By Andrea Arnold
Mayor Runtz called the Jan 24 McBride Council meeting to order at 7:00pm.
McBride Community Forest Corporation Shareholder meeting
The council meeting was recessed at 7:02pm to conduct the McBride Community Forest Corporation (MCFC) Meeting of Shareholder (the Village of McBride).
The Shareholder voted to remove Harold Edwards and Lucille Green from the McBRide Community Forest Corporation Board of Directors. They then appointed Terry Kuzma and Mike Monroe to serve as directors to the McBride community Forest Corporation Board until the next Annual General Meeting in June 2023. There was no new discussion regarding these items prior to the vote.
The regular council meeting reconvened at 7:05pm.
RCMP report
Corporal Colin Bissell, RCMP presented an updated crime statistics report for information purposes. The statistics are a direct comparison between 2021 and 2022.
Overall there was a drop in call volume of 125 from 655 to 530. He said the following numbers indicate the number of allegations and does not reflect if the allegation was founded or if charges were forwarded.
Increases: assaults from four to 12, thefts from 13 to 19, fraud from 6 to 10.
Decreases: mischief from 29 to nine, traffic-related offenses from 19 to nine and break and entry from nine to six.
Disaster Risk Grant Funding
Council moved to support the Region District of Fraser-Fort George applying for, receiving, and managing grant funding on the Village’s behalf through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation program.
Temporary use permit
Council approved a temporary use permit to allow for the continued use of two short-term rental units for a period of three years (ending January 24, 2026) at 851 2nd Ave and authorizes CAO to issue the permit.
Council pay increase
Council received the Village of McBride Council Remuneration Amendment Bylaw No. 813, 2023 for informational purposes. Council then voted to give the Village of McBride Council Remuneration Amendment Bylaw No. 813, 2023 first, second and third readings. The amended bylaw brings the Mayor remuneration to $12,000/ year and each Councillor to $8,400/year. One third of the amounts will be paid as an allowance for incidental expenses and the remainder paid to Council members the last Friday of each month. They scheduled a special meeting for Thursday to give it final reading and adoption.
Building inspection services
Council approved the 2023 Building Inspections Services Agreement as presented. Council also authorized Mayor Runtz and the CAO to execute the agreement. This agreement is a continuation of the partnership that the Village has had with the Regional District for over a decade. The RDFFG provides level one building inspection services on a one day a week basis, including a vehicle, mobile phone and travel costs.
Grant writing support
Council directed staff to submit an application to Northern Development Initiative trust for the Grant Writing Support Program in the amount of $8,000. Council then agreed to support overall grant management.
Tactical Plan
Council moved to support the Village of McBride 2023 One Year Tactical Plan and Budget as proposed and endorsed by the McBride Tourism Committee for submission to DestinationBC.
In camera
Council moved to proceed to an in-Camera Council meeting for the consideration of matters of the Community Charter related to Section 90 (1) (c) Labour Relations or other employee relations and (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality.
