– Special Council meeting to consider 2nd & 3rd readings for major development –

OSOYOOS TIMES — July 19, 2006) –

Despite a motion passed by Osoyoos Town Council July 10th that all zoning and development permit discussions for the packinghouse property be held at regularly-scheduled meetings, on Monday Mayor John Slater called a special open meeting for Tuesday, July 18 to give second and third reading to the development. It was set for Council chambers at 7 p.m.
Councillor Stu Wells had presented the July 10 motion to ensure all of Council would be aware in advance of when discussions on the packinghouse property would take place, and not miss an opportunity to take part in any discussions due to absence.
This is the biggest project in Osoyoos, and closest to everyone's heart. It's a $65-million property that's going to be developed, and I really think the decisions that affect it should be made at regularly-scheduled meetings, rather than special meetings, said Wells.
Mayor Slater had questioned the legality of the motion, believing the zoning bylaw would have to be changed in order to accept the resolution. The motion was amended to state that, should a special open meeting of Council be called, it be held with unanimous consent of Council. Councillors Wells, Allan Carswell and Ted Cronmiller supported the motion (Dick Flintoft did not attend the meeting).
Wells was shocked to learn Monday the special meeting had been called. I don't understand what happened. It was supported by three councillors; did my resolution get thrown out? Corporate Services Director Janette Van Vianen said Monday the mayor has the right under the Community Charter to call a meeting with 24-hours' notice.
Carswell said, It's very disappointing this is coming before a special Council meeting so soon after a regular Council meeting in which the packinghouse proposal was removed from the agenda. Even if the resolution put forward by Councillor Wells turned out not to be legally binding, it should still be morally binding since Council voted in favour of it.
Osoyoos Now Secretary Robin Gubby said by calling a special meeting to deal with the packinghouse development one week after passing a motion not to do so makes a mockery of the process of Council meetings.
Something as important as this should be dealt with at regular meetings, when everyone has had the opportunity for advance notification. It appears the mayor has determined it's okay to overturn a resolution, because he wants to push this through second and third readings. Whether it's legal or not, the resolution was passed in good faith and it should be honoured, Gubby said.
At press time, Slater had not returned the Times' calls.