Council Meeting Highlights - Committee of the Whole - October 21st, 2024

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What is a Committee of the Whole? A Committee of the Whole is a meeting format designed for discussing topics in more detail than regular or special council meetings. These meetings are particularly valuable for exploring complex issues that require more time than what is typically available in regular meetings, allowing for broader and more in-depth discussion. During these sessions, items submitted and added to the agenda are discussed. The Committee of the Whole may provide recommendations to Council to assist with future decision-making; however, the Committee does not have the authority to make decisions or provide direction without approval from Council.

The agenda and live stream of the October 21st meeting is linked below. Official meeting minutes will be available to the public once approved by Council at an upcoming meeting.

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2024 Emergency Management Program Update

On October 21, 2024, the Committee of the Whole gathered to discuss a report from Fire Chief Will Booth about the City’s Emergency Management Program. The main goal was to keep everyone in the loop about how the program is evolving, especially with the recent changes to emergency program legislation.

The meeting kicked off with an overview of the Program's organizational structure and a look back at various emergency management projects, highlighting what’s been done and what’s on the horizon. The presentation also delved into the roles of the Council and staff during emergencies, ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities.

A key point of discussion was the new Emergency and Disaster Management Act, which took effect in November 2023. This law replaces the old Emergency Program Act and the changes prompted the City to bring in a consultant to analyze the current program and suggest updates. The consultant finished this gap analysis early in 2024, and the Emergency Program Management Committee has been meeting regularly to work on these improvements.

Fire Chief Booth also shared useful resources for the public, including PrepareBC's Home Emergency Plan, Neighbourhood Preparedness Guide and Home Preparedness Guide. Overall, it was a productive session aimed at enhancing the City’s readiness for emergencies, ensuring that both Council and community members are well-prepared. Stay tuned for more information on the Emergency Management Program as it becomes available.

 

Financial Management Responsibilities for Elected Officials

Mario Piroddi, Partner with BDO LLP, who have been appointed as the City's external auditors, presented to Council on financial management and the roles and responsibilities for financial reporting. The purpose of financial reporting is to deliver essential information that aids Council, management, and the community in making informed resource allocation decisions, aligning with municipal goals. Follow the link above for the full presentation and to learn more about the municipal financial management. 

The meeting concluded at 8:26 PM.