Mayor Lou Maieron disagrees with the idea of a closed information for council regarding fill issues within the municipality.
After looking for an explanation under other business, the mayor was upset that the proposed solution was not detailed within the agenda package for discussion.
Earlier, a motion was passed that council direct staff to to review and update council regarding the Citizen’s Guide to Site Alteration or Fill Placement – based on concerned raised during discussion.
At the Nov. 5 council the mayor asked when the item was coming back to council.
CAO Kathryn Ironmonger said it has been suggested that and educational workshop be held for members of council with regard to fill applications within the community – “and the complications associated with them.”
Ironmonger said staff had hoped for councillors to provide some potential dates as to when a workshop could be held.
She explained that when council then recieved the draft bylaw, “councillors could then assess whether it meets our needs.”
Maieron contended that the residents concerned with the fill issue were in attendance.
He said they had raised concerns regarding local applications and the process which existed.
He asked whether the council education workshop would be open or closed to the public.
“It would be closed,” Ironmonger said.
She explained that education workshops are meetings which can be held to bring council up to speed on issues affecting a municipality.
“There is no dialogue about bringing the information forward. It is simply about bringing council up to speed.”
The mayor contended that the meetings can be open as well.
He suggested the item be added to the next council for discussion so that council could discuss it further.
He asked when the site alteration guide was coming back to council for approval or consideration.
“If you want to have an education session for council on this matter, I for one will say it should be open to the public. It doesn’t have to be closed.”
He then asked if the item would be ready for the next council meeting.
Ironmonger said the issue is slated for the first meeting in December.
She explained the time is to allow council to be brought up to speed on the issues and the potential problems associated with addressing the issue at hand.
Maieron argued that this is something councillors had no opportunity to review.
