Steffan Klassen will become a director at large of the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia after Creston town council approved his nomination at the Nov. 12 regular meeting.
Klassen, the town’s director of finance and corporate services, has served as a member of the MIA’s finance advisory committee for the past two years.
“This is quite an honour that I wish to fulfill,” he told council.
Mayor Ron Toyota said that Klassen’s nomination was a feather in the cap for both Klassen and Creston.
“Steffan is an extremely good finance director and he’s unbelievably conscientious — he takes his responsibilities very seriously,” he said. “He is a real asset to council in the way he is able to explain some very complicated information.”
The MIA consists of elected officials and municipal staff. Klassen’s appointment fills a vacancy on the board and the position will be up for election in September 2015.
His appointment will not result in any direct costs to the town, with all expenses for the board’s quarterly and annual meetings covered by the MIA.
Council Briefs
•Council agreed to empty its discretionary fund of its $1,100 balance with a contribution to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 29 for replacement of some furnishings. The fund is designed to be replenished for use at the incoming council’s discretion.
•A $600 donation will be directed to the Creston Ministerial Association’s Christmas hamper fund in lieu of a hosted dinner for retiring council members. New Area B director Tanya Wall will host a potluck dinner in its place, at no cost to taxpayers.
•An amended sign bylaw was given two readings, but council chose to delay its passage so the incoming council could seek further input if it chooses.
•Council approved an expenditure of $120,500 from the property purchase reserve fund to acquire land at 132 Northwest Blvd. It will be used in part for the Pine Street intersection that will be realigned by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in 2015.
•At council’s request, Klassen produced information showing election campaign information stating that salaries eat up 42 per cent of the town’s budget is incorrect. He said the real number is about half that.