GAMETI/RAE LAKES
Melinda McGee is the Tlicho region’s first asset management trainee. The Gameti resident is training to become the community’s asset manager - the first position of its kind in the region.
Melinda McGee is Gameti’s first asset management trainee. She is learning how to become the community’s asset manager, a position that is brand new to the Tlicho region. - photo courtesy of Louisa Wetrade
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“I’ve been looking for work and this ad came up, so I looked into it, asked information about it, and that’s when I thought I would apply,” McGee said.
“Right now I’m enjoying it, learning all the information that’s being brought forward to me.”
Currently, McGee’s job is primarily focused on learning how asset management works. That means doing a lot of Internet research and participating in online conferences with other jurisdictions with asset management experience.
“I’m getting all the information off the Internet and learning from it and having webinars with other places down south,” McGee said.
Greg Morash, Gameti’s senior administrative officer, said though McGee had never worked in asset management before, her determination helped her get chosen for the job.
“Melinda had no experience, but she had the drive to do it,” Morash said. “We’re now learning what asset management is as we go.”
Morash said Gameti is working on its own asset management plan, which will help decision makers determine how the community’s money is spent.
This includes figuring out the community’s current inventory.
Morash said, for example, if a municipal vehicle needed repairs, an asset management plan would help determine whether it would be more cost effective to fix the vehicle or to purchase a new one. The same rule applies for other municipal infrastructure.
That’s where McGee comes in, Morash said. Another aspect of McGee’s job is to detail every machine, vehicle and parts stored in the community’s garage.
“She’s gathering all the information, we’ll make assessment judgments,” Morash said. “It’s a lot of background work, taking inventory of your materials, your vehicles, buildings.”
Having a clear picture of the town’s assets and infrastructure requirements will help hamlet staff advise council about how to spend the community’s budget.
“We give council the right advice then let council make the final decision,” he said.
McGee said she currently has Grade 10, but will soon start taking evening courses, including math, English and computer skills, at Aurora College’s Gameti campus to upgrade her education.
