By Andrea Arnold
The McBride Council met for their regular meeting on June 11, 2019. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Gene Runtz. In attendance were Councillors Smith, Green, Hruby and Frederick.
Wildfire Mitigation Concerns
Council passed a motion directing Administration to respond to Mr. Tim and Mrs. RoseAnne Forster’s letter regarding Wildfire mitigation concerns. The Forsters expressed a concern of potential threats posed by combustible items on adjacent properties. Administration will write a response to address these concerns and update the Forsters on what plans the Village has been working on.
Canada Day
Councillors Smith and Hruby stepped away for a grant in aid request from the Chamber of Commerce as they both serve as directors for the Chamber. The remaining members, Green, Frederick and Mayor Runtz passed the motion to approve a $250 Grant in Aid for the McBride and District Chamber of Commerce to assist with expenses for the annual Canada Day Celebrations.
Best Day of Summer
Council passed a request from the McBride Evangelical Free Church for a temporary closure of Lonsdale St. from 1st to 2nd Avenues on Wednesday July 17, 2019 from 9:00am to 5:30pm for the children’s event “The Best Day of Summer.” To avoid any appearance of conflict of interest, Councillor Green recused herself as a member of the church before the motion was moved.
Broadband Review
Council approved a motion approving an application to the BC Rural Dividend Program under the Project Development Fund for a McBride and Area Broadband Review and Strategy.
Community Forest – Application Support
After the next motion was read out, the spring-loaded seats in the room struck again as both Mayor Runtz and Councillor Green removed themselves as members of the McBride Community Forest. Acting Mayor Frederick, along with Councillors Hruby and Smith passed the motion to approve an application to the BC Rural Dividend Program under the Single Applicant funding stream in support for the McBride Community Forest Phase 2 Vegetation Resource Analysis and Implementation Plan. (last year they were approved for $100,000 through the BC Rural Dividend Program for Phase 1).
Chlorine Gas Retrofit Feasibility Study
All members of council were able to stay in the room for the final motion. Administration asked that Council consider approving an application to the Infrastructure Planning grant program for a Water Treatment Plant Chlorine Gas Retrofit Feasibility Study. The Village currently uses chlorine gas to treat water. Administration’s report notes this is highly dangerous and requires other monitoring and alarms due to the danger involved. A feasibility study would determine the best solution, including size and cost of retrofitting the water treatment plant with another system. Council passed the motion.
Council adjourned the public portion of the evening at 7:22pm to move to the In-Camera session.
