Board Meeting - April 2022 Highlights

Brittny Anderson, Nelson-Creston MLA, joined RDCK Board Meeting

Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston, appeared as a delegation at April’s RDCK Board Meeting. Originally elected as MLA in 2020, the former RDCK Board member encourages a strong partnership between local government and the provincial government. The list of topics covered included: connectivity, accessing emergency services, watershed governance, wildfire mitigation, rising building costs, and parental leave for government officials.

Proof of vaccination policy for RDCK employees rescinded

Effective immediately, the Board rescinded the proof of COVID-19 vaccination policy for all RDCK employees. The policy, originally adopted November 18, 2021, provided enhanced safety measures to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. The BC Government lifted its provincial proof of vaccination requirement April 8.

RDCK employees will continue to follow masking protocols, wearing masks in public and common places in all RDCK offices and facilities.

Remuneration bylaw amendment – Parental leave

Understanding the importance of attracting and retaining young people to local government positions, the Board adopted an amendment to the Chair, Directors and Alternate Directors Remuneration Bylaw which entitles a Director parental leave for a period up to six months with continued payment of their regular stipend. The amendment also includes reimbursement for child care expenses in order for a Director to attend an in-person meeting.

Regional Recreation Allocation Policy

The Board adopted the Regional Recreation Allocation Policy effective immediately. The policy is a guideline for determining the amount of time that is given to groups or individuals for the use of recreation and cultural facilities and spaces. Not only is the policy based on need/demand for a service, but who benefits from the service, as well as number of users, length of rental season, and revenue. The framework will allow staff to be able to consistently and equitably evaluate and justify need and distribution of available hours.

New Election and Assent Voting Bylaw

The Board adopted the Election and Assent Voting Bylaw replacing the Local Government Elections & Other Voting Conduct Bylaw from 1993. Based on a template from the Local Government Association of British Columbia the new bylaw is in compliance with the Local Government Act, authorizes the use of the provincial voters list, authorizes the use of mail in ballots, allows for additional advanced voting opportunities, and improves the overall efficiency of the election process. The RDCK will be holding local government elections in October 2022.

Utility Rates, Fees and Charges

The Board adopted the Utility Rates, Fees and Charges Bylaw which repeals and replaces the existing bylaw. The new bylaw implements the 2022 water service financial plan which will see water user rate increases for 17 of the 18 RDCK water systems. The rationale for rate increases include operations and maintenance costs, environmental service fees, and increased contributions to reserves. New rates are in effect as of January 1, 2022 for both quarterly metered and annual flat rate water utility service bills.

For more information go to www.rdck.ca/water

Salmo and Electoral Area G Library Contribution Service

An expanded service bylaw for Salmo and Electoral Area G library services will now be submitted to the Local Government Inspector for approval. When approved, staff will present the Board with a recommendation to public consultation and elector approval by means of the Alternative Approval Process (AAP). If adopted, the contribution service will expand the library services to all of Electoral Area G and create sustainable funding from rural areas to local library services located in municipalities, while reducing taxation for current rate payers.

Electoral Areas E and F Dog Control Contract

The Board awarded the Dog Control Officer contract for Electoral Areas E and F to Bill Hitchon. As well, the Board appointed Bill Hitchon and his alternate Dr. John Dale as Dog Control Officers for enforcement in Electoral Areas E and F. The role of the Dog Control Officer is to enforce the provisions of the Dog Control Bylaw, including: provide dog control services, respond and investigate all complaints to alleged violations of the Dog Control Bylaw, provide patrol services, deal with all emergency calls related to dogs and be the pound keeper for the service area.

New roof for RDCK head office in Nelson

The Board awarded the construction services for the roofing replacement project for the RDCK head office in Nelson to Alfred Horie Construction Company Limited. The scope of the work includes replacing the end of life rooftop HVAC (heating, ventilation and air condition) units and replacing a portion of the roofing system. The existing roofing system has been failing for the last two years, with multiple leaks causing minor damage and a loss of work space. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the 2022, contingent on the delivery time of the new rooftop units.

West Creston Fire Hall

The Board awarded the contract for the West Creston Fire Hall Construction to ZKO Construction Ltd. The RDCK has a budget of $700,000, including a $90,000 contribution from the West Creston Fire Protection Society, for completion of the project by ZKO Construction Ltd. The project will benefit the residents in the West Creston Area and Area C by providing rapid response to fire and emergency situations occurring in the service area. The project is expected to be completed by November 30, 2022.

RDCK Quarterly Report

The Board received the 2022 Q1 Quarterly Report which details the current projects and initiatives of the RDCK. Please follow the link to the most recent RDCK Quarterly Report.

Directors Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports explaining what they have been working on. Click here to read the April reports in the Board minutes (agenda item 4.4, pg. 138).

Click here for a print-friendly PDF version.

 

The content on this page was last updated April 26 2022 at 4:58 AM