By Andrea Arnold
Deputy Mayor Rosemary Hruby called the Tuesday March 9, 2021 council meeting to order at 7:00pm. Councillors Frederick, Green and Smith were all in attendance, along with Mayor Runtz, Interim CAO Sandy Salt and the to-be-appointed CAO Chris Tupy.
New CAO
Council passed the motion to appoint Chris Tupy as Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Officer for the Corporation of the Village of McBride. Interim CAO Sandy Salt was given the authorization to administer the oath of office and Tupy was welcomed into the community. See our story on Tupy in this edition of the Goat.
Age-Friendly Assessment & Action Plan
Council adopted the Village of McBride Age-Friendly Assessment & Action Plan as presented. In the time since the plan was presented by EcoPlan International at the last meeting, council members were able to ask questions or express concerns directly to EcoPlan, so there was no further discussion.
Ozalenka Alpine Club Support Request
Council passed a motion to provide a letter of support to the Ozalenka Alpine Club for their applications to Canada Healthy Communities Initiative funding program. The request came from Jill Howard on behalf of the club. If the application is successful, the money will go towards the Ozalenka Alpine Cabin Construction Project. The current cabin is 32 years old. In the summer of 2020, the foundation of the new cabin was completed, so this new funding will help with the completion. The cabin and trail is located within the West Twin Provincial Park boundary. Parks BC has invested in bridges on the trail, and provided a porcupine fence at the trailhead, and has requested that the club construct a new cabin instead of repairing the old.
Grad Banner Display
Council approved the hanging of a congratulatory banner for the 2021 graduating class.
The banner is to be hung from the Welcome to McBride archway from June 14-28.
Robson Mountain Bike Association Support
Council moved to provide the Robson Mountain Bike Association with a letter of support for their application to the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative funding program, Safe and Vibrant Public Spaces Stream. If the application is successful, the club hopes to build or modify existing trails to allow beginner riders a comfortable learning environment, expanding the riding community. Council expressed a desire to see locals hired where possible if the project proceeds.
Road Deactivation Opposition
In response to a letter received from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development regarding the deactivation of the Castle Creek/Cottonwood access road, Deputy Mayor Hruby suggested arranging a meeting with MLA Shirley Bond as well as a representative from the Ministry to discuss other options rather than full deactivation. Concern for trappers or farmers who use the road regularly was raised, as well as
the recreational use the road sees in the summer months.
Signing Officer Appointment
Council approved that CAO/CO Chris Tupy be added as a signing officer for all Village of McBride Scotiabank and MFA banking, and investment purposes. In a friendly amendment, the corporate credit card was added to the motion.
In-Person meetings
Council moved to receive the In-Person Council Meeting report for information purposes. A discussion followed, bringing up ideas and possible issues around Council members returning to the chambers for meetings, while continuing a zoom or another virtual option allowing for public attendance and presentations. Administration was directed to explore options in hopes that meetings can return to chambers in the near future.
Transfer station portable toilet
Council passed the motion directing Administration to contact the Regional District Fraser-Fort George to request that an outdoor portable toilet be provided and delivered to the McBride Regional Transfer Station & Recycling Depot. Also, Council approved the costs for servicing it as per the Operating Agreement. It was clarified that the facility is to be for transfer station staff only.
In-camera
Council passed the motion to move to in-camera for consideration of matters per Section 90 (1) of the Community Charter related to: (a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds are is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality, (c) labour relations or other employee relations; AND (k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public. Council moved to recess the regular meeting and move into in-camera at 7:59pm.
