Regular Council Meeting

Minutes

Monday, August 28, 2023 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 A. Barnes, 
• Councillor V. Brumovsky, 
• Councillor R. McMeeken, 
• and Councillor J. Wright 

Council Absent:

• Councillor A. Hipkiss 
• and Councillor K. Tapper 

Staff Present:

• Chief Administrative Officer D. Smith, 
• Chief Financial Officer K. Borne, 
• Director of Recreation Services T. Gilmer, 
• Fire Chief J. Guise, 
• Director of Corporate Services E. Kaehn, 
• and Legislative Clerk/Executive Assistant C. Smirle 

Visitors Present:

• Superintendent of Public Works  T. Ostash

   

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:18 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

Regular Meeting - August 14, 2023

The minutes of the Regular Meeting held on August 14, 2023 were adopted as presented.

3.

INTRODUCTION OF LATE ITEMS

N/A

4.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

• Resolution: 33056
  Moved by: Councillor Barnes

  THAT the Agenda be adopted as presented. 

  CARRIED

5.

PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Shannon Bezo, resident, noted that she was available to talk about agenda item 7.1.2 if needed.

Ms. Bezo added that she hoped Council would discuss agenda item number 7.2.3. 

Ms. Bezo asked if the Paving Management Project would hire any local talent in Mackenzie? Diane Smith, Chief Administrative Officer, replied that this particular job for the paving management plan is very technical and there was not any locally qualified applicants for this role. Mayor Atkinson added that this part of the project is just for the assessment and there may be opportunities when the paving starts. 

Ms. Bezo mentioned she heard that the Williston Lake volume was dangerously low and asked for any updates on the levels. Mayor Atkinson replied that she has an upcoming meeting with BC Hydro and would discuss this. She added that typically if the levels were concerning, BC Hydro would advise us. Ms. Bezo suggested the water levels be shared with the community more frequently.

Ms. Bezo noted that the Caribou Recovery 10-year project would be expiring next year and asked if they would be extending the project? Mayor Atkison replied that the project is far from over. 

Ms. Bezo thanked Mayor and Council for setting up tables at the Mackenzie Mall educating the community on what to do during a Wildfire Evacuation in the community.   

6.

PETITIONS AND DELEGATIONS

N/A

7.

CORRESPONDENCE

• THAT the Correspondence listed on the Agenda be received.

7.1

For Action:

7.1.1

Rec Centre Membership

• Resolution: 33057
  Moved by: Councillor Wright

  THAT an exception be made to allow Nicole Bilton and her son a reduced rate Rec Centre membership under the Recreation Access Program with no precedent set going forward. 

  CARRIED

7.1.2

CNC Request for Support

• Resolution: 33058
  Moved by: Councillor Barnes

  THAT the District of Mackenzie provide a letter of support to the College of New Caledonia towards their grant application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust - Economic Infrastructure Grant program to fund the completion of the renovations and assets needed for their Event/Teaching Kitchen space.

  CARRIED

7.2

For Consideration:

7.2.1

Quesnel Highway 97 North-South Interconnector Project Request for Support

• Resolution: 33059
  Moved by: Councillor Wright

  WHEREAS Highway 97 is a very significant provincial highway that is critical to the continued economic prosperity of Northern and Central BC and all British Columbia;

  AND WHEREAS Highway 97 is at a considerable and growing risk level for extended delays due to aged-out highway infrastructure in Quesnel, and unacceptable construction delays in the future based on the current plans by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure:

  THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the District of Mackenzie supports the Quesnel Highway 97 North-South Interconnector Project and requests the Province proceed without delay to the Functional Design phase of the project. 

  CARRIED

7.2.2

Canadian Institute of Forestry - National Forest Week September 17-23, 2023

• Resolution: 33060
  Moved by: Mayor Atkinson

  THAT the District participate in National Forest Week from September 17-23, 2023 by sharing promotional material from the Canadian Institute of Forestry on social media platforms. 

  CARRIED

8.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

8.1

Construction Update on New Fire Hall

• Resolution: 33061
  Moved by: Councillor Barnes

  THAT this report be received for information.

  CARRIED

8.2

Paving Management Plan – Contract Award

• Resolution: 33062
  Moved by: Councillor McMeeken

  THAT Council awards the 2023 Roadway Data Collection and Pavement Management Plan contract to International Cybernetics Canada Inc. in the amount of up to $45,168 plus applicable taxes;

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

  CARRIED

8.3

TELUS Watertower Lease

• Resolution: 33063
  Moved by: Councillor Barnes

  THAT Council authorizes the Chief Administrative Officer to execute the attached lease agreement with TELUS Communications Inc. for use of the roof of the District water tower for communication purposes.

  CARRIED

9.

COUNCIL REPORTS

9.1

Mayor's Report

9.1.1

Mayor Atkinson - June/July

Mayor Atkinson provided a written report.

9.2

Council Reports

9.2.1

Councillor McMeeken - July/August 

Councillor McMeeken provided a written report.

10.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

N/A

11.

NEW BUSINESS

N/A

12.

BYLAWS

N/A

13.

NOTICE OF MOTION

N/A

14.

COMING EVENTS

14.1

2023 Union of BC Municipalities Convention

14.2

Recreation Leisure Fair - September 9, 2023

• Resolution: 33064
  Moved by: Councillor Wright

  THAT Council have a table at the Recreation Leisure Fair to spread bear awareness to the community.

  CARRIED

15.

INQUIRIES

Janice Nelson, Publisher of the Macktown Buzzette, asked why the agenda item regarding the reduced Rec Centre Rec Pass was discussed in an open meeting as opposed to a closed meeting due to privacy? Mayor Atkinson replied that staff had spoken with the applicant and the applicant confirmed they were not concerned with the letter being shared at the open meeting. 

Ms. Bezo expressed support for Quesnel's Highway 97 North-South Interconnector Project and thanked Council for pledging support. Ms. Bezo added that a route bypassing the downtown core would have been helpful when the College sent drivers to Quesnel for training in semi-trucks. 

16.

ADJOURNMENT

• Resolution: 33065
  Moved by: Councillor McMeeken

  THAT the meeting be adjourned at 7:49 pm.

  CARRIED