- Audit Report Positive
Municipal auditors, KPMG, presented a positive audit findings’ report on Oak Bay’s financial statements, concluding by indicating that compared with many other municipalities, we are in reasonably good financial shape. This is in large measure due to the efforts of our Municipal Treasurer Patricia Walker. I voted with Council to receive the report and approve the 2013 financial statements.
- Municipal Grants Approved
Municipal grants received final approval, following a thorough review and discussion during earlier budget estimates’ deliberations. These grants are awarded every year to applicants and organizations who meet necessary criteria. The total amount this year was $180,545 and applications are reviewed by the Municipal Treasurer for accuracy before referral to Council.
- Motion Passed
I introduced a motion to Council requesting that we draft a letter to the Minister of Children and Family Development, asking that the proposed decision to close Vancouver Island’s only youth custody facility, located in View Royal, be rescinded and that the facility remains open and is re-purposed to house youth boys and girls and adult women remanded or sentenced from Vancouver Island Courts. The motion passed unanimously.
- Bylaws and Resolutions
A series of bylaws and resolutions were either adopted or received first, second and third reading. Most notably were the bylaws involving the new Clive Drive development related to housing and parking agreements.