As the November municipal election comes closer, the Town of Gibsons has finalized its voting procedure, although the process has turned out to be different than originally thought.
At the Aug. 2 council meeting, councillors approved the use of electronic voting machines, which they will lease from the City of Toronto. They also appointed Gibsons corporate officer Michelle Jansson as the chief elections officer.
Mayor Barry Janyk has been opposed to Town staff tasked with running this year's election, citing the mishap in ballot counting in the 2008 vote, resulting in a changed election result as well as a court challenge. At previous meetings, Janyk said he "does not want to see the last election mistakes happen again."
But at Tuesday's meeting, Janyk said he changed his mind, and by using automated ballot tabulation he is "comfortable with an in-house procedure now."
Coun. Gerry Tretick stressed the need for assurances if problems arise with the machines and making sure adequate training is provided.
"I just think we have to do this right, because people will be watching," Tretick said.
Interimcorporate officer Lonny Miller said there is an education plan in place for the tabulator machines, including demonstrations on how the system works.
Gospel Rock
The last minute cancellation of the July 29 meeting on the Gospel Rock neighbourhood plan was discussed by council after inquiries were made from members of the public.
In a news release issued on July 27, the Town said the cancellation was due to "uncertainty over responsibility for outstanding costs to develop the plan, and all future meetings will be determined after this matter has been settled."
Discussion at Tuesday's meeting revealed further issues resulting in the stalled process, including the matter of unpaid invoices for consultants and the unwillingness of property owners to pay the bills.
According to Janyk there was an understanding that property owners would cover the costs, adding there is nothing to stop the Town from continuing to draft the plan without involvement from landowners.
Council hopes to have decisions made on the next steps by the end of the month.
Housing committee
Following a lengthy debate on the progress of the Sunshine Coast housing committee by regional district directors, council held their own discussion on the matter and is in support of funding the committee, to the tune of $5,293.66.
Coun. LeeAnn Johnson stressed the importance of having a committee as well as Coast-wide co-ordination to secure housing.
"We need this committee to get going. Sechelt is doing its part and we need to do ours," Johnson said.
Coun. Bob Curry expressed concern over the recent debates at the Sun-shine Coast Regional District (SCRD) over fund allocation to the committee.
Janyk said the SCRD is working on the matter by working on what functions the allotted funding will come from.
