In spite of Councillor Russell Brewer’s efforts to have the City of Powell River’s corporate strategic planning session open to the public, council has voted that it be closed as it has been in the past.
During the council meeting on Thursday, June 5, Brewer moved an amendment to council’s motion, which read, in part: “That council convene an in-camera strategic planning session on June 26, 2014, and that the meeting be closed to the public on the grounds that the subject matter to be considered relates to matters covered by the Community Charter.” The motion further stated this includes discussions with municipal officers respecting municipal objectives, measures and progress reports for the purposes of an annual report, under Section 98 of the Community Charter.
Mac Fraser, chief administrative officer, told council the annual report is the legislatively required means of reporting the accomplishments of the city, with respect to its strategic objectives, to the residents of Powell River.
Fraser said consideration should be given during the initial June 26 strategic planning session to having the draft strategic plan as the focus of a public meeting in September of this year.
“This timing will allow council consideration of a draft strategic plan in July 2014, and public distribution of the draft plan in August 2014, to facilitate an informed and mutually valuable exchange of ideas at the proposed public meeting,” Fraser said.
“The strategic planning process is an integral part of what your duties are and it’s necessary,” he added. “The in-camera, or not, is a discussion that you, obviously, would like to speak to.”
After the motion for in-camera strategic planning session was read, Brewer wanted to amend the motion to read: “That council convene a strategic planning session on June 26, 2014.” Councillor Maggie Hathaway seconded the amendment so that it could be discussed because she had some questions.
In speaking to the intent of the original motion for an in-camera session, Brewer said he understands it is helpful to be able to think out loud without worrying about what is being said, which may lead to more open and frank discussion. His reason for the amendment was there might be value in the public attending because the last session featured good, respectful discussion. The public could see how dedicated the participants are in thinking matters through, he said.
Hathaway said there could be provision to have some portions open and some in camera.
“I hate to close it all off like we’re doing something in secret,” she said.
Mayor Dave Formosa said it is difficult for him to turn it off and on, based on whether or not the public is in attendance.
“I like to let my hair down, roll my sleeves up and do what we did last time, without worrying about reading it in the paper,” he said. “I’d like to be able to think clearly, freely, and to have an opportunity with my colleagues without having to watch every move I make.”
Councillor Myrna Leishman said it would definitely change the whole flavour with public involvement. Council would be influenced by the public, she added.
“We wouldn’t be able to be as forthcoming with some of our comments,” she said. “I don’t think it means we are being secret. We want to discuss things that are going well, and not going well, openly.”
Councillor Jim Palm said it is always nice to speak openly, freely and candidly among colleagues and staff members without having to trip over words in public. He said the session should be in-camera because council should be able to have a frank discussion on the issues and bring the contents of that meeting forward to the public at a later date.
Formosa said he remembers one strategic planning session held in the open and it was not the same.
When the vote on the amendment was called, Brewer was the lone supporter. The amendment was defeated, so council voted on the original motion. Brewer was the lone opponent, so the motion passed. Council’s strategic planning session at the end of the month will be held in-camera.
