Zoom on laptop (Photo credit: 181237171 © Boumenjapet | Dreamstime.com)

By Kevin Rothwell

Lost connections

Virtual meetings are disrupting the local political process

Apr 16, 2021 | 6:00 AM

Virtual meetings have become the standard for conducting business and politics during COVID-19, but some local politicians feel it is having a negative impact on the decision-making process.

“We are missing out on all the conversations we used to have in meetings because of meeting on Zoom. I think it is beginning to hurt us as an organization,” Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick said at the end of special Greater Vernon Advisory Committee (GVAC) meeting April 14.

Garlick had a list of items that require an update, noting with virtual meetings, the agenda is gone through, point by point and that’s it.

“The rest of it is left, and I would say, this last year things have really slowed down and I’m unable to answer questions of my council members, cause you know what, I don’t know,” Garlick added.

Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) administration indicated they are working to improve communication on the status of different projects. Garlick noted RDNO used to have a work list of different initiatives and the status.

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“I don’t know what the current provincial health guidelines are, I think a committee of seven with two staff members could safely distance in that room (RDNO board room),” Area B Director Bob Fleming said.

The current order on gatherings and events restricts most formal in-person meetings outside the workplace, with some exceptions including:

• The B.C. legislature and cabinet meetings
• City council meetings. It is recommended virtual meetings be held as much as possible. The public is not allowed to attend

RDNO Chief Administrative Officer David Sewell indicated the public health order could be adhered to, and that there is audio/video capability, to allow for public and media access.

Garlick went so far as offering the use of the Coldstream Council chamber to facilitate meeting in person.

“In Vernon, for those that don’t have the appropriate amount of distance between us, we have those glass shields that were brought in and they work great,” Vernon Coun. Kelly Fehr said.

Vernon Council COVID meeting layout (Photo credit: City of Vernon)

A motion to return to in-person meetings with virtual access, proposed by Garlick and seconded by Fehr, passed unanimously.