Kamloops council’s dissolution of standing committees devolves into spat on community engagement

“According to Section 141 of the Community Charter, I’m just really concerned about the lawfulness of this motion because it does go against the Community Charter,” said Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson.

The mayor was informed more than once from staff that the motion did not contradict the charter.

“We have received guidance on how to proceed with committee structure and we are following that guidance,” stated Corporate Officer Maria Mazzotta.

“By our legal team?” questioned Hamer-Jackson.

“I cannot confirm or deny that,” stated Mazzotta, referencing solicitor-client privilege.

The motion was carried through a 7-1 vote, with only Mayor Hamer-Jackson opposed.

With standing committees dissolved, Councillor Dale Bass moved to create a new select community to improve community engagement.

“I would move that we create a select committee to follow through on the February motion to work with staff on creating town halls throughout the city,” said Bass.

Councillor Margot Middleton suggested that the mayor serve, to which he declined.

“For me to sit on another committee, I was just on a committee and sat their and did what?” said Hamer-Jackson.

Despite the mandate of the community being something Hamer-Jackson has been attempting to address at city hall, he believed his presence would be pointless, again questioning the legality of the approved motion.

“I don’t have a say, it was a one-to-three vote each time,” said Hamer-Jackson about his previous service on a select committee.

“That’s the democratic process,” responded Middleton.

“Just hang on, the democratic process is — I’m still planning to having standing committees, because I don’t know if this is lawful what we are doing today,” reiterated Hamer-Jackson.

At the end of the conversation, a community engagement select committee consisting of Councillors Katie Neustaeter, Bill Sarai and Bass was created. It may add citizens from the community once its terms of reference are finalized.

Mayor Hamer-Jackson did later move a notice of motion to create a ‘KamTalk’ town hall. That motion will be debated at the next regular meeting on July 25.

by Michael Reeve

Kamloops council’s dissolution of standing committees devolves into spat on community engagement

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