2006-04-10_Minutes--Procès-verbalApril 10, 2006
170-2006
Minutes of the Portion of the Committee of the Whole Meeting Open to the Public
Monday, April 10, 2006, 5:00 p.m.
8th Floor Boardroom, City Hall
Present:
Mayor McFarlane,
Councillors Chang, Chase, Court, Farren, Ferguson, McGuire, Tait, Titus and
White
- and -
T. Totten, City Manager; J. Nugent, City Solicitor; A. Beckett, Deputy City
Manager of Programs and Priorities and Acting Treasurer; J. Baird,
Commissioner of Planning and Development; P. Groody, Commissioner of
Municipal Operations; E. Gormley, Assistant Common Clerk and J. Ferrar
Administrative Assistant
1. Meeting Called To Order
The Mayor called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order.
Commenting briefly Mr. Beckett reminded Councillors of the Change Leadership
th
Executive Briefing Session at the Loch Lomond Villa on Tuesday, April 18 from 8:30
a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Concerns were expressed by several Councillors that the session is
scheduled during their regular working hours.
On motion of Councillor Titus
Seconded by Councillor White
RESOLVED that the report from Mayor McFarlane, which was
distributed at the meeting, regarding Council priorities be added to the agenda of open
session later this evening as item 3.1.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Discussion continued concerning the session at the Villa with Councillors inquiring if it
could be rescheduled, to which Mr. Beckett advised that it was not possible. Councillor
Tait proposed that the City reimburse the employers of those Councillors that have a
conflict with their regular working hours.
On motion of Councillor Tait
Seconded by Councillor White
RESOLVED that The City of Saint John reimburse the employers
of Councillors that are unable to take paid leave from their jobs to attend any specific
conference or meeting of Council during their regular working hours.
It was agreed to add this item to the Council agenda of open session later this evening
as item 3.2.
Councillor Chase spoke against the proposed motion.
April 10, 2006
171-2006
Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Chase voting “nay”.
2. Discussion of Procedures Regarding Confidential Matters
10.2(4)(d)
Referring to item 1.3 Property Negotiations - Development Proposal -
Westmorland Road, Mr. Nugent recommended that this item be dealt with in open
session as it came up during the public hearing; and explained that it is related to the
subject of the public hearing and if Council deals with the matter in Committee of the
Whole there is the risk that should someone challenge the process of the matter being
discussed in closed session rather than open, they could be successful. A brief
discussion followed with Mr. Nugent responding to questions and reminding the
Committee that they have the right to take whatever time they wish to deal with this
application as long as it does not exceed the six month time limit as provided for in the
Community Planning Act.
Referring to the financial side of this project, Mr. Totten stated that the developer has the
expectation that this matter will be dealt with in closed session and advised that he has
not had any discussion with the developer as to his view on what the impact would be
concerning negotiations with potential tenants. Mr. Nugent suggested that Mr. Totten
confirm with the developer before open session his agreement with this issue going to
open session. Following discussion Mr. Totten confirmed that he would speak with the
developer and advise them that Council would like to discuss the contents of item 1.3,
and has been advised that this report should be part of the discussion during open
session.
Councillor Court called the City’s attention to the fact that the developer only recently
advised that a contribution from the City for the proposed road was required. Councillor
White questioned what would happen if the developer decides that they do not want this
item discussed in open session. Mr. Nugent responded that Council’s decision would
then be based on the alternative before them publicly. Responding to a question raised
with regard to the proposed cost sharing for Retail Drive, Mr. Totten stated that
traditionally the City enters into cost sharing arrangements with developers for piping
material.
On motion of Councillor Titus
Seconded by Councillor White
RESOLVED that the public be excluded from the meeting for the
10.2(4)(b)
duration of the discussion on the following matter(s):Staffing Issue ; Property
10.2(4)(d)10.2(4)(b)
Negotiations ; Nominating Committee ;Revisiting the 2002
10.2(4)(b)
Organizational Renewal Strategy; and Staffing Processes - Spring 2006.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Assistant Common Clerk
April 10. 2006
172-2006
Record Pursuant to Section 10.2(4)
The meeting of the Committee of the Whole of Common Council held on April 10, 2006
was closed to the public pursuant to Section 10.2(4) of the Municipalities Act during the
10.2(4)(b)
Committee's discussion of the following matter(s): Staffing Issue ; Property
10.2(4)(d) 10.2(4)(b)
Negotiations ;Nominating Committee ;Revisiting the 2002
10.2(4)(b)
Organizational Renewal Strategy; and Staffing Processes – Spring 2006.
Assistant Common Clerk