Kamloops council to consider eliminating all standing committees

Jul 7, 2023 | 4:06 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops council is being asked to clear the decks of its existing standing committee structure, preparing the ground for a new structure.

The city’s committee structure has been at the centre of a firestorm since March, when Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson brought forward a controversial series of proposed appointments to standing committees. That led council to suspend all standing committees and launch a review.

It also preceded the release of a statement by the eight councillors, saying they were “combating the chaotic and unpredictable behaviour of our mayor” and accusing Hamer-Jackson of violating boundaries and bullying. Those allegations are now the subject of a defamation lawsuit brought by Hamer-Jackson against Councillor Katie Neustaeter.

A select committee formed to review the structure brought forward a recommendation in May calling for a ‘hybrid’ approach to its committee structure. The group recommended city departments each be supported by standing committees, with select committees and sub-committees formed beneath them.

Standing committees are considered more permanent and with a broader focus. Select committees can be formed and dissolved based on more specific focuses and tasks.

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At its meeting next Tuesday (July 11), council will consider a motion to dissolve its five standing committees — Civic Operations, Community Relations and Reconciliation, Community and Protective Services, Development and Sustainability, and Finance.

Since the recommendations on a new structure came forward in May, Deputy Corporate Officer Amanda Passmore says the city’s department heads have reported feeling comfortable with how the remaining select committees have handled city business.

Thus, her report recommends dissolving the standing committees and allowing staff to “reassign any outstanding directives, tasks or other items… to either an appropriate select committee or the Committee of the Whole.”

Speaking to CFJC Today, Passmore says there are many cities in B.C. that operate without standing committees.

She notes further recommendations expected to come forward this fall would help council clarify how committee members are selected and vetted.

by James Peters

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Kamloops council to consider eliminating all standing committees

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