By Lyonel Doherty

Times-Chronicle

Two members of Oliver town council are getting restless and want to start meeting face-to-face again.

In discussing their “restart plan” on Monday, Dave Mattes and Rick Machial favoured reconvening in-person council meetings.

Mattes said even Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry indicated that people can start expanding their social circles a little bit.

But Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger half-jokingly said: “With no disrespect to Councillor Mattes, when I’m expanding my circle, I’m doing it with family and not him.”

Mattes replied with a smile, “I get it.”

Schwartzenberger noted that if health guidelines (social distancing) cannot be maintained in council chambers, they will have to continue with electronic Zoom meetings.

Councillor Aimee Grice said she finds it frustrating that these meetings don’t allow for chit chat at the end. And the mere fact that each councillor is nothing more than an icon on screen bothers her.

Mayor Martin Johansen said he can’t imagine doing the Zoom meetings for a year.

“At some point we have to meet in person.”

But without a vaccine, he doesn’t see the physical distancing rules going away.

Councillor Petra Veintimilla said council needs to continue leading by example by following the rules. She suggested finding a place to meet periodically, such as the Venables Theatre where safe distancing can be maintained.

Machial said they have to start getting together to make decision making more conducive.

“We need to get together; this is ridiculous.”

Mattes said Zoom meetings are not very effective, recommending that council get back to meeting in the same room.

He stated there are no sick people (with COVID-19) in Oliver, so council should set an example by going back to the “new normal.”

Council directed staff to investigate options for reconvening meetings with social distancing maintained, while giving the public an opportunity to view the meetings electronically.

Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Cowan added the plan is to open Town Hall and Public Works to the public starting June 1 (as long as physical barriers are installed).

She pointed out the public is encouraged to pay their taxes online.