By Andrea Arnold
Deputy Mayor Diane Smith called the McBride Council meeting to order at 7:01pm on April 26, 2022. Mayor Runtz and Councillor Green attended via Zoom.
Curling Club concerns
Brad Kope made a presentation on behalf of the McBride Curling Club asking for a letter of support be sent from the Village on their behalf to the Regional District of Fraser Fort George. At this time, the club has received a notice from the RDFFG that their lease will not be renewed for the next year.. Aside from being an activity that locals can participate in, the club holds events throughout the year that brings in revenue for the community through accommodation booking, grocery purchases and restaurant visits. Also, the money that the club pays for the rental of the curling facility would have to be made up elsewhere. Kope and the club predict the rest of the community would see an increase in taxes to help make up the amount. The Curling Club has submitted a letter expressing concerns to Michael Higgins with the RDFFG, and are awaiting his reply.
Train Station roof replacement
Council approved the switch from the “coloured metal roof” option to asphalt shingles in line with the cost estimates approved through resolution from November 2021 #121109.21. The recommendation to switch materials came after closer examination of the roof where it was determined further engineering would be required to install the tin roof to make it safe. Snow load and pedestrian safety were taken into consideration as well as the overall cost. Shingles are more historically accurate for the train station, and the cost is within the original budget. Council further supports the recommended shingle style Carriage House and color Black Pearl.
Community Market planning
Council approved the use of the Steve Kolida Park Pavilion for the McBride Community Market on Fridays beginning June 24 and ending September 2, 2022 from 11:00am – 2:00pm, contingent on Provincial Health Orders and receipt of a current COVID-19 Safe Operating Plan approved by Administration.
McBride Grad attendance
Council directed administration to respond to the 2022 graduating class of McBride confirming the attendance of Mayor Runtz to the 2022 Graduation/Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 4:00pm.
Mountain Bike Association Letter of support request
Council directed administration to provide the Robson Valley Bike Association with a letter of support for their grant application to Northern Development Initiative Trust – Recreation Infrastructure Program. The club hopes to use the funding to hire professional trail builders to build a 1-km, machine-built, two-directional green/easy trail from kilometer 2 on the McBride Peak forest service road down to the parking lot. This would add another level of rider to use and experience the bike trails.
MCFC request First Nations on board
Council postponed the recommendation that Council either:
1. Deny the McBride Community Forest Corporation’s request to established two directorships for the exclusive use by First Nations, or
2. Support the McBride Community Forest Corporation’s (MCFC) request to establish two directorships for the exclusive use by First Nations; as well as the request that MCFC advise the shareholder how this will both be implemented from a governance and administrative perspective.
Councillors requested a meeting with MCFC prior to the May 24th council meeting, to discuss the details of this request further before taking it to a final vote.
Council confirmed the McBride Community Forest Corporation’s selected AGM date of June 16, 2022 at 7:00pm.
Bylaws
Council moved to postpone the second reading of the Five-Year Financial Plan (2022-2026) Bylaw No 808.2022. and the 2022 Municipal Property Tax Rate Bylaw No 809.2022 to the April 28, 2022 Special Council Meeting.
Lagoon access agreement
Council approved the execution of the Modification Agreement between the village and the province to extend the terms of the License of Occupation for one year for the purpose of continued legal access to the Village’s sewer lagoons over Horseshoe Creek. Council further directed CAO Tupy to sign the Modification Agreement.
In-camera
Council moved to an in-camera meeting for considerations of matters of the Community Charter related to Section 90 (1) (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 (o) the consideration of whether the authority under section 91 [other persons attending closed meetings] should be exercised in relation to a council meeting.
The public portion of the meeting adjourned at 7:38pm
