qathet Regional District board has delegated emergency powers to chief administrative officer (CAO) Al Radke during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a special meeting of the regional district board on March 26, directors deliberated on what was referred to as an extraordinary emergency powers delegation.
Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick said she was concerned the motion as presented was open-ended.
“I believe it should have a start and a stop date, which can be extended if the situation warrants that, rather than leaving it indefinite,” said McCormick.
City director George Doubt said he would like to add an amendment stipulating the initiative would be in effect until August 30, 2020, unless extended.
“That seems to be a reasonable length of time,” said Doubt.
McCormick said that’s five months and seems like a long time.
“I’m hoping the crisis will be well over before that period of time, so I’m concerned that’s a little bit too long,” added McCormick. “The end of June might be more appropriate.
Radke said if this crisis resolves itself before the August deadline, he will more than graciously relinquish these powers because he will not need them.
Regional district chair Patrick Brabazon said the board has full control of this and can pull the emergency powers any time it wants.
The board voted to put a time limit of August 30 on the emergency powers.
Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said the way the motion was written was causing him some confusion and he recommended some rewording of the motion and splitting it in two parts.
Based on Gisborne’s changes, the board voted that, acting in good faith and in consideration of the unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis, that it delegates operational and administrative decisions to the CAO for matters that are urgent and require immediate attention to be able to facilitate nimble and flexible responses to public health officer orders, higher tiers of government or reduced service levels to the community.
Additionally, the board voted that for matters related to requirements for bylaw amendment, policy revision or other legislative resolutions of the board, the CAO will bring these forward to a board meeting as soon as practically possible.
City of Powell River passed a similar resolution for its CAO Russell Brewer.
