February 3, 2022

Special Council Meeting Goes In-Camera

Rocky View Council held a special Council meeting this Tuesday (Feb 1^st) but it turns out there wasn’t much for the public to see. After opening the meeting, Council passed a motion to go in camera. The motion read:

“That Council move into closed session to the consider the confidential item “Kissel et al v. Rocky View County, 2020 ABQB 406” Pursuant to the following sections of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Section 23 – Local public body confidences

Section 24 – Advice from officials

Section 27 – Privileged information

When Council returned, there was no debate, just the following motion:

“THAT Administration be directed to reject the counter-offer, as discussed in closed session, related to the appeal of Alberta Queen’s Bench decision ABQB 406.”

The motion passed unanimously with the sanctioned three having recused themselves. Mayor Kochan, Councillors Samra, Boehlke, and Schule all voted for the motion.

So, what does this all mean? It looks like the appeal of the sanctioned three is still playing out despite earlier reports that it was dropped. As the discussions are in-camera, it’s tough to determine what is going on, but it looks as if the sanctioned three presented a counteroffer to the offer they were given to drop the sanctions. That was refused and so the appeal is still on. It’s a confusing set of circumstances, but with the appeal set to be heard in the next couple of months, one must wonder if it should just be left to play out. Clearly, this Council can’t seem to agree on the terms to drop the appeal against the sanctioned 3 Councillors.

We will keep you posted on any new developments. The next meeting of Council is scheduled for next Tuesday, February 8^th.