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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil this Week 2014-12-08.pdfSukhbir Manhas and Alyssa Bradley from the Young Ander- son Barristers & Solicitors, made a presentation to Council outlin- ing some of the legal framework under which they do their work. There were a variety of topics covered. Mr. Manhas explained that in Canada the constitution recog- nizes only two levels of govern- ment, the Federal and Provincial. The powers of Municipal Govern- ment are delegated primarily by the Province, but there are some powers delegated by the Federal Government to municipalities. In British Columbia, Municipal Governments are defined by the Community Charter and the Lo- cal Government Act. He ex- plained how the work in local government is done by resolu- tion of Council and that the day to day operation of Municipal Governments are based on Dele- gation Bylaws, which provide the framework for staff to carry out Council’s policies and resolu- tions. He spoke of some of the myths that have emerged relating to the powers and role of Mayor. Cont’d... City of Maple Ridge Council This Week Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9 Canada Tel: 604-463-5221 Fax: 604-467-7329 Website Enquiries Email Inside This Issue:  Introduction to Local Government Legislation  Introduction to Development Reports  Iron Horse Youth Safe House December 8, 2014 Introduction to Local Government Legislation Introduction to Local Government Legislation ...cont’d For example, many people think the Mayor only votes to break a tie. That is not the case. The Mayor votes on all matters. The Mayor is the CEO of the Municipality, has the power to read the Riot Act, declare a State of Emergency, the Right of Reconsideration of an agenda item and some other specifically noted powers. Mr. Manhas and Ms. Bradley presented information on the obligations of a municipality to have a Financial Officer, Corporate Officer and the role of the CAO. They spoke about what constitutes a meeting, the topics that can be addressed at a Closed Meeting and some of the issues around Public Hearings. There was a very lively discussion about these issues, and Council has asked Mr. Manhas and Ms. Bradley to come back to anoth- er Council Workshop meeting to continue the review of key information. Mr. Manhas noted that there are seminars planned for new Council members that will cover some of the content in greater detail. Council thanked Mr. Manhas and Ms. Bradley for their presentation. Council This Week Page 2 Introduction to Development Reports Frank Quinn, General Manager: Public Works & Development Services, introduced this Council presentation by noting that one of the largest components of Council’s work relates to property zoning and development. He introduced the key staff members In the Planning department. Christine Carter, Director of Planning, walked Council through the statutory processes, policies and reports she called ‘Development 101.’ The presentation outlined common acronyms, the legislative framework under which the work is done and the municipal planning hierarchy from the policy work through to building permits. Ms. Carter explained the history of the Official Community Plan and the Area Planning process that has been done and walked Council through the development process. The final part of the presentation spoke about the various reports that Council will see as they do their work and the presentation ended with information on development permits and what pow- ers Council has delegated to staff. Council members asked a number of questions throughout the presentation and thanked Ms. Carter and her team for their presentation. Iron Horse Youth Safe House Mayor Read provided Council with a verbal report relating to work that is being done to try to deal with the imminent closure of the Iron Horse Youth Safe House. She spoke of meetings with the Executive Director of the Safe House and some discussions that are ongoing with various levels of government whose mandate is to provide these services. Mayor Read will report back to Council if there is any change in the status of the closure or any action required by Council to help on this issue. Council This Week Page 3 Please Note! Council This Week is an informal summary of the reports and discussion of Council’s work at Workshop. This document will provide links to all reports and presentations that were provided to Council as part of their deliberations. The comments are not the official minutes of the meeting. These notes are intended to capture the essence of the discussion so that citizens can keep in touch with the work of Council in this public meeting. This version of Council This Week has been modified to a more accessible version that better meets the needs of our citizens with visual impairments.