A Powell River resident who has been pressing elected officials for answers to questions about the relocation of the barge terminal may receive some answers soon.
George Orchiston filed a complaint with the City of Powell River’s auditor that alleged city officials did not have “legitimate approval” of council to permit the construction of the new barge terminal facility. He claimed any city funds spent during 2011 “to facilitate and maintain this action, was unauthorized and improper.” He filed a complaint against the city under Section 172 of the Community Charter.
In a letter dated July 10, Bill Cox, a partner in BDO Canada LLP, the city’s auditor, stated the company had reviewed the information sent by Orchiston and other relevant information. “We report that, in our opinion, the transactions in question do not contravene the authority provided to staff and council under the Community Charter [and] no further action or investigation is warranted in regard to this matter.”
In a letter dated September 9, Orchiston asked to see the auditor’s full report. That letter was on the agenda for the October 4 committee-of-the-whole meeting.
Councillor Chris McNaughton, who chaired the meeting, read a response from Bill Cox of BDO.
“We felt that being short and to the point left no room for any doubt as to what our conclusion was,” the response stated. “In the opinion of the auditors, they do not feel that the Community Charter has been contravened.”
McNaughton said Cox pointed out there is a cost to undertaking the investigation. “As such, their goal is to investigate as far as they felt it was necessary to come to a conclusion, but not beyond,” he said. “In their opinion, they do not feel that spending further city funds for this investigation is in the best interest of the taxpayers of Powell River.”
Mayor Dave Formosa said his position is he doesn’t want to spend any more money on the file. “I understand that doesn’t make Mr. Orchiston happy, but I believe that bill was like $6,000,” he said.
In fact, the auditor’s bill for the investigation was $7,784, according to an email from Marie Claxton, city clerk, to the Peak.
Council decided to note and file Orchiston’s letter.
Subsequently, Orchiston wrote another letter, dated October 8, which was included on the agenda for the October 18 committee-of-the-whole meeting. In the three-page missive, Orchiston outlined his concerns with the barge terminal and asked the city to reconsider its refusal to require the city auditor to issue a report and reasons for his opinion.
McNaughton, who also chaired that meeting, said Orchiston’s letter raises some important points. “I would recommend that we refer this letter to staff for a report,” he said.
Councillors agreed and Mac Fraser, the city’s chief administrative officer, indicated he could prepare a report. It is on the agenda for the November 15 council meeting.
