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Committee adopts simpler absence rule and asks council to consider alternates; two seats to be vacant in December
Summary
Members agreed to a bylaw change draft that moves forfeiture to the fourth absence in 12 months, supported adding an alternate seat, and asked staff to place upcoming vacancies on a council agenda; two seats will be vacant beginning in December.
The Burnt Star Isles Canal Advisory Committee on Sept. 9 reached consensus on proposed bylaw language to handle absences and signaled support for an alternate-member position while requesting council action to formalize changes.
Alexander Friend, the board recorder, explained three options provided in the packet: two more formal processes to distinguish excused and unexcused absences and a simpler option that increases the permitted absences before forfeiture. Committee members favored the third option, which states members "shall be permitted up to 3 absences in a 12 month period" and "forfeit his position or her position upon a fourth absence." One member described the third option as removing onus from the committee to adjudicate absences and making advance notice to the clerk and other members the practical step.
Committee members also confirmed they support an alternate-member slot, subject to council approval. Staff said council is reviewing the composition of boards and may propose reducing some seven-member boards to five members with one alternate; any bylaw change to add alternates must be presented to council for adoption.
The committee also noted two upcoming vacancies: one member said his term ends after the next meeting and another seat will be vacant in December. Members asked staff to request that the two vacancies be included on the Sept. 24 council agenda and said they would recruit potential replacements in the community.
The committee recorded its consensus and asked staff to forward the recommended bylaw language and the committee's support for an alternate to city council for formal action.
