by Andrea Arnold
The regular meeting of McBride council was called to order at 7pm January 22, 2019 by Acting Mayor Alan Frederick. In attendance were Councillors Hruby and Smith, and CAO McCutcheon. Mayor Gene Runtz and Councillor Lucille Green attended via speakerphone from BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George. On hand to present to council were delegates from the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, Renee McCloskey and Kenna Jonkman, Ozalenka Alpine Club President Jeff Corbett and David Franzmann from Radloff Engineering.
McCloskey and Jonkman presented an overview of the Robson Valley Region (RVR) Economic Development marketing program. They spoke of the collaboration between the Regional District, the Village of McBride and the Village of Valemount. They extended an invitation to an upcoming event at the Dunster Community Hall on Wed. Feb. 13th, 2019 at 6:30pm where they will showcase four new marketing videos as well as some of the other items and ideas they have developed to help promote the valley.
Corbett’s presentation showcased the opportunity for backcountry skiing in the Dore River Watershed areas. The sport is gaining momentum, and the Ozalenka Alpine Club believes the Robson Valley has a lot to offer people looking for a pristine experience. The club will be requesting a letter of support from Council in regards to the possible construction of a cabin on the trail to Kristi Glacier.
Radloff Engineering representative Franzmann gave an overview of the planning for Phase 4 of the Storm and Sewer Project for the village of McBride. The application for a grant that will cover the full amount of the estimated costs was approved by council, and will be submitted this week. Notice of whether the grant is approved is expected in the fall of 2019, and construction would begin in spring 2020. Radloff considered possible overages and built in a buffer in the final amount quoted.
Council approved a motion that council enter into the grant agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for the Municipal Asset Management Program Grant of $50,000 and that Mayor Runtz be authorized to execute the agreement. According to its website, the Municipal Asset Management Program is a five-year, $50-million program designed to help municipalities make informed decisions about infrastructure investment. The program is funded by the Government of Canada.
Council passed a motion to keep the current building inspection services at a one day a week service level and to add $5,000 to the 2019 operational budget.
Council approved an application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Community, Culture and Recreation Stream – 1st Intake for the McBride “Town to Trails” project. The motion included approval for the Village of McBride’s contribution, from surplus funds, for its share of the eligible costs of $38,440, plus all ineligible costs, and any cost overruns. Counc. Smith opposed the motion.
Council moved to a closed in-camera meeting in accordance with Section 90(l)( c)Labour relations or other employee relations, and (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.
At 8:51pm the public was adjourned.
