Strategic plan
City of Powell River officials issued a press release dated Friday, November 30, which stated council had completed preliminary discussions regarding its strategic priorities.
“Council’s goal is to set out the strategic priorities for the remainder of our term,” said Mayor Dave Formosa in the release. “I am pleased with the positive and collaborative discussions held with council and look forward to presenting the draft strategic plan in a public forum in February.”
Council held the strategic planning session in-camera, which means it was closed to the public. Council passed a motion at the November 15 meeting to close the meeting, based on section 90 (1) (l) of the Community Charter, which covers “discussions with municipal officers respecting municipal objectives, measures and progress reports for the purposes of preparing an annual report under section 98.”
Earlier this year, provincial Ombudsperson Kim Carter released a report on best practices for complying with open meeting rules. Part of the report addresses this section of the Community Charter. “Because authority under this paragraph is limited to discussion for the purpose of preparing an annual report, the inference is that other meetings with municipal officers and employees for discussing municipal objectives, measures and progress reports will be done openly,” the report states.
The city contracted with a consultant, Jerry Berry, who conducted the strategic planning session. All of council attended the session, as well as Mac Fraser, chief administrative officer, and Marie Claxton, city clerk.
The next step in the process is to review the consultant’s report at an upcoming committee-of-the-whole meeting, according to the city’s press release.
Santa bus
BC Transit, City of Powell River and Powell River Regional District are bringing the Santa bus back just in time for the holiday season.
The Santa bus will run on Friday and Saturday, December 14 and 15 on regular revenue runs throughout Powell River. On these two days only, the fare will be just $.25 a ride.
The Santa bus is easy to spot, with reindeer antlers and a reindeer nose. Santa will be handing out candy canes to transit customers.
Additionally, Powell River Regional Transit System has added two extra trips for Friday night service. The Townsite-Wildwood route has added a 7:40 pm trip, while on Upper Westview, the added trip is at 7:15 pm.
For more information on transit in the Powell River area, readers can call 604.485.4287 or visit transit online.
