Training to enhance meeting efficiency approved by qRD directors

qathet Regional District board will be retaining the services of Siebring Consulting to conduct a board process training session.

At the February 7 regional board meeting, Electoral Area C director and board chair Clay Brander brought forward the initiative after a telephone conversation.

“I’ve had a chance to speak with Al Siebring, who all of us around the table know from our code of conduct development that he helped us out with,” said Brander. “It’s always a good thing to be learning as we go along. I know I have lots of things to learn and Al can come up with ways for us to have more efficient and proper meetings. He has a lot of knowledge and experience in local government.”

qRD Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said he remembers when Siebring was a mayor and he finds the advice helpful and enlightening.

Electoral Area E director Andrew Fall said the session could be valuable. He said speaking as chair of the finance committee, which has had some of the longest meetings the directors have experienced this term, it would help all directors, but especially the chairs of various committees and the board.

“We can hone in our skills so we can be as productive as we can, so I hope this happens,” said Fall.

Electoral Area A director Jason Lennox said this type of training is invaluable.

City of Powell River director Cindy Elliott said she was in favour of extra training and the cost was reasonable. She said she appreciated being able to talk to Siebring for half an hour individually before the three-hour board session.

“It’s such a generous offer and I’m looking forward to conversing with Mr. Siebring,” said Elliott. “Hopefully, we get that scheduled sooner than later.”

The board voted in favour of proceeding with Siebring’s board process training.

In correspondence to Brander, Siebring proposed that the training focus on efficient use of time in regional district meetings. The preliminary cost for Siebring’s services and expenses come in at just under $3,000.

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