By Andrea Arnold
McBride Mayor Gene Runtz called the McBride Village Council meeting to order at 6:00pm on Feb 13th.
Mosquito control
Dirk Lewis from Morrow BioScience presented to council regarding nuisance mosquito control options for the community. The presentation provided council members with information as to what is possible through targeted treatment of floodwater areas.
New loader
Council authorized up to $259,501.75 be borrowed, under Section 175 of the Community Charter from the Municipal Finance Authority of BC for the purpose of purchasing equipment for Public Works. Specifically, a 2024 Hyundai HL930A Wheel loader plus both the Tysea wheel loader pickup broom and the gutter (side cast) broom attachment. Also, council agreed that the loan is to be paid off within five years with no rights of renewal.
Mobile Dental care
Council agreed to have staff provide a letter of support to Ashley Flavelle for her grant submission to Northern Interior Rural Divisions regarding a health promotion program that would target the dental care needs of children in grades K-7. Flavelle is in the process of applying for funding through a variety of grants in order to allow her to finance this project.
Grad attendance
Council directed Administration to respond to the 2024 Graduation Class confirming the attendance of Mayor Runtz at the Graduation/Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 2:00pm at the Robson Valley Community Centre.
Retirement recognition
Council directed staff to write a letter of appreciation in recognition of Kim Nordli, Health Service Administrator on her retirement after over 18 years of service.
Golf simulator support
Council directed staff to provide a letter of support to Wes Keim for a grant submission on behalf of the Robson Valley Recreation Centre to Active Communities Grant Program regarding the purchase and installation of a golf simulator.
Conference attendance
Council approved the attendance of all council members as well as the CAO at the 2024 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference and Tradeshow being held June 6-9, 2024, at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre.
Council approved the attendance of Mayor, Council and CAO to the 2024 North Central Local Government Association AGM & Convention in Smithers BC on May 13-16.
Tourism grant support
Council voted in favour of supporting a grant application submission from the Village of McBride to Pacific and Economic Development Canada’s Tourism Growth Program in the amount of $165,000 in order to leverage existing funds allocated to tourism sector development. The program priorities include projects that increase visitors to smaller communities and rural areas and projects that support active outdoor tourism.
Council further voted to support the overall grant management.
United Way
Councillor Kolida brought forward a late item. He asked to discuss the United Way program “211.” In summary, the program allows individuals to call or text 2-1-1 and for 24/7 365 day a year free and confidential access to information about local supports and services community for any situation, such as food banks, income assistance programs, legal resources, mental health and low-cost counselling, shelter information, or other help.
He said he had only recently heard about this program and thought it would be an asset to the community of McBride and area. He said that he had seen a presentation on their services and that with some guidance, the United Way could have posters and information all around town. He made a motion to have staff provide the United Way with a list of businesses that may be interested in helping spread the word. The motion was carried.
In Camera
Council moved to an in camera meeting for consideration of matters of the Community Charter related to Section 90 (1) (c ) labour relations or other employee relations and Section 9 (2) the consideration of information received and held in confidence relating to negotiations between the municipality and a provincial government or the federal government or both and a third party.
The public portion of the meeting was adjourned at 6:57pm.
