The regional district board gave further discussion to a director’s motion originally introduced at the Jan. 26 board meeting.
Area “C” Director Allan Patton asked that the board include in its governance policy a letter to be sent to all municipalities recommending mayors to be appointed director representatives to the Regional District Okanagan - Similkameen board.
A second notice of motion put forward at the Feb. 2 board of directors meeting asked that the province amend the Community Charter to allow municipal mayors to appoint themselves or their designates to regional district boards as one of the municipal directors.
Both notices were carried by the board. The second notice will be forwarded to the upcoming SILGA convention (Southern Interior Government Association) taking place on April 26-28 as a resolution.
Both notices of motion were put forward by Director Patton, who reasoned to the board that, had the motions been put forward proactively, they could have prevented the “shmozzle” that took place in Princeton.
“It’s a proactive move to send a message to councils that mayors should come to this council unless it is their choice not to - it really is important that they be here. It’s important that mayors represent the position.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by Osoyoos Director Stu Wells, who added that, “The mayor speaks for town council. Councillors don’t. Two people speak for the corporation - the mayor and the CAO.”
Area “D” Director Tom Siddon expressed agreement with the recommendation to the RDOS board to address the issue as part of its governance policy, but expressed concern about asking for changes on a provincial basis. Both motions eventually carried, with Keremeos Director Manfred Bauer singularly opposed.