Regular Council Meeting

Minutes

Monday, November 27, 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 A. Hipkiss, 
• Councillor R. McMeeken, 
• Councillor K. Tapper, 
• and Councillor J. Wright 

Staff Present:

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

Visitors Present:

• Local Government Intern  R. Paulsen

   

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:26 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.

1.1

Defer Closed Meeting

• Resolution: 33159
  Moved by: Councillor Barnes

  THAT the Special Closed meeting be deferred until after the regular meeting;

  AND THAT the basis of the Special Closed meeting relates to Section 90 (1) (k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public.

  CARRIED

2.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

2.1

Regular Meeting - November 13, 2023

The minutes of the Regular Meeting held on November 13, 2023 were adopted as presented.

3.

INTRODUCTION OF LATE ITEMS

N/A

4.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

• Resolution: 33160
  Moved by: Councillor Hipkiss

  THAT the Agenda be adopted as presented. 

  CARRIED

5.

PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Shannon Bezo, a resident, highlighted a couple of agenda items she eagerly anticipated during the meeting. She expressed hope that item #7.1.2 would receive consideration and looked forward to the ensuing discussion and decision on agenda item #8.2. Ms. Bezo extended her gratitude to Mayor Atkinson and Councillor Wright for submitting their Council reports. Furthermore, she expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming discussion on agenda item # 13.1, scheduled for the December 11th meeting.

Janice Nelson, Publisher of the Macktown Buzzette, requested that the possibility of testing for asbestos in pipes be included in the discussion of the Water Report.

6.

PETITIONS AND DELEGATIONS

6.1

Community Grants - Presentations

In 2020, Council adopted the Community Grants Policy 3.16 which requires all organizations approved for Fee-For-Service Agreements to provide an in-person presentation to Council at the end of each year highlighting accomplishments, goals and objectives, benefits provided to the community, and a financial statement outlining how the District’s funding was utilized.

The following groups provided presentations to Mayor and Council highlighting 2023 project and a "year in review"

• Mackenzie & District Museum - Jim Wiens, Curator
• The Mackenzie Community Arts Council - Michelle Bobrel, President
• Mackenzie Outdoor Route and Trail Association - Ross Hobbs, President

7.

CORRESPONDENCE

• Resolution: 33161
  Moved by: Councillor McMeeken

  THAT the Correspondence listed on the Agenda be received.

  CARRIED

7.1

For Action:

7.1.1

Teaching Excellence Award

• Resolution: 33162
  Moved by: Councillor McMeeken

  THAT the District of Mackenzie write a letter of support nominating Kyle Tapper for a Teaching Excellence Award in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for the Prime Ministers awards. 

  CARRIED

7.1.2

Letter of Support Request - Omineca Growers Society

• Resolution: 33163
  Moved by: Councillor Barnes

  THAT the District of Mackenzie send a letter of support to the Omineca Growers Society towards their grant application to Northern Health Rural, Remote and Indigenous Food Action Grant for building a self-sustaining greenhouse in Mackenzie. 

  CARRIED

7.2

For Consideration:

7.2.1

Donation Request

• Councillor Brumovsky declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor Brumovsky left the Chambers during the discussion and returned after the vote.)

• Resolution: 33164
  Moved by: Councillor Wright

  THAT the District respond to the donation request letter from the Mackenzie Secondary School 2024 Graduating Class recommending they explore specific in-kind grants from Council to fulfill their needs.

  CARRIED

8.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

8.1

Remaining Council Travel Funds

• Resolution: 33165
  Moved by: Councillor Wright

  THAT the remaining funds allocated for Councillor travel, which was not spent during 2023, be redirected to a one-time grant opportunity that non-profits in Mackenzie can apply for to do projects designed for community benefit.

  Opposed (4)

  Councillor Barnes, Mayor Atkinson, Councillor McMeeken, and Councillor Brumovsky

  DEFEATED (3 to 4)

8.2

Regulation of Cats

• Resolution: 33166
  Moved by: Councillor Hipkiss

  THAT Council chooses to make no changes the Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 1354, 2016.

  Opposed (2)

  Mayor Atkinson, and Councillor Brumovsky

  CARRIED (5 to 2)

8.3

District of Mackenzie Water System Annual Report - 2022

Luke McDonald, L&M Engineering Ltd., was present to answer any questions from Mayor and Council regarding the 2022 Annual Water Report.

• Resolution: 33167
  Moved by: Councillor McMeeken

  THAT Council receives this report for information.

  CARRIED

8.4

2023-2027 Financial Plan Amendment

• Resolution: 33168
  Moved by: Councillor Tapper

  THAT Council receives this report for information.

  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.

10.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• Resolution: 33169
  Moved by: Councillor Brumovsky

  THAT the second reading of Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1508, 2023 be rescinded so that the Environmental Development Permit Areas can be reviewed and adjusted. 

  CARRIED

11.

NEW BUSINESS

N/A

12.

BYLAWS

12.1

Bylaw No. 1509 Financial Plan Amendment

• Resolution: 33170
  Moved by: Councillor Wright

  THAT Bylaw No. 1509 cited as "Bylaw No. 1509, 2023 Financial Plan Amendment" be given the first three readings. 

  CARRIED

13.

NOTICE OF MOTION

In accordance with the "District of Mackenzie Council Procedures Bylaw No. 1470, 2022" notice of the proposed motion was provided. The proposed motions will be included on the December 11, 2023 Regular Council meeting for Council's consideration. 

13.1

Discounted Gym Memberships

In accordance with the "District of Mackenzie Council Procedures Bylaw No. 1470, 2022" notice of the proposed motion was provided. The proposed motions will be included on the December 11, 2023 Regular Council meeting for Council's consideration. 

• Move that resolution 31192 be amended to include the following: School District 57 staff, Northern Health employees including nurses and doctors, MCFD Social Workers, and volunteer fire fighters with the Mackenzie Fire Department;

  AND that it be moved that the discount be decreased from 75% to 50% of the rate.

14.

COMING EVENTS

14.1

Active Transportation and Community Spaces Open House

November 29, 2023
400 Skeena Drive - Recreation Centre
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

14.2

MSS Senior Girls Volleyball Provincials

November 30 - December 2, 2023 
Castlegar, BC

14.3

Finance Open House

December 5, 2023
Mackenzie Recreation Centre
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

14.4

Light up the Community Contest

Three categories: Best lights, best theme and best business lights. 
Nominations will be taken until December 6, 2023
To nominate a house or business email [email protected].

14.5

Parade of Lights

December 9, 2023 
5:00 pm

14.6

2024 Budget Feedback Survey

Survey closes January 5, 2024
www.letschatmackenzie.ca -> 2024 Budget Feedback 

15.

INQUIRIES

Shannon Bezo, resident, expressed disappointment over the Council's decision to defeat the motion for agenda item #8.1, Remaining Council Travel Funds.

Ms. Bezo acknowledged the current absence of bylaw officers to regulate cats but expressed the wish that the process to amend the bylaw would have commenced, ensuring regulations are in place when the position is filled.

Ms. Bezo also emphasized the importance of the upcoming Budget meeting on December 5th, expressing hope that it would be published online and mailed to residents to encourage their attendance.

16.

ADJOURNMENT

• Resolution: 33171
  Moved by: Councillor Hipkiss

  THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:04 pm.

  CARRIED