By Andrea Arnold
The McBride Council met for their regular meeting on May 14, 2019. The meeting was called to order at 6:58 p.m. by Mayor Gene Runtz. Also in attendance were Councillors Frederick, Smith, Green and Hruby.
Proposed Senior Housing Presentation
Doug Monroe, owner of Profor Management Inc, and site designer, and architectural visualisation expert Dale Stevens presented a development proposal to council for the Robson Valley Legacies Project. The proposal outlined the +55 complex project on the site of the old high school. At this time, no motions or action by council was requested.
Road Repairs
Council approved a motion to complete reconstruction and paving of Sansom Road through NV Construction for a total cost of $81,007. Paving is scheduled for the last week of May and first week of June, 2019.
Reports accepted
Council passed a motion to receive report “Revenue and Expenditures to April 30, 2019.”
Support Granted
Council enthusiastically passed a motion to direct Administration to provide Profor Management Inc with a letter of support for their Robson Valley Legacies Development Proposal for new housing.
Beer Gardens Approved
Council approved the McBride Elks application for a beer garden at Bill Clark Memorial Ball Park Pavillion from 11:00am-6:00pm on June 1 and 2 for Pioneer Days.
BC Assessment Meeting Planned
Council passed a motion to direct administration to request a meeting with BC Assessment Tuesday September 24 or Wednesday September 25 at the 2019 UBCM Convention.
Broadband Committee Gains Council Support
Council passed a motion to approve the Village of McBride Broadband Select Committee Terms of Reference as presented. And further, to appoint the Committee members as presented and recommended by Administration. Also, council approved a motion to appoint Councillor Frederick as a member of Council on the Committee.
Possible Train Station Renovations & Main Street Beautification
Council passed the motion to approve the DRAFT “Moving Towards Universal Access: Accessibility Recommendations for the McBride Train Station” produce by Apex Access Consultants. Council approved a motion to consider investment in Main street beautification by approving purchase of concrete exposed aggregate planters.
Focus on Tourism
Council passed the motion to receive the BC Rural Dividend Fund Announcement. Through the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNORD), the Village of McBride has been awarded $92,014 to complete a McBride Tourism Master Plan. The McBride Tourism Master Plan application provides for a phased development approach with a project end date of 2020. Administration is currently reviewing the original application submitted in July 2018, and developing a tender package and delivery timeline. Community engagement opportunities are a strong component of the Tourism Master Plan development. The first priority will be the MRDT application and development of a committee.
Elected Official Upcoming Visits
MLA Shirley Bond and Interns as well as Dorothy Titchener will be in the Robson Valley May 21 & 22, and have requested a meeting with council on May 22 @ 1:30pm.
Administration requested and received confirmation or attendance from all council members. Council passed a motion to extend an invitation to MP Bob Zimmer, MLA Shirley Bond, School Board trustee
Bob Thompson and RDFF Director Dannielle
Alan to join council at a community BBQ on July 19, 2019 from 4-6pm.
Administration will select a location and organize the details.
Congratulations on Election Results
The Lheidli T’enneh community has had a recent election resulting in the following individuals elected for a two-year term:
- Chief Clayton Pountney
- Councillor Helen Buzas
- Councillor Dolleen Logan
- Councillor Clarence John
- Councillor Joshua Seymor
McBride Council passed a motion directing Administration to send a letter of congratulations to the Chief and Council. Also, indicate in the letter that council will be contacting them to arrange a meeting.
Call for Herd Planning Committee Members
Administration has been collecting names of individuals who would like to be involved in the Province’s Caribou Herd Planning and will submit the list to the Proviwnce, At this time there is no information from the Province on the roll-out or dates for the Herd Planning process.The deadline for online feedback for Draft Section 11 Agreement has been extended to May 31, 2019. Although no planning dates have been released yet, administration is recommending that a committee be formed to begin preparing a proposal to the Province, and has been receiving inquiries and various suggestions. Council directed Administration to advertise an Expression of Interest for potential Select Committee members regarding Caribou Herd Planning.
Council adjourned the public portion of the evening at 8:00pm to move into the In-Camera session.
