COW Session (2015 Operation Budget) - Quesnel Council

Present - Mayor Simpson (Chair); Councillors Brisco, Coleman, Elliot, Paull, Roodenburg, Thapar

Staff:

Byron Johnson - City Manager
Gina Albers - Deputy Corporate Administrator
Ken Coombs - Director of Public Works/Engineering
Kari Bolton - Director of Finance/Corporate Services
Jeff Norburn - Director of Community Services
Carol Anderson - Communications Supervisor

Meeting called to order at 7pm

A moment of silence was held to pay silent tribute to RCMP Const. David Wynn who died in the line of duty in St. Albert, Alberta

Business:

The Chair reviewed the recommendations of the Finance Sustainability/Audit Committee (FSAC) from their Jan 7th/20th meetings

General discussion ensued...

The Director of Finance/Corporate Services reviewed the draft 2015 Operations Budget
General Discussion ensued...

Resolved - That the Spring Clean Up budget line be removed as recommended by FSAC

Resolved - That the WildSafe BC supplemental budget request remain in the draft 2015 Operational Budget.  Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Mayor Simpson; Councillors Brisco, Coleman, Elliot, Roodenburg, and Thapar

Negative - Councillor R. Paull

Resolved - That the $15,000 for the website redesign remain in the budget, subject to the approved Communications Work Plan by way of recommendation from the Executive Committee to Council

Resolved - That it be recommended to Council:

Staff be directed to continue moving forward with the Budget as presented and
recommended by the Financial Sustainability and Audit Committee including:

a. The proposed cuts to the benchmark budget
b. The supplementals of $31,500
c. The increase to the Capital Reinvestment Reserve of $675,000 (5%)

The Chair called for public input -- 1 member of the public addressed the Committee concerning Recreation Facility spending. It was noted this is primarily done through the North Cariboo Joint Committee (Quesnel Council + CRD Directors for Areas A, B, C and I)

Meeting concluded at 8:29pm