Former councillor Laurin and I both attended the first meeting of Peace River's new Council tonight. The swearing-in was conducted by Judge Claus Thietke in the presence of family and friends, media, and a number of Town of Peace River staff.
During the organizational meeting, North Darling was elected Deputy Mayor. This position often goes to the councillor with the most votes, although Mayor Mann did offer councillors the opportunity to put forth other nominations (none other than Councillor Darling were made).
Following is an unofficial list of the various committee and boards that councillors will serve on--my apologies if I have any of these wrong. The official list will be available on the Town's website once it is finalized.
North Darling: Peace Regional Waste Management Company (the former East Peace Regional Landfill Authority), Salary Negotiation Committee, Subdivison & Development Appeal Board, Mackenzie Municipal Services Association (MMSA).
Cole George: Emergency Services Committee, Mighty Peace Tourist Association, Municipal Planning Commission, Peace Library System
Rob Lafontaine: Aboriginal Interagency Committee, Community Services Board, Salary Negotiation Committee, Subdivision & Development Appeal Board, Community Economic Development Committee, County of Northern Lights Fire Services Committee.
Geoff Milligan: Peace Regional Waste Management Company, North Peace Housing Foundation, Municipal Planning Commission, Intermunicipal Development Plan Committee, Peace River Museum Committee, Salary Negotiation Committee, Peace River Heritage Places Committee.
Colin Needham: Airport Review Committee, Municipal Planning Commission, Northwest Corridor Development Corporation, Peace River Municipal Library Board.
Tom Tarpey: Peace Regional Waste Management Company, Education & Joint Use Committee, Municipal Policy Advisory Committee, PREDA (Peace Regional Economic Development Association), Off-Highway Vehicle Committee.
Mayor Mann, along with Deputy Mayor Darling and CAO Norma MacQuarrie sit on the Intermunicipal Cooperation Committee (MD of Peace) and the Joint Advisory Committee (Northern Sunrise County).
The Regional Assessment Review Board requires members who have received training and are appointed by the province. Iris Callioux and I have both agreed to stay on in this capacity until councillors receive training and are appointed.
The Chamber of Commerce was not mentioned, but I hope that Mayor and Council will plan to attend whenever possible.
CAO MacQuarrie took the opportunity to have staff that were in Council Chambers introduce themselves. They then moved around the table to shake hands with the new councillors and mayor.
Once the Organizational Meeting was adjourned and a short recess taken, the regular Council meeting was convened. It was a short agenda with no difficult items so it was a good opportunity for everyone to get comfortable in their new roles. I was impressed with the decorum as everyone took turns speaking and addressed the chair appropriately. The agenda moved along smoothly under Mayor Mann's leadership and CAO MacQuarrie's able guidance.
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