May 24, 2016 - The First One with the New Council
Council Highlights – May 24, 2016
Good morning fellow Riverview residents! Here are the highlights of our very first meeting of the 2016-2020 Town Council.
Previous Council approved minutes from three previous meetings, the official election results from the Returning Officer were read by the Town Clerk and then regular business of Council was dissolved and the Oath of Office ceremony for the incoming Council began.
Previous Deputy Mayor, Ian Macdonald gave a great speech after being recognized by the Mayor for his contributions. The video is available on my Facebook page.
Councillor Tom Toner also shared some thoughts as he was recognized for his contributions.
It has been an unbelievable honour to have been able to serve on Council with Ian, Tom and Russell. I’ve very much enjoyed being on the team with them and value the diverse perspectives they each brought forward. Thank you to all three of you for your tremendous commitment and dedication to the residents of this town.
Following this, Ann Seamans was sworn in as Mayor, followed by Lana Hansen (Ward 1), John Coughlan (Ward 2), Jeremy Thorne (Ward 3), Wayne Bennett (Ward 4), Cecile Cassista (At Large), myself (At Large) and Tammy Rampersaud (At Large).
Riverview residents chose an amazing group of people to serve them on Council. It’s already clear that each Councillor, new and returning, brings a wealth of ideas, diversity in backgrounds, energy and drive to move this town forward and accomplish some major goals. We have a team that is committed to working together and to bring about positive growth for the town.
The meeting began with the new Council in place.
Appointments
The Mayor appointed liaisons to various groups. I am thrilled to be returning as the liaison for the Riverview Arts Centre and the Sustainable Development Committee (Sustaina-Palooza). One thing I am incredibly excited for is the creation of the Civic Engagement committee which I have been afforded to opportunity to chair. This committee will work to ensure residents can become more involved and informed with town operations.
Below are the other appointments.
Capital Theatre – Wayne Bennett
Civic Engagement Committee – Andrew J. LeBlanc (Chair), Jeremy Thorne
Codiac Transpo - Tammy Rampersaud, Andrew J. LeBlanc (alternate)
Codiac RCMP – John Coughlan
Wellness Centre – Tammy Rampersaud (Chair), Wayne Bennett
EMO – Ann Seamans, John Coughlan, Wayne Bennett, Jeremy Thorne
Pest control – Jeremy Thorne
Magma – Cecile Cassista
Pensions – Cecile Cassista
CAO Performance Review – Ann Seamans, John Coughlan, Lana Hansen
RAC – Andrew J. LeBlanc
RBGC – Jeremy Thorne
Santa Claus Parade – Lana Hansen
Sustainable Development – Andrew J. LeBlanc
Tri- com policing – Tammy Rampersaud
Seniors – Cecile Cassista
Service commission – Ann Seamans (DM Alternate)
Council then elected Cecile Cassista as Deputy Mayor for our first year. Mayor Seamans closed with a few inspired words about the team and the future. Meeting adjourned and the reception commenced!
During the last 2 months a lot of focus has been put on the candidates and elected officials but there is a group of people who don’t often get the attention they deserve and they are the town staff. One of the reasons we were able to get so much done in the last four years is because of their incredible talent and knowledge. The Director’s team, lead by CAO Colin Smith, are an outstanding group of individuals who care deeply about the success of this town and ensuring we offer the best services, programs and quality of life. I can’t thank Colin, Annette, Robert, Michel, Shane, Tina, Gerry and Denis enough for the incredible job they do and I’m truly excited to have the opportunity to continue working with you. But the kudos also extends beyond our Director’s as the staff in every department share in that same passion and dedication and work diligently at their jobs to make this town a great place. I cannot name everyone of course but I must give a special thanks to Denyse Richard, our Deputy Clerk. Denyse has been our rock for the last four years (and before my time as well). She keeps us organized, on track and is a wealth of knowledge and without her I truly feel we’d be lost!
It is such a privilege to be able to serve on Council and to have the trust of Riverview residents and I thank you for allowing me to return to the Councillor’s chair and advocate on your behalf. As done in the last 4 years, I’ll do my best to post Council Highlights on my page and keep you as informed as possible. Please note that you can find previous highlights on my webpage www.andrewjleblanc.com or the town’s own highlights at www.townofriverview.ca.
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
