By Andrea Arnold
The first McBride council meeting of 2021 was called to order by Acting Deputy Mayor Rosemary Hruby at 7:01pm on Tuesday January 12, 2021. Also in attendance were Councillors Frederick, Green and Smith. Councillor Green had made the decision to step back from the Acting Deputy Mayor position for this meeting as she had been ill earlier in the week and unsure of her ability to attend.
Beautification Banners
Chelsie Stubbs, Chair and Sheilagh Foster, Vice Chair of the Robson Valley Arts & Culture Council were present. Stubbs presented a banner project as part of the Village of McBride beautification project. Stubbs requested permission to go ahead with the project that will involve art created by local students and other artists portraying the answer to, “What does the Robson Valley mean to me?” The group has done research to ensure the type of
banner will withstand the extreme weather McBride is faced with throughout the year. The hope is to make the creation of the banners a yearly event, with different themes. Council requested that Stubbs present the idea to the newly-formed Community Revitalization and Beautification Committee so the look of Main Street McBride is fluid and uniform.
Revitalization and Beautification Committee
Council moved to accept the recommendation to appoint the following community members to the Community Revitalization and Beautification Committee to join Council representatives Smith and Frederick: Cynthia Vazorka,
Simon Williams, Mike Moseley, Bridget Uhl, Irene Rejman, Stefi McLean and Jana MacMaster. Council further adopted the committee Terms of Reference as presented, and directed administration to coordinate the first committee meeting.
Public Works Security Upgrade
Council approved the transfer of $8,500 to cover security cameras for the Public Works Yard. The money was moved from the $10,000 in the 2020 budget to the 2021 budget based on quotes received from Mic Electronics and McTech. The motion activated cameras will be accessible by select Public Works and Village staff.
Flood Funds Grant Application
Council passed a motion directing administration to submit a grant application for the Village of McBride Dominion Creek Flood Mitigation Project thought the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Adaptation, Resilience & Disaster Mitigation Stream. Council also agreed to support the project and commit to any associated ineligible costs and costs overruns.
Resident Water Runoff Issues
Council agreed to direct Public Works to assess the location in regard to Bylaw regulations of the storage building on 1044 2nd Ave, in response to a letter from Michael and Barbara Jackson. The Jacksons are concerned about poor water drainage on their property. Increased elevation of 2nd Ave, along with the roofline of a storage unit on Village property have caused excess water to drain onto their land. Council directed Public Works to further investigate drainage options at 1056 2nd Ave, as well as the possibility of moving the building in question. Council directed administration to send the Jackson’s a letter stating their concerns have been heard and options are being explored.
Neighourhood Rink
In response to a letter from McBride resident Stewart Reimer regarding the creation of a neighbourhood outdoor rink, Council moved by a vote of 3-1 to postpone the decision to research insurance coverage. Upon receipt of this information, a decision will be made regarding the future of the rink. Reimer’s letter stated the hope to “create a much needed and important outdoor recreation opportunity” while abiding by COVID distancing requirements. The request had missed the pre Christmas meeting deadline and residents proceeded with the project. Those responsible have been spoken to and have expressed regret for their actions.
Garbage Bin Purchase
Council approved the purchase of two used commercial garbage bins for $6,000. One of the bins in town has recently broken bringing the need for replacements to light.
In Camera
Council passed the motion to move into an In-Camera Meeting for consideration of matters per Section 90 (1) of the Community Charter related to: (a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employe or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality; (c ) Labour Relations or other employee relations; (g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege including communications necessary for that purpose; and (k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are in their preliminary stages and that in the view of Council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they are held in public.
Council adjourned at 8:08pm
