By Andrea Arnold
Deputy Mayor Rosemary Hruby called the regular meeting of the McBride Council at 7:00pm on April 27, 2021. Councillors Green, Frederick and Smith were in attendance, along with Mayor Runtz.
Child Care Action Plan
A presentation of the draft Child Care Action Plan was first on the agenda. Independent consultant, Sandra Menzer and SPARC BC consultant Monica Petek teamed up for the presentation. They talked about why child care is important. They have conducted a local online survey, interviews and a solutions workshop. From these, they have determined four main priorities. Increased access, improved affordability, focus on quality and strength in partnerships. Their recommendations are to establish a child care action group, have annual reports prepared, and to adopt the action plan as needed, and as demographics and government policies change, make changes when needed.
Community Revitalization appointments
Council passed the motion to make a few revisions to the McBride Community Revitalization Committee Terms of Reference. Irene Rejman appointed as Committee Chair, and term appointments as follows; One year – Irene Rejman, Mike Moseley, Cynthia Vazorka, and Stefi McLean. Two year appointments – Councillor Diane Smith, Councillor Allan Frederick, Jana McMaster, Simon Williams and Bridget Uhl. Meetings have been set for every third Monday at 3:00pm.
Crescent Park upgrade plans
Council passed the motion directing administration to prepare and submit an application for grant funding for improvements to the “Crescent Park” through the Canada Healthy Community Initiative Funding Program; and that Council supports the project and commits to any associated ineligible costs and cost overruns. Plans are in the beginning stages, and include seating spaces, new perimeter fencing, trash receptacle and signage.If the application is successful, a call for public input will go out.
Road deactivation opposition meeting
Council requested Administration contact the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development for information regarding the reasons for resource road deactivation, to be received by mid-May. This will allow Council time to form key discussion points, and set a meeting date for the end of May. This correspondence will also address the maintenance and rehab of existing roads.
Letter of support
Council passed the motion directing Administration to provide the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George with a letter of support for their application to Unions of BC’s Municipality’s Local Government Development Approvals Program.
FLNRORD Meeting
Council passed the motion directing Administration to arrange a meeting with FLNRORD to obtain information and discuss the Ungulate Winter Range Proposal in Omineca Region for Moose.
Housing Society proposed site concern
Council directed Administration to write a letter in response to Wade and Lisa Franke’s letter of concern regarding the proposed housing development at 100 Shantz Place. The letter is to explain that although there has been talk of a location, the grant application has not been successful at this point. Once the funding has been secured, public consultation will take place. Speaking on behalf of the Housing Society, Councillor Green stated that they are open to other options that meet all the criteria. If anyone has an idea of a viable location, please contact the society.
Bylaw readings postponed
Council passed the motions to postpone first reading of both the Five-Year Financial Plan 2021-2025 Bylaw No 799.2021 and the 2021 Municipal Property Tax Rate Bylaw No 800.2021 to the April 29, 2021 Public Consultation meeting.
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 or another position appointed by the municipality; and (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege including in the In-Camera meeting. The regular meeting recessed at 8:15pm.
