By Andrea Arnold
Acting Deputy Mayor Glen Frear called the December 12, 2023 McBride Council meeting to order at 7:00pm.
BC Air Access Program
Council moved to support an application to the BC Air Access funding program for the McBride Charlie Leake Fuel System Enhancement Project, estimated to cost $599,780.40. Council also agreed to fund the municipal portion of the project up to $149,945.10, cover any cost overruns and support overall grant management. The project would allow a new cardlock fuel system to be installed at the airport that would provide both aviation fuel for small fixed wing aircraft and jet fuel for rotary-wing aircraft, particularly emergency aircraft like air ambulance, RCMP and BC Wildfire.
Elks #247 Application to Transition to a Liquor Primary Licence.
The Elks #247 have made an application to change their liquor licence to a primary licence.
The Village of McBride Council has taken into consideration the location as well as the capacity and possible hours of liquor service.
In regards to the impact of noise on the community, it is not expected to be an issue because of the hours, the location, and because the current operations have had a negligible impact of noise on the community to date. If noise becomes an issue, it will be addressed using the Noise Control Bylaw says the report.
If the application is approved, Council expects that the impact on the community is expected to be positive and continue to support a growth in Elks membership and visitation by non-members.
Written views of residents were solicited by the Village through public notices: posted on www.McBride.ca, the Village of McBride Facebook page, at the Village Office, and at 172 Holdway Street, 14 days prior Council’s recommendation.
The proposal has been advertised in The Little McBride Paper on Nov. 29th and Dec. 6th, 2023, no less than six days prior to Council’s consideration for approval. No comments were submitted prior to the Council report.
Council approved of the license change having considered the impact on the community, and feels that this change from a Liquor Primary Club License to a Liquor Primary License would have an overall positive impact on residents, local businesses, and tourists alike.
Councillor Kolida asked for clarification on one point. He wondered if the change would allow for more family-friendly events, with bar services. Director of Finance Sandy Salt said that yes, underage children would be allowed on the premises up to a set hour.
Christmas lights
In response to the Public Works report, Councillor Kolida asked if it is possible to spruce up the light display on the train station. EDO Dube said there are plans to purchase more decorations and lights at the end of the season when they are on sale in preparation for next year. Also, decisions will be made in partnership with the Beautification Committee taking into consideration the renovations that are planned for the station.
Procedure Bylaw Amendment No. 823,2023
Council adopted council Procedure Bylaw Amendment No. 823,2023. This bylaw changes the regular council meeting start time to 6:00pm. This change is to ensure meetings do not extend too late into the evenings. They also hope that this will allow more members of the community to attend as there is only an hour between the end of the work day and the start of the meeting. They also hope that the change will remove the extra strain on the members of staff and council that attend the meetings and then have to be at work early the next morning.
Policy No., FI -05 Asset Retirement Obligations
Council approved policy No,. FI-05 Asset Retirement Obligations. This is a new accounting standard that was approved by the Public Sector Accounting Board in March 2018. It must be applied by all public sector entities who prepare financial statements under the board including all Canadian municipalities.
Annual Report
Council approved the Village of McBride 2022 Annual Report. CAO Jeanette McDougall
told Council there were a few minor errors found in the document, but that due to the time-sensitive nature of the report, she recommended approving it as-is and allowing the changes to be made before final submission.
2024 COFI Convention
Council confirmed attendance to the 2024 COFI Convention in Vancouver April 10-12, 2024 at the JW Marriott Parq Hotel in Vancouver, BC. Council moved to have Mayor Gene Runtz and Councillor Joe Kolida attend.
2024 Building Inspection Agreement
Council approved the 2024 Building Inspection Service Agreement as presented and authorized the Mayor and the CAO to execute the agreement.
Late items for discussion, no vote needed
Community Bus – Sports
Mayor Runtz spoke of the community’s need to have a transportation option, specifically for sports teams. He said that McBride has a hole and needs a safe option to fill it. He asked EDO Karen Dube to look into possible funding through NDIT.
Scotiabank closure
Mayor Runtz said the Village has heard back from Integris. They stated they are very interested in setting up banking services through their Credit Union in McBride. The email that was received by the Village said that Integris had held a vote, and voted in favor of moving ahead [with discussions.] Mayor Runtz said he would like to set up a committee or a working group in January to work on whatever needs to be figured out to provide McBride with banking options.
EDO Dube said the Village has heard back from representatives for Scotiabank. They are keen to meet with representatives from McBride in January. Mayor Runtz wants to ensure the whole process is kept transparent, and that the public is kept in the loop.
Dinner Invitation
Jim Martin, CAO for the Regional District Fraser Fort George, is retiring. CAO McDougall and Mayor Runtz have been invited to the retirement dinner on December 13th. Council approved CAO McDougall request to have the ticket cost ($50) as well as accommodation covered so they can attend.
In Camera
Council voted to proceed to an in-camera council meeting for consideration of matters of the Community Charter related to Section 90 (1)(c) labour relations or other employee relations, and (2) a part of a council meeting must be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to one or more of the following (b) the consideration of information received and held in confidence relating to negotiations between the municipality and a provincial government of the federal government or both, or between a provincial government of the federal government or both and a third party.
The regular council meeting was recessed at 7:43pm to conduct the in-camera meeting.
