City council members plan to tackled a number of issues in the final months of their term.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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Collin Gallant
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Council members appear willing to wade into several big issues before the end of the term with a little more than six months remaining.
On Monday a closed-door “committee of the whole” meeting was held in camera to discuss two items generally described as an “Energy Business Matter” and “Action Recreation and Wellness Opportunities.”
Information presented in closed meetings can be deemed protected under freedom of information regulations and therefore withheld if it deals with third-party business interests or early advice from officials.
However, there are several issues in each area scheduled for updates in the late winter and early spring as the four-year council term moves toward this fall’s election.
Coun. Cassi Hider chairs council’s public services committee, which oversees a goal to advance south-side recreation facility planning – a council priority set last fall.
“There is a lot of planning, but these are large items that we are working on,” she told the News, stating she sees a majority of council members hoping to advance the issues either to completion by the end of the year, or lay the ground work for a future decision.
Such meetings are held to allow a more open exchange of information between council and administration, provide overviews, but typically don’t involve formal or final action.
Deputy Mayor Allison Knodel chaired the meeting that began at 3:45 p.m. in council chambers with several councillors – Andy McGrogen and Darren Hirsch attending remotely – and Mayor Linnsie Clark and Coun. Shila Sharps not present at that time.
Other council priorities include work on a task force to tackle social unrest, review of city workforce needs and operations for potential cost savings and improvements, as well as set an economic growth strategy.
In December, council received a third-party report into the energy department’s business philosophy that suggested a municipally controlled corporation be set up to hive off business decisions from political considerations.
At the time, council requested more information on the potential costs and benefits of the arrangement, which is currently employed by the City of Calgary and its electricity business. City administrators have said that several facets of an “energy transition” roadmap are paused until a federal election provides a more clear picture.
“Items like this are too large to be a one-and-done,” said Coun. Alison Van Dyke ahead of the meeting, speaking generally.
“So, there are a lot of updates along the way, and will be public consultation and budgetary implications.”
Coun. Robert Dumanowski said that with large issues, a lot of work is done behind the scenes and issues are progressing.
“There’s progress being made and a lot of heavy lifting,” he said. “There is movement occurring that’s moving issues, hopefully by the end of the term, either for a decision of signal that steps are being taken.”
