Policy change coming

Aug 29, 2022 | 9:16 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – “It’s a serious matter that needs attention.”

Those were the opening remarks from Councillor Brian Skakun, as he launched his rationale for setting out a notice of motion at the last Council meeting.

It read:

“That Council DIRECTS Administration to report back on the process of the Mayor writing letters for local businesses, non-profits and elected officials. This report will include how the Mayor and City Admin decide what letters for grants and assistance come before council for a resolution and what letters are not required to come before Council.”

It was prompted when he learned Councillor Kyle Sampson has received letters of support for a grant application for the Best Damn Musical Festival from both the Mayor’s Office and Administration.

Skakun saw a breach of the Council Code of Conduct, real or perceived.

“We need to make for a more accountable and transparent Council,” he stated.

However, it was noted that the letters were requisite to the application.

City Manager Walter Babicz that, upon deciding whether to issue a letter of support is often prefaced on what is called “service fairness,” meaning every request is viewed equally through the same lens.

In his defence, Councillor Sampson told Council he had contacted Administration and was told to do exactly what everyone else is required to do. And he did.

However, it was noted by more than one Councillor that that “policy gap” needs to be filled.

Council voted is favour of Councillor Skakun’s resolution. With an amendment that supports Administration coming back to Council, likely not this present one, with a variety of options on how to create a policy where issue like one doesn’t happen again.

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