians during the COVID-19 pandemic
As Mayor of the City of North Vancouver I want to start by thanking you for your tireless work during these difficult times. Residents are appreciative of the work done by the Province to assist individuals, municipalities, and businesses.
As you know, in a letter dated March 23, 2020 to Hon. Premier John Horgan and yourself, a number of Metro Vancouver Mayors including myself asked the Province to expand the Provincial Property Tax Deferment Program to include all property owners.
We have yet to receive a formal reply regarding this request.
On Monday April 27, 2020 at the City’s Council meeting, Council members shared their concerns regarding the accessibility of the Provincial Property Tax Deferment Program and the current eligibility stipulations.
Council and staff have received numerous communications from residents who are facing new financial challenges as a result of the ongoing pandemic, and who are not currently eligible to access the Provincial Property Tax Deferment Program. As a result, Council passed the following resolution unanimously:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor, on behalf of Council, write to the Provincial government requesting that a Financial Hardship Program be added to the Provincial Property Tax Deferment Program for a limited time, similar to what was introduced in 2009;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to all BC local governments, UBCM, LMLGA and North Shore MLAs and MPs.
Council has requested that if your government is unable to expand the current program to include all property owners, that you consider implementing a Financial Hardship Program similar to the program that was introduced for a limited time following the 2008 economic recession.
An increasing number of experts predict that the COVID-19 pandemic will be more detrimental to the world economy than the 2008 economic recession, and therefore the
141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1H9 | Tel: 604-998-3280 | Fax: 604-990-4211 | www.cnv.org | DOC#1908249
addition of a Financial Hardship Program component to the current Provincial Property Tax Deferment Program should be given serious consideration.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you require additional information. I thank you in advance for your consideration.
Yours Truly,
Linda Buchanan Mayor of the City of North Vancouver c.c. All B.C. municipal governments UBCM LMLGA Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale Ralph Sultan, MLA for North Vancouver-Capilano Jane Thornthwaite, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky Terry Beech, MP for Burnaby North-Seymour Hon. Johnathan Wilkinson, MP for North Vancouver Patrick Weiler, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country
The City of North Vancouver 2
From: ToC Info To: Bev Caldwell; Marsha Neufeld; Kirsten Dunbar Subject: FW: Letter of Support Date: April-30-20 14:17:33 Attachments: Letter of support to elected officials.pdf Letter for endorsment.pdf
From: Dennis Schafer Sent: April 30, 2020 2:15 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Letter of Support
Dear Mayor and Council,
Stick & Stone Cannabis Co. is a wee Ma & Pa cannabis retail shop located in Fernie BC. Due to current stressors and frustrations, we have collaborated with ACCRES to outline two requests for change to the current regulations that will further the safety measures designed to protect our communities in BC during these trying times and we ask for your support presenting these recommendations to the province.
1) Online Sales 2) Direct Delivery
As owners of a licensed cannabis retail shop, we have been continuously evolving our operations to ensure the safety of the community as new information about COVID-19 becomes available. We have a wide range of customers many who are predominately middle-aged and elderly who purchase our products for both recreational and medical use.
With our recommended adjustments to the current regulations that were designed for a pre-pandemic world, we would be able to continue to safely provide much-needed products to our at-risk customers who are unable to leave the house, ensure a contactless experience for those who are able to visit the store for curbside pickup and keep our staff safe.
Here is an example of the challenges our current customers are facing because they are not able to pay for our products online during COVID-19:
We received a phone call asking if a curbside pick-up was available by a customer of ours who was elderly. They were in desperate need of a product and the delivery times to order from the BC Cannabis Store were too lengthy. We informed them that we carried the product and would do our best to provide a contactless interaction but they would have to tap our terminal and the wireless system may not register outside.
When the customer arrived their vulnerability was apparent. They were approximately 90 years old with a compromised immune system, so becoming infected would likely result in their death. In order to keep them safe while accepting their payment and providing their product we were forced through the following process: 1. We tried to use the tap feature by pressing the terminal against their car window. This did not work due to card issues. 2. We then bleached the terminal and passed it through a small gap in the window so that the customer could complete the transaction. 3. The product was then left on the hood of their car for them to collect when they felt safe to do so.
Even though the utmost precautions are being taken, it is extremely stressful to force customers to go through these processes that could easily be avoided if we were able to use available technology like online payment systems.
There are processes in place for the legal online purchase and delivery of alcohol in BC as well as cannabis in other provinces which have been effective at keeping their communities safe. We are asking for the same considerations.
I can not stress enough how vital allowing online payments and delivery to be available in BC is to our communities and retailers!! When you have someone's life in your hands, you want to have the safest measures in place.
PLEASE ENDORSE THIS LETTER OF SUPPORT
Thank you for your time,
-- Dennis Schafer Stick & Stone Cannabis Co. 250.430.7848 stickandstone.ca To Honorable Mayor and Council, Attached is a letter from the Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers (ACCRES) membership to the Solicitor-General, Hon. Mike Farnworth, calling on the government of British Columbia to further modify cannabis retail regulations in support of physical distancing during the COVID-19 health emergency. ACCRES is seeking your endorsement in support of these measures, which we believe are in line with what other jurisdictions across Canada are adopting. ACCRES is specifically calling on BC to follow the recent move by Ontario, which in response to COVID-19 has moved to allow private cannabis retailers to take online payment and make door-to-door delivery of cannabis products. Both Saskatchewan and now Ontario have allowed online payment and direct delivery with no significant complications or negative consequences, and we believe these regulatory changes are appropriate for BC as well. We believe that many municipal governments in BC could stand to benefit from these changes, as they will hopefully reduce in-store traffic and lineups caused by physical distancing requirements for essential retailers like cannabis stores. This should further reduce the chances of spreading COVID-19, something we believe should be the ultimate priority of any regulated system right now. Finally, we believe this measure is important in allowing licensed, regulated, and tax-compliant retailers a means of competing with unregulated retailers, who are currently quite openly selling cannabis on-line or offering in-person delivery options. With municipal resources currently very constrained and bylaw officers unable to enforce against these proliferating operators, we believe offering these options to regulated retailers could help compliant businesses to compete them out of the market instead. ACCRES ask that you endorse these initiatives in support of regulated cannabis retailers’ efforts to continue serving their customers in a way that protects public health to the greatest extent possible. Sincerely,
Jaclynn Pehota Special Advisor Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers (ACCRES) 7787724343 [email protected] On Behalf of: ACCRES Advisory Board: ACCRES Board of Directors: Hilary Black Geoff Dear Dr. Rielle Capler, MPA, PhD Andrew Gordon Dr. Ivan Casselman PhD Matthew Greenwood Rosy Mondin, LL.B, B.A. (Criminology) Jeremy Jacob Adolfo Gonzales Alfred Schaefer Bert Hick Laurie Weitzel Andrew Livingston Sophie Mas Jonathan Page, Adjunct Professor UBC Heather Tayler Tina Zlati
1 To Minister Farnworth, Solicitor General,
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, the Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers (ACCRES) recognizes the Government of British Columbia for evolving policy to allow for regulated cannabis stores to accept product reservations online and over the phone. This change in regulatory framework will reduce the amount of time consumers have to spend in stores amid the COVID-19 crisis. The status of cannabis retail as an essential service is a recognition of the contributions of these small businesses to the general public. We believe it is appropriate to equip provincial license holders with proactive tools that will allow for them to better protect public health, bolster the legal cannabis market and ensure that these small business remain economically viable for the duration of the crisis.
ACCRES membership would like to see further proactive measures enacted that would further protect both public health and essential workers through these trying times. In supplement to "click and collect"/over the phone ordering, we request that the government enact and support two further regulatory changes to cannabis retail regulations. These measures would be effective in supporting the social and physical distancing measures recommended by public health authorities:
•Online Payment •Direct Delivery
Online Payment
In the interest of balancing public health, along with our customers' need to access legal cannabis, and the long-term economic health of our members, we propose that the Government of British Columbia allow retailers to sell their products online or by phone and collect payment in advance.
Allowing for payment in advance avoids the major point of contamination in a “click and collect” transaction: the requirement to accept cash or interact with the payment processing machine. Pre- payment would reduce contact in store to the absolute minimum, and would facilitate the best possible circumstances for social distancing. This measure would serve to better protect both staff and customers during in store transactions.
Direct Delivery
In further support of social distancing and to accommodate those that are unable to leave their homes due to being immunocompromised or in self isolation, we ask that delivery be allowed directly to customers from the regulated private retailer of their choice. ACCRES believes the best way to ensure continuity of service in these circumstances while minimizing exposure is to allow already trained and security screened staff of private retailers to deliver orders directly to customers. Direct delivery is currently available to the residents of Saskatchewan and Ontario via provincially licensed retailers. ACCRES proposes that these existing regulations be adapted for the BC sector. Contactless age verification is as simple a requiring the upload of photo ID at the time of purchase. The ID can then be matched to the individual receiving the delivery while maintaining a distance of two meters.
Providing greater access to regulated cannabis is vital to protecting public health and safety, and to destabilizing the illicit market - both key aims of the Cannabis Act and provincial regulations. Due to the convenience the illicit market operators continue to be able to offer through direct delivery, legal sales in BC are tens of millions of dollars behind projected targets in BC. Direct delivery from licensed private cannabis stores conducted in compliance with all health and safety standards provides local communities with an essential and regulated touchpoint that can act as a resource for education and responsible use.
ACCRES believe that by allowing these measures, cannabis retailers will be best equipped to protect public health and safety, while also ensuring the continued operations of independent cannabis retailers that provide access to safe and regulated products. These measures will allow essential services to continue without unnecessarily endangering public health, and we believe these measures will strengthen BC's overall response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the legal cannabis industry in this province.
Sincerely,
Jaclynn Pehota Special Advisor Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers (ACCRES) 778.772.4343 [email protected]
On Behalf of: ACCRES Board of Directors: Geoff Dear Andrew Gordon Matthew Greenwood Jeremy Jacob Alfred Schaefer Laurie Weitzel
ACCRES Advisory Board: Dr. Rielle Capler, MPA, PhDDr. Ivan Casselman PhDRosy Mondin, LL.B, B.A. (Criminology) Adolfo Gonzales Bert Hick Andrew Livingston Sophie Mas Jonathan Page, Adjunct Professor UBC, CSO Aurora Cannabis Heather TaylerDr. Zachary Walsh, PhDTina Zlati From: Kiersten Enemark
Dear Mayor Toyota and Members of Council,
During times of emergency, we recognize local governments are working hard to maintain service to their citizens, while also supporting the health and well-being of their employees. As you manage the COVID- 19 pandemic, we wanted to reach out and update you on our community initiatives, as well as provide assurance that our network operations and services continue to be depended upon by residents and businesses during these difficult times.
Supporting Communities
We launched the #ShawHelps initiative, which includes:
o A $1 million donated to support Community Food Centres Canada to reduce food insecurity and physical isolation in Canada’s most vulnerable populations;
o Free Digital Educational Programming to help K-12 students supplement their learning while school facilities are closed;
o Two months credit to all Shaw customers currently signed up to the Government of Canada’s “Connecting Families” initiative.
• Free Public WiFi: We opened the Shaw Go WiFi Network to the public. This allows the public to access the internet and WiFi calling for free at over 91,000 hotspots in Canada, including 26,000 hotspots in British Columbia. • Freedom Mobile: We are providing 400,000 Freedom Mobile customers with an extra 2GB of data/month for 2 months. This initiative will ensure that our customers who had low-data plans can access the critical information they need during the crisis and stay in touch with loved ones. • Shaw Cable: Giving all Shaw Cable customers free access to several TV channels at no additional cost to keep their families informed and entertained, including CBC News Network, CTV News Channel, Treehouse and Disney Jr. • Shaw Internet: As always, Shaw does not have data caps on our broadband internet service, and we don’t charge overage fees on our wireless service.
Supporting Businesses
Shaw as an organization has initiated a Business Continuity Planning team and an Emergency Operating Committee. These teams are closely monitoring our network and systems to ensure optimal performance and a robust plan is in place to mitigate impacts from increased connectivity demands
While Shaw retail locations are closed, residential customers use self-install for consumer products which can be delivered safely to their homes. Currently, 22 Freedom Mobile stores have remained open.
Shaw has expanded its work-from-home program to its employees.
During times of emergency, we recognize connectivity has never been more important. For that reason, our hope is to continue to work closely with local government to ensure we continue to provide high quality network connectivity.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything Shaw can do to be of further support.
Best Regards,
Kiersten
Kiersten Enemark Government Relations Director (British Columbia) Shaw Communications Inc. 900 – 1067 W Cordova Vancouver B.C. T: 604-629-3103 C: 778-928-1919 E: [email protected] COUNCIL REPORT Town of Creston
TO: Mayor and Council CC: FROM: Michael Moore, Chief Administrative Officer DEPARTMENT: Administration SUBJECT: COVID-19 - 2020 Budget Update APPENDIX: ☐ ATTACHED ☐ OTHER DOCUMENT ☐ NOT APPLICABLE
KEY ISSUE(S) / CONCEPTS: To provide Council with a financial update on the 2020 Budget and implications of the COVID-19 pandemic response.
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia is an ongoing 2019–20 worldwide viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). On January 28, British Columbia became the second province to confirm a case of COVID-19 in Canada. (J. Hopkins CSSE)
The first case of infection was reported on January 28, where the patient had recently returned from Wuhan, Hubei, China. The first case of community transmission in Canada was confirmed in British Columbia on March 5. (G. Slaughter, 2020)
On March 13, 2020, the Provincial Medical Health Officer of British Columbia issued the first of many Health Orders that directly impacted the residents of the Town of Creston. (CBC News)
On March 14, 2020, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for the Town of Creston was activated to implement the Emergency Response Plan.
There have been numerous actions taken by the EOC to address community concerns and to meet Provincial Health Orders.
The Town of Creston closed public access to all buildings owned by the municipality, as well as implementing numerous work processes that limit the spread of the virus within the workplace. None of the “closures” of public buildings or programs have revenues at risk, or have resulted in savings created by the closure.
CURRENT STATUS: The COVID-19 Pandemic has created risks and opportunities within the 2020 Operational Budget.
Risks There are two primary risks related to the COVID-19 Pandemic; risk to revenue and risk of non-budgeted expenses.
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COUNCIL REPORT Town of Creston
The 2020 Budget estimated revenues of $15,072,231 that include municipal property taxes, grants, gas tax, contracts, user fees and utilities.
At risk are user fees that are made up of building permits, burning permits, bookings, etc. which is estimated at $75,000.
As part of implementing actions of the EOC, there have been non-budgeted expenses. As of May 6, 2020, these non-budgeted expenses have accounted for $70,000. It is anticipated that there may be additional increased expenses, but the bulk of additional expenses have already been assumed.
Opportunities There are a number of savings that have been created within the operational budget as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, numerous conferences and spring meetings were cancelled with and rescheduled for 2021, such as annual conferences for Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Government, BC Fire Chiefs Association, Local Government Management Association, etc. Additionally, there were a number of other postponed activities that created operational savings, such as the Manager of Corporate Services position.
Overall, Staff estimate an operational budget savings of $104,200 created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
From within the “One-Time Projects” there are a few projects that are cancelled or unnecessary due to the effects caused by COVID-19 resulting in an estimated savings of $24,000. This includes not hiring summer students within Bylaw Services and the elimination of moving expenses related to one of the two hiring recruitments scheduled for 2020.
Depending on the Provincial plan for relaxing the Public Health Orders, there is a potential to save approximately $130,000 in other “One-Time Projects” within the 2020 budget.
Capital Budget No capital projects have been eliminated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are approximately $143,000 in capital projects that can be delayed to determine eligibility for potential upcoming Federal / Provincial stimulus funding in re-starting the economy.
These projects will be important to maintain as part of a local economic stimulus, especially if there is an opportunity to leverage “shovel ready” projects for grant funding.
The Emergency Services Building (fire hall) is scheduled for tendering on May 19, 2020. It is not known until the tendering process is complete when the start date for construction will take place.
The project related to the Crawford Hill restoration is delayed due to the inability of the consultant developing the wetlands report to travel to Canada. The vast majority of the funding for this project is through grants.
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COUNCIL REPORT Town of Creston
FINANCIAL:
2020 OPERATIONAL BUDGET CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
REVENUE Building Permit Revenues -$55,000 Misc. Permits and User Fees -$20,000 Est. EOC Cost Recovery from the Province* $20,000 TOTAL REVENUE CHANGE -$55,000
EXPENSES COVID-19 Pandemic Response Actions -$70,000 Est. Operational Savings General Government (Council / Administration) $26,600 Fire & Rescue Services $10,100 Public Safety Compliance (Bylaw) $12,000 Development Services $15,500 Public Works $40,000 Est. One Time Projects (Savings) Relocation costs for 2020 recruitment $5,000 Grant for “Dash for Trash” $1,000 Public Safety Compliance – Summer Students $24,000 TOTAL EXPENSE CHANGE $64,200
OPERATIONAL BUDGET CHANGE $9,200 (savings)
2020 CAPITAL BUDGET CHANGES Project Cost Adjustments 20th Street Traffic Calming $15,000 16th Ave. Traffic Calming $12,500 CAPITAL BUDGET ADJUSTMENT $27,500 (savings)
Town of Creston 2020 Budget Change $36,700 (savings)
* The estimated EOC Cost Recovery is based upon the approval of Expenditure Authorizations from the Province related to overtime costs and wage provision for EOC staffing.
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COUNCIL REPORT Town of Creston
POTENTIAL SAVINGS FROM OPERATIONAL BUDGET
One Time Projects (Savings) Grant for “Gran Fondo” $5,000 Misc. Bylaw Updates $25,000 Multimodal Transportation Plan $100,000 TOTAL EXPENSE CHANGE $130,000
The potential savings will be dependent on the relaxing of Public Health Orders and recommendations within the 2020 budget cycle.
ORGANIZATIONAL / POLICY DISCUSSION: The Town of Creston does not have an operational budget that is “revenue dependent” on services that are impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All services provided are essential services that are maintained through a combination of taxation, user fees and grants. This does not require significant budget adjustments to accommodate lost revenue.
The Province of British Columbia announced two key changes to property taxes for “non-residential” properties, essentially designed to target commercial businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. The Province eliminated penalties on “non-residential” property taxes until October 1, 2020. This allows commercial businesses impacted by COVID-19 pandemic an additional three months to pay property taxes.
2. The Province reduced “non-residential” property taxes through adjusting the amount paid into school taxes. This adjustment impacts the various “non-residential” classifications providing a reduction in overall property taxation paid.
Examples: 1135 Canyon Street 2020 Assessed Value: $601,500 (Furniture Store) 2019 Assessed Value: $601,500
2020 Total Property Taxes: $11,664.77 2019 Total Property Taxes: $13,280.22
TOTAL TAX REDUCTION: $1,615.45
Total Change: -12.16% Municipal Change: -2.34%
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COUNCIL REPORT Town of Creston
1501 Cook Street 2020 Assessed Value: $5,922,000 (Pealow’s Independent Grocers) 2019 Assessed Value: $5,936,000
2020 Total Property Taxes: $114,844.16 2019 Total Property Taxes: $131,057.98
TOTAL TAX REDUCTION: $16,231.81
Total Change: -12.37% Municipal Change: -2.57%
1220 Erickson Street 2020 Assessed Value: $12,262,000 (Columbia Brewery) 2019 Assessed Value: $12,398,000
2020 Total Property Taxes: $357,352.69 2019 Total Property Taxes: $385,944.78
TOTAL TAX REDUCTION: $28,592.09
Total Change: -7.41% Municipal Change: -1.46%
At present, the Provincial Government has not announced any plans to make adjustments to residential property taxes. It is recognized that many local governments require the revenue to maintain essential services.
Staff are working on plans that may see a limited opening of Town Hall during the month of June to allow for tax payments. Staff are continuing to investigate more “ecommerce” options to allow for property tax payments to be done electronically or other options for payment. With any re-opening of Town Hall will need to have a written plan that meets requirements for WorkSafe BC and Provincial Health orders.
OPTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION: Staff are not presenting options for Council’s consideration with this report. This report is to provide a financial update on the 2020 Budget from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COMMUNICATION: Staff is in the process of developing a communication plan for the 2020 Property Tax Notices.
The communication plan will cover: • Provincial decision to delay late payment penalties for “non-residential” property classifications until October 1, 2020. • Provincial decision to reduce portion of school tax paid for “non-residential” property classifications. • Options in how property taxes may be paid to the municipality. • Limited re-opening of Town Hall to the public in June.
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COUNCIL REPORT Town of Creston
CONCLUSION: The Provincial Government provided property tax relief options to commercial businesses through delaying late payment penalties and reduction in school tax.
The 2020 municipal budget is not at risk from significant revenue losses and does not require changes to maintain essential service levels provided.
Staff will delay a number of capital projects to determine eligibility for potential stimulus funding from the federal or provincial governments in the future as plans to relax health orders are considered.
Submitted by: Reviewed by: CAO Click here to enter Writer’s Name Michael Moore, Interim CAO
References:
CBC News. (April 3, 2020) "The COVID-19 pandemic: A timeline of key events across British Columbia". Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/covid-19-bc-timeline-1.5520943
John Hopkins University. "Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins CSSE". Archived from the original on September 5, 2019. Retrieved from https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/ index.html#/ bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
Slaughter, Graham (March 5, 2020). "Canada confirms first 'community case' of COVID-19: Here's what that means". CTVNews. Retrieved from https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/canada-confirms-first-community-case-of- covid-19-here-s-what-that-means-1.4841249
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REQUEST FOR DECISION (RFD) Town of Creston
Action Date: May 12, 2020 File: 7800.03
SUBJECT: Creston Valley Public Art Connection – 2020 Sculpture Placement
RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council support the installation of the “Let’s Go” sculpture to be located on the front lawn of Town Hall at 238 – 10th Avenue North, by the Creston Valley Public Art Connection (CVPAC).
CAO COMMENTS: This is consistent with the past support towards the community public art program.
RECOMMENDATION Report / Document: Attached ☒ Available ☐ Nil ☐
KEY ISSUE(S) / CONCEPTS DEFINED: Last month, “Shima” (the rabbit) was removed from the Walkthrough Park in Downtown Creston after the expiry of the lease. The owner of “Shima” declined a lease renewal or purchase agreement. The Creston Valley Public Art Connection leased “Let’s Go” for one year; a colorful and life sized sculpture for placement at Town Hall near the picnic table area. The CVPAC intends to purchase Let’s Go next year if the sculpture has positive public reviews. The 2020 Operational Budget contemplated the replacement of the “Shima” sculpture and includes $5,000 to support the installation of public art.
RELEVANT POLICY: Official Community Plan: Page 85, VIII. Community Goals and Policies, A. Quality of Life & Inclusive Local Identity, 5.2: Page 85, VIII. Community Goals and Policies, A. Quality of Life & Inclusive Local Identity, 5.6: Page 98, VIII. Community Goals and Policies, E. Downtown Vibrancy, 5.4:
Integrated Community Sustainability Plan Page 21, 9. Strategy Area Desired Outcomes, Arts, Culture and Heritage:
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE: Focus on Livability: Arts, Culture and Heritage
DESIRED OUTCOME(S): Maintaining community beautification program
RESPONSE OPTIONS: Possible ways to achieve the main result with analysis highlights 1. Council support the installation of “Let’s Go” at Town Hall; 2. Other, as per Council decision.
PREFERRED STRATEGY: Opti on 1
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION: GENERAL: Downtown beautification ORGANIZATIONAL: Staff to manage installation of sculpture. FINANCIAL: Budget currently allocated for installation of public art. FOLLOW UP ACTION: Coordination with CVPAC for installation. COMMUNICATION: Social media advertising as required for public awareness. Add to “Art Walk” map. OTHER COMMENTS: By others reviewing this RFD
Submitted by: Ross Beddoes Endorsed by: Other Ross Beddoes, Director of Community Services
Reviewed by: CAO Reviewers
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Additional Information on “Let’s Go”
o Height is 6’-6”, child height is 3’-6” o Overall width is approximately 3’-6” o Estimated wei ght 100 l bs. o Material is primarily rusted repurposed steel with applied ceramic mosaics to both side. o Artist: Rabi’a of Winlaw, BC. Rabi’a is primarily a metal artist utilizing rusty used steel and other repurposed materials and objects
o Rabi’a was winner of the 2019 Peoples' Choice Award for Castlegar Sculpture Walk for her piece “Housing Crisis” o Rabi’a is a “go-to” artist for Castlegar SculptureWalk and has participated in the event every year o Rabi’a has a permanent presence in Nelson at the end of Hall Street in IODE Municipal Park with her sculpture “Dancin’ Myself” and additional mosaic applied to the seating/step benches. Dancin’ Myself is similar in construction to Let’s Go o Rabi’a has a prominent piece “Departures and Arrivals” on permanent display at Baillie Grohman Estate Winery in Creston o “Let’s Go” is leased for a period of one year, and includes insurance costs for the sculpture.
W:\CORPORATE SERVICES\COUNCIL\_MEETINGS\COUNCIL\2020 - Council Agenda Packages\05-12-2020\2020-05-12 - RFD Public Art.docx REQUEST FOR DECISION (RFD) Town of Creston
Action Date: May 12, 2020 File: 0250.20
SUBJECT: Summit Peak Brewing Co. – Lounge Endorsement Application to Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch
RECOMMENDATION: THAT the application from Summit Peak Brewing Co. to the Bri ti sh Columbia Li quor and Cannabis Regulation Branch for a Lounge Endorsement, be received; THAT Council supports the application by Summit Peak Brewing Co. for the “Lounge Endorsement” for the premises located at 125 – 16th Avenue North, Creston, pending a successful Zoning Amendment to include “Breweries and Distilleries – Minor” as a permitted use within the C-1, General Commercial Zone; AND FURTHER, THAT the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch be advised that Council ‘opts out’ of the public process related to this application.
CAO COMMENTS: This application and business development is supported within the Official Community Plan.
RECOMMENDATION Report / Document: Attached ☒ Available ☐ Nil ☐
KEY ISSUE(S) / CONCEPTS DEFINED: Subject property is currently zoned C-1, General Commercial. Under the current Zoning Bylaw, “Breweries and Distilleries – Minor” is not listed as a permitted use. The new Zoning Bylaw project contemplates a Craft Brewery as a permitted and desirable use wi thin certain commercial areas, including the Downtown Core. This proposed bylaw project is currently under development and i s scheduled for a fall completion, pending the public process and final Council approval/adoption.
RELEVANT POLICY: Official Community Plan: - Part V, Land Use Policies, Commercial and Part VIII, Community Goals & Policies A. Quality of Life B. Economic Prosperity C. Downtown Vibrancy
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE: Focus on Economic Health: Proactive Community Growth & Vibrant Downtown
DESIRED OUTCOME(S): Increased economic prosperity and vi brant Downtown Core created through new business opportunities.
RESPONSE OPTIONS: Possible ways to achieve the main result with analysis highlights 1. Council provide s upport to the submitted application conditional on the required zoning amendment. 2. Other, as per Council decision.
PREFERRED STRATEGY: Opti on 1
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION: GENERAL: General Economic Development within the Downtown Core, utilizing an existing, partially developed site. ORGANIZATIONAL: Staff are currently working on updating the zoning bylaw. FINANCIAL: Increased commercial taxation base. FOLLOW UP ACTION: Forward resolution to the LCRB and completion of Zoning Bylaw project COMMUNICATION: N/A OTHER COMMENTS: By others reviewing this RFD
Submitted by: Ross Beddoes Endorsed by: Other Ross Beddoes, Director of Community Services
Reviewed by: CAO Reviewers
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REQUEST FOR DECISION (RFD) Town of Creston
Action Date: May 12, 2020 File: 1970.70
SUBJECT: Municipal Property Tax Sale – Option to Defer
RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council directs Staff not to defer the “tax sale” of properties in tax arrears to 2021.
CAO COMMENTS: CAO is making recommendation in consultation with the Director of Finance & Corporate Services.
RECOMMENDATION Report / Document: Attached ☒ Available ☐ Nil ☐
KEY ISSUE(S) / CONCEPTS DEFINED: Municipal Property Tax Sale takes place at 10:00 am on the last Monday in September where the municipality conducts an annual tax sale by offering for sale by public auction each parcel of real property on which taxes are delinquent. Delinquent taxes are any taxes remaining unpaid on December 31, two years after the year the tax was imposed. For example, taxes imposed in 2018 and still unpaid became delinquent on January 1, 2020. The Province has made available the option for local government to defer the 2020 Municipal Property Tax Sale until 2021.
RELEVANT POLICY: Community Charter, s. 245 - Tax Sales
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE: Economic Health
DESIRED OUTCOME(S): Staff recommend not deferring the annual Municipal Property Tax Sale in 2020 the subject properties delinquent in property taxes are more than two years in arrears. The deferral will only allow these properties to be further in arrears at the expense of other rate payers. Properties sold through the municipal property tax sale process has one year to redeem the property through paying the delinquent taxes.
RESPONSE OPTIONS: Possible ways to achieve the main result with analysis highlights 1. Council direct Staff not to defer the Municipal Property Tax Sale in 2020. 2. Council direct Staff to defer the Municipal Property Tax Sale to 2021.
PREFERRED STRATEGY: Option 1 – Not to defer the Municipal Property Tax Sale in 2020.
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION: GENERAL: Municipal Property Tax Sale will remain Monday, September 28, 2020 at 10:00 am. ORGANIZATIONAL: The annual municipal property tax sale is within existing staff work plans. FINANCIAL: N/A FOLLOW UP ACTION: Legislated advertising. COMMUNICATION: N/A OTHER COMMENTS: N/A
Submitted by: Michael Moore Endorsed by: Other Writer’s Name
Reviewed by: CAO Reviewers REQUEST FOR DECISION (RFD) Town of Creston
Action Date: April 27, 2020 File: 1900.10
SUBJECT: Benefit Provider – Group Marketing – Decision to Choose Benefit Provider
RECOMMENDATION: That Council directs Staff to change the employee extended health benefits provider to the Union of British Columbian Municipalities (UBCM) administered group benefits program provided by Pacific Blue Cross.
CAO COMMENTS: After review of analysis of options and costing, the group program offered through UBCM provides cost certainty for savings over multiple years.
RECOMMENDATION Report / Document: Attached ☒ Available ☐ Nil ☐
KEY ISSUE(S) / CONCEPTS DEFINED: The Town of Creston has been a client of Canada Life (formerly Great West Life) for the past ten years. The Town participated in extended benefits group marketing conducted by George & Bell Consulting. Town staff has reviewed the results and determined the preferred proposal is Pacific Blue Cross through the UBCM Extended Health Benefits Pool at $30,700 savings from the proposal from our current provider Canada Life. Although one of the proposals shows a lower first year cost, that proponent’s declared target loss ratios were not as competitive as the preferred proposal through the UBCM group. If the municipality chose the lowest cost proponent’s proposal, subsequent renewals would be based on the higher target loss ratios which would result in a higher cost than the UBCM group proposal within a short period of time. This approach is a common practice used by benefit providers in offering low first year fees with annual increases of fees in future years.
RELEVANT POLICY: Collective Agreement between the Town of Creston and CUPE Local 2092 and Town of Creston Policy No. HUM-001-006
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE: Service Excellence: Accountable Service Delivery
DESIRED OUTCOME(S): Reduction in annual costs for providing extended health benefits while meeting contractual obligations outlined within the Collective Agreement with CUPE Local 2092 and staff employment agreements.
RESPONSE OPTIONS: Possible ways to achieve the main result with analysis highlights 1. Council direct staff to change benefit providers to the preferred proposal by the UBCM group benefits program. 2. Council direct staff to change to another benefit providers within the analysis report. 3. Council direct staff to investigate alternative options as directed by Council. 4. Status Quo – current Canada Life benefits program remains in effect.
PREFERRED STRATEGY: Option 1 – change benefit providers to the UBCM proposed group benefits program.
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION: GENERAL: The benefits package is the same as requirements of contractual obligations. ORGANIZATIONAL: Staff time for education on new provider and benefit provider processes. FINANCIAL: Estimated $30,700 annual savings with CPI and usage adjustments in subsequent years. FOLLOW UP ACTION: Implementation new program with assistance of benefits broker. COMMUNICATION: Internal communications for employees. OTHER COMMENTS: George & Bell Consulting recommended the UBCM Group Benefits Program over other proposals.
Submitted by: Steffan Klassen Reviewed by: CAO Writer’s Name
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Town of Creston
2019/2020 Provider Search – Marketing Report
M2-601 West Broadway (888) 800-1450 Vancouver BC V5Z 4C2 georgeandbell.com Important Notices
• This report may include sensitive and confidential information relating to an organization’s group benefit program. This report was prepared specifically for the organization participating in this initiative, and its content may not be modified, incorporated into or used in other material, sold or otherwise provided to any other person without George & Bell Consulting’s permission. • This report was prepared using information provided to us by or on behalf of individual groups who have authorized their participation in this initiative. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of this information except to the extend required by generally accepted professional standards. If the information provided to us is materially different in practice, then this could have an impact on the marketing results contained in this report. • While George & Bell monitors the insurance market on an ongoing basis we are unable to guarantee the ongoing financial performance of any insurance provider. • To conduct the Public Sector Benefits Provider Search on behalf of all participants George & Bell Consulting and Healthcare Benefit Trust will be compensated a flat fee as previously documented for our services throughout this process. George & Bell’s compensation is not impacted by the insurance provider or insurance arrangement your organization selects as part of this marketing initiative. While we have an ongoing consulting relationship with UBCM, we receive no additional compensation if your organization chooses the UBCM Benefit Pool as your preferred provider.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 1 Introduction
• The Town of Creston (the “Town”) participated in the Public Sector Benefits Provider Search over 2019/2020 administered by the Healthcare Benefit Trust (“HBT”). • This initiative included 27 public sector entities with approximately 160,000 covered lives representing hundreds of individual employers . – This group of employees represents more than 1/3 of all Public Sector Employees in British Columbia and is one of, if not the, largest marketing initiatives ever conducted in Canada. • The purpose of this report is to provide the Town with the results of the marketing and to discuss next steps to finalize this process.
• On behalf of everyone involved, we would like to take this time to THANK YOU for your participation in this initiative. – Your participation in this collective process enhanced the buying power for all participants. We are confident that some of the terms, pricing and interested insurers would have varied for individual groups undertaking this exercise on their own. We are pleased to be able to present results to organizations to continue to operate independently but we hope the success of this project encourages plan sponsors to work together to achieve economies of scale on an ongoing basis.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 2 Executive Summary Summary of Process
• The initiative kicked off in early October 2019 when a Request for Expression of Interest (“RFEI”) was posted on BC Bid. – The purpose of the notice was to notify prospective insurance carriers of the opportunity to quote and to screen providers without releasing sensitive plan design or claims information into a public forum. Each Organization had the option to be explicitly named in this document at their discretion. The requirements that each insurance carrier had to adhere to are outlined in Appendix C of this report. – The Town did not request to be specifically named in the RFEI document. • Eight insurance carriers qualified under this process and were provided with the full specifications including information related to your plan such as your plan design, your claims experience, and your demographic information. – All questions were responded to from all carriers at the same time to ensure a fair and transparent procurement. • At the conclusion of the marketing process, the following insurance carriers/benefit providers quoted on your business:
Provided a Quote Declined • Canada Life • Industrial Alliance • Sun Life • Desjardins • Manulife • Green Shield Canada • UBCM Benefit Pool (Via PBC) • Chubb (AD&D only)
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 3 Executive Summary Financial Proposals – First Year Financials
• The first-year financial results of the marketing is outlined in the table below:
Current Insurance Carrier Most Competitive Standalone Quote Buying Group/Consortium Benefit Current Canada Life Manulife UBCM Benefit Pool Annual Premium Annual Premium % Change Annual Premium % Change Annual Premium % Change Basic Life $24,800 $23,500 -$1,300/-5.2% $17,000 -$7,800/-31.5% $18,000 -$6,800/-27.4% AD&D $2,800 $2,900 $100/3.6% $2,500 -$300/-10.7% $2,300 -$500/-17.9% Long Term Disability $49,600 $46,300 -$3,300/-6.7% $35,300 -$14,300/-28.8% $41,300 -$8,300/-16.7% Short Term Disability $21,600 $20,200 -$1,400/-6.5% $19,700 -$1,900/-8.8% $20,300 -$1,300/-6.0% Employee Assistance Plan $2,000 $1,500 -$500/-25.0% $1,000 -$1,000/-50.0% $900 -$1,100/-55.0% Extended Health $69,600 $73,600 $4,000/5.7% $55,900 -$13,700/-19.7% $60,700 -$8,900/-12.8% Dental $61,050 $60,500 -$550/-0.9% $52,800 -$8,250/-13.5% $64,900 $3,850/6.3% Total Net Costs $231,450 $228,500 $184,200 $208,400 3rd Party Commissions $7,650 $7,650 $7,650 N/A Total Gross Costs $239,100 $236,150 $191,850 $208,400 Change from Current ($2,950) -1.2% ($47,250) -19.8% ($30,700) -12.8% * Individual benefit amounts may not sum to total due to rounding.
• The Town’s standalone quotes include commissions payable to George & Bell, whereas the UBCM Benefit Pool Quote does not include any Broker/Consultant commissions. • Manulife and the UBCM Benefit Pool proposals underwrite dental on a non-refund basis. – Manulife is unable to accommodate an ASO arrangement given the Town’s size, and the UBCM Benefit Pool only offers coverage on a fully insured basis. • Manulife’s proposal includes several plan deviations as compared to your current coverage. The Canada Life and UBCM Benefit Pool proposals do not include any deviations.
The full financial results of the marketing are outlined in section 2 of this report.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 4 All quotes received are for the 2020/2021 plan year. Executive Summary Financial Proposals – Rate Guarantees
• The rate guarantees proposed for the Life, Accident, and Disability benefits are as follows:
Most Competitive Current Insurance Carrier Buying Group/Consortium Benefit Standalone Quote Canada Life UBCM Benefit Pool Manulife Basic Life 1-May-22 1-Sep-22 1-Oct-22 AD&D 1-May-22 1-Sep-22 1-Oct-22 Long Term Disability 1-May-22 1-Sep-22 1-Oct-22 Short Term Disability 1-May-21 1-Sep-21 1-Oct-22 Comments Assumes the Town confirms Assumes the Town chooses Assumes the Town confirms acceptance of Canada Life's Manulife prior to June 1, 2020 and acceptance of the UBCM Benefit proposal effective May 1, 2020. implements effective July 1, 2020. Pool’s proposal prior to June 1, 2020.
• An implementation date of June 1st or July 1st is assumed by most insurance carriers. – This date may be negotiable given the COVID-19 Pandemic. • Most carriers have provided 2 year guarantees for the Life, AD&D, and LTD benefits. • The UBCM Benefit Pool offered a 2 year rate guarantee for the STD benefit. • The EHC and dental benefits were provided 12 to 16 month rate guarantees by each quoting insurance company.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 5 Executive Summary Financial Terms – EHC and Dental
• The following table outlines the target loss ratios for the insured extended health and dental benefits:
Proposed Target Loss Ratios Most Competitive Current Insurance Carrier Buying Group/Consortium Benefit Standalone Quote Canada Life UBCM Benefit Pool Manulife Extended Health 78.7% 82.7% 90.0% - Difference from Top -11.3% -7.3% 0.0%
Dental (Non-Refund) 78.7% 82.7% 92.0% - Difference from Top -13.3% -9.3% 0.0%
Dental (ASO) 86.8% N/A N/A - Difference from Top N/A N/A N/A
Interpretation of the table above: • The Town’s extended health and dental (if insured) benefits will be determined based on the amount of claims expected plus expenses. • The table above illustrates the % of premium which will be spent on funding paid claims, with the remainder going towards insurer expenses and consultant commission. – The higher this ratio is, the more cost effective these benefits operate. • Please note that we have proportionately built-in the commission amount of $7,650 into the Town’s financial terms for ease of comparison. • If the Town were to keep its dental benefit underwritten on an ASO basis, then the implicit target loss ratio would increase, however, the Town would remain liable for all claims and expenses incurred.
The UBCM Benefit Pool is expected to be approximately 7% to 13% more cost effective than 2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 6 Manulife or Canada Life at the first renewal (fully insured basis) and 3% to 5% more effective than the Town’s current ASO dental benefit (even with bearing the risk). Executive Summary Most Significant Plan Deviations
• We have reviewed the plan deviations quoted by each insurance carrier, and the three largest quoted plan deviations are outlined in the table below:
Most Competitive Current Insurance Carrier Buying Group/Consortium Standalone Quote Canada Life UBCM Benefit Pool Manulife None Orthopedics None Would be covered at $150/shoes/year & $400/orthotics/3 years instead of the current $300 combined/year Eye Exams Adults would be eligible for an exam every 2 years instead of every year (current provision) Eligibility Quoted minimum of 20 hours per week vs. 17 hours. It was assumed that no employees work less than 20 hours per week for purposes of their quote.
• Canada Life and the UBCM Benefit Pool did not quote any deviations from your current plan design. – Slight adjudication differences are still likely to exist in practice. • The plan deviations quoted by Manulife are not expected to be material in aggregate, however, they are large enough for your employees to notice them.
• A full list of plan design deviations is included in Section 3 of this report.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 7 Next Steps Finalizing This Marketing
• Following our meeting with the Town, the next steps will be as follows:
Next Few Weeks • We are available to discuss any questions that you may have and to clarify any aspects of the proposals received. • The Town’s fee to participate in this initiative was waived given the commission arrangement already in place with George & Bell.
Marketing Decision • Manulife’s proposal is valid until June 1, 2020. • The UBCM Benefits Pool’s proposal is valid until June 1, 2020. • Canada Life’s proposal is valid until May 1, 2020. • Please be advised that most insurance proposals have been provided assuming no more than a 15% change in headcount. If you have experienced a greater headcount change than 15%, we would recommend that updated census data is collected (see terms and conditions).
Finalizing the Marketing/Implementation • If the Town chooses one of the arrangements as presented in this report, we will issue a final notice to your insurance carrier with the negotiated financial terms and notify the other carriers of your decision. If you do not wish to accept any of the arrangements in this report, please still let us know so we can inform the quoting insurance carriers. • The steps required following this imitative will vary depending on the choice made by the Town.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 8 Remainder of this Report
• This report includes the following additional information relevant to this marketing:
Section 1 Section 2 Group Benefit Delivery Section 3 Financial Proposals Models Qualitative Considerations
• Provides additional information • Outlines all financial proposals • Provides additional information regarding delivery models provided by insurance companies on some plan design and other available to organizations in the as part of this initiative. considerations to be considered market. • Includes comments and advice on in combination with your • Compares your delivery model how to interpret and gauge the marketing report. against the prevalent models effectiveness of each proposal. • Categorizes plan deviations by available. expected impact on your • Confirms the structure of the employees’ experience and quotes received as part of this coverages. initiative.
• Appendix A provides additional information on each insurance carrier quoting on your business. • Appendix B provides information on the account teams proposed by each insurance carrier to manage your account if they were successful in retaining/attracting your business to their firm. • Appendix C outlines the RFEI requirements that were used to pre-qualify insurance carriers during this process.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 9 Section 1 Group Benefit Delivery Models
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report Group Benefit Delivery Models Models Available in the Marketplace
• There are multiple models available to plan sponsors in the group benefit industry, but at a high-level, every group benefits arrangement involves some combination of the arrangement illustrated below. • Please note that there can be more than one party involved in each category (i.e., a Plan Sponsor could contract with two Claims Adjudicators for different benefits, or a multi-employer plan could purchase group insurance with one carrier for multiple benefits under the same contract).
Insurance Companies Plan Sponsors 3rd Party Managers Includes the following types of • Individual companies • Brokerages companies: • Public sector • Insurance Company • Large insurance companies organizations Agents • Smaller insurance companies • Unions • Benefit Consultants who specialize in providing • Trustees • Actuaries certain benefits • Third Party Administrators • Some Third Party Administrators provide claims adjudication services
• A few of the more prevalent delivery models are described on the following pages.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 11 Group Benefit Delivery Models Models Available in the Marketplace – Typical Models
Direct Purchase Typical Broker Arrangement
Organizations have the option to purchase group Organization engages a broker to assist them with providing insurance directly from insurance carriers. a group benefit plan to their members + Eliminates 3rd party management costs. + Effective for organizations who value having a single source of + Usually beneficial when organization has individuals contact for all insurance questions. Effective when the broker with strong benefits knowledge. provides value above what the Plan Sponsor could receive - When organization does not have the internal expertise directly from the Insurance Company. this arrangement produces suboptimal results (from a - Can produce suboptimal results when the broker does not financial perspective in particular). provide value above what is provided by the Claims Adjudicator. Can also be expensive when there is a lack of transparency regarding commissions.
Typical Consultant Arrangement
Organizations can engage a benefits consultant to assist with some, but not all aspects of their program + This model is appropriate for Organizations who have the expertise to manage many of the activities required to operate their plan but value the additional expertise with engaging subject matter experts to increase the effectiveness of their group benefit offering (i.e., renewal negotiations). Fees are generally completely transparent, and the scope of available services are often more robust. - This model is less effective when organizations require more day-to-day support (and don’t wish to pay additional fees for ad hoc advice).
Note: In practice the difference between broker/consultant approach can be less explicit than this high-level illustration.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 12 Group Benefit Delivery Models Models Available in the Marketplace – Typical Models
Traditional Third Party Administrator Buying Group/Consortium
Organization can purchase insurance from a Third Party Organizations can purchase insurance through a Buying Administrator Pool (“TPA”) Group/Consortium + Can provide some financial savings from the active plan + Effective buying groups allow organizations to achieve management and through the pooling of risk. financial terms that would generally not be available to them + TPAs generally offer a full scope of services to assist with on a standalone basis. plan management and answer questions. + Effective buying groups are transparent with the financial - The savings associated with less effective TPA terms negotiated and the rationale behind your premium arrangements are sometimes retained by the TPA (the rates. “owner” of the pool) and programs are sometimes + Provides access to subject matter experts at reduced costs. segmented across several carriers. - The choice of insurance carrier is typically determined by the - Organizations generally have very little line of sight to the administrator of the Buying Group/Consortium. operations of their plans behind the scenes. As a result, - The effectiveness of this model depends on its ability to gain explicit plan details and financial figures are not always size and scale. Small Buying Groups lack the leverage to earn available to the plan sponsor to gauge the effectiveness of advantageous financial terms. the arrangement.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 13 Group Benefit Delivery Models Your Current Model
• The Town currently uses a traditional consultant group benefit delivery model:
Pays employee claims and issues invoices to the Town
The Town Canada Life
Negotiates renewal and Compensated through a provides plan advice as commission arrangement required (embedded in the Town’s George & Bell premium rates)
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 14 Group Benefit Delivery Models Quotes Requested in This Marketing
We are providing three types of quotes to your organization as part of our engagement:
Direct Purchase: Standalone Quotes with Each Buying Group/Consortium: Quote to Join the UBCM Benefits Insurance Carrier Pool • Each quote is provided without any • The UBCM Benefits Pool allows municipalities to purchase commission included and represents the insurance as a collective and obtain advantageous financial “Insurance Costs” of terms with insurance companies. operating your program. • UBCM is a not-for-profit organization and oversees the program. UBCM hires an Actuary to independently distribute rate adjustments to groups in the Pool based on Typical Broker/Consultant Arrangement their own claims experience and demographics. • If you wish to add a broker or consultant • Each Organization maintains autonomy of their own plan following your review, you have the option to design and owns their own policy. do so by either inflating your rates to add • UBCM staff and external experts assist participants with commission, or by paying for these services on the day to day activities of the plan and as a result no a fee-for-service basis. You are welcome to commissions are paid to external brokers or consultants retain any broker or consultant you wish. engaged directly by the Town.
Given our engagement, the Town would have access to George & Bell through the transition period and would be available for ad hoc projects as requested (though they could not be funded through a commission arrangement as currently structured).
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 15 Group Benefit Delivery Models Quotes Requested in This Marketing – How to Interpret Financial Proposals
The following provides a guide of how to interpret your financial quotes:
Current Insurer #1 Insurer #2 Insurer #3 Buying Group/Consortium Benefit Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual Premium Premium % Change Premium % Change Premium % Change Premium % Change Benefit #1 Benefit #2 Benefit #3 1 Benefit #4 Benefit #5 Benefit #6 Benefit #7 2 Total Net Costs 3 3rd Party Commissions 4 Total Gross Costs Change from Current
Standalone Quotes Buying Group/Consortium Quote 1. We have removed our estimated commission rate from each of your current rates for ease of comparison against the proposals received. 2. Total Net Costs reflect the “insurance costs” of your program, without any broker commission or consulting fees. These are the amounts the insurance carrier expects to receive from your program based on your current headcount and insured volumes. These would be the Town’s costs under the “Direct Purchase” model. 3. We have estimated the commission rate that is currently embedded within your rates with your broker/consultant. In cases where the commission amount was unknown, we have estimated this figure based on your size, or based on our comparison of the financial terms we observed in your quote. Please be advised that outside advisors should be assessed based upon the value that they bring and there is no one size fits all model for any group. 4. Total Gross Costs includes all broker/consultant commissions and represent the fairest comparison of all quotes against your current costs. Please note that the quote from the UBCM Benefit Pool is a buying group/consortium quote and does not include any commissions to brokerages as UBCM has staff to manage the program.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 16 Section 2 Financial Proposals
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report Financial Proposals Introduction – G&B Evaluation
• We have identified the most compelling standalone quote for your organization to compare against your current costs, and the costs of joining a buying group in the Executive Summary of this report. • When evaluating proposals for the Town, we have considered the following factors: – Competitive costs now that are sustainable in the future; – Solutions to help the Town manage costs in the future; – Minimize plan deviations from current arrangements; – Minimize disruption for employees during transition; – Proposed service levels and local presence; – A capable and proactive partner that drives the disability process; and, – Value added services at no cost.
• This report mainly focuses on the financial aspects of the Town’s proposals, however, additional qualitative questions have been asked to each insurance carrier as part of this initiative (300+ each) – While we have considered the differences between each carrier when determining the proposal to highlight in the Executive Summary, the Town may wish to consider additional factors during your review of the proposals received in order to make the appropriate marketing decision for your organization. – We would be pleased to discuss any questions you may have regarding the differences between various insurance companies.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 18 An insurance carrier should be chosen with at least a 4-5 year timeframe in mind Financial Proposals All Insurance Carriers
• The following table outlines the full results of the group benefits marketing: Current Manulife Sun Life Canada Life UBCM Benefit Pool Benefit Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual Premium Premium % Change Premium % Change Premium % Change Premium % Change Basic Life $24,800 $17,000 -$7,800/-31.5% $16,300 -$8,500/-34.3% $23,500 -$1,300/-5.2% $18,000 -$6,800/-27.4% AD&D $2,800 $2,500 -$300/-10.7% $2,500 -$300/-10.7% $2,900 $100/3.6% $2,300 -$500/-17.9% LTD $49,600 $35,300 -$14,300/-28.8% $45,500 -$4,100/-8.3% $46,300 -$3,300/-6.7% $41,300 -$8,300/-16.7% STD $21,600 $19,700 -$1,900/-8.8% $20,800 -$800/-3.7% $20,200 -$1,400/-6.5% $20,300 -$1,300/-6.0% EAP $2,000 $1,000 -$1,000/-50.0% $1,300 -$700/-35.0% $1,500 -$500/-25.0% $900 -$1,100/-55.0% Extended Health $69,600 $55,900 -$13,700/-19.7% $64,500 -$5,100/-7.3% $73,600 $4,000/5.7% $60,700 -$8,900/-12.8% Dental $61,050 $52,800 -$8,250/-13.5% $60,600 -$450/-0.7% $60,500 -$550/-0.9% $64,900 $3,850/6.3% Total Net Costs $231,450 $184,200 $211,500 $228,500 $208,400 3rd Party Commissions $7,650 $7,650 $7,650 $7,650 N/A Total Gross Costs $239,100 $191,850 $219,150 $236,150 $208,400 Change ($47,250) -19.8% ($19,950) -8.3% ($2,950) -1.2% ($30,700) -12.8% Rank 1 3 4 2 * Individual benefit amounts may not sum to total due to rounding.
• Manulife quoted the most competitive financial proposal of all insurance carriers. – Manulife quoted the Town’s dental benefit on a non-refund arrangement as they are unable to offer ASO dental for a group of your size. • The Town’s incumbent insurance carrier (Canada Life) provided the least compelling financial proposal of the 5 arrangements, but their proposal is still approximately $2,950 lower than the Town’s current costs.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 19 Financial Proposals Life and Disability - Proposed Rates
• The following table outlines the life and disability rates quoted by the insurance carriers in this marketing:
Benefit (Net of Commission) Current Manulife Sun Life Canada Life UBCM Pool
Basic Life - Quoted Rates $0.433 $0.297 $0.284 $0.410 $0.313 - Annual Premium $24,800 $17,000 $16,300 $23,500 $18,000
Long Term Disability - Quoted Rates $3.544 $2.522 $3.253 $3.310 $2.952 - Annual Premium $49,600 $35,300 $45,500 $46,300 $41,300
Short Term Disability - Quoted Rates $1.002 $0.915 $0.967 $0.940 $0.944 - Annual Premium $21,600 $19,700 $20,800 $20,200 $20,300
* We have removed the commission amount from the current rates to compare with the proposal for an equal comparison. The Town’s current rates including commission are $0.450 per $1,000 for Basic Life, $3.680 per $100 for LTD, and $1.040 per $10 for STD. Insured volumes of $4,782,000 for Basic Life, $116,683 for LTD, and $17,949 for STD. All premium amounts have been rounded to the nearest $100.
• Canada Life’s basic life premium rates for the Town are the highest of all the carriers by a significant margin (over 20% to 25% higher than any of the others). • Manulife quoted the lowest LTD and STD rates of all insurance carriers. • All insurance carriers quoted 24 month rate guarantees for the Life, AD&D, and LTD benefits (varying depending on the proposed implementation date). • The UBCM Benefit Pool quoted a 24 month rate guarantee for the STD benefit, whereas the other insurance carriers only quoted 12 month guarantees.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 20 Financial Proposals Life and Disability – Rate Guarantees
• The rate guarantees offered through this marketing are outlined in the table below:
Benefit Manulife Sun Life Canada Life UBCM Benefit Pool Basic Life 1-Sep-22 1-Jun-22 1-May-22 1-Oct-22 AD&D 1-Sep-22 1-Jun-22 1-May-22 1-Oct-22 Long Term Disability 1-Sep-22 1-Jun-22 1-May-22 1-Oct-22 Short Term Disability 1-Sep-21 1-Jun-21 1-May-21 1-Oct-22 Comments Assumes the Town chooses Assumes the Town Assumes the Town confirms Assumes the Town confirms Manulife prior to June 1, 2020 implements with Sun Life acceptance of Canada Life's acceptance of the UBCM and implements effective effective June 1, 2021. proposal effective Benefit Pool’s proposal prior July 1, 2020. May 1, 2020. to June 1, 2020.
• An implementation date of May 1st or June 1st was assumed by most insurance carriers. • Most carriers have provided 2 year guarantees for the Life, AD&D, and LTD benefits. • The UBCM Benefit Pool has proposed a two year rate guarantee for the STD benefit.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 21 Financial Proposals Accident – Proposed Costs
• The following table illustrates the proposals for the Town’s AD&D benefit:
Benefit Current Manulife Sun Life Canada Life UBCM Benefit Pool Chubb (Net of Commission) Current Rate $0.048 Current Premium $2,800 - Quoted Rates $0.043 $0.043 $0.050 $0.040 $0.027 - Quoted Premium $2,500 $2,500 $2,900 $2,300 $1,500 - Difference from Top +$1,000 +$1,000 +$1,400 +$800 $0
* We have removed the commission amount from the current rate of $0.050 per $1,000 to compare with the proposal for an equal comparison. Insured volumes of $4,782,000 for AD&D.
• Chubb is a specialty carrier that offers AD&D and Critical Illness benefits only. • They are able to provide more advantageous rates for these benefits, and can also provide some more advantageous services as compared to some of the other insurance carriers such as: – A funeral concierge service is offered as part of their plan. – Chubb policies generally cover more illnesses as compared to other full-service insurance carriers. • If the Town is interested in carving-out the AD&D benefit from your program and insuring this benefit through Chubb, please keep in mind the following: – The Town would be responsible for its own administration of this benefit (Chubb does not issue billing statements). – There may be a separate booklet or plan document required to manage and provide to employees regarding this coverage. • AD&D insurance is a niche coverage and the cost savings/coverage enhancements generally need to outweigh the added administration of managing two carriers and we find most smaller plans don’t feel the savings justifies the additional relationship.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 22 Financial Proposals Extended Health and Dental – Proposed Rates • The following table outlines the extended health and dental proposals: Benefit Current Manulife Sun Life Canada Life UBCM Benefit Pool (Net of Commission) Extended Health - Single $80.56 $64.64 $74.66 $86.03 $70.67 - Family $184.57 $148.08 $171.04 $195.05 $160.79 - Implicit Pool Charge 10.86% 4.50% 11.08% 10.85% 6.16%1 - In-Canada Threshold $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $25,000 - Out-of-Canada Threshold $1st Dollar $1st Dollar $1st Dollar $1st Dollar $1st Dollar Total EHC Premium $69,600 $55,900 $64,500 $73,600 $60,700
Dental (ASO) - Expected 2020 Claims $55,000 N/A $55,000 $55,000 N/A - ASO Expense Charge 11.00% N/A 10.10% 10.00% N/A Expected Dental Costs $61,050 N/A $60,600 $60,500 N/A
Dental (Non-Refund) - Single N/A $58.36 $58.05 $56.36 $59.10 - Family N/A $140.04 $163.51 $158.75 $166.49 Total Dental Premium N/A $52,800 $61,500 $59,700 $64,900 * We have removed the commission amount from the current rates for equal comparison with each proposal. The Town’s current gross EHC rates are $83.65 per single and $191.64 per family per month. We have used an average pooling rate for the UBCM Benefit Pool’s proposed rates of $4.69 per single/$10.04 per family per month. Expected costs assume headcount of 1 single and 31 family employees for both health and dental. • Manulife proposed the most competitive extended health rates of all insurance arrangements. • Manulife and the UBCM Benefit Pool are not able to offer ASO dental for a group of the Town’s size. • The Town’s EHC Pooling level would be higher under the UBCM Benefit Pool ($25k as opposed to the current $10k). – This does expose the Town to additional risk of high cost claims, however, there is some implicit “pooling” of claims experience under the UBCM Benefit Pool which would mitigate some of the Town’s risk in practice. • We have not included EFAP in the summary above given the cost differences are relatively immaterial between insurance carriers.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 23 Financial Proposals Extended Health and Dental
• The following table outlines the target loss ratios for the insured extended health and dental benefits:
Proposed Target Loss Ratios Benefit UBCM Manulife Sun Life Canada Life (Includes Estimated Commission) Benefit Pool Extended Health 82.7% 82.0% 78.7% 90.0% - Difference from Top -7.3% -8.0% -11.3% 0.0%
Dental (Non-Refund) 82.7% 82.1% 78.7% 92.0% - Difference from Top -9.3% -9.9% -13.3% 0.0%
Interpretation of the table above: • The Town’s TLR would be 86.8% if you were to continue to underwrite your dental benefit on an ASO basis. • The Town’s extended health and dental (under an insured arrangement) benefits will be determined based on the amount of claims expected plus expenses. The table above illustrated the % of each $1 of premium which will be spent on funding paid claims, with the remainder going towards insurer expenses and consultant commission. – The higher this ratio is, the more cost effective these benefits operate. • Please note that we have proportionately built-in the commission amount of $7,650 into the Town’s rates for ease of comparison. • As illustrated above, the UBCM Benefit Pool is expected to be approximately 7% to 9% more cost effective than Manulife on a standalone basis, and more than 11% more cost effective than current over the long term – This differential is applicable to all future renewals and is also the primary reason for the savings generated by the UBCM Benefit Pool’s quote for the Town’s Extended Health benefit.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 24 Financial Proposals Extended Health, Dental, and EFAP
• The following table outlines the rate and expense charge guarantees for the Town’s extended health, employee assistance plan, and dental benefits:
Benefit Manulife Sun Life Canada Life UBCM Benefit Pool
Extended Health – Total Rates 1-Sep-21 1-Jun-21 1-May-21 1-Oct-21 Employee Assistance Plan 1-Sep-21 1-Jun-21 1-May-22 1-Oct-21 Dental ASO Fee N/A 1-Jun-21 1-May-21 N/A Dental Non-Refund Rates 1-Sep-21 1-Jul-21 1-May-21 1-Oct-21
• Each carrier has proposed a 12 to 16 month rate guarantee for all extended health and dental premium rates. – These benefits will be rated entirely based on the accrued claims experience at the Town’s next renewal.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 25 Financial Proposals Terms and Conditions
The proposals presented in this report include the following terms and conditions:
Manulife • Proposal is valid as long as there is no more than a 15% decrease in headcount by the effective date. Should there be a 15% or greater decrease in headcount, Manulife reserves the right to revisit quoted rates, expenses and guarantees • If appointed, Manulife’s rate guarantees will be valid as long as the following conditions are met: – the number of employees covered changes by more than 15% in a year during the guarantee period. – There is material change to the plan design. – The client undergoes a merger/acquisition or restructuring. – The enrolment drops below 10 lives. Canada Life • Canada Life reserves the right to re-visit proposal if not accepted prior to May 1, 2020. • If Canada Life determines that the information received at the time of quote was incomplete or inaccurate, the guarantees may be voided, and revised pricing may be implemented. UBCM Benefit Pool • The UBCM Benefit Pool reserves the right to re-visit proposal if not accepted prior to June 1, 2020. Sun Life • This proposal is valid until June 1, 2020 provided that: – there are no major plan changes – there are no changes in legislation that would materially alter the risk – the current insurer(s) remain liable for claims incurred prior to the termination of the current contract, and – any change in number of lives does not exceed 15%.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 26 Section 3 Qualitative Considerations
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report Qualitative Considerations Important Considerations
• Some Insurance carriers often have standard products that they require their clients to adhere to if they are to underwrite or administer their program. – Though most deviations are generally minor and driven by system limitations, some deviations can represent materially coverage. • A change in insurance carrier will also result in slightly different adjudication processes. – Some members will be provided with slightly more reimbursement, some will be provided with slightly less. – With diligent planning, most of these impacts can be mitigated, but there will undoubtedly be some changes nonetheless. • To help analyze these considerations from both a coverage and employee experience perspective, we have used a “stoplight” grading system as follows:
Impact on Employee Coverages Impact on Employee Experience
• Low disruption to employee experience, • Minor differences as compared to current or an improvement as compared to coverages offered. current.
• Potentially a high disruption to • Deviation could have a material impact employee’s experience, depending on depending on your perspective. your current program structure. • Deviation has a significant impact on employee • High disruption to employee coverage and should be considered in-depth experience. before a transition is made.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 28 Qualitative Considerations Plan Deviations
The UBCM Benefit Pool proposed no plan design deviations
Canada Life confirmed no plan design deviations
Sun Life Impact Benefit Additional Information Out of Province including Emergency Assistance is provided at 100% and referrals are 80% reimbursement. Expenses incurred for emergency services outside Canada are subject to a lifetime maximum of $3,000,000 per person for active employees and $50,000 per lifetime for retired employees. We will only cover emergency services obtained within 60 days of the date Extended Health of the employee’s departure from his province of residence.
We’ve quoted the drug plan to include mandatory generic substitution.
Dental Accidental Dental coverage will be included under the Extended Health Care benefit.
Note: We have labelled Sun Life’s deviation to quote the Town’s drug plan using mandatory generic as yellow as we believe this decision should be made by the Town and not mandated by the insurance company. We would, however, recommend that the Town considers this plan change anyways to ensure drug costs are prudently managed.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 29 Qualitative Considerations Plan Deviations
Manulife Impact Benefit Additional Information STD • Quoted termination age of 75. • Termination: Age 85 (Highest available) • Drugs: Smoking Cessation $300/lifetime vs. $500/lifetime • Hearing Aids: $500/5 years vs. $700/5 years • Speech Aids: Excluded • Orthopedics: $150/shoes/year & $400/orthotics/3 years vs. $300 combined/year • Breast Prosthesis: Reasonable and Customary vs. 1/year • Surgical Bras: 4/year vs. 2/year • Surgical Stockings: $400/year vs. $250/year • Wigs: $250/lifetime vs. $200/lifetime Extended • Eye Exam Period: Adults 2 years vs. 1 year Health • Out of Country Emergency: $5,000,000/lifetime • Out of Country Referral: 50%, $3,000/3 years vs. 80% Professional Services: Enhanced Plus paramedical have the following practitioners combined: • Naturopath and Dietician (combined) • Physiotherapy and Athletic Therapy (combined) • Podiatrist and Chiropodist (combined) • Psychologist, Clinical Counsellor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Psychoanalyst, Social Worker and Psychotherapist (combined) • Speech Therapy and Audiology (combined) Dental • Age of termination quoted was age 85 (Highest available) Benefit • Quoted minimum of 20 hours per week vs. 17 hours. It was assumed that no employees work less than 20 hours Eligibility per week for purposes of their quote.
None of Manulife’s proposed deviations materially change the coverage offered by the Town in aggregate, but they are likely to be noticed by your members (particularly the eye exam and Orthopedics coverage)
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 30 Appendix A Insurance Carrier Information
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report Appendix A – Firm Information 2017 Group Benefit Market Share
2017.. Insurance Carrier (Millions) Sun Life $9,868.6 Pacific Blue Cross Great-West Life $8,797.1 3% All Other Manulife $8,376.8 12% Medavie Blue Cross Desjardins $2,731.6 Sun Life 3% 24% Green Shield $2,170.2 SSQ SSQ $2,033.1 5% Medavie Blue Cross $1,467.7 Pacific Blue Cross $1,179.3 Green Shield 5% Industrial Alliance $1,135.6 Great-West Life Alberta Blue Cross $1,129.9 21% La Capitale $634.6 Desjardins 7% Equitable Life $419.4 Manulife 20% Empire Life $409.9 Manitoba Blue Cross $339.5 Co-Operators $313.9 RBC $312.5 Saskatchewan Blue Cross $124.3 Assumption Life $72.8 UL Mutual Co. $69.0 GMS Insurance $25.3 Top 20 $41,612.1 Total $41,635.2 Source: Benefits Canada 2017 figures are the latest that have been published
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 32 Appendix A – Firm Information Canada Life (Formerly Great-West Life)
Local Presence Firm Ownership
British Columbia Overall Ownership Financial Ratings • 280 employees in the group • Publicly Traded as Great-West • Financial strength ratings from the customer division across 6 BC office Lifeco, with ticker symbol GWO last three years (2018, 2017, 2016) locations (480 total employees) • Great-West Lifeco is the parent are indicated below respectively: • Over 70% of employees are located company is a publicly-traded, • A&M Best: A+, A+, A+ in Vancouver, with the rest in international financial service • Dominion Bond: AA, AA, AA Langley, Victoria, and Kelowna. holding company with operations in • Fitch Ratings: AA, AA, AA Canada, the United States, Europe, • Moody's: Aa3, Aa3, Aa3 Total Within Canada and Asia with business interests in • S&P: AA, AA, AA • 4,891 employees in the group life insurance, health insurance, customer division across 49 office retirement and investment services, locations (more than 10,500 total asset management and reinsurance. employees) • Canada Life is an amalgamation of • Over half of Canada Life’s Great-West Life, London Life, and employees are located in either Canada Life Winnipeg, Manitoba or London, Ontario.
Union Presence
• No union presence
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 33 Appendix A – Firm Information Manulife
Local Presence Firm Ownership
British Columbia Overall Ownership Financial Ratings • 240 employees to support group • Publicly Traded as MFC on the • Financial strength ratings from the benefits division in 1 BC office Toronto, New York, and Philippine last three years (2018, 2017, 2016) location stock exchanges, and as ’945’ in are indicated below respectively: Hong Kong. • A&M Best: A+, A+, A+ • Manulife is not the subsidiary of a • Fitch Ratings: AA-. AA-, AA- Total Within Canada parent company, but it does operate • Moody's: A1, A1, A1 • 12,800 total employees in Canada with three different names: • S&P: AA-, AA-, AA- • 7 main offices to support group • Manufacturers Life Insurance • DBRS: AA (low), AA (low), AA (low) benefit operations (4 in Ontario, 2 in Company is their official legal Quebec, 1 in Nova Scotia), with an corporate name. additional 7 offices supporting • Manulife is their registered trade group benefit operations. Over 70% name, generally used for external of employees sit in Waterloo, communications. Ontario or Toronto, Ontario. • Manulife Financial Corporation is their holding company.
Union Presence
• No union presence
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 34 Appendix A – Firm Information Sun Life
Local Presence Firm Ownership
British Columbia Overall Ownership Financial Ratings • 260 total employees to support • Sun Life is publicly traded using the Current ratings are as follows: group benefits in 20 office locations ticker symbol “SLF” • Standard and Poor’s: AA- (positive across British Columbia • They are not a subsidiary of a parent outlook) • Over 60% of employees are located company (they are the parent • Moody’s Investors Service: Aa3 within Vancouver company themselves) (stable outlook). • A.M. Best: A+ (stable outlook). Total Within Canada • DBRS: AA (low) (stable outlook). • 8,459 total employees in 30 office • Fitch: AA- (positive outlook) locations across the country • Over 70% of employees are located Union Presence within Toronto • No Union presence
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 35 Appendix A – Firm Information Pacific Blue Cross Local Presence Firm Ownership Union Presence
British Columbia Overall Ownership Unionized Population • 771 total employees, all at their • Member-funded not-for-profit • 662 unionized employees Burnaby head office in British society incorporated under the BC represented by Canadian Public Columbia Societies Act Employees (CUPE) Local 1816 • Not a subsidiary of any other firm • Utilizes a Business Continuity Plan Total Within Canada • PBC is the parent company within (“BCP”) which is updated by each • No other employees outside of the Pacific Blue Cross Corporate department leader on a regular British Columbia Family (BC Life and D.A. Townley are basis. The plan includes handling of the two main subsidiaries) key priority streams of work to minimize impact to members. Financial Ratings • Due to the high penetration and • As a not-for-profit, PBC does not utilization of digital properties use credit rating agencies and is throughout the province, PBC instead regulated by the BC expects that the vast majority of Financial Services Authority. As of claims would experience limited to September 2019, their Life no impact during a labour Insurance Adequacy rating is 118 disruption as their BCP ensures (minimum requirement of 100) access to their digital properties is maintained.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 36 Firm Information Chubb
Local Presence Firm Ownership
British Columbia Overall Ownership Financial Ratings • 1 Employee working from 1 office • Chubb is publicly traded • Minimum AA/Stable from S&P, AM location in British Columbia • Chubb Insurance Company is a Best, Fitch, and Moody’s over the subsidiary of Chubb Ltd. last 3 years Total Within Canada • 60 Employees in Canada, working from 5 different offices across the country • Offices are located in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Markham, and Union Presence Montreal • No Union presence
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 37 Appendix B Proposed Account Teams
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report Appendix B - Proposed Account Teams
The following table provides a high-level overview of how each insurance carrier would propose to staff your account with their firm if they were successful in this group benefit marketing:
Manulife Role Name Additional Information Mark has been an Account Executive at Manulife since 2013, working in the small business unit with groups consisting of 2-50 lives. Mark is well-versed in securing new business from the initial quoting stage through to implementation, inforce policy servicing, and renewal negotiations. He has worked with small business clients in a wide range of industries throughout BC. Mark was an advisor is his Account Executive Mark Ridgeway previous role where he attached his LLQP license. Mark also holds the GBA 1 designation and is in the process of completing the CEBS certificate.
Rob has been with Distributor Services for approximately 2 years and in that short time has worn many hats on the team - supporting Dealer and the Distributor Contact Center from a specialist perspective and also represented Distributor Services in projects as a subject matter expert. He has quite a sense of humor and is always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. If he doesn’t know the answer, he can Service Representative Rob Boudreau usually find a person to connect you with.
Penny has been working in the Small Business Implementation team since 2017. She is very experienced with working with advisors and clients, she prides herself in facilitating a smooth onboarding Implementation Manager Penny Lescak experience. Prior to her role, she was a Service Coordinator for the Corporate Team based in Vancouver. (if required)
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 39 Appendix B - Proposed Account Teams
Sun Life Role Name Additional Information As your Account Executive, Jeff Forman, will be your primary Sun Life Financial contact. He will play a key role in account relationship and financial management of your benefit program. Jeff will work in partnership with you and your assigned implementation team to ensure your harmonized program gets off to a smooth start. He will provide you with information, strategic advice, and plan management support you need. He will oversee the annual financial accounting and renewal of the program, as well as any plan changes you require. As your voice within Sun Life Financial, you can rely on Jeff to ensure Account Executive Jeff Forman that any issues – financial claims, contractual or customer service – are resolved to your satisfaction and that we continue to deliver on our promises to you and your employees. Jeff has been with Sun Life Financial since 2015 and is based out of Vancouver. He has five years of experience in the Group Benefits industry. Jeff holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Calgary. He also has completed a bachelor of science degree in economics from the University of Victoria.
Your assigned Service Representative will work in partnership with your Account Executive to gather the necessary detailed information; oversee preparation of the program’s contracts, booklets and other necessary plan documents. They will provide orientation training and ongoing guidance to your benefits Will be assigned at administrators; and share communication tools and/or conduct information sessions to introduce the Service Representative point of sale new program to your employees, as warranted. Once the plan is in place, they will be responsible for handling ongoing day-to-day service requests and inquiries, including coordinating with our business areas to help with administration, group contract interpretation, execution of plan amendments, etc.
As an Implementation Project Lead, Rebecca Walsh will take overall ownership and be responsible for ensuring your new plan is implemented successfully and with minimal disruption to you and your plan members. Rebecca will partner with you and a number of key internal stakeholders at Sun Life to ensure a successful implementation, from the initial discovery meeting to development of the detailed project Implementation Manager Rebecca Walsh plan (with roles, deliverables and timelines), to set-up of your plan and transfer of your member data to (if required) our systems. She will also assist in providing communications to your plan members to introduce the new plan. Rebecca has 18 years of experience in group benefits management, plan set up, contracts and member experience. She also holds her Group Benefits Associate designation through the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) program.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 40 Appendix B - Proposed Account Teams
UBCM Benefit Pool (via PBC) Role Name Additional Information Nathan has over a decade of experience in group benefits including two tenures at Pacific Blue Cross, as well as a national benefits consulting house and third-party administrator. In his current role Nathan supports a diverse book of business which includes several large association plans and the overall UBCM Account Executive/ pool. Nathan has been recognized at the client and corporate level for excellence in service and holds Implementation Nathan Roeters CEBS designation. Manager Nathan will work with the Town of Creston and their stakeholders to ensure the benefits plan and service levels are meeting the needs of their members. Jill joined Pacific Blue Cross in 2012 as a Benefit Examiner in our Extended Health Claims area. Since then, she has worked in our Call Centre as Customer Service Representative and in Underwriting. Jill brings a wealth of knowledge in all lines of benefits and is committed to providing superior customer service. She holds a degree in Kinesiology and is currently working on her GBA designation. As the Main Service Representative she will provide the Town of Creston technical and service support to employers and plan administrators, and will be the first and main point of contact for operational, service, administrative and claims issues including those which require investigation, communication and a Service Representative Jill Linsangin focus on achieving a timely resolution.
As the SR, Jill also introduces new benefit programs to employees and plan administrators through development and delivery of in-person and remote education sessions. She participates on a variety of project teams to ensure interests of the department are being communicated; and develops and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to service and administer group contracts.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 41 Appendix B - Proposed Account Teams
Canada Life Role Name Additional Information Harold Gutovich has 29 years of experience in the industry with extensive experience as an Account Executive for group insurance plans; providing overall responsibility for the delivery of the services to support these plans. He is in Vancouver, with a strong team behind him and will be the primary point of contact on your ongoing account management. He will work with you to understand your benefit needs, Account Executive Harold Gutovich prepare and present all financial and renewal reports, respond to and assist in the resolution of any issues or concerns you may have with your plan, foster a mutually beneficial working relationship with you to ensure ongoing satisfaction while keeping you informed on new product and service developments and offerings available through Canada Life Lauren Dressler and Brenda Tazumi will provide service and support to the Life, Health and Disability programs. In their roles, they will work with other teams as required to provide personalized, practical and timely solutions that meet your specific needs. They will arrange for the preparation of policy documents and plan member booklets, develop administration manuals and provide training for plan administrators and collaborate with Harold Gutovich to ensure effective service is delivered and maintained. Lauren Dressler/Brenda Service Representative Tazumi Brenda Tazumi, Senior Consultant, 25+ years of group experience with Canada Life. Brenda has strong customer service skills which has served her well in working with large complex employer plans.
Lauren Dressler, Senior Service Specialist, 10+ of group experience with Canada Life. Lauren’s strong communication skills and attention to detail have been valuable assets in servicing her diverse client block. As Implementation Lead, Karen Petursdottir will ensure delivery of the Implementation Processes for the Other Participating Organization's programs. Karen's 20 years of experience has been in Group Benefits Implementation Manager in varying roles, most recently developing the RFP and Implementation strategies for our largest Karen Petursdottir (if required) customers and building, developing, and coaching a dedicated team to provide a first-in-class experience for onboarding.
A proposed account team has not been illustrated for Chubb but is available upon request.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 42 Appendix C Request for Expression of Interest Requirements
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report Appendix C – RFEI Requirements
Important Note: The use of “Claims Adjudicator” is synonymous with the term “Insurance Carrier” in this context.
In order for a Claims Adjudicator to submit a quote on Other Participating Organizations, the Claims Adjudicator must have met the following criteria:
1. The Claims Adjudicator must confirm its ability to perform the following services: – Maintain a call centre and member portal to address questions and information requests from plan members – Invoice and collect contributions from individual employers
2. The Claims Adjudicator must confirm that no aspect of the Other Participating Organization’s data would leave Canada if you were to provide Claims Adjudication services, inclusive of any services outsourced to subcontractors.
3. The Claims Adjudicator must confirm the coverage is protected by Assuris.
4. The Claims Adjudicator must be a member of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) and that all guidelines would be followed if you were to provide the Other Participating Organization with Claims Adjudication Services.
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 44 Thank You!
Contact Information:
Jeff Spoor [email protected] 778-828-3469
georgeandbell.com
2019/2020 Public Sector Benefits Provider Search – Marketing Report 45 Town of Creston
Bylaw No. 1913
A bylaw for the levying of tax rates for Municipal, Hospital, Improvement District and Regional District purposes, for the year 2020.
WHEREAS Section 197 of the Community Charter requires that Council adopt a bylaw to establish tax rates on all taxable land and improvements according to their assessed value;
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the Town of Creston, in open meeting assembled, enacts as follows: Part 1 Citation
1.1 This bylaw may be cited as “Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1913, 2020”. Part 2 Severability
2.1 If a portion of this bylaw is held invalid by a Court of competent jurisdiction, then the invalid portion must be severed and the remainder of this bylaw is deemed to have been adopted without the severed section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, clause or phrase. Part 3 Rates
3.1 The following rates are hereby imposed and levied for the year 2020:
(a) For all lawful general and debt purposes of the municipality on the value of land and improvements taxable for general municipal purposes, rates appearing in Column “A” and Column “B” of the Schedule attached hereto and forming a part hereof.
(b) For hospital purposes on the value of land and improvements taxable for regional hospital district purposes (East Kootenay), rates appearing in Column “C" of the Schedule attached hereto and forming a part hereof.
(c) For hospital purposes on the value of land and improvements taxable for regional hospital district purposes (Central Kootenay), rates appearing in Column “D" of the Schedule attached hereto and forming a part hereof.
(d) For purposes of the Regional District of Central Kootenay, on the value of land and improvements taxable for regional district purposes, rates appearing in Column “E” of the Schedule attached hereto and forming a part hereof. Part 4 Effective Date
4.1 This bylaw shall come into full force and effect upon adoption.
READ A FIRST TIME by title and SECOND TIME by content this day of , 2020.
READ A THIRD TIME by title this day of , 2020.
ADOPTED this day of , 2020.
Mayor Ron Toyota Bev Caldwell, Corporate Officer PROPERTY TAX RATES FOR THE TOWN OF CRESTON
SCHEDULE "A" TO BYLAW NO. 1913, 2020
A B C D E
Dollars of Tax Dollars of Tax per $1000 Dollars of Tax per $1000 Dollars of Tax Dollars of Tax Taxable Value per $1000 Taxable Value per $1000 per $1000 Taxable Value Taxable Value Taxable Value REGIONAL REGIONAL HOSPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT PROPERTY MUNICIPAL MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HOSPITAL CENTRAL CLASS (GENERAL) (RCMP) (EK) DISTRICT (CK) KOOTENAY
RESIDENTIAL 4.13542 1.11424 0.23801 0.00000 2.89510 UTILITIES 31.51002 8.48999 0.83302 0.00000 10.13285 LT INDUSTRIAL 13.64688 3.67698 0.80922 0.00000 9.84334 BUSINESS 8.27084 2.22848 0.58311 0.00000 7.09300 RECREATION 4.13542 1.11424 0.23801 0.00000 2.89510 NON-PROFIT FARM 4.54896 1.22566 0.23801 0.00000 2.89510