City Council gets to work with Board appointments from Special Session Monday

Monday night was appointment night for two key regional Boards 

The first session of work for Prince Rupert City Council came on Monday evening,  the 5PM gathering one which was focused on appointments to two key Boards that Council members are part of.

The short session, which lasted less than four minutes,  had four members in attendance from the start and  also saw Councillor Nelson Skelton-Morven as a late arrival,  joining the group just in time to vote to adjourn the session. 

Councillor Nick Adey participated by remote link, though as was noted by Mayor Herb Pond, Mr. Adey was not allowed to vote on the night, as he has yet to submit his signed oath of office, something on the to do list upon his return to town.

Newly elected Councillor Teri Forster, did not participate in the Monday session.

As for the appointments, Council announced that Mayor Pond and Councillor Cunningham would serve on the Regional District Board, the remainder of Council listed as alternates.

The reason for the urgency on the appointment to the North Coast Regional District Board is that there is a District session coming up this Friday and without the City's representation in place, the city will not be able to participate in the session.

Mr. Pond outlined the scope of the responsibilities which have Prince Rupert holding 7 votes in total on the Board, with the Mayor's post holding four, Mr. Cunningham with 3.

The same arrangement was announced for the Northwest Regional Health District Board. With Mayor Pond and Councillor Cunningham as the two appointees, the remainder of council membership that of alternate directors.

Mayor Pond replying to a question from Councillor Niesh noted of the importance to always having someone on hand to attend the twin Board sessions as they come along.

"We will discuss amongst ourselves .... who would like to be the primary alternatives so that we're ready to go. Given the size of our vote and influence and impact on both of these areas. I never want us to be without representation at any of those meetings ... So we can go further down the bench" -- Mayor Herb Pond

Being named as the primary appointees comes with some additional compensation. 

Of the listings available, the Regional District SOFI from the Spring noted of compensation of $17,010 and $16,441 for the two Prince Rupert representatives from 2021.

Those attending the Northwest Regional Health District Board sessions also receive renumeration for their work.

You can review the process of appointment through the City's Video archive below:

More notes on the work of City Council can be explored through our Council Discussion Archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.