Council Ignores Motion on Floor
With the County’s appeal against the setting aside of “irrational” sanctions against Kissel, Wright and Hanson dragging on in the Court system, efforts to move forward for the good of the Ratepayers continue. Councillor Kissel with seconder Reeve Henn brought forward a Notice of Motion on July 6, to be debated on July 20th entitled “Withdrawal of Appeal of Kissel et al v. Rocky View County, 2020 ABQB 406. The preamble to the resolution stated there is no possibility of the appeal being heard before spring 2022 – well after this October’s Municipal election and long after sanctions expired. Also noted is the fact that insurance is not covering the legal bills, which is not fiscally responsible to the ratepayers, as costs continue to be taken directly out of tax dollars.
Councillors Kissel, Wright and I received legal advice that once read in, we should not speak to or participate in the Motion. The County also received the same advice from its lawyers. As a result at the July 20th meeting we each recused ourselves from the matter. At that point, Councillor Schedule brought forward a motion for the remaining 6 to move their discussion In-Camera. Upon returning to the public meeting, the motion on the floor was totally ignored, and the 6 rose without reporting. This raises some interesting points w.r.t. the Municipal Government Act, and our own Procedural Bylaw, in that the motion was left on the floor and the meeting adjourned with it in that state. It will likely be back in September to be dealt with properly. The three recused Councillors will remain recused on the matter, and no further comment will be coming forward lest we are seen to be influencing the outcome of the vote.
Rocky Creek Concept Scheme
Council unanimously approved a 638-acre residential development Conceptual Scheme in West Balzac. This Conceptual Scheme is basically an Urban-Style subdivision that proposes 1,300 homes with minimal commercial acreage. I asked relevant questions about the fiscal impact of this development with its copious quantities of small cul-de-sacs, but Councillor Boeh-lke claimed a point of order that all fiscal discussions should be deferred to the Subdivision stage. Deputy Reeve McKylor who was chairing the meeting concurred, despite the County Plan clearly indicating that Conceptual Scheme approval is the time for that debate.
Beverly McLachlin
I just finished reading the auto-biography of Canada’s first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the longest serving public servant in that position. A self-described “simple Farm-Girl” from Pincher Creek. Highly recommended.
While reading I couldn’t help pondering a short couple of paragraphs toward the end where she reflected that Canada is not entitled to 9 Justices giving their own views; the Country is entitled to 9 Justices giving their views after listening to the views of their 8 other Colleagues. The key to achieving maximum consensus was listening. Considering the views of others is hard work. To listen with an open mind and an eye to consensus is Hard Work. Substituting Councillor for Supreme Court Justice, RVC for Canada, and I see the parallels being spot on. My thinking is one also needs to take into account that the skill set required to do so is not insignificant.
Moving Forward on Process to Recruit a new CAO
We have received six responses to the RFP for the CAO search and recruitment. Council will be making a decision shortly and the successful executive search firm announced by early September.
Please e-mail me if you would like to be added to my e-mail list for potential future e-mail and on-line communications – Kevin.Hanson@ RockyView.ca or call 403.463.1166.
Kevin Hanson,
Councillor, Division 3
Kevin.Hanson@RockyView.ca or call 403.463.1166.
