Monday’s Committee of a Whole Meeting was short and sweet. Besides reviewing the four fiscal priorities in the proposed five year financial plan (fiscal responsibility, town centre, economic revitalization, and community plan), the council unanimously passed a financial commitment to seniors (see Milne, p 8).
The Regular Council Meeting that followed was nicely amicable. A CRD stormwater report was received. A request for $3,184 to NEED (suicide prevention) was granted, and the counsellors expressed unanimous disappointment at the big players’ (e.g. VIHA’s) failure to adequately fund this growing health issue. Steve Grundy presented the findings of the Sooke Economic Development Survey, and made two unsurprising recommendations: that Sooke focus on economic development, and that it fast-track beautification.
Bylaw Amendments were read (first and second reading of the Fire Protection Services) and adopted (Animal Regulation and Impounding).
A report requiring action was passed back to staff for further consideration (Notice on Title for Bylaw Violations – Prestige). Another received permission to go to tender (Pineridge Park Improvements). The Consent for CRD Bylaw No. 3918 was passed unanimously.
A final motion will see Councillor Kerrie Reay going to BC Transit to speak as a delegate for Sooke on the need for adequate bus service.
