All parties involved in a riff between city council and Mayor Linnsie Clark say they want to move forward and that business is progressing, but certain interactions during Monday's meeting suggest tensions aren't as eased as some would like.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
@@CollinGallant
One month after city council imposed sanctions on Mayor Linnsie Clark, Clark and council both say work of the city is proceeding, but some interactions at council show a disconnect still exists.
This week, Clark’s request for human resources and expense reports from top administrators was delayed for a second time.
It will return May 6 after Coun. Ramona Robins tabled the request stating supplied information from Clark was provided just minutes before the meeting – too late to read thoroughly – while Clark later told reporters she has a right to see the info.
“I’ve objected to the fact that I should have to ask permission from council to get information that any member of council or the public could have access to,” Clark.
As for the late provision of the material, which could be seen as posturing, Clark told reporters, “As my own researcher, sometimes these things take time.”
Seven members of council voted March 21 to accept a report that Clark contravened the council code of conduct bylaw in dealings with city manager Ann Mitchell last August.
Penalties removed Clark’s ability to chair council meetings, act as an official spokesperson of council, deal with senior staff expect through email, and reduced her $144,000 salary by half.
She vowed on March 27 to seek a judicial review of the decision.
Coun. Andy McGrogan currently chairs council meetings as part of a rotating schedule of deputy mayor duties that works alphabetically and was set in late 2021.
He said discussions within council have been fruitful, citing unanimous votes to consider Clark’s points on potential amendments on new code of conduct bylaw, a “respectful workplace” policy and a whistle blower policy.
Those issues were all sent back to administrators for evaluations and options.
“I think we’re aligned on a lot of things – let’s sit down and collaborate,” he told the News on Wednesday. “I think we’re all eager to put it to rest, and to some degree all parties want to get past this, but there has to be a willingness among all the parties.”
Clark told the media after Monday’s meeting that she will make her reasoning on the information request public, and would also inform the media on the status of her judicial review application.
She also said she is enjoying the latitude at council to be in active debate, rather than stand on the protocol of the meeting chair, who typically speaks last during debate.
“(My days) are largely the same expect for (I no longer attend) admin committee,” said Clark.
“The amount of reading is the same. I still attend committee meetings that I’m assigned to. I still do a lot of public meetings and outreach. There’ hasn’t been a significant change.
“My salary isn’t as much, but the responsibilities haven’t changed.”
