Regular Council Meeting

Minutes

Monday, February 26, 2024 at 7:15 P.m. - 8:15 P.m.

Council Chambers of the Municipal Office

1 Mackenzie Boulevard, Mackenzie, BC

Council Present:

• Mayor J. Atkinson, 
• Councillor V. Brumovsky, 
• Councillor A. Hipkiss, 
• Councillor R. McMeeken, 
• Councillor K. Tapper, 
• and Councillor J. Wright 

Council Absent:

• Councillor A. Barnes 

Staff Present:

• Chief Administrative Officer D. Smith, 
• Chief Financial Officer K. Borne, 
• Director of Recreation Services T. Gilmer, 
• Fire Chief J. Guise, 
• Land and Environmental Programs Coordinator L. Thorne, 
• and Legislative Clerk/Executive Assistant C. Smirle 

Visitors Present:

• Superintendent of Public Works  T. Ostash, Local Government Intern  R. Paulsen

   

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:15 PM.

Mayor Atkinson acknowledged the land on which we gather is within the traditional territory of the Tse’khene People of the McLeod Lake Indian Band.

2.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

2.1

Special Meeting- February 12, 2024

The minutes of the Special Meeting held on February 12, 2024 were adopted as presented.

2.2

Regular Meeting - February 12, 2024

The minutes of the Regular Meeting held on February 12, 2024 were adopted as presented.

3.

INTRODUCTION OF LATE ITEMS

N/A

4.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

• Resolution: 33300
  Moved by: Councillor Hipkiss

  THAT the Agenda be adopted as presented. 

  CARRIED

5.

PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

N/A

6.

PETITIONS AND DELEGATIONS

Farah Sheriffdeen, Municipal Program Coordinator for FoodCycle Science, provided a presentation to Mayor and Council on the results of the FoodCycler Pilot Program final survey results. The results will be published on the District website.  

7.

CORRESPONDENCE

• Resolution: 33301
  Moved by: Councillor McMeeken

  THAT the Correspondence listed on the Agenda be received.

  CARRIED

7.1

For Action:

N/A

8.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

8.1

2024 Provisional Operating and Capital Budgets

• Resolution: 33302
  Moved by: Councillor Brumovsky

  THAT Council approves the 2024 Provisional Operating and Capital Budgets.

  CARRIED

8.2

Food Cycler Pilot Program

• Resolution: 33303
  Moved by: Councillor Wright

  THAT Council receives this report for information.

  CARRIED
• Amendment:
  Resolution: 33304
  Moved by: Councillor Hipkiss

  THAT staff look into furthering the Food Cycler Program for the District of Mackenzie and explore similar options that Nelson did for their community.

  CARRIED

8.3

DOM 24 – 01 Commercial Front Load Bear Resistant Garbage Bins

• Resolution: 33305
  Moved by: Councillor McMeeken

  THAT Council awards the DOM 24 – 01 Commercial Front Load Bear Resistant Garbage Bins in the amount of $338,527 plus GST;

  AND THAT the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to execute the contract and any related documentation.

  CARRIED

8.4

Recreation Access Program Update

• Resolution: 33306
  Moved by: Mayor Atkinson

  THAT the Recreation Access Program be updated by increasing the qualifying income level to match Cowichan Bay;

  AND THAT additional referral options from School District 57, Mackenzie Community Services and AiMHi be added to the program;

  AND THAT Little Mac Season passes be added to the program. 

  CARRIED

9.

COUNCIL REPORTS

9.1

Mayor's Report

9.1.1

Mayor Atkinson

Mayor Atkinson provided a written report.

9.2

Council Reports

9.2.1

Councillor Wright

Councillor Wright provided a written report.

9.2.2

Councillor Hipkiss

Councillor Hipkiss provided a verbal report.

10.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

N/A

11.

NEW BUSINESS

11.1

NCLGA Resolution

• Resolution: 33307
  Moved by: Councillor Wright

  THAT the District put forward a motion to the NCLGA to lobby the government to reduce the wait time for diagnostic assessment for children and youth who are suspected of have an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other neurodevelopment conditions.

  CARRIED

11.2

Northern Initial Fire Attack Crew Relocation

• Resolution: 33308
  Moved by: Councillor Wright

  THAT the District write a letter to the government in opposition of the decision to remove the Northern Initial Fire Attack Crew base from Chetwynd and relocate it to Dawson Creek. 

  CARRIED

11.3

Online Dog Tag Renewal

• Resolution: 33309
  Moved by: Councillor Wright

  THAT the option to pay for dog tag renewals online be explored.

  CARRIED

12.

BYLAWS

13.

NOTICE OF MOTION

N/A

14.

COMING EVENTS

14.1

An Evening with John Brink

Mackenzie Community Services presents an Evening with John Brink
When: March 6, 2024
Where: Mackenzie Rec Centre
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Admission $5

15.

INQUIRIES

Janice Nelson, Publisher of the Macktown Buzzette, commented that it is hard to hear some Councillors speaking during the meeting over Zoom. Mayor Atkinson reminded Councillor's to make sure when they are speaking to speak into their microphones. 

Ms. Nelson asked if the local company that provided a bid for the commercial garbage truck was considered? Mayor Atkinson replied that they had been considered however their quote was more than double the price of the lowest bid received. 

16.

ADJOURNMENT

• Resolution: 33310
  Moved by: Councillor McMeeken

  THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:10 pm.

  CARRIED