Regular Council Meeting

Minutes

-
Council Chambers of the Municipal Office
1 Mackenzie Boulevard, Mackenzie, BC
Council Present:
  • Mayor J. Atkinson, 
  • Councillor A. Barnes, 
  • Councillor V. Brumovsky, 
  • Councillor A. Hipkiss, 
  • Councillor R. McMeeken, 
  • and Councillor J. Wright 
Council Absent:
  • Councillor K. Tapper 
Staff Present:
  • Chief Administrative Officer D. Smith, 
  • Chief Financial Officer K. Borne, 
  • Director of Operations J. Murray, 
  • Fire Chief J. Guise, 
  • Land and Environmental Programs Coordinator L. Thorne, 
  • and Legislative Clerk/Executive Assistant C. Smirle 
Visitors Present:
  • Kimta Transportation Society – M. Robillard, MackChu Brewing – P. Skala, LCRB Specialist – C. Beehler

     

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.

The minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting held on September 25, 2023 were adopted as presented.

The minutes of the Regular Meeting held on September 25, 2023 were adopted as presented.

  • Resolution:33102
    Moved by:Councillor Hipkiss

    THAT the Agenda be adopted as presented. 

    CARRIED

Shannon Bezo, resident, asked if there was going to be a report shared with the community from the Councillors who attended the UBCM convention in Vancouver? Mayor Atkinson replied that her report detailing events attended will be brought forward to the October 23rd Council meeting. 

Ms. Bezo noted that she hoped Council would discuss agenda item 7.2.1 regarding the dog park letter. 

Mark Robillard of the Kimta Transportation Society provided a brief update to Mayor and Council on operations since the bus was received in 2021. Mr. Robillard noted that the group was looking for provincial funding to be increased and hoped Mayor and Council could do something to lobby the government. 

  • Resolution:33103
    Moved by:Councillor Hipkiss

    THAT the District write a letter to Minister Flemming requesting provincial funding for passenger and transportation services in northern and rural communities be increased.

    CARRIED
  • Resolution:33104
    Moved by:Councillor Hipkiss

    THAT the Correspondence listed on the Agenda be received.

    CARRIED
  • Resolution:33105
    Moved by:Councillor Barnes

    THAT the District of Mackenzie supports the application to Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage from the Mackenzie Community Arts Council for Rockin' the Ridgeline 2024.

    CARRIED
  • Resolution:33106
    Moved by:Councillor Brumovsky

    THAT the District of Mackenzie supports the application to the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program - Forest Impact Transition from the Mackenzie Community Arts Council for Project Caribou.

    CARRIED
  • Resolution:33107
    Moved by:Councillor McMeeken

    THAT the District of Mackenzie supports the application to NDIT Northern Healthy Communities Capitol Program from the Mackenzie Community Arts Council for Caribou Place: A Home for the Arts. 

    CARRIED
  • Resolution:33108
    Moved by:Councillor McMeeken

    THAT the District of Mackenzie supports the application to BC Arts Council - Arts Infrastructure from the Mackenzie Community Arts Council for Caribou Place: A Home for the Arts.

    CARRIED
  • Resolution:33109
    Moved by:Councillor Wright

    THAT Council receives the email from the Ministry of Children and Family Development for information. 

    CARRIED
  • Resolution:33110
    Moved by:Mayor Atkinson

    THAT the District support and celebrate October as Foster Family month by sharing a social media post and providing resources so residents can find out how to sign up to Foster if they wish.  

    CARRIED

Council received an email from Joy Davy, resident, regarding the possibility of adding a secondary fenced dog park in Mackenzie.

  • Resolution:33109
    Moved by:Councillor Wright

    THAT administration reach out to the residents who have expressed interest in volunteering to help build a new dog park and to discuss next steps for involvement.

    CARRIED
  • Resolution:33110
    Moved by:Councillor Barnes

    THAT Council receives this report for information.

    CARRIED
  • Resolution:33111
    Moved by:Councillor Barnes

    THAT Council receives this report for information.

    CARRIED
  • Resolution:33112
    Moved by:Councillor McMeeken

    THAT Council provide support in principle, by way of the resolution outlined in this report, to the MackChu Brewing Lounge Endorsement Permit Application subject to meeting District business licensing and fire safety requirements prior to operation.

    CARRIED

Councillor Wright provided a written report.

Councillor Brumovsky provided a written report.

Councillor Barnes provided a verbal report.

Councillor Wright mentioned that he had been contacted by several community members asking if the District had anything planned for Truth and Reconciliation Day and suggested next year something be planned with McLeod Lake Indian Band if possible. 

12.

 
  • Resolution:33113
    Moved by:Councillor Brumovsky

    THAT Bylaw No. 1505 cited as "Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 1505, 2023" be given the first three readings.

    CARRIED
  • Resolution:33114
    Moved by:Councillor Hipkiss

    THAT Bylaw No. 1506 cited as "Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 1506, 2023" be given the first three readings.

    CARRIED
  • Resolution:33115
    Moved by:Councillor Barnes

    THAT Bylaw No. 1507 cited as "Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 1507, 2023" be given the first three readings.

    CARRIED
  • GoByBike Week - October 16-29, 2023
  • Business Walks - October 18, 2023

Dominique Symbalisty, resident, commented that several years ago a dog park committee was formed in Mackenzie and a trial off leash dog park was constructed behind the Ernie Bodin Community Centre. After one year the committee was referred to Recreation Services to discuss building a more permanent larger space, however due to staffing changes, nothing was done and the committee eventually dissolved. Mayor Atkinson thanked Ms. Symbalisty for the reminded and suggested that now with more interest from community members we hope to get the committee running again and create a plan going forward. Mayor Atkinson noted that it would be a good idea to bring up a new dog park during budget discussions. Councillor McMeeken thanked Ms. Symbalisty for bringing this forward and asked where she would like a new park to be located if she could choose. Ms. Symbalisty replied Mountainview Field as it would have more than enough space for all sized dogs to play. 

Janice Nelson, Publisher of the Macktown Buzzette asked for clarification of a change that was made to the Animal Control Bylaw several months ago removing leash requirements on trails. Mayor Atkinson replied that we would look closer at the bylaw and get back to her. 

Ms. Nelson asked where Bay #4 is, the proposed location for MackChu Brewing. Petr Skala, owner of MackChu Brewing, replied that it is in between Kelly's Bakery and the Mechanic Store. 

Ms. Nelson commented that some businesses in town do not use all advertising avenues and suggested that the District share with organizations the different opportunities available. Mayor Atkinson noted that if organizations are run by volunteers things may fall through the cracks.  

  • Resolution:33116
    Moved by:Councillor Hipkiss

    THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:15 pm.

    CARRIED