By Andrea Arnold
Mayor Gene Runtz called the January 25, 2022 McBride Council meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Utility fee review
Christopher Paine, CPA, CGA, Principal, FIT Local Government Consulting presented the Village of McBride 2022 Utility Use Fee Rate Review. The presentation provided Council with the purpose of the review, the background information that was collected and their recommendations. Council was presented with several options; increase utility user fee revenue to sustainable, maintain existing fixed rate model as it is equitable, transparent and cost effective, or increase utility connection fees to actual cost. The goal is to allow the community to maintain a sustainable utility service.
MCFC Presentation
Ray Thiessen, McBride Community Forest Corporation General Manager provided a perspective of MCFC and First Nations engagement. He discussed differences between political and operational actions in regards to Government and First Nations.
Grant funding application
Council directed staff to submit an application for grant funding for the McBride Wastewater Lagoon Cell #1 Revitalization Project through the Investing in Canadian Infrastructure Program – Green Infrastructure Environmental Quality Intake 3. Also Council agreed to support the project and commit to its share ($306,144) of the project as well as cost overruns.
Technology purchase for Council use
Council approved the purchase of 2 x Meeting Owl Pro’s (video conferencing units), up to a total cost of $4,500.
Council also approved the purchase of six 12.9-inch Apple ipads for the digital agenda software up to a total cost of $10,500. Funding for these purchases will come from the COVID Safe Restart Grant.
PCP Course location options
Council directed administration to investigate options to host a Primary Care Paramedic Course, and present location options at a future council meeting.
BC Geographical Naming Principals
Council directed Administration to register Councillor Frederick for the Engagement on Updates to British Columbia’s Geographical Naming Principles, Policy and Procedures on Wednesday February 2, 1:00-3:30pm.
BCEHS Meeting
Council directed Administration to schedule a meeting with British Columbia Emergency Health Services – BCEHS and Area Manager Michael Lee on Thursday February 10, after 11:00am. Exact time to be determined.
Code of Conduct
Council adopted the revised Village of McBride council Code of Conduct Policy, AD-19 as amended.
Council accepted the amended Village of McBride Oath of Office for elected officials to add the phrase “I have read the Village of McBride Council Code of Conduct and will conduct myself by adhering to its standards and values.”
Report to Council – 2022 Utility User Fee Rate Review Recommendation
Following the presentation at the beginning of the meeting, Council tabled the decision regarding the rate review until the next meeting, allowing time for Councillors and staff to ask questions and look at the upcoming budget.
Love Northern BC
Council directed staff to submit an application for grant funding to Northern Development Initiative Trust for the Love Northern BC program in the amount of $1200 for launch in 2022. The program provides participating businesses with a prominent digital presence and community-based marketing.
Budget Draft
Council requested staff provide a draft budget for discussion and review at the special meeting scheduled for February 1st.
In-Camera
Council adjourned to an in-camera meeting for consideration of matters of the Community Charter related to: Section 90 (1) (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interest of 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 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.
And Section 90 (2) (b) the consideration of information received and held in confidence relating to negotiations between the municipality and a provincial government or the federal government of both, or between a provincial government or the federal government or both and a third party; and (c) a matter that is being investigated under the Ombudsperson Act of with the municipality has been notified under section 14 [Ombudsperson to notify authority] of that Act.
Council recessed the public portion of the meeting at 9:00pm.
