By Andrea Arnold
Mayor Gene Runtz called the McBride Council meeting to order on December 10th, 2024 at 6:04 p.m. During the meeting, members discussed the Official Community Plan – Engagement Update, strategic planning and a development permit.
Reports
During the reports portion of the meeting, the Councillors discussed both the Village of McBride Official Community Plan – Engagement Update report and the Village of McBride 2024 Council Meeting Comparison report.
The Engagement Update provided data collected from 115 responses to the web survey that was available between October 17th and November 10th. Prior to the survey, two open houses were held as well. During these sessions, lack of development, economic instability, out-migration of young people and lack of community vibrancy were some of the top concerns voiced. Residents also brought up some exciting opportunities for McBride; affordable living and remote work, community events and tourism and underutilized assets.
Mayor Runtz pointed out that lack of employment was among one of the big concerns. Councillor Glen Frear pointed out that jobs are unfilled due to lack of housing for people. Mayor Runtz thinks this information may be useful when the Village approaching the government
In reference to the meeting comparison report, Mayor Runtz commented that they have held twice as many meetings as Valemount, Clinton and Pouce Coupe. These communities were used for their locations and/or population sizes. CAO Jeanette McDougall commented that the number of meetings varies based on the issues facing the community. Mayor Runtz commented that he would like to see the number drop in 2025, and the other members of Council agreed.
Strategic plan client services
Council approved CAO McDougall’s request for $12,000 – $13,000 to have a strategic planning session early in the new year with Tyler Brown, a planner with McElhanney Associates. Brown has been working with the OCP and Zoning Bylaws for the Village of McBride. CAO McDougall said that Brown has experience as a planner as well as with municipal government so he is able to provide a broad scope of perspectives.
Bylaw amendment
Council adopted the Village of McBride council Procedure Bylaw Amendment No. 823, 2024. The amended bylaw will allow for varying the annual Council meeting schedule to accommodate potential timing conflicts when government conference schedules create an issue.
Development Permit
Council approved a Development Permit for 210 Main Street, subject to compliance with the Village of McBride’s Development Permit guidelines. The request was to address the building’s exterior to prevent the stone finish from falling on the sidewalk and to prevent water leakage. The owner also plans to upgrade the roof.
Staff training costs
Council approved an amendment to Policy HR 04 version 2 regarding staff training and policy around required payback. The new amended policy will state that following Village financed training, a staff member who stays on for three months or longer will not be required to pay back any of the cost. However, if a staff member leaves of their own choice before the three month period, they will be required to cover half of the cost of training.
UBCM Local Government Approvals Grant – Development Bylaws and Procedures Review Project
Council approved directly awarding the project to McElhanney Associates as they are familiar with the community, local land administration, development issues and the bylaws and Council feels they will be efficient in completing the project as time will not be used to learn these things. McElhanney Associates will implement the UBCM Local Government Development Approvals Grant and the Village obtained, in the amount of $92,029.20.
In-camera
Council proceeded 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. The regular meeting was recessed at 6:40 p.m. to conduct the in-camera meeting.
