Up to four Port Moody councillors will travel to Harrison Hot Springs for a conference put on by the Columbia Institute March 29 to 30.
Mayor Rob Vagramov had sought funding for all of city council to attend the Higher Ground civic governance forum that includes workshops about climate change, inclusion in schools, green jobs and using technology to increase citizen engagement. The Columbia Institute is a national charitable organization based in Vancouver that “fosters inclusive, sustainable communities,” according to its website.
But when some councillors expressed concern at Tuesday’s council meeting about the expense of up to $8,120 if all members attend, the contingent was dialled back to up to four. Vagramov estimated it will cost $1,160 for each councillor going to the event. That includes the registration fee, one night hotel accommodations and a per diem of $160 to cover meals, mileage and parking. He suggested the expense could be reduced a bit if councillors choose to carpool.
Coun. Diana Dilworth said she didn’t think the expense of sending all councillors would be “a prudent use of taxpayer dollars.”
But Coun. Hunter Madsen said the agenda includes “a number of things that are quite relevant to Port Moody,” adding, “I think there’s real value here.”
Meanwhile, Vagramov will hit the road himself to the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) Mayors’ Caucus in Prince George from March 31 to April 2.
The event is a gathering of mayors from across British Columbia to discuss policy priorities of the provincial government and how to use them to advance local issues like social conditions and economic development. In a report to council, Vagramov estimated his attendance at that meeting will cost approximately $1,650, including flight, hotel, registration, ground transportation and a per diem.
Council needs to approve the budget for travel to events that are in addition to the three annual events that are already approved and budgeted for: conventions of the UBCM, Lower Mainland Local Government Assocaiton, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Port Moody council is currently considering the city’s budget, which anticipates a property tax increase for the coming year of 5.5%.
