By Andrea Arnold
Deputy Mayor Rosemary Hruby called the McBride Council meeting to order at 7:01 on April 13, 2021. Councillors Green, Frederick, and Smith were also in attendance.
New suicide and crisis hotline
Council passed the motion endorsing the 988 crisis line initiative and further directs administration to send a letter indicating their support of a national 3-digit suicide prevention hot-line to the local MP, MPP, Federal Minister of Health, the CRTC and local area municipalities. This is in response to a letter from MP Bob Zimmer stating that the federal government has passed a motion to adopt 988 as a national 3-digit suicide and crisis hot-line. The three digit easy-to-remember direct number will replace the current 10 digit number that requires the call to go through directories, or be placed on hold. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for suicide preventive services by over two hundred per cent. The Village of McBride recognizes that it is a significant and important initiative to ensure critical barriers are removed for those in crisis and seeking help
Patio area
Council passed the motion to approve development permit application 2021-02 for 289 Main St, and further, to issue the requested permit. This will allow Welcome Home to add a 20×50 foot concrete pad on their lot to be used as an outdoor patio & seating area. Also, it would include the addition of an 8×20 foot metal storage container with a mural painting on the side facing the patio. The final mural design, by a local artist, would be brought before the Downtown Revitalization and Beautification Committee for consideration.
New business coming
Council passed the motion to approve development permit application 2021-01 for 277 Main St, and further to issue the requested permit. The applicant wants to construct a 26 x 30 foot pre-engineered steel building, and four 7×10 foot smooth wall mobile modular storage buildings, to be used for a new business moving to town. A mention was made to be sure the proponent is aware of bylaws regarding signage, as well as the need to clarify what water drainage plan they have in place for the new construction.
Equipment purchase
Council approved the purchase of a used 2008 Hitachi ZX35 Mini Excavator with brushing head for $59,500.00 out of the 2021 Budget amount Council pre-approved on February 12, 2021.
Congratulations sent
Council passed the motion to send congratulations to the new Chief of the Lheidli T’enneh as well as each of the new Council members.
In Camera
Council passed the motion to proceed to 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, employee or agent of the municipality of another position appointed by the municipality; and (k) negotiations and related discussion 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.The regular meeting adjourned at 7:30pm.
