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Port Moody mayor seeks approval for conferences

Port Moody council could be hitting the road on the taxpayers' dime if a proposal by the mayor is approved.
Rob Vagramov
Port Moody mayor Rob Vagramov is seeking council's approval to fund trips to two upcoming conferences in addition to the three annual events already approved and budgeted.

Port Moody council could be hitting the road on the taxpayers' dime if a proposal by the mayor is approved.

In two reports being presented to council at its meeting Tuesday, Mayor Rob Vagramov is seeking council’s approval to fund attendance for him and the six councillors at the 2019 High Ground civic governance forum being put on by the Columbia Institute March 29 to 30 at Harrison Hot Springs; and for funding for his own trip to the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) Mayors' Caucus in Prince George from March 31 to April 2.

According to the report, Vagramov estimates the former will cost $1,160 per councillor ($8,120 if all members attend), including the registration fee, one night hotel accommodations and a per diem of $160 to cover meals, mileage and parking. He suggested that expense could be reduced a bit if councillors choose to carpool.

The Columbia Institute is a national charitable organization based in Vancouver that “fosters inclusive, sustainable communities.” Topics to be covered at the forum in Harrison include workshops about climate change, inclusion in schools, green jobs and using technology to increase citizen engagement.

“The learning and knowledge gained from this conference could provide ideas that could be applied to all of council’s strategic plans,” Vagramov said in his report.

The Prince George meeting 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 his report, Vagramov estimates his attendance at that meeting would cost approximately $1,650, including the flight, hotel, registration, transportation and a per diem.

Council needs to approve the budget to attend these events as they are in addition to the three annual events that are already approved and budgeted for: conventions of the UBCM convention, Lower Mainland Local Government Association and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

In his report, Vagramov suggests the mayors' event should be added to the list of pre-approved events for coming years.

Port Moody council is currently considering the city’s budget, which anticipates a property tax increase for the coming year of 5.5%.