Powell River residents will be receiving a copy of the city’s 2018 annual report through distribution in the Powell River Peak Midweek newspaper.
At the city council meeting on Thursday, July 4, council voted that the 2018 annual report be adopted, and that up to $4,300 be allocated from the mayor and council general account to produce the report for distribution in Peak Midweek.
The Community Charter requires that the annual report be available for public inspection and that council consider public submissions and questions regarding the annual report. Council provided that opportunity at the July 4 council meeting. The annual report must be filed with the provincial government on a yearly basis.
At the council meeting, city director of economic development and communications Scott Randolph thanked everybody who provided input into the document. He said the document would be posted immediately and the report would be distributed through the Peak Midweek publication in the near future, with a press run of 8,000 copies, so it can be distributed to local households. Extras will be available for pickup at other locations, such as city hall, Powell River Public Library and Powell River Recreation Complex, said Randolph.
Councillor Maggie Hathaway, who holds the portfolio for communications, said she thinks the wide distribution is a good idea.
“We have not done this kind of distribution before,” she said. “Not everybody has a computer and the ability to go online and take a look. This ensures every household gets a copy of the annual report and has the opportunity to read it.”
She said for people who have questions about the city, they can read the annual report. She commended Randolph for an excellent job and looks forward to receiving her copy.
Randolph said he wanted to commend communications coordinator Dave Brindle, who had a huge workload in putting this together, plus all of the department heads and staff who contributed.
Mayor Dave Formosa said a small amount of public feedback on the expenditure had been received.
“A minor amount felt this was a waste of money to distribute this; I disagree.” said Formosa. “I understand what councillor Hathaway said. My mother does not have a computer and doesn’t know how to use a computer but I know she would enjoy getting this package. For folks who are not computer literate, this gives them an opportunity to have a copy at home and see what their city has been up to. If they have any comments or issues they want to bring to our attention based on this, we will be able to respond to them.”
Formosa thanked the team for producing this “great document.”
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