From the Bear Pit: October 12, 2021

From the Bear Pit

Regional Council Meeting News

October 12, 2021 Regional Council Meetings

Electronic Participation in In Camera Meetings

Administration Report #65/21 raises several points regarding electronic attendance by council members at in camera council meeting. Any changes require amendment to NRRM Procedure Bylaw No. 1, 2009 which outlines the restrictions regarding electronic attendance currently.

Regional Council removed the requirement to vote to allow electronic attendance at any in camera meeting. An amendment to the Procedure Bylaw will be drafted to permit electronic attendance at in camera meetings. Participants who wish to attend virtually were reminded that safeguards must be taken to preserve the confidential nature of the meetings, for example, by wearing headsets when they are sharing a location with others.

Northern Health Memorandum of Understanding Renewed

Regional Council voted to ratify the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding dated October 18, 2021 between Northern Health and the Northern Rockies Regional Hospital District.

There are five other hospital districts within the Northern BC region that are included in the MOU with Northern Health. The MOU clarifies the responsibilities and mandates of each party concerning communications, reporting and long-term financial planning in health care facilities and equipment.

Administration Report #67/21 | Memorandum of Understanding

Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw

The Community Charter authorizes Council to provide permissive tax exemptions as a means to enhance economic, social and cultural quality of life by assisting organizations contributing to these goals. Exemption of taxes for the 2022 taxation year must be approved on or before October 31, 2021 for submission to BC Assessment Authority.

This year’s applications included the Fort Nelson Curling Club. The total financial impact of the 2022 permissive tax exemptions is approximately $175,218.50. Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 196, 2021 was given three readings.

Bylaw Report 196/21 | RM196 Tax Exemption Bylaw

Landfill Operations & Maintenance Contract

The Landfill Operations and Maintenance contract was awarded to Wide Sky Disposals (1989) in the amount of $330,117.96 annually (35 work week) for a 3 year term, with an option of two one-year extensions with mutual written consent from both parties.

The Landfill Operations and Maintenance contract has been separated from the Landfill Weigh Scale Operations. The original contract expired August 31, 2021 but was extended to October 31, 2021 to allow for the separation of the contracted services.

Also of note

Regional Council approved the staff statutory and other appointments and acting positions October 12, 2021. Administration Report #64/21 | Staff Appointments

Mayor Foster's 2021 third quarter discretionary charges report was received for information.

Regional Council received communication from Resource Municipalities Coalition regarding proposed dates for Cluster Development Workshops in November.

Regional Council adopted the minutes from the Special Regional Council Meeting and regular Regional Council Meeting on September 27th.

September Recreation Statistics (Full report)