By Andrea Arnold
Mayor Gene Runtz called the McBride Council meeting to order at 7:04pm on Tuesday September 28, 2021.
RCMP update
Corporal Colin Bissell RCMP presented crime statistics, COVID enforcement and body-worn cameras to Council for information purposes. Cpl Bissell reported that between Jan. 1, 2021-Sept. 28, 2021 RCMP file numbers are lower than they were for the same period a year ago. Assaults, break and enterings, theft and mischief numbers have all decreased. The most noticeable is the number of assaults which are down 76.9 per cent from last year, while break & enters dropped 33.30 per cent. Two areas that have seen an increase are controlled drug enforcement which doubled, and offensive weapons which quadrupledâ€mostly related to travellers going through town.
Bissell also spoke of the role RCMP has regarding COVID-19 enforcement. He said they will respond if a situation about COVID-19 regulations escalated, but they will not be policing day-to-day regulations and restrictions.
Body cams are being rolled out to all departments. Officers don’t expect to see them here for the next year and a half or so. Logistics for storage, administrative data and policies are being worked out. Data will be held for a minimum of two years. Officers will do their best to inform the public that they are wearing the cameras unless the situation doesn’t allow for it.
Street lighting
Council discussed the LED street lighting colour temperature option of 3000K (warmer), as well as any locations that should be 4000K (if applicable). The decision to hold off a vote until Council members have a chance to take a look at two examples already in place in the village was made. These selections will be submitted to BC Hydro after the next Council meeting.
Charging station
Council approved the Northwest corner of Steve Kolida Park parking lot as the location for a new Charge North level 2 charging station. Administration will forward information on the site to the Community Energy Association for site approval.
2nd Ave closure continues
Council approved the continued closure of 2nd Avenue between the high school and Dominion Street to vehicle traffic until repairs can be made next year. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic can continue using the roadway and winter maintenance will allow it to be used as so.
Council remuneration bylaw
Council gave Remuneration Bylaw 801, 2021(a housekeeping amendment related to federal tax law that came into effect in 2019), first, second and third readings. In summary, these changes are as follows:
- The annual remuneration amounts have been updated to reflect the amounts approved with Resolution #210122.19
- The word “indemnity” was replaced with the word “remuneration”
- A remuneration payment day has been added, so Council members know when to expect the remuneration payments to be made.
Train Station building encroachment lease renewal
Council authorized the renewal of the Building Encroachment McBride, British Columbia Lease Agreement with CN for a further term of 10 years, commencing Sept. 1, 2021 and ending Aug. 31, 2031. The building this is referring to is the train station at the end of main street.
New garbage bins
Council discussed many different options regarding an increase in garbage fees to help cover the cost of a change in residential service. Bins that are compatible with the new garbage truck with tipping abilities have been received by Public Works, and logistics have to be finalized before they are distributed to properties around town. Administration will take the information discussed and present a finalized option for Council to decide on at a future meeting.
In Camera
Council moved to proceed to an In-Camera Council meeting for the consideration of matters per Section 90 (1) of the Community Charter related to : (c ) labour relations or other employee relations, and; (d) the security of the property of the municipality, 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 council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public, and; (o) the considerations of whether the authority under section 91 [other persons attending closed meetings] should be exercised in relation to a council meeting.
