Coffee with Council a budget precursor

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Posted: November 17, 2017

Coun. Paul Denchuk, and Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer, in conversation with two members of the community.

By Carol Gordon

Here’s a glimpse of one of the three sessions of the District of Invermere’s second annual ‘Coffee with Council,’ held this past week.

It is part of the districts’ Public Consultation process in preparation for the upcoming 2018 Budget.

The November 8 session was at Circle Café. On Tuesday morning, people gathered at the Quality Bakery, followed by The Bistro. In addition to town councillors, Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer and Karen Cote, Director of Finance, were also available for informal discussion.

Invermere residents had been sent invitations through the mail. Mayor Gerry Taft encouraged residents to “take the time to inform yourself and take the time to provide your perspective to your elected council members.”

He added, “have a cup of coffee with council during our upcoming coffee session – if you need more motivation to attend, just consider this – your tax dollars are buying that coffee, so come drink it and learn more. Let’s talk numbers!”

Mayor Gerry Taft, Jami Scheffer, Executive Director & Gallery Manager/Curator, Pynelogs Art Gallery & Cultural Centre along with Richard Unger, local businessman/home builder, engaged in a lengthy conversation about the economy of the Columbia Valley. They discussed what they thought is needed to attract more businesses, entrepreneurs and the younger sector of the population to our valley.

Lead image: Coun. Al Miller, centre, and Karen Cote, Director of Finance, left, listening as a resident shares her thoughts. Photos by Carol Gordon